Professional Recommendations For Best And Worst Leashes For Dogs

September 24, 2020 By Jena Howard

Professional recommendations for best and worst leashes for dogs can really help you figure out which leash to choose and which ones to avoid. There are a variety of leashes on the market for dogs. Every type of leash will claim to be the best leash for walking dogs. However, with so many options, how do you know what is actually the best leash that works? Does a more expensive leash mean that it’s superior to a cheaper leash? It’s hard to say without knowing the details.

Conversely, there are a variety of leashes on the market that are NOT safe. However, pet owners are so used to seeing many of these leashes for sale that they believe these leashes are, in fact, sufficient.

Having a dog is a lot of responsibility. And, believe it or not, purchasing a leash is a big deal. The line (of a leash) from you to your dog can save their life! That being said, I want to take some of the guess work out of purchasing a leash and help navigate through the good and bad leashes for dogs.

Best Leashes For Dogs

Nylon Leash

Nylon leashes are my absolute favorite type of leash. In fact, these are the only leashes I buy for myself and for my dog walking employees at Muddy Paws. Nylon leashes are very simple, yet effective. They are a classic, no frills design that provides a secure connection to your dog. I’m a big advocate for no frills. Walking a dog can be tricky enough, you need to keep your eye on what could happen next. The last thing you want to worry about is whether your leash is strong enough, will it hurt you, is it secure, etc.

You can purchase these types of leashes in varying lengths and widths. Personally, I always buy 4 feet long, nylon leashes that are 1 inch in width. Shorter leashes provide you with more control on a walk, therefore 4 feet length is perfect. And the 1 inch width is durable enough to handle the big and strong dogs and not too big for the tiniest of dogs.

This is my go-to leash:

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I’m not saying you need to buy this leash, but this is what my favorite leash looks like, when you go to buy a leash of your own.

Whatever nylon leash you choose, please note that shorter leashes provide the best control. I’m an advocate of 4 foot leashes. Many leashes are 6 feet long, but I do recommend these leashes. Ideally, your dog should be walking at your side on a walk. Therefore, 6 foot leashes are too long. Also, don’t give your dog too much leeway on a walk. Meaning, don’t extend your arm out with your dog walking 6 feet beyond that point as you will not be able to control your dog effectively.

Metal Leash

A short, metal leash is a great choice for dogs who are prone to chewing things. If you have a dog that rips apart shoes, toys, and anything they can get their teeth on, a metal leash might be a good option until they grow out of the chewing stage.

Similarly, some dogs become very excited, when they see their leash and/or know they are going out for a walk. As a result, they jump and bite at their leash repeatedly. Not only is this behavior unwanted, it can be detrimental to the leash as they can rip it apart. The last thing you want is a half-chewed leash that severs completely while you are out and about on the streets!

Not only is the metal a deterrent because it cannot be chewed apart quickly, but most dogs are not fond of the taste or feel of metal on their teeth and will leave the leash alone. Additionally, the metal material is conducive for walking strong dogs so that is a bonus as well.

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Traffic Leash

A traffic leash is a double handled leash where one handle is 12 to 18 inches from the collar clip and the other handle is at the other end of the leash. As the name implies, traffic leashes provide heightened control in well-traveled areas, such as traffic. As previously stated, the shorter the leash, the more control you have of your dog. Therefore, using a short leash when crossing the street or around lots of cars or people is a great tool for dog walking.

The shorter handle shouldn’t be used for leisurely walks. Even the best dogs aren’t going to walk well with just a 12 inch lead. And, it really isn’t necessary for longer walks. Rather, the shorter leash is best for busy sidewalks, bike paths and crowded areas.

The longer handle still provides great control for longer and more casual walks where sniffing and loose leash walking occurs. Having a leash that provides two purposes all in one is a great tool for walking your dog. It’s like having two leashes in one.
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Worst Leashes For Dogs

And now on what leashes I do NOT recommend! I’m going to post some pictures, but please note that I am not advocating that you buy one of these products. I just want you to get an idea of what these leashes look like so you can stay far (far) away from them.

