Types of dog leashes

Thursday May 28th, 2009

Question:

Do you recommend different types of leashes for different types of training and walks?

Answer:

Yes. Different behaviors and different locations require using different leashes, and there are pros and cons to the various types.

For example: Leather leashes generally last a long time and will not burn your hands if your dog pulls, but they're more expensive. Synthetic leashes are cheap, lightweight, and easily washed, but they can burn your hands if your dog lunges. If your dog is a chewer, metal or chain leashes will likely deter that, but they're heavy and cumbersome. Extendable leashes give your dog freedom to roam, but they reinforce the dog for pulling on leash.

When choosing a leash, think about where and how you expect to be using it. Is it for indoor or outdoor training? Will you be working on distance commands? Do you hope to have your dog perform reliably off leash outdoors?

If you are working indoors with your dog, I suggest a long, thin, round leash made from synthetic materials. This type of leash is ideal for in-home use because it's lightweight and less likely to get stuck under furniture. Plus, a lighter leash is less salient to the dog and will make the transition from on-leash to off-leash behavior easier.

For outdoor training I advise a long line--a twenty to fifty foot leash, usually made from cotton webbing. (To prevent blisters and leash burns, wear a pair of work gloves during training.) A long line is great for training distance commands, like stay and recall, and it can also be used as dragline. In that case, I recommend tying a knot every foot and a half so that you can step on the leash (if needed) without it slipping by.

For walks, I suggest a leash between four and six feet long, the ideal length for keeping your dog attentive and in position. Whether it's nylon, leather, or corded doesn't particularly matter, as long as it's well made and the clasp is secure.

One last tip: No matter which leash you select, I suggest clipping a carabiner to its handle so that you can tie the dog down in the event that your training requires you to control or move away from your dog.

Erica Murphy is a dog trainer in Fairfax, California, providing private training specializing in puppy and family dog training.

Tags Dog Supplies

DogTime newsletter

Recent conversations on these topics

PANCREATITIS IN DOGS
MY BEAUTIFUL 10 LB. 3 YEAR OLD SHIHTZU (PIPPI)HAD PANCREATITIS A FEW WEEKS AGO. SHE SPENT NEARLY 3 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL. I WAS BESIDE MYSELF. THE VET DIDN'T KNOW HOW SHE GOT IT. PANCREATITIS CAN BE DEADLY. FROM ALL MY RESEARCH, THERE WAS ONE COMMON THREAD: IT USUALLY HAPPENS IN MIDDLE AGE AND FROM A HIGH FAT DIET WHICH BASICALLY MEANS TABLE SCRAPS. PIPPI HAS NEVER HAD TABLE SCRAPS. I ALSO FEED HER"HEALTH WISE" WHICH HAS NO PRESERVATIVES. HAS ANY ONE ELSE HAD A DOG YOUNGER THAN MIDDLE-AGE WHO HAS HAD PANCREATITIS? I AM STILL SO SCARED THAT I WATCH HER ALL THE TIME. LUCKILY I HAD PET INSURANCE SO MONEY WAS NOT A PROBLEM. (NOT THAT I WOULD EVER LET MONEY GET IN THE WAY.
Pro-Stop harness WARNING
has anyone else had a problem w/this product? my dog developed a swollen joint right where the leg straps are positioned and developed a bursitis in the joint as a result. i would caution against using this product when i contacted the Company..they told me the leg straps can be moved- but they show only the one position on their box & insert and gave no other indications or warnings :(
ken griff shoes
This article is impressive,I hope that you will continue doing nice article like this.And do you like <a href="http://www.cheap-griffeys.com/">ken griff shoes</a>,I have collected many beautiful <a href="http://www.cheap-griffeys.com/">griff shoes</a> these years, <a href="http://www.cheap-griffeys.com/">the griff</a> are so popular, I think you also can shop one <a href="http://www.cheap-griffeys.com/">ken griff</a> shoes online store.
Top Tips to Fuel Dogs Snow-Filled Adventures
GET THE THRILL OF THE CHILL: TOP TIPS TO FUEL OUR DOGS’ SNOW-FILLED ADVENTURES (TEWKSBURY, MA and ANCHORAGE, AK) – With abundant snow and extreme cold temperatures gripping much of the country, this year’s winter is more challenging than usual to many of us, and for our pets as well. Whether it is the challenges of dog walking on the slush-filled sidewalks of New York City, or running the trails of the Alaskan wilderness, winter brings special concern for our pets. Eagle Pack® Staff Veterinarian and 20-year volunteer for the Iditarod® Veterinarian team, Dr. Al Townshend says pet parents need to take special care of their dogs’ diet and exercise. A winner of the highly regarded Golden Stethoscope Award for going above and beyond on the Iditarod race trail, Dr. Townshend also helped to develop customized formulas for Eagle Pack, the Official Dog Food Sponsor of this year’s race. His work with champion sled dog mushers helped to elevate the standard and quality of nutritional foods for not only canine athletes, but also household pets. “Even though it is cold outside, dogs still need to get out and exercise. Less activity in the winter can encourage weight gain, decreased muscle tone and problems with the skin and hair coat,” he said. “From chasing snowballs to skijoring, there are lots of winter activities you can enjoy with your pet.” Snow shoeing or trail running with your dog? The colder the weather the more calories a pet will need in order to stay warm and maintain weight. “A good idea would be to step up to a higher energy diet during the winter,” Dr. Townshend explains. “Eagle Pack Power is an ideal diet for those outdoor active athletes during periods of increased activity given its higher levels of protein and fat, providing maximum calories. Eagle Pack Original Adult Pork Meal and Chicken Meal Formula also contains increased levels of calories for those dogs that spend time outside in colder climates.” Similar to the demanding nutritional needs of an Olympian, canine athletes also require a particular diet for optimum performance. Eagle Pack prides itself on providing Nutrition in Action®, naturally meeting the nutritional needs of active canine companions. Eagle Pack formulas for dogs and cats are made with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients without fillers or artificial preservatives. Eagle Pack dry and canned formulas come in a variety of flavors and sizes and are available nationwide at independent pet specialty stores. To find an authorized Eagle Pack retailer, please visit www.eaglepack.com. Follow Eagle Pack on Twitter - twitter.com/eaglepack Join Eagle Pack on Facebook - www.facebook.com/eaglepackpetfood Eagle Pack® – Nutrition in Action® For over 25 years Eagle Pack, a proud member of the WellPet family of brands, has energized pets everywhere by providing them quality natural nutrition without fillers or artificial preservatives. Eagle Pack pet food delivers the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and omega fatty acids for results you can see in their shiny coats, bright eyes and energetic spirits. Eagle Pack’s naturally tried, trusted and true formulas have been performance-proven with backyard ball catchers, show ring winners and Alaskan sled dog racers too. Pet owners can count on Eagle Pack’s nutrient-rich foods to naturally fuel their pet’s daily adventures, both big and small. Visit www.eaglepack.com to learn more. # # # _italics_Media Contact: Christen Graham christen@warnerpr.com 207-829-6336_italics_