Helping Not Harming: Choosing The Right Type Of Leash For Your Dog

There are so many varieties of dog leashes available that owners can find it difficult to know where to start. Although all leashes on the market have been designed for man"s best friend, different types have different purposes so it is important to choose one that is going to be suitable for your dog. There is not necessarily a "right" or "wrong" leash to choose; the selection depends on the owners" preferences but it is a good idea to research the different types of leash so you can make an informed decision.
Leather leashes are a good place to start when training puppies or older dogs. They are comfortable for the dog to wear and give the owner full control over how close the dog can stay to them. If you choose to purchase a leather leash, a braided leash will be much more sturdy. Sewn leather leashes are available but they tend to come apart through heavy use.
If you have mastered the art of walking with a leather leash, extending leashes are usually the next step for dogs that are better behaved. Similar to leather leashes, the owner can choose how far to extend the leash, allowing the dog to stray further but under controlled conditions. These leashes are very popular with owners. However, if you have a particularly eager dog and find yourself waking up with sore arms every morning it might be worth considering the next leash on the list.
Bungee leashes stretch as the dog strays further from the owner, taking some of the strain off the walker and reducing slack so the dog will not trip over the leash. These leashes can be useful for over excitable puppies or larger dogs that have a tendency to pull on the leash.
There are also a range of budget leashes available which are much cheaper and usually made of nylon. Although the lower cost might be tempting to some dog owners, these leashes can be very uncomfortable for the dog to wear and could potentially cause skin problems. On the other hand, if you are frequently taking your dog to lakes or the sea then a nylon leash is going to last longer than a leather one will.
If you have an older dog who has been trained incorrectly and still likes to pull on the leash, it might be worth considering a specialist collar. There are a few different types of collar you can buy for these dogs, one of which is called a no-pull collar. This kind of collar will make the dog"s front paws lift off the ground if he tries to pull which will discourage him from doing it. The other type of collar is a choke collar. These collars tighten slightly when the dog pulls on the leash, increasing the pressure around his neck; it then releases when he stops pulling. These are effective but should only be used in very extreme cases of disobedience. It is also recommended that any owners who want to use this kind of collar should learn how to use it properly before they put it on their dog.
Leashes are one of the most important tools for dog training so it is worth spending more to make the process easier for you and your dog. Please