Showing posts with label Leashes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leashes. Show all posts

Saturday, May 27, 2017

DOG LEASHES 101

English: Chain Martingale Dog Collar by http:/...
Chain Martingale Dog Collar
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
What purpose does the leash serve?
Leashes have been used throughout history to control our dogs and to keep them safe. In purchasing a dog leash, you must determine how you intend to use it and then purchase a size and material that suits the size of your dog and your purpose.

Types of Leashes: Nylon, leather, adjustable dog leash, multiple dog leashes, etc.

Nylon Dog Leash: Nylon Dog Leashes are light weight and durable. They come in many widths, colors and patterns. Often they are sold in sets that are coordinated with matching dog collars. Typically, a leash being used for a walk will be 6 feet or so in length. Nylon can burn your hands if you end up in a struggle with your dog. If you think that is a possibility, you might want to consider a leather dog leash. Round rope leashes made of nylon are lightweight and useful for training in your home.

Leather Dog Leash:Leather is more expensive and may need some maintenance to keep the leather soft and pliable. However, they are durable. They are available in 4-6 ft lengths like the nylon. Leather dog collars or leashes need to be cleaned and maintained. If you come back covered in mud from your trip to the park, be sure to wipe the dirt away with a damp towel and mild soap. Then the leather will need to be oiled or have a protective saddle soap applied and polished. If you get your leash really wet, let it dry naturally and then clean as above. Dont put it in front of a heat source to dry as you will dry the leather out too quickly and it may crack on you. Trapped dirt in the stitching can be cleaned with a soft bristle brush. If you take care of your leather leash and collar, it should last you a long, long time.

Dog leash
Dog leash (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Retractable Dog Leash: Retractable dog leashes work much like a measuring tape. They are made of either a nylon web or cord which retracts into a case with a handle. With lengths up to 26 feet, they are perfect for walking your leash trained dog. He can stop a moment to smell and you can keep on trucking. They are also useful for playing or training your dog when you need some distance but still want the control a leash gives you. Since these leashes are so long, please be careful not to leave your pet unattended when he on this type of leash. Retractable dog leashes come in a heavy duty retractable version for our bigger pals. These leashes can encourage a dog to pull, so be sure your dog knows proper etiquette for leash walking before snapping on a retractable leash.

Adjustable Dog Leash: Adjustable dog leashes are great for when you need to tie your pooch while hitting a coffee shop or stepping away for a moment. They have loops along the leash with a clasp that allows you to either shorten or lengthen or tie as you have need for. They are available in nylon and other materials.

Martingale Leads: Typically seen the in the show ring, Martingale leads combine the collar and leash into one. The collar slips over the head and is tightened by a plastic tube when the leash is pulled.

Bicycle or Multiple Dog Walking Leashes: Leashes also come with Leash extenders for walking multiple dogs. If one dog is small and the other larger, you can add a leash extender for balancing the two heights. Dog leashes for walking two dogs or multiple dog walking are also sold. There are also leashes available for bringing your dog along on bicycle ride. They are basically a short bar that attaches to the back wheel of your bike and has a short leash attached.