Walking leashes - how to choose the right one?

Every dog needs a leash. It's the only way we can freely walk our dog in various places, and like a collar, it controls the pet's behavior.

What to do when your dog doesn't want to walk on a leash?

We accustom dogs to leashes from puppyhood – that's the best time to teach them that such a thing as a leash exists, and it's worth rewarding the dog then. With great patience, we teach them not to pull, to walk beside us, and not to ignore our commands. Similarly, a dislike for the leash can stem... from the leash itself. A dog leash might simply be too heavy, for example, if we choose a metal leash for a small dog. Also, NEVER punish your dog with a leash! This is unacceptable if we want the dog to get used to it. Praise your pet when they walk calmly on a fastened leash – this is usually enough for the dog to start learning to walk on a leash. Read also: Dog collar – safety first!

When must a dog walk on a leash?

You must treat the leash as a basic tool to have when going to the vet, traveling, visiting a dog grooming salon, during training, presenting the dog at a show, engaging in dog sports, or going for daily walks. It happens that a dog pulls on the leash when it sees something exciting, or when it knows our destination is the vet, but this doesn't indicate bad manners as many people think – a dog has the right to show that it doesn't like something, or vice versa. Well, I carry my Bernese to the vet because he's such a scaredy-cat, so I envy owners whose pets only pull on the leash to avoid going to a certain place... ;)

Different types of walking leashes for dogs

When choosing a leash, you must remember that aesthetic qualities are at the very bottom of the list. Durability and solid finish are paramount. It's also worth checking what material it's made of, if the snap hook is durable, and what kind of connections it has (rivets or stitching). Leashes come in various lengths; a long leash for a dog will be ideal for any wanderer who loves exploring the area. The thickness of the leash itself also matters – one that's too narrow for a large dog might get damaged if our pet suddenly pulls harder. Pay close attention to whether a given leash is suitable for your pet's size and activity level. A standard walking leash has a handle at one end and a snap hook at the other, to which we attach a harness or collar. It is made of various materials – leather, metal chain, webbing, and many others, and here you should choose a leash that doesn't bother your pet. Read also: What accessories will be useful during a dog walk?

Automatic leash of the FLEXI type

An automatic leash of the FLEXI type has a mechanism in the handle that allows the dog to extend the leash as it moves forward. It is often made of a cord or tape. We more often see owners who allow their dog to wander the full length of the leash with small dog breeds. With this type of leash, we do not teach the dog to walk properly on a loose leash. A puppy, by its strength, regulating the distance from its owner, eventually stops paying attention to the person who is left behind. We, following the dog, are unable to make contact. Recently, our offer also includes a double leash for owners who have more than one pet. Many people praise this solution and are very satisfied.

A double leash is a great solution for owners of multiple pets.

Show leash (ringówka)

This leash is used only when presenting a dog at pedigree dog shows. It resembles a classic leash, but it ends with a loop that acts as a dog collar. It's important that the show leash isn't conspicuous and that its color matches the dog's coat. The width and size are also adjusted to the dog's breed.

Adjustable leash

The so-called adjustable leash is equipped with two snap hooks. Metal rings are sewn along its entire length, allowing it to be clipped at various heights. In different situations, you can decrease or increase the distance between the dog and the owner, which is often a very useful feature.

Special purpose leashes

Running with a dog is now no problem, as you can purchase a leash with a shock absorber that cushions jerks. The same goes for cycling – a bicycle leash for dogs has an appropriate length and a shock absorber that facilitates control of the dog while riding. Just remember to introduce the bike to your dog and let them get acquainted with the sounds and proper behavior during such a walk. Leashes with built-in umbrellas are also available on the market.

A leash with an LED flashlight is an excellent choice for evening and night walks. The flashlight has a range of up to 8 meters.

Training, or behavioral, leash

A behavioral leash helps maintain contact with the dog during work. We use it during training; admittedly, I've never needed it, but I know many people who readily reach for it. As you can see, there are many types of leashes, and it's worth checking what each one is for. For my Bernese, I highly recommend the adjustable one – with twins, that adjustment often made walking easier when I was pushing a stroller. We also have a Flexi, but I only use it when walking in the forest or by the sea, so he can explore more territory than just by my leg.