Dog leash - which one to choose?
Walking your dog on a leash is for both safety and comfort. Thanks to it, you have your pet under control and you know that he will not run away anywhere. It also guarantees comfort to people around them who do not have to be afraid that, for example, a foreign animal will run up to them. But what are the other advantages of walking a dog on a leash, how to choose the right product and which is better - a harness or a collar?
Also read how to ensure safety when traveling with your pet?
Why should a dog walk on a leash?
Learning to walk your dog on a leash allows you to control your dog's behavior. If you teach him to keep up with you, going out together will be a pleasure. Your pet will not run in all directions, pick up unwanted objects from the ground or accost people.
It will also be more convenient for you to walk to crowded places with it. When an animal is influenced by many stimuli, it becomes distracted. He does not listen to the owner and may behave in unpredictable ways. Keeping it on a good leash prevents this from happening, giving you complete control.
Dog harness vs dog collar
Even the best, durable dog leash will not work if you do not choose the appropriate harness or collar. These products are designed to keep you in control of your pet. Thanks to them, you can control it when, for example, it starts to pull.
A dog leash with a collar puts potentially dangerous pressure on a dog's body. It compresses the throat and cervical vertebrae, and the regular repetition of such situations can lead to problems. Faced with this, braces seem like a safer option, but they're not perfect either. In order to really guarantee the comfort of the animal, they must be properly selected and put on. When used incorrectly, they can, for example, lead to deformation of the blades.
Types of dog leashes
There are many types of dog leashes on the market . From among them, you can choose the one that will be the most convenient for you and your pet.
Dog leash - walking
A dog walking leash most often has a carabiner on one side and a handle or a loop for holding on the other. It is usually quite short, suitable e.g. for walking in crowded places. It can be made of various materials and have a number of amenities (e.g. a leather handle) and colors. Rather, it works for dogs that no longer pull and walk by the leg due to its constant length.
Automatic dog leash
The automatic solution consists in the fact that the string or tape slides out of the housing, inside which they are wound on rolls. Their main disadvantage is that after unfolding, it is difficult to pull the dog back on them. It is not a thick leash for a dog, so if pulled suddenly by a large pet, the leash may even break. A pet that cannot walk on a leash can easily become tangled in the tape, for example between trees.
Dog leash: adjustable
The interchangeable leash has carabiners on both sides, which allows you to adjust its length to the situation. The fastening with the outer rings will give the dog more freedom to reduce the distance after a while, e.g. entering a crowded street. The switch leash is usually longer than the walking version, which makes it multifunctional. It can be made of a variety of materials, although changing it to an untrained person may initially be a problem.
Lanyard with shock absorber
Lanyard with a shock absorber is a group of different types of products that are equipped with a rubber, stretching fragment. Its task is to absorb jerks. This solution is designed for active canine parents who run or ride a bike with their pets. This does not mean, however, that it cannot be used during an ordinary walk - it can be convenient, for example, in the case of an exceptionally lively pet.
Which lanyard to choose?
There is no clear answer to the question of which lanyard to choose . You need to find the option that best suits you and your pet. Take into account where you go most and what your walks look like. Your dog loves to run in the fields and has a lot of space around him? A short leash will be a nuisance for both him and you.
If, on the other hand, you live in the city and have a small dog with whom you walk around the estate, a shorter solution will be more convenient. However, you should also consider whether your quadruped jerks or walks politely at the leg. If you are crossing crowded streets together and then having fun in the park, you should also consider adjustable options.
Of course, the size of the pet is also important. A huge animal weighing several dozen kilos will not be impressed by a thin line. On the other hand, a toddler who is several kilograms does not need a thick leash for a dog, the weight of which will make it difficult for him to walk.
Features of a good leash
The leash must be individually selected for the dog. That doesn't mean, however, that there are a few of the most important features of a good leash that you need to pay attention to.
Dog leash - strong
First of all, buy a dog leash that will be strong enough. We are talking about strength and endurance adapted to the capabilities of your dog. Even a medium-sized dog can break the line intended for the smallest pets, not to mention the largest ones.
Dog leash - safe
When choosing a leash, consider your own safety and your dog's safety. Reach for products made of high-quality materials that will not harm you in any way. Also, make sure that they don't consist of small pieces that your quadruped could, for example, bite off and swallow.
Dog leash - the right length
Too short material can tire your dog and you. A long line, in turn, can cause problems for you and everyone around you. Always realistically assess your and your pet's needs, and in case of problems, buy two leashes or choose an adjustable option.
What to do when the dog jerks?
Dogs jerk when they try to get to a target that is out of their reach. In this way, they force you to approach a specific place, and yet you should decide what the route of your walk will look like.
What to do when the dog jerks? To unlearn its pulling, you can invest in a harness fastened at the front. Then each attempt will end with the pet turning towards you, which will prevent further attempts. You also need to be patient when this behavior occurs frequently. Do not tug and shout at your pet. Instead, gently pull the leash towards you and stop. Do not move on until the dog has calmed down and the leash is no longer tight. This is called tree method.
An alternative approach is a "mirror", which relies on movements like a dog, but in a mirror image. In practice, for example, when your pet pulls you to the right, go left. The purpose of this behavior is for the pet to understand that a tight leash will never lead him to where he would like. In both of these cases, it is also worth using the reward system for a longer walk on a loose leash.
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