When a puppy appears in the house, the owner should already prepare the apartment for the settlement of a new member of the family and purchase a couch, bowls, toys and, of course, a leash and a collar. However, it is the choice of leash that often becomes a problem. Pet shops offer a wide range of models, among which it can be difficult to choose the most suitable option.
Dog Lead Purpose
Only negligent and irresponsible owners let their animals go on a spontaneous walk. Even under the owner’s supervision, a dog that is left without a leash will face many dangers. And even if the owner considers his pet smart and obedient, there is no guarantee that one fine day this dog, keen on running around the birds, will not jump out on the roadway and will not get under the car. In addition to cars, the danger on the street is from ill-wishers, packs of stray dogs, poison scattered by dog hunters. All this is the absolute reason for buying a dog leash.
In addition, not all passers-by are pleased with the animal walking free. Someone is afraid of dogs, and someone is annoyed by barking that is not controlled by the owner, so the dog owner should not think only of himself, it is important to think about neighbors.
Without a leash it is impossible to imagine a family trip or a trip to the countryside. Even if the dog is obedient and runs alongside the owners without any problems, then where is the guarantee that at night he will not go looking for adventure and will not get lost in a new place? Another purpose of the leash can be considered discipline training. It is impossible to train, educate and train an animal without using this attribute, since the owner holding the pet by the leash is able to control its actions and show that the main thing here is the person.
Even if the dog is kept in a summer cottage at a booth or in an aviary, or it is allowed to run freely around a blocked area, then the leash will come in handy. If a pet becomes ill or if a move is required, then how else can you put a dog in a car, except with a leash? In this way, this thing has diverse meanings, and every dog owner must have it in his arsenal.
Moreover, buying a leash is not such an expensive acquisition.
Kinds
The following are considered the most common.
Roulette leads
This option is suitable for walking with a pet in the city. Usually the length of such an item is 3-10 meters. Roulettes are presented in different variations depending on the weight of the animal. Also they are tape and cable. Cable - a more economical instance, but is intended for walking only small dogs, while the tape sample, although more expensive, but more reliable.
The advantages of roulette include a low probability that the tape will get tangled on the dog’s legs, since the tape itself fixes the length. In addition, the tape does not get dirty. On such a leash, the pet feels more free, and the owner does not need to constantly reduce or release the leash. Convenience of operation is also achieved by a special button that blocks the tape. According to customer reviews, it is convenient to hold the roulette in the palm of your hand and it takes up little space.
But there were some cons. First of all, the disadvantage is the high price. In addition, this species is not suitable for hyperactive animals. This kind of discipline a little dog, she gets used to pulling a leash.
With regular use, the tape is bent, and when debris enters the roulette wheel, it begins to jam.
Leads for walking and training
They are a standard tape with a carabiner at one end and a loop at the other. This variety is 2-5 meters long, although there are 15-meter specimens. These classic leashes are notable for their affordable price, reliability, durability, they are comfortable to hold in your hand, they are an effective help during training with a dog. Shops offer a wide variety of thicknesses and materials, among which each owner will easily choose the option that is most suitable for a particular dog.
Among the shortcomings, the need is noted to constantly manually extend and shorten the tape so that it does not get dirty, besides, when using a long leash, the pet may get confused in it. In the case of a walk with a pulling dog, the owner feels discomfort on the skin of the palms, corns can form in this place.
Water bottle
This species provides the ability to always keep the dog close by. It is a loop with a carabiner. The option allows you to drive the animal through crowded places and gives you the opportunity to always control the actions of the dog. Often used for training, but for daily walking and running it will not work, as it limits the actions of the animal too much.
It is used only for large breeds, as in the case of operation with a small dog, the owner will have to lean very low.
Chain
Not the best option for both the owner and the dog, especially the long-haired. The fact is that the hairs can get stuck in the links of the chain, which makes the animal uncomfortable. For the owner, this is a rather heavy instance, which is very inconvenient to hold in your hand, and in winter it is also cold, which again causes inconvenience. In addition, stores often sell low-quality chains. Of the pluses, one can note the aesthetic appearance of the metal product and its reliability: unlike rag leashes, this option is beyond the power of dog teeth.
Fold
This instance has several carbines and is intended for walking several dogs. Most often it is used during the exhibition. The fold allows you to walk several individuals at the same time and control their actions, which would be difficult to do if there are several leashes.
The disadvantages include the long adaptation of dogs to this option. During the first walks, the animal may react poorly to a neighbor walking nearby and provoke aggressive behavior. Therefore, the owner should be very careful and observe the reaction and addiction of pets to a new leash.
Another drawback is the limited movement of dogs, so a full-fledged walk on such a leash is impossible, it is better to use it during an exhibition or other events.
