A leash is the most used piece of equipment you will buy for your dog. The right one makes walks safer and training easier; the wrong one can mean sore hands or a dog you cannot control near a road.
The standard leash
A flat leash of 4 to 6 feet suits most dogs and situations. It gives your dog some freedom while keeping it close enough to control near traffic, other dogs and people. Choose a width suited to the dog: thin for small dogs, wider and stronger for large ones.
Materials
- Nylon: affordable, light and washable, in many colors. Can burn your hands if a strong dog pulls suddenly.
- Leather: comfortable, durable and softens with use. Needs occasional conditioning, and some dogs like to chew it.
- Biothane: a coated webbing that is waterproof, easy to clean and does not smell. Great for wet and muddy walks.
- Rope: strong and comfortable to grip, popular for large dogs.
Check the clip: a sturdy swivel snap or locking carabiner is less likely to open by accident.
Other types
- Adjustable or multi-function leash: clips at several points to change length or be worn across the body.
- Long line (15 to 30 feet or more): for recall training and supervised freedom in open spaces. Use with a harness, not a collar, and wear gloves.
- Hands-free leash: worn around the waist for running or hiking with a dog that already walks well.
- Traffic handle: a second short handle near the clip for close control in crowds.
Retractable leashes: use with caution
Retractable leashes let the dog roam far but give poor control, and the thin cord has caused cuts and burns to people and dogs. A sudden lunge at the end can injure a dog’s neck, and dropped handles can frighten a dog as they clatter behind it. Many trainers avoid them, especially near roads or for dogs that pull. If you use one, choose a tape rather than a cord, lock it short near traffic and never use it with a collar on a strong dog.
Collar or harness?
A flat collar holds ID tags and is fine for dogs that walk calmly. For dogs that pull, small breeds with delicate tracheas and flat-faced breeds, a well-fitting harness is gentler. Front-clip harnesses help reduce pulling. Avoid choke and prong collars; positive training methods work better, see how to stop a dog pulling on the leash.
Fit and safety
Check the leash and clip regularly for wear, and replace frayed leashes. Never tie a dog to a leash and leave it unattended. For daily routines, see how often to walk your dog.
