It is well-known that leashes are one of the most important dog accessories out there. It is important in a sense that most states and countries mandate owners to have their dogs on leashes when they’re out of their personal territory. Whenever you take your dog outside for a walk to the park or somewhere else, a leash will make it safe, fun, and convenient. Now that you see its importance, you also need to know the important factors to consider when choosing a leash for your pet. That’s what we’re going to find out today, so keep on reading to learn more.
A common question a lot of dog owners ask is “what should I look for in a leash?” A good quality leash can make your walk with your pet great. There are so many brands and types of leashes out there, so choosing one that would suit your pet can be a herculean task. However, there are two main things that you should look for in a leash: first, your dog’s needs or “lifestyle” and second, the quality. What we mean by the first thing you should consider is that, you need to consider your dog’s personality--observe if they find it easy to follow commands, how fast or slow they run, what’s their attitude when restrained, etc.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Leash
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Materials used to make the leash:
Leashes are often made of either nylon, leather, chain, and cotton cope. However, the best material for leashes according to dog experts and enthusiasts is nylon. Why? Because nylon is very durable and easier to handle, especially when you get caught with rain outside. Moreover, consider buying a leash that features a reflective bungee, a material that makes the leash visible in the dark, making your dog safe during night walks.
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Quality of leash:
The main goal of a leash is to keep your dog safe. A leash made out of low-grade materials cannot fulfill that goal, so it’s not worth the money regardless of how “affordable” it is. Make sure to buy a known brand. Check if the leash product has been well-received by the public by reading reviews. It may be over your budget, but at least it can assure that your dog is safe. Hence, it will be a worthy investment. It’s better to buy one pricey leash (but make sure the price is reasonable) than buying a cheap one every once in a while because it breaks easily.
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Length of the leash:
Apart from the different types of leash, different varieties of lengths are also available based on your dog’s breed, temperament, and size. The length is one of the important factors to consider as it will determine how much freedom your dog has. To determine which length is appropriate for your dog, observe their behavior while on a leash. The longer the leash size, the more freedom you give to your dog. On the other hand, the dog has less freedom on shorter leashes as it gives you more control because it’s easier to restrict their movements on shorter ones.
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Type of leash:
Every leash has its own purpose that allows it to cater to a dog’s needs based on the breed, age, behavior, and size. The most common types of leashes that you can see in the market are standard leashes, retractable leashes, hands-free leashes, and harness leashes. The type of leash that will be perfect for you and your dog can be quite hard to determine due to the number of choices available. However, it all boils down to personal preferences and of course, your dog’s maturity when restrained on a leash. For instance, hands-free leashes are suitable for you and your dog if you’re the type of owner who’s always on the go and if your dog is well-behaved.
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Width:
Apart from choosing the variety of length and its type, it is also important to take note of the width. When choosing the appropriate width for the leash, remember to consider the size of your dog, their resistance, strength based on size and weight, as well as the comfort of your hand. In short, if your dog is big and heavy, buy a leash with a thick width but make sure that it’s comfortable enough when you grip it in your hands.
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Your local vet’s recommendations:
This aspect is very important, especially if your dog has behavioral or health problems. Ask them which type would suit your dog the best or even ask for specific brand recommendations. Be sure to follow their professional advice.
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Price:
Remember that not all expensive products are good quality and worth the purchase. And of course, you do not want to go over the budget as there are other necessary things that you should buy. Try to search through different available products, look at the pros and cons, then weigh the price based on the pros and cons to see if it’s really worth the price. Look at the customer reviews as well.
Key Insights
Wherever you go, a leash must accompany you and your dog to make your travel a breeze. Now that you know the important factors to consider, we hope that you can find the perfect leash for you and your dog. If you want a high-quality leash that takes into account all the aforementioned features, then you might like ArtemisPaw’s hands-free leash. This leash features unique materials like reflective bungee, durable clasps, belt buckle, and a belt bag all in a single leash. It’s very affordable, too! Check out this amazing product by clicking here.