Retractable Leash

If you have a retractable leash, stop what you are doing and throw it away right now! I am not kidding.

Retractable leashes are my least favorite leash. In fact, as a company rule, I do not allow Muddy Paws dog walkers to use retractable leashes even if the customer has one of their own. Rather, I direct them to use one of the 4 feet nylon leashes that they are provided upon being hired.

A retractable leash consists of a thin wire leash that is extendable that is housed in a plastic case, molded to be used as a handle. In theory, it sounds like a great tool to use. It comes with a built in handle and your dog can have an adjustable length of leash for different situations. Great, right? NOPE!

Why retractable leashes are dangerous:

Limbs can be severed with the wire leash
The wire can burn your skin
The leash can snap in half
The locking mechanism can jam or break, leaving your dog to fend for himself
Failure to retract the leash in time can have deadly consequences
Failure to lock the leash quick enough can result in catastrophe
The leash can easily slip out of your hand
Allowing for too much leash, encourages pulling

The eight reasons listed above are just some of the devastating things that can happen when using a retractable leash. These are not exaggerations, they are based on many horror stories. Back in the day, I used a customer’s retractable leash on their dog. The dog saw a cat and immediately pulled towards it. He pulled with such force that the leash snapped in two pieces and he flew after the cat! Thankfully, he did not catch the cat and he was not a flight risk and came back to me after giving up his search for the cat. I was lucky things turned out the way that they did. It could have been much worse and I think about that situation often.

Retractable leashes are dangerous. So again, if you have a retractable leash, stop what you are doing and throw it away right now! I am not kidding.

Bungee Leash

The bungee leash is supposed to be a shock absorber and act like a cushion from any sudden moves made by your dog. They are intended to bungee your dog back to you, when your dog pulls suddenly and stretches out the leash. However, once your dog gets to the end, there’s no more shock absorption and it will jerk just as much as a regular leash. Also, it could be harder to control your dog or work on loose leash walking because you can’t control the leash as well because of its flexibility. But depending on the brand and how much flexibility it has, this leash could be a good option for a mild to moderate puller.

Rope Leash

The rope leash is just like a “regular” leash, however, it is braided like a rope. Therein, lies the problem. Have you ever slid your hand down a rope in a quick motion? YIKES, does that hurt! You can literally get a rope burn. Yes, rope leashes are strong for dogs who are strong pullers, however, in my opinion, this leash will be dangerous for the handler. You can rip apart your hands. If you somehow get tangled up in your dog’s leash, the rope can rub against your arm or legs and create a rope burn. This does not need to happen. Therefore, it is my professional opinion that a rope leash is to be avoided at all costs. There are many other leashes to choose from that will not cause this type of concern.

Best And Worst Winners

You have read my professional recommendations for best and worst leashes for dogs. My favorite leash is a 4 foot nylon leash. It’s perfect for any size dog. Strong enough for even the worst pullers. And won’t sever your limbs. Who would have thought dog walking could be so dangerous? A professional dog walker knows the real truth. So take it from me, the nylon leash is the best choice for most dogs.

The worst leash you can use on your dog is a retractable leash. There are too many dangers associated with this type of leash and should be avoided at all costs. With so many other options on the market, there is no reason to subject yourself or your dog to such an inferior dog walking “tool”.

After reading this, hopefully, you know which leash will be best for your pup. Once you make your purchase, you will be ready to work on leashing up your dog and heading out the door for that leisurely walk! If your dog needs some pointers (or possibly you need some pointers!) on how to get properly leashed for a walk, check out my How To Leash Your Dog article. It’s very simple, but sometimes simple things can be overcomplicated by humans.

Best of luck with your decision. And stay away from retractable leashes, please!

How To Leash Your Dog

August 18, 2020 By Jena Howard

How to leash your dog? Seems simple enough, you just clip the leash to the collar and out you go. But is it that simple? For many dog owners, they know that this is not a simple feat. In fact, many will admit that leashing their dog is a process. A process that the dog thinks is a game and the owner dreads. But why? Or better yet, how do we make this an easy process so we can get out the door quickly (and painlessly)?

