Dogs 101: How do I choose a dog leash?

  Basket of leashes at Petcetera. Photos: Kelly B. Jason 

With so many options out there, how do you choose a dog leash? Put aside the question of style for a second and focus on the purpose of the leash. The best leash is one that allows you to control and communicate with your dog. It should have some "give" to act as a shock absorber, but it should also be taut enough for the dog to feel your movements.

Type: Standard leashes ranging from 4’ to 8’ long are great all-purpose leads for walks and obedience training. Retractable leads that extend up to 25’ won’t give you much control but they can be useful when teaching a puppy commands that require some distance between yourself and the dog. Be sure that the lead is rated for your dog’s weight--many retractable leads won’t bear the weight of a 100-pound dog.
 

   Kelly's pick: 6' Purple Pebble leash from Petcetera

Material: The heavier the dog, the heavier the leash material should be. Leather and nylon are the most common choices. Nylon is washable and durable but, if your dog is a puller, flat nylon leashes can burn or rough up your hands. Leather allows for a comfortable, firm grip that only improves as it absorbs oil from your hands, but it doesn’t hold up well in water…or to your dog’s mouth (and some dogs like the taste of leather).

Size: Let your dog’s size dictate the length and width of its leash. For a good walking length, the leash should easily reach above your waist when your dog is standing at your side. It should be long enough to give your dog some slack but not so long that the dog gets tangled in it. The bigger the dog, the wider the leash should be. A 1”-wide lead is great for large breeds but unnecessary for medium and small dogs.

Once you’ve decided on the type, material, and size of the leash, searching for the style you want is the fun part. Anything goes when it comes to showing off your dog's personality! Be sure to get more than one leash in case you misplace or want to wash the primary lead.
 

 

Kelly’s Favorite Leash: As a professional dog walker, I often use my own leash to walk a variety of dogs each day. Leather leashes are the ultimate in control and comfort, but I recently discovered a leash I love even more. These days, I’m partial to my’ Purple Pebble woven rope leash (see photo above of spring blue color) from Petcetera. I like its weight, softness, and strength; plus, it has just the right amount of give. The clasp is sturdy and swivels nicely. The polyblend material is UV- and bleed-resistant, washable, and durable, with a choice of leather or metal bindings. $27.99 for the 6' length--and worth every penny!

Visit Petcetera for other awesome pet products and services:
Petcetera
3205 Magazine St
Phone: (504) 269-8711 

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Pets 101: What are the leash laws in New Orleans?

Kelly B. Jason is the owner and operator of Pet au Pair of New Orleans, offering pet-sitting and dog-exercising services.