8 Different Kinds of Dog Leashes: Which is Best for Your Fur Baby?

Going for walks with your canine companions is a great way to get exercise and bond at the same time. But when you’re a new dog owner, picking the right pet merchandise for your pup can be challenging. After all, not all dog leashes are made the same way. Additionally, leashes are important for training your dog and keeping them safe, so you need to choose something that will fit your needs and lifestyle. You can learn more about the different kinds of dog leashes by reading on.

Standard Leash

Given its name, this is the most common type of dog leash that you can find in pet stores. It can be as long as 6 feet and can be up to an inch wide. Standard leashes work for any kind of dog and can fit a variety of lifestyles and walking routines. Some companies even offer custom dog leashes and custom dog collars so that you can personalize them to suit your dog’s personality. Standard leashes also come in a variety of materials, such as leather, nylon, rope, and hemp. 

Adjustable Leash

For dog owners that lead a busy lifestyle and love to take their dogs with them wherever they go, adjustable leashes are a great option. These kinds of leashes come with clasps on both sides so that you can walk more than one dog and tether them to a safe spot if you need to enter a store. You can also use this kind of leash hands-free by attaching one end to your pants or belt and the other end to your dog’s collar or harness.

Retractable Leashes

If you have a well-trained and curious dog that loves to explore, a retractable leash gives them the freedom to move around while keeping them close to you. Do take note, however, that retractable leashes can potentially be unsafe, as retracting a short lead can take your dog by surprise and injure them. To be on the safe side, go for long-lead styles that are around 30 feet long so that your dog has enough time to return to you once they’ve noticed that you’ve started retracting the leash. 

Chain Leash

For owners who have teething pups or dogs that like chewing on their leashes, chain leashes are the best way to discourage this behavior as they can withstand lots of biting. However, these kinds of leashes can be rather heavy and cumbersome, which can be a problem if your dog likes long walks. If you can handle the weight but not the strain on your hands, go for chain leashes with a padded handle.

Split Leash

Walking two dogs at once can be quite challenging. Fortunately, a split leash has two separate leads and clasps, allowing you to walk two dogs while holding onto a single leash. And if only one of your dogs wants to go for a walk, you can easily turn a split leash into a longer single leash. But before buying a split leash, make sure that both of your pets have been trained to walk on a leash without pulling. Otherwise, a split leash may make walking two excitable and jumpy dogs even more difficult. 

Martingale Leash

Also called a slip-lead leash, a martingale leash is designed with a metal ring that you loop the handle through to create an adjustable knot that can fit snugly around the dog’s neck. This leash makes it quick and convenient to tie your dog up if you’re in a pinch, especially if your dog doesn’t wear a collar. With a bit of practice, you can also turn a martingale leash into an improvised muzzle or harness. 

Umbilical Cord Leash

This hands-free leash is great for active dog owners who love working out with their equally active dogs. It has a belt and uses a bungee leash to attach one end to a handle on your waist and the other end to your dog’s collar. The umbilical cord leash is designed to make it easier to stop your dog even if your hands are full. With one of these, you can go for a hike, push a baby stroller, or hold an umbrella more easily while walking your dog.

It can be hard to train your pup and have them get used to a leash. This is why it’s important to buy the right kind to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet. Indeed, each pet parent has specific lifestyle needs, so you should take your daily routine into consideration when choosing which ones to get. In fact, it’s possible that you will need more than one leash, depending on the situation and kinds of walks that you take your dog on. Hopefully, this article can help you decide on the right kind of leash for your fur baby.