Dog lovers are all alike. We all have THE BEST dog in the world, we all know that! And like everyone else’s dogs, your dog loves going on walks more than anything in the world. Well, maybe not more than anything (steak, bacon, cheese, etc!), but going on walks is definitely on their short list of favorite things to do. And as much as you love going on walks with your best friend, you struggle with getting them leashed before you walk out the door.

If you have a dog that gives you a run for your money when it comes time to get them leashed up and are fed up with the, you can’t catch me game, and aren’t able to get out the door quickly, I’m going to let you in on some key information that will make leashing up your pup pain-free. That’s right, if you need help on how to leash your dog, you need to read on.

Be Calm, Be Assertive

Before heading outside on a walk, your dog needs to be under control. Yes, excited dogs are difficult to control, especially when they see you grab their leash. That sets off an alarm of excitement! Before you try to wrangle your dog into submission to put on their leash remember to be calm, be assertive. And, most importantly, don’t chase or wrangle them. I’m sure you are wondering how you can get your dog leashed without wrangling and struggling to leash them up. Fair enough.

Keep calm and remain confident and follow these simple rules:

Hold the leash
Tell your dog to sit
Tell your dog to stay
Attach the leash to their collar or harness
- If your dog jumps up and moves around, repeat steps 1-3
- Now, attach the leash to their collar or harness
  - If your dog jumps up and moves around (again), repeat steps 1-3
  - Then, attach the leash to their collar or harness

Consistency Is Key

Basically, continue to go through the process until you have successfully leashed your dog without wrangling and chasing. It might take a few tries. Actually, I’m sure it will take a few tries in the beginning. However, consistency is key. Stay strong, stay under control, and remain confident. When you have leashed up your dog, remember to praise him/her for doing a good job. The next time you go to leash your dog, follow the above steps. Stay strong, stay under control, and remain confident. Every time you go through the process, your dog will remember what is expected and the leashing process will be easier, I promise.

We all do have the best dog in the world. Some just need more than others. And, like humans, they will never be done with their training. They always need to work on continuing education to some extent. Keep reminding your dog what they need to do. And remember to stay strong, stay under control, and remain confident. And when they do what you expect, don’t forget to reward them. It doesn’t have to be with treats. You can reward a dog with praise, belly rubs, and food (of course!).

Keep that continuing education going. Learning is ongoing and that goes for dogs too!

How To Leash Train Your Dog

August 18, 2020 By Jena Howard

Leash Train Your Dog

You have always wanted a dog. You wanted someone to cuddle with on the couch, go on long walks, and have fun together. But what happens when your dog is not easy to walk on a leash? Your pup seems to enjoy the walks, but you are struggling the entire time. In fact, your back and knees are specifically struggling on those walks. How can you leash train your dog to properly walk so you both can enjoy those strolls through the neighborhood?

Honestly, walking a dog the right way isn’t that difficult. I’m going to fill you in on a secret. The best way to get your dog to walk well on a leash is to…wait for it…let them know what you expect and keep reminding them. That’s really it. Well, technically, you also need to be consistent with your expectations, but that goes along with reminding them about what is expected.

Control Your Dog

Now that you’ve read my blog, How To Leash Your Dog, and you have your dog successfully leashed up and ready to go, the next step is venturing outside. Your dog is anticipating that sweet freedom outside. Well, as much freedom as they can experience while being on a leash, but you know what I mean. That being said, you need to remain in control of the walk before you even open the door to head out.

As you approach the door, your dog will likely be excited and jumping up and down or possibly be running towards the door. Rather than open the door and bracing yourself so you don’t get pulled down the stairs, tell your dog to sit before you touch the door handle. Once they sit, remind them to stay. As you go to open the door, repeat the “sit” command so that they remain sitting while you open the door. This simple training technique might seem insignificant, but it is essential in establishing yourself as the pack leader. This will keep your dog under your control so that they are not a hazard to themselves or others.

