FAQ: Collars & Leashes for dogs

A handle on the back lets you quickly hold the dog, help it into a car or over an obstacle on a hike. It is handy for active and large dogs, but the dog should not be lifted by it with its full weight for long.

A support or lifting harness has handles to help hold up the dog's rear or front end on stairs or when standing up. It is used for senior dogs, after surgery or with joint problems.

Long-backed dogs do well with a harness that fits closely to the chest, does not strain the back and does not press on the neck. It is important that the straps adjust to a long body and short legs.

For everyday walks in town a lead of about 1.2–2 metres is the usual choice. It gives the dog some freedom while letting you quickly bring it close by a road or other people.

A long line, usually 5–15 metres, is used to teach recall and to let the dog sniff more freely in safe open places. Hold it in your hand or let it trail on the ground, but never wrap it around your hand or fingers.

Retractable leads give calm dogs more freedom in open spaces, but the constant tension can encourage pulling. In town, near roads and around other dogs they are risky, because it is hard to stop the dog quickly.

The thin cord can burn or cut skin if it wraps around a leg or fingers, and a dropped handle can frighten the dog into running. Always hold the handle firmly and lock the length near roads.

A tape retractable lead is wider, more visible and less likely to cut, so it is more often recommended for larger dogs. A cord is lighter and suits small dogs, but it is more dangerous if it gets wrapped around something.

It can, but when the dog runs to the end and stops suddenly, its neck takes a strong jolt. That is why it is safer to clip a retractable lead to a harness.

It is a lead with clips at both ends and several rings, so its length can be changed, it can be worn round the waist or attached to two harness points. It is versatile and handy both in town and in training.

A waist lead clips to a belt around the owner's waist, leaving the hands free when running, hiking or pushing a pram. It suits dogs that already walk nicely, as a dog that pulls hard can knock you off balance.

A slip lead is a lead and a loop in one, slipped over the dog's head, that tightens when the dog pulls. It is handy for short use, for example at a vet clinic or training ground, but it can press on the neck of a dog that pulls.

A coupler is used for this – a short split lead that joins both dogs to one main lead. It suits dogs of similar size and pace that get along well, while dogs that walk differently are easier on two separate leads.

A bungee lead has an elastic section that softens a sudden jolt when the dog unexpectedly lunges forward. It protects the owner's arms and the dog's neck, especially when running or walking large dogs.

Chewing the lead is often play or a sign of excitement, especially in puppies. Redirect attention to a toy or a command, reward calm walking, and while the dog is learning you can use a sturdier lead that is harder to chew through.

A large, strong dog needs a wider, sturdy lead with a reliable clip that withstands sudden jolts and is comfortable to hold. A lead that is too narrow can dig into your hand.

A small dog suits a light, narrow lead with a small clip, so heavy metal does not drag down the collar or harness. A lead that is too bulky would be uncomfortable for a small dog.

It is a lead with a second handle close to the dog, used to hold it short quickly near a road, a crossing or when meeting other dogs. It is especially handy for walking large or energetic dogs in town.

A padded handle rubs the palm less when the dog pulls or on long walks. This is especially valuable when walking strong dogs or using thinner leads.

A chain lead suits dogs that keep chewing through fabric leads, but it is heavy and unpleasant to hold. For most dogs nylon or leather leads are more comfortable, and the chewing habit is worth addressing through training.