Mary Allen
A sensible dog leash is part of the basic equipment of a dog owner. But if you stand in front of a shelf in a specialist shop or surf the web, you are often almost overwhelmed by the variety. Find out here which different types of dog leashes are to be distinguished.
Different Materials
First, let’s introduce the three most common materials and talk about the pros and cons; Nylon dog leashes are the most commonly seen among dog owners. These lines are relatively inexpensive and generally perform well. What is particularly nice for design-conscious people is that the lines are available in many different colors and with various patterns. On the negative side, however, is that the fabric is often quite slippery and the leash can slip through the hand so quickly. You have a better grip with leather leashes, which are usually – because of the higher price – also better processed. Of course, this is not a general point, but often the seams of nylon lines are not really tight. As a natural product, the leather leash is very stable and – with good care – is almost impossible to tear. The care here is the greasing of the leather, which ensures good durability and keeps the material supple. When choosing the right leash, you have to consider the weight and strength of your dog.
Finally, to the chain leash, which is much less common than the two previous types of the leash. These leashes consist of more or less fine links and at the end, there is a leather/fabric loop to hold on to. Such a leash looks good but is unsuitable for large dogs. In addition, the length of the leash cannot be varied, as the links slip out of the hand when you hold it short and you don’t have full “control” over the dog.
Different Types of Dog Leashes
The most popular leash of all is the leash. This leash has a carabiner at both ends and rings are incorporated in several places. This structure makes it possible to attach a carabiner to the collar and one to such a ring. This creates a loop that, depending on its size, can be used as a hand strap or worn around one’s shoulders, hence the name “cloak leash”.
Next, we come to Moxon lines, also known as a retriever, slip, or field trail lines. These dog leashes do not have a carabiner that is hooked to the collar (the collar) but have a ring through which one end of the leash is pulled. The resulting loop is slipped over the dog’s head and serves as a substitute for the collar. These leashes are available with or without a so-called “stop”: This component is used to prevent the loop on the dog’s neck from being endlessly tightened and choking the dog when the leash is pulled. Moxon lines are available in different lengths and materials.
Flexi or retractable leashes are also often seen, but they are no longer the big trend. These dog leashes have an unwinding mechanism that is located in a housing that the dog handler holds in his hand. This technique automatically rewinds the leash as the distance decreases and unwinds as the dog moves away. You can also limit the range of motion on most versions by limiting the possible length at the push of a button. The advantages of this line are that it can no longer sag and thus stays clean even in the muddy field. The disadvantage, however, is that you don’t have the same control over the dog as with a “normal” leash, which you can manually lengthen or shorten.
Special Lines
The “short guide” can be found both at dog shows and exhibitions, and more rarely with hunters. This leash is simple in construction and less than 1.5m long. It has a wrist strap at one end and a carabiner at the other end, so it doesn’t give the handler much wiggle room. Therefore, it is also less suitable for normal walks, but rather for occasions where the dog has to walk continuously. This category also includes the show line, which is also very thin and often decorated with stones or the like. It should not distract from the dog, but still not look boring, so that the team cuts a fine figure at the show. The problem here is that the dog is choked as soon as it leans into the leash. Therefore, it is unsuitable for a walk.
The “rescue line”, on the other hand, has an integrated collar. The clasps are often made of materials that don’t make the clicking noises of metal – a horn is a popular choice. Thanks to a special carabiner, the leash can also be released under tension, with the collar remaining on the leash. The dog can be unleashed quickly and silently and does not run the risk of getting tangled in the collar.
The towing line is still used relatively frequently. These lines are characterized by their length, which is usually 5 – 10m. There are types with and without a hand strap and with a little skill, you can also make them yourself. Most of the time it is wider than normal lines because it has to withstand more dragging on the ground. It is often used in tracking work because it gives the dog enough freedom despite being on a leash. This is exactly what dog owners who have hunting dogs take advantage of. However, since this is usually undesirable, such a leash is a good way of keeping the dog under control, but at the same time allowing it to run free.