Stop The Pulling

Pulling on leash can be frustrating for both dogs and their handlers. Dogs tend to walk quickly and pull you forward, however, pulling on leash can also be the reverse. Some dogs might be resistant to walking on leash and will stop, therefore, you end up pulling them! Let’s discuss the 2 different types of pulling that occurs and how to leash train your dog so that the walk enjoyable for all involved.

Pulling Forward

Eager dogs who loves to walk are at risk of pulling on leash. No matter how much leash you give them, they continue to pull. Even if you are strong enough to hold on to the leash as they drag you down the street, it really isn’t an enjoyable way to walk! Your arm should never be fully extended out with a leashed dog beyond you. This is a disaster waiting to happen. Think about what might happen if your dog sees a squirrel, a bunny, chipmunk, another dog, or an excited person. Basically, you are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to control. The risk of your dog jumping on a person or dragging you to the ground is very much a concern.

Correcting The Pulling

Rather than continuing the cycle of pulling, you can train your dog to walk next to you. Yes, it’s true. You can leash train your dog to walk well and walk leisurely next to you. That is the ultimate goal and you can do it! Don’t worry if you have an older dog who has always pulled, you can teach an older dog new tricks.

Dogs look to their humans for validation that they are doing a great job. They want to please you. Keep this in mind as it is important for training purposes. The goal is to get your dog to walk leisurely next to you with a loose leash. If your dog starts to pull, gently, but firmly, pull back quickly to let them know that this walking is unfavorable. If they continue to pull, stop walking and tell your dog, “no pull”. Begin walking again. Repeat this process until your dog recognizes what is expected and follows the walk according to your rules. It will likely take a few times of going through the process. When your dog does a good job of walking (even for just a few steps), praise him for doing a great job. That praise is what they crave. Pleasing you will be their motivation to walk well. Keep going over the process until your dog understands what is expected. Before long, you will be loving your walks together!

Pulling Backwards

Most dogs pull on their leash because they want to be the leader and can’t walk fast enough. However, there are some dogs who protest walking on leash and as a result, will pull back. Thus, you are almost dragging them during the walk. Nobody wants this situation. Not only is it disruptive to the walk itself, but you risk hurting your dog’s neck by pulling them and/or their paws because they can get blistered from the friction on the ground. Pulling backwards is no good!

The best way to get your dog to walk is to give them an incentive. Incentives are basically rewards. You can reward your dog by giving them treats, praise, pats on the head, belly rubs, etc. The best way to provide a reward on a walk is via treats or praise. After all, it is difficult to give a belly rub, when you are trying to move forward. You know your dog best. Decide which method of motivation will be best and go for it.

Treating Your Dog

Start walking and if your dog resists and pulls back, stop the walk. Present the treat, get it close to their nose so they know what it is, but don’t give it to him yet. Move it closer to you and make them walk towards it. As they start moving closer, give them the treat. Praise your dog for walking and doing a good job. Continue to walk. Repeat the process until your dog is moving freely on their own.

Tips

Use high value treats so they understand they will receive a GREAT reward for walking.
Break up the treats into smaller pieces so you aren’t rewarding each step with a big treat.
Make your dog work for their reward.

Praising Your Dog

This method is very similar to Treating Your Dog, but you will provide lots of praise and encouragement rather than treats. For dogs who aren’t food motivated, this is a great method for training.

Start walking and if your dog resists and pulls back, stop the walk. Bend down a bit and slap your leg while calling your dog towards you using a semi-excited/high pitched voice. Continue slapping of your leg and giving them praise for any inching they get to you. As they start moving closer, provide more excitement in your voice and pat their head, when they are close enough to pet. Keep praising your dog for walking and doing a good job. Continue to walk. Repeat the process until your dog is moving freely on their own.

Ongoing Training

Training a dog is never a one-and-done scenario. For a well behaved dog, you will have to continuously work on their training. Although, the training reminders should be minimal as your dog gets the hang of things. You need to continue to work on leash training your dog every time you walk. I’m sure you will see many exciting situations on your adventures and will need to provide your dog constant reminders of how to act in each situation.

You can do this. Your dog looks up to you for guidance. Be the pack leader they want you to be!