Mary Allen
Linen comes in a wide variety of designs, colors, and patterns. Use these tips to find the best one for you.
First things first: the right dog leash must suit you and your four-legged friend. The dog’s size, weight, and character are just as important as the leisure activities in which you include your darling. Use these tips to find the perfect model:
The material
The dog leash is heavily used and must withstand all weather conditions. Therefore, robust and durable materials are used in production.
Leather fulfills these properties and, with proper care, is very soft and feels good in the hand. As it is a heavy material, it is particularly suitable for large, stronger dogs. The only disadvantage: If it is continuously wet, the leash will become soaked, making it even heavier.
Anyone looking for a cheaper alternative is well advised to use a nylon line. The material is flexible, durable, tear-resistant, and lighter than leather. So it is also very suitable for smaller dogs. Nylon leashes come in a variety of colors and patterns and are even machine washable. But make sure it is processed well, otherwise, nylon lines can quickly fray.
The Biothane material is particularly easy to care for. A plastic that is also used in equestrian sport and impresses with its water and dirt-repellent effect, which is why it does not store any unpleasant odors. Biothane comes in many colors and numerous designs.
Length
The line length has a major impact on safety and should therefore be chosen with care. The offers range from 35 centimeters to over 20 meters. The following applies here: the shorter the leash, the more control you have over your four-legged friend, and the longer the leash, the more freedom your darling gets.
It must always be decided individually how much freedom of movement you want or can allow your four-legged friend. However, you should think about the safety of your dog as well as that of other people and animals.
If you are in a city with a lot of traffic and people, the leash should not be too long. It is important that you have enough control over the dog here in case surprising situations arise, such as fast-paced cyclists. The line should not be longer than 2 meters in such situations.
If you are out in nature, a long leash can sometimes be necessary during the breeding season, which gives your dog enough freedom but allows you to intervene if the worst comes to the worst. If the line exceeds a length of 3 meters, you should definitely use a chest harness, otherwise, the cervical vertebrae and larynx of your darling will be put under too much strain.
3rd type
Depending on the type of use, you can use different types of lines. A classic leash is ideal for everyday walks in the city. It is usually 2 meters long, which also corresponds to the specified length of the leash obligation. A hand strap at the end gives a good grip and enough control over your dog, making it good to use for young dogs too.
If your dog responds well to your commands and the traffic on your walk is relatively calm, you can also use a flexible leash. These lines roll in and out automatically, changing their length up to 8 meters. In everyday life, flexibility can be very practical, but on the other hand, it can also harbor many dangers. Many people use these leashes carelessly: if the dog sniffs the tree and therefore stretches the leash across a bike path, this can become a great danger. Therefore, a flexible leash should always be chosen with care and used with great care.
If you want to teach your dog commands in a calmer environment, you can use a leash for this. The leashes are between 6 and 20 meters long and are carried loosely by the four-legged friend without paying much attention to the leash. In an emergency, however, you have the option of stopping your four-legged friend or bringing them closer to you.
Special jogging leashes that are worn on the wrist or around the waist are ideal for sporting activities. This way your hands remain free. In addition, these lines are usually stretchy and can be equipped with smaller pockets for keys or the like.
Design
The color and pattern of the leash are primarily a matter of taste. Whether in a muted black, a bright pink, striped, patterned or twirled, just choose what suits you and you like. However, if you are using a long leash, remember that muted colors increase the risk of tripping, while bright colors are much more visible.