Where do you start with choosing the right dog leash?
You can go to any of the big box pet stores and get a 6 foot loop handle, maybe with a traffic loop, maybe a lighter weight if you have a small dog.
But there are more options out there to consider!
Options that can better meet your needs - offer more comfort, greater control, or escape-proof hardware options.
Leashes right for your Dog's Size
Don’t weigh your small dog down with a heavy clip, look for one that is sized right for your pup.
Narrower webbing is a great option unless your small dog is a real puller!
5/8" heavy duty webbing offers 2,000lb tensile strength. Strong enough for almost any dog, but not as comfortable in your hand as wider webbing when your pup is a puller.
Big Dog? If your dog is on the larger size, make sure to get hardware that will stand up to their body weight - especially if you’re still in training and your pup likes to hit the end of the leash at a run.
Realistically you can expect to get less than a year of hard use out of an inexpensive leash, I know that I’ve killed leashes within 2 months of daily hard use with my foster dogs…
Spending a bit more for quality & comfort can give you years of happy dog walks.
Traffic Handle - Padded Handles - No Escape Hardware
We offer lots of options and do custom leashes as well - hit us up for your favorite combination!
And speaking of Hardware…
Do you need hardware that can’t accidentally unclip?
Is your dog a flight risk?
Or do you have a reactive dog that would get themselves into trouble if their clip failed?
If you are afraid of this happening to you: there are many styles of hardware available that can provide some peace of mind. We specifically stocked multiple styles of hardware so dog guardians like you can have a choice.
What Leash Style is Best?
There are more than just handheld loop handle leashes available. Have you thought about going Hands Free?
Hands free leashes come in two styles:
A Cross-body Leash style is great for a smaller dog, or a larger dog who has been trained not to pull on the leash.
This across the shoulder leash is convenient and easy to wear, leaving your hands free on your walks and runs.
Many trainers love the crossbody style of leash for it’s ability to reduce tension on the leash during training sessions, while still keeping your pup anchored safely.
Our most popular item is a Hands Free Waist Leash Belt.
These can be used for almost any size dog, and are a good option if you have multiple dogs and want to go hands-free.
Our design is a separate belt and interchangeable leash system that allows you to switch out your leashes as needed.
Separate leash belts have the unique advantage of being able to carry all your gear, from treat pouches to poo bag dispensers to transporting your filled bags to the nearest waste can.
Can’t decide? Convertible leashes can easily switch from cross body to waist belt to a handheld leash.
Still prefer a loop handle leash?
This simple leash style is a great choice, but look for added features that can be of even greater benefit - offering comfort & greater control.
Handheld leashes are available in different lengths, with an added traffic handle to keep your dog close when needed, or an added D-ring to clip your poo bag dispenser on to.
If your dog is a puller, look for a padded handle for a little bit more comfort in your walks.
Leash Lengths don’t have to be 6’!
We find that the 4 foot leash is our most popular length, followed by the 8' leash.
We actually recommend the 8’ leash for your daily neighborhood walks if you want your dog to pull less when they're trying to sniff absolutely everything on your walk. Check to see if your city or jurisdiction has any specific regulations on leash length - ours allows up to 10 feet.
A 15’ leash is my second favorite leash, one that I use for all my hiking adventures.
Using a 15’ adjustable long line allows you to can keep your dog close as needed if the trails are busy or the footing is a bit loose, and then give your pup 15 feet of room to range and sniff when it’s safe.
And Finally - Leash Materials
Round or Flat?
Whether you like rope or braided paracord for a round leash, Biothane or webbing for a flat leash, or something completely different is really a personal preference.
Flat webbing is the most popular, and is the easiest type to use in a "thumb lock" to temporarily shorten a leash.
Other materials can be easier to handle when the leash gets wet, are more abrasion resistant, or resistant to your dog's chewing.
Contact me if you have any questions about choosing the right leash and hardware for you?