I am often asked about dog leashes. People want to know which type of leash is the best one to buy. Leashes, like anything else, can be a personal preference.
Retractable type leashes are very popular, although I am not a fan of them for many reasons. While they may be fine in a park, where you have a 360 degree view, for example, I do not recommend them for city walking. While it is nice the dog can walk a bit ahead of their owner on a retractable leash, I have seen too many near accidents – for example, a car comes around the corner and the owner barely is able to retract the leash in time to get the dog out of harm’s way.
I have also seen owners sustain bad cuts and burns on their legs and hands from some of these retractable leashes. The “cord” on the retractable leash twists around the owner’s leg or the owner inadvertently grabs onto the “cord” with their bare hands. The dog pulls or suddenly lunges on the leash and now the owner has a nasty “burn”.
Nylon leashes are another popular leash! They come in bright colors and designs. However, if your dog is strong and tends to pull it can be difficult to keep hold of the leash. Still these continue to be a popular leash.
My main hesitation on using a nylon leash concerns the “weightiness” of the leash, especially on those designed for smaller dogs. While I love that the leash is light weight, I have found that if an owner is distracted for a moment (i.e. picking up the dog’s “business”, reaching for a poop bag, etc.) it is very easy to drop the leash and not realize it.
Slip-leashes are another leash. You put the dog’s head through the “loop” and off you go. This leash acts as a type of “collar” while on the dog. One thing I like about these leashes – a dog cannot “back out” of these leashes/collar. Any pulling on the part of the dog only serves to tighten the leash.
Regardless of what type of leash you prefer, be aware that most cities have leash laws and restrict the length of the leash to 6 feet. Check the laws in your city as this may be something you need to consider before purchasing a leash.
What is my favorite type of leash, you ask? My favorite is the standard, well-made, 6-foot leather leash. What about you? What is your favorite type of leash?
We use retractable leash although a few dog trainers told us it is NOT good and I have burned my had trying to grab it when a big dog surprised us during a walk…
But it is nice that I do not have to stop every time my dog stops to sniff.
I am more curious about harness. I know his harness chokes him when he lunges at squirrels, big dogs, etc. But i have not been able to find a good harness that fit him. I tried easy walk and others.
Hiromi, sometimes it takes a little doing to find a harness that will properly fit a small dog. I like the harnesses where the “O” ring (the ring you hook the leash up to) sits on their chest. All too often, I’ve found if the dog tends to be a “puller”, and the leash attaches to the back of his harness, it will make them pull more. I would take your dog in to a good pet store and try on some harnesses. Knowledgeable store personnel may be able to suggest which harness might be best for your dog’s size.