FAQ: Collars & Leashes for dogs

In many cities dogs travel on public transport on a lead, and large dogs sometimes also need a muzzle. Rules differ by operator, so check them before the trip.

Leads and collars are handy to hang on hooks by the door, where they dry quickly and do not tangle. Do not put wet items in a closed drawer, as they can go mouldy and start to smell.

Leads or handles with a bag dispenser help you not forget bags and always have them at hand. A dispenser can also be bought separately and attached to any lead handle.

For such dogs, for example sighthounds or Bull Terriers, a martingale collar is often chosen, as it tightens to a limited extent when the dog backs away and stops it from slipping out. A well-fitting harness also works.

A martingale collar is adjusted so that when fully tightened it fits snugly around the neck without choking, and the two metal rings do not touch. When loose, it should slip easily over the dog's head.

The nose loop should let the dog open its mouth freely, eat and pant, but should not slide up into its eyes. The neck strap fastens right behind the ears so the halter stays in place.

A harness slides when it is too loose, the straps are adjusted unevenly or its shape does not suit the dog's build. Adjust both sides equally, and if that does not help, choose a harness with more adjustment points.

A welded ring is a solid loop, so it does not bend open or come apart under a strong pull. Cheaper collars sometimes have bent, unwelded rings that cope less well with a strong dog pulling.

A buckle with holes allows precise sizing and is usually very strong, while a quick-release clip is faster to put on and take off. Quick-release clips come in plastic or metal with a locking catch.

A new leather lead is stiffer, but with use and leather conditioner it gradually softens and becomes pleasant to hold. Good-quality leather becomes more supple over time.

Biothane is often chosen for long lines, as it does not absorb water, tangles less in grass and wipes clean easily. Fabric long lines are lighter but get heavy and dirty in wet grass.

Each retractable lead is designed for a certain maximum dog weight, which determines the cord's strength and the brake's reliability. A mechanism that is too weak may fail or snap when a strong dog lunges.

Biothane items just need rinsing in warm water with mild soap or wiping with a damp cloth. They dry quickly and do not absorb smells, so they need cleaning less often than fabric ones.

If the dog had a contagious disease or parasites, it is worth washing the collar, harness and lead in hotter water if the material allows, or replacing them. This is especially important if there are other animals at home; ask a vet about the specific illness.

A harness with a back ring does not stop a dog from pulling, so for some dogs pulling in one feels easier. However, pulling is learned behaviour, so training is what solves it, while the harness simply protects the neck.

A head halter steers the dog's head, so it gives more control, but the dog needs longer to get used to it and it must never be jerked. A front-clip harness is gentler and most dogs accept it faster, though it may not give enough control for very strong dogs.

A long line is usually best clipped to a harness, because when the dog gets up speed and suddenly reaches the end of the line, the strong jolt would hit the neck. A harness spreads that force across the chest.

A harness of the wrong shape or too small, especially with a strap across the shoulders, can restrict the front legs and change the gait. Choose a well-fitting harness that leaves the shoulders free and watch that the dog moves naturally.

Collar pressure on the neck, especially when pulling, can raise pressure in the eyes, so vets often advise a harness for dogs with glaucoma or other eye conditions. Ask your own vet about your dog's situation.

It depends on where the surgery was – the harness should not touch or press on the wound. After abdominal, chest or front leg surgery, a vet may advise using a collar or a special harness for a while, so follow their instructions.