08/07/2025
🐾 What Leash Is Best?
Walks should be fun, safe, and stress-free for you and your dog. But the leash (and collar) you choose can make a big difference!
Let's talk safety first:
🚫 Why We Don’t Recommend Retractable Leashes:
They may seem convenient, but retractable leashes can lead to:
❌ Rope burns, cuts, and finger injuries
❌ Tangled pets and startled pedestrians
❌ Poor control in emergencies
❌ Reinforced pulling behavior (the dog learns pulling = more freedom)
❌ They also lack a brake system strong enough for large or reactive dogs. Worn out or poorly made leashes can even snap under tension.
✅ Better Leash Choices:
🔹 Standard 4–6 ft leash (nylon, leather, etc.)
Great for control, safety, and general use.
🔹 Hands-free leash (waist clip for jogging/strollers)
Works well for trained dogs in quiet areas.
🔹 Long line leash (15–30 ft, for training or decompression walks)
Only in safe, open areas—not for street walks!
Now let’s talk collars!
❌ Collars We Do Not Recommend:
🚫 Choke Chains / Slip Collars / Prong Collars
These collars work through pain or discomfort, which can lead to fear, anxiety, or aggression. They can also cause neck and trachea damage. Collars like these usually show no long-term behavior improvement, as many dogs simply learn to endure the pain while still pulling.
✅ Better Collar & Harness Options:
🔹 Flat buckle collars
-Safe for ID tags, walking small dogs who don’t pull
🔹 Front-clip no-pull harnesses
(Examples: 2 Hounds Design Freedom Harness, Balance Harness, PetSafe Easy Walk)
-Great for pullers, gentle steering without pressure on the neck
🔹 Head halters (like Gentle Leader™)
-Best with positive training and slow introduction
-Gives great control but must be fitted properly
🎓 Remember: Training Matters Too!
Even with the best gear, positive-reinforcement training is key to reducing pulling and helping your dog walk politely on leash.