Rehashing
This leash has carabiners on both sides, and 3-4 rings are located along the entire length. One end clings to the collar, and the second carabiner adjusts the leash length. The lashing can be used for walking two dogs or as a double leash when training with a strict collar. Among the shortcomings, the need to reel the leash on the arm stands out, since usually it is quite long specimens.
Materials of manufacture
Most often, standard leashes are made of leather, nylon or tarpaulin. Of these, many owners prefer skin because of the aesthetic appearance of this material, but in practice this option is the most useless. Leather is a very heavy raw material, and therefore the product from it is quite massive and uncomfortable. In addition, such leashes quickly deform, cracks and other damage are formed on them.
In this regard, nylon is more convenient, but also not very stable. The nylon leash, even rubberized, can be used for small dogs and puppies, and for representatives of large breeds it is recommended to use canvas options. The tarpaulin is characterized by durability, it is difficult to bite the dog with his teeth, this material does not slip in the hand and is easily erased.
As already noted, it is better not to buy metal products. Yes, such an instance looks very impressive and harmoniously fits into the image of a graceful large dog, but it is better to use the chain only in those places where beauty is more important than convenience, for example, at a dog show.
How to choose?
Before you buy a leash Check out the following guidelines.
- Consider the size of the animal. The larger and more powerful the dog, the more robust the product will suit him.
- Before purchasing, make sure that the carabiner and bolt have sufficient strength and high quality.
- If the choice fell on a leather leash, then buy a product whose edges are processed, otherwise the material will quickly get wet.
- If you need a leash for a representative of a large breed, you should choose a welded ring for the carabiner, and select the retainer itself in a cylindrical shape so that the dog does not unfasten it.
- For short educational measures, a snare-leash is suitable. For small dogs, a noose can be constructed in a couple of seconds on its own from a classic leash with a loop.
- To keep a medium and large dog, choose a leash 2-4 cm wide. Give preference to wicker or flat products, and flat ones should have a two-layer stitched structure. For miniature dogs, cute thin braided shoelaces or rings are suitable, emphasizing the elegance and sophistication of elite breeds.
- For a daily walk, a leash of 2-3 m in length is suitable, longer options are inconvenient, since the animal can get confused in them. If the accessory is needed for working out teams, then give preference to products at least 6-8 m in length.
Features of the choice for the puppy
Of the leashes, the perfect option for the puppy is harness. This copy is suitable for individuals aged 6-10 months. The fact is that at this age puppies are often prone to injuries due to excessive activity, and the harness is a product designed for walking injured dogs. It reduces the load on the hind legs and spine, thereby preventing the puppy from getting injuries such as twisting the elbows.
According to most users, a puppy leash-roulette is not suitable. Usually, dogs make their first exit into the street at the age of 2-3 months. This period is very important in the life of a puppy and from this age the pet needs to be educated and accustomed to the rules of the walk. Roulette also gives the puppy too much freedom and it becomes very difficult to control his actions.
Under such conditions, it is problematic to teach a canine calf to take proper behavior on a walk. Therefore, give preference to ordinary canvas leashes.
How to wear?
Sometimes a puppy, who was first put on a leash with a collar, does not even notice innovations, while another puppy may be worried, frightened, and try to get rid of an unfamiliar thing. In order not to scare the baby, you should introduce him to the leash in advance. Let him smell the pet, you can put it next to a stove bench or a bowl for the first time so that the dog’s child knows that this item is not dangerous.
When the leash is put on for the first time and the puppy is trying to take it off, do not help him free himself from pityotherwise the animal will understand that in this struggle he is the winner, and the next day the same thing will continue again. Leave him alone with the leash, but rather distract your attention with games or treats. Some dog handlers recommend that you train your dog in advance to innovate and periodically tie light ribbons to his neck, and only then switch to a collar with a leash.
When the pet is slightly accustomed to a new thing on its neck, try to walk around the apartment with it. Do not be shy to pull him in case of disobedience, let the baby know from childhood that his master can control his actions.
All these recommendations will do a good job when the owner first takes the puppy on a leash to the street.
Tips & Tricks
Some dog handlers for reliability advise to independently make leashes. To do this, sweep the cotton tape (3 cm) and decorative tape (1.5 cm), wrap the tape from the edge to fix the carabiner, sew the joint, and measure the desired distance on the other side and sew the tip in the form of a loop for a hand.
A few more tips relate to training a puppy to walk on a leash:
- teach your dog the “Near” team - this position must be on the left of the owner;
- if the exercise is successful, use treats and praise;
- gradually wean the puppy from the treats so that the dog develops a reflex and she does not resist control by means of a leash.
An overview of all dog leads is given below.