7 Types Of Dog Leashes And How To Use Them

When taking your dog on a walk to a nice place like the park, you need to make sure that they stay as close to you as possible. That’s why you should use dog leashes because it will help you avoid any accidents or incidents.

Apart from the training your pet may have, animals can sometimes be unpredictable. This is why it’s important that you learn about the different kinds of dog leashes. By doing so, you can choose the one that best suits yours and your dog’s needs.

What Are the Different Types of Dog Leashes?

You can find a wide variety of collars and dog leashes of different sizes and colors in most pet stores. There are collars, leashes, harnesses, muzzles… you name it!

However, it’s very important that you make the best decision out of any of these options. To do this, you must take your dog’s personality and habits into consideration.

It’s very possible that you will come across so many different types of dog leashes that you’ll have trouble picking out the right one.

For starters, you should know that a leash is much more than an accessory. It fulfills very important functions, including keeping your pet close to you, having the ability to control them on walks, training, or protecting them from potential danger.

1. Conventional Leash

This is the most common type of dog leash, and there are a lot of different materials that are used to make them. This one is particularly helpful if your dog tends to pull on the leash when you take them on a walk.

Conventional leashes made out of nylon are good for small breeds. They latch directly on to the dog’s collar, or can be placed directly on the animal. Nylon leashes stretch just enough to give your dog freedom, but not enough that you will lose control over your pet.

However, there are other conventional leashes made out of leather. In addition to the fact that they are elegant and soft to the touch, they guarantee you greater control over your dog, which is why leather leashes are ideal for large breeds.

2. Barbed Leash

it’s pretty uncommon to see a dog wearing this type of leash because it’s considered as a form of abuse. However, they used to be quite “trendy,” due to their effectiveness in controlling the animals that wore them.

Initially, these leashes were effective because the material was somewhat uncomfortable for the animal. However, the truth is that over time, the dogs that wore them would go back to their old ways. This is another reason why trainers have stopped using them.

3. Retractable Leash

Also called a “Flexi” leash, these are perfect for dogs who prefer to walk a little further away from their owners because these leashes adapt to their movements. They are best-suited for small and medium-sized breeds that are too curious or uneasy to stay right next to their owner for very long.

However, there is a drawback with this type of dog leash. Some breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, are given so much autonomy when wearing them that they don’t learn how to go out for walks properly. Likewise, if you choose to use a retractable leash on a large-dog breed, then make sure that it doesn’t extend too far out.

4. Chain Leash

This type of dog leash has a handle or a nylon collar, and the rest is a metal chain. These leashes are good to use on puppies because they tend to bite and chew on things that they dislike.

Chain leashes are great for puppies because there are few things that feel worse than having to walk right by their owners.

 

5. Choke Chain

Although its name may seem harmful or cruel to the animal, the truth is that choke chains are a very effective training tool. However, to be able to use this type of collar, you have to take your dog’s training seriously.

Many trainers use choke chains on dogs during training sessions, but using them outside of “class” can be harmful for the animals.

 

6. Multi-Function Leash

Multi-function leashes are one of the best options you can get because they have different-sized rings. This way, you can adjust it to keep your dog close to you or if you want to give them a bit more freedom. However, be sure that there are no loose animals around, and that you are in an appropriate area to set your dog free for a bit.

7. Halti Leash

Last, but not least, a Halti leash’s main function is to teach dogs not to pull on the leash. If your pet is difficult to control, a Halti can be an excellent option. It goes around the animal’s head and snout — just like halters worn by horses — and causes them discomfort when they pull on it.