Dos and Don’ts of Dog Leashes

Dog owners who love taking their dogs on walks need a proper leash for the various stages of their puppy’s life. A dog leash is a crucial training tool used during the early puppy years through a dog’s senior years. It offers the right guidance for a comfortable walking pace and also keeps a dog in line with the person walking it. Furthermore, it assists in stopping dogs from frightening other people, urinating and defecating in the wrong places, running into traffic, digging up plants and lawns, and breaking free to chase other animals. It offers owners a way to control their pup during the critical stages of training.

Additionally, dog leashes are not a luxury accessory. In fact, laws regarding dog leash, whether at the municipal or state level, obligate dog owners to use leashes when they are traveling with their dogs in public places. Dog owners can purchase dog leashes from pet shelters, pet stores, or via classified ads. Before purchasing one, it may be helpful to learn the dos and don’ts of dog leashes.

Factors to take into account before buying a dog leash

1. Length – this factor determines the level of autonomy a dog parent chooses to offer to a canine. Even though retractable leashes can reach 26 feet long, owners should go for a leash that has less slack and then advances to extra length as a canine starts showing signs of training development.
2. Clip – the material used to manufacture a dog leash is irrelevant if the leash clip fails to connect securely with the collar. Dog leash metal clips must properly fasten to a metal ring on a canine’s collar. Both the ring and clip should be able to resist rust; thus, the ideal material is stainless steel.
3. Longevity – longevity is a key factor to avoid constantly purchasing dog leashes.

Dos and Don’ts for buying the right dog leash

1. Control – Do go for a leash that offers maximum control. This means doing your research about what type of leash works best for a particular breed. The leash should be sufficiently long to give some slack, but short enough for a dog owner to prevent enlargements and exercise control.
2. Width – do purchase a leash with a width that matches the canine’s size. Bigger dogs will require wider leashes and vice versa. Width is also a key consideration for dogs that grow very quickly.
3. No chains – do not use a chain leash, even if you have a so-called dangerous dog breed. This kind of leash is not an effective training tool and can severely hurt a dog.
4. Safety and comfort – do prioritize your dog’s safety and comfort. In simpler words, avoid compromising quality for the price.
5. No decorations – do not purchase decorative dog leashes. Tassels, glitter, and other kinds of decorative extras can cause a choking hazard for the dog if he can remove them right from the leash. Remember that the main purpose of a dog leash is to help your canine through his training process, not enhancing his appearance.
6. No Retractable leashes for new or untrained dogs – never buy a retractable dog leash if you have a new puppy or an untrained dog. This is because such dogs can suddenly dart into the traffic or tangle themselves badly, which is why it is best for you to stick with a standard leash.
7. No tethering – using a leash to tether a dog is an inhumane practice, and it results in chewing and attempts to run that can seriously harm your dog.