FAQ: Collars & Leashes for dogs

When cycling with a dog, use a harness and a special bike attachment or a shock-absorbing lead that keeps the dog away from the wheels. Never tie the lead to the handlebars, and choose a pace and distance that suit the dog.

For hiking, a comfortable, well-fitting harness with a handle works well, together with a longer or adjustable lead so the dog can sniff around. In the mountains or forest a reflective colour and an ID tag with a phone number are useful.

Ordinary harnesses get heavier and can rub when wet, so a dog life jacket with a handle is better for swimming. It helps the dog stay afloat and lets you pull it out quickly.

Hunting dogs often wear bright, for example orange, and reflective collars so they are easy to spot in the forest. GPS trackers and sturdy, water-resistant hardware are also commonly used.

A harness can go over a thin jumper or coat, but it then needs loosening and checking that it does not pinch. Some dog coats have an opening for the lead ring, so the harness can be worn underneath.

In winter the coat is thicker and the dog sometimes wears a jumper or coat, so the collar or harness may need loosening a little. In spring, after shedding, tighten them again so the dog cannot slip out.

In the cold biothane can become a little stiffer, but it does not absorb water, so it does not freeze like wet fabric. Fabric leads can become stiff and unpleasant to hold when wet and frozen.

A senior dog suits a light, soft lead that does not pull on or weigh down the neck, often clipped to a harness. Its walks are slower, so the lead length should let it move at its own pace and sniff.

For dogs with neck or spine problems, attaching the lead to a harness is usually advised so the neck is not strained. It is worth discussing the right option with a vet, especially after injuries or surgery.

Coughing while pulling often means the collar is pressing on the windpipe, so it is worth switching to a harness and teaching loose-lead walking. If the dog coughs without the lead too or the cough persists, see a vet.

Choose by neck size, the dog's size and the purpose: a flat buckle collar for everyday wear, a martingale for dogs prone to slipping out and a reflective one for the dark. Check that the hardware is sturdy and the material does not rub.

Choose a lead by the dog's size and strength, where you walk and how much freedom you want to give. In town a 1.2–2 metre lead with a sturdy clip is handy, while a long or adjustable one suits training and open fields.

First measure the chest and neck, then choose the shape by purpose: Y- or H-shaped for everyday outings, front-clip for a dog that pulls and one with a belly strap for a fearful dog. It is important that the harness does not restrict shoulder movement.

A set is convenient because the items match in colour and hardware, and it sometimes costs less than buying separately. Still, what matters most is that each part fits in size and purpose, so buying separately is often worthwhile.

Bright colours such as orange, yellow or neon green are more visible by day, while in the dark reflectors or lights matter most. On a dark-coated dog a bright collar helps it be noticed sooner.

It depends on the child's age and the dog's size and behaviour – the child must be able to hold the dog if it suddenly lunges. With large dogs or dogs that pull, children generally should not be left alone, and retractable leads suit them less.

Older owners find light leads with a soft handle and front-clip harnesses that reduce pulling easier to use. A shock-absorbing section in the lead softens sudden jolts.

Electronic collars work through unpleasant stimulation, so many vets and trainers advise against them, and some countries ban them. Dog behaviour is more effectively changed with positive methods, with a trainer's help if needed.

Anti-bark collars suppress the symptom but do not remove the cause, such as boredom, fear or separation anxiety. Many specialists advise first working out why the dog barks and addressing that through training.

No, a parasite collar is only for protection against ticks or fleas and is not designed for attaching a lead. It is worn separately from the regular collar, following the manufacturer's instructions and after consulting a vet.