From heavy duty leather leads to quick drying and lightweight leashes, there is a lot of choice for dog owners to make before deciding what lead to buy. But with so many options, how do you know which type of lead is best suited to you and your dog’s needs?
We’ve provided an overview of all the types of dog lead sold at JULIUS-K9 ® UK to give you a better understanding of what’s available and how it might be beneficial.
Retractable Leads
Having your dog on a retractable lead allows the dog more freedom while still giving you control. They are a great choice in quiet areas and large open spaces like country paths and fields. They allow curious dogs to explore and get more exercise as they run ahead to investigate their surroundings.
It’s advisable that you use a high visibility retractable lead. Leads can extend up to 10 metres, some even longer, and could be missed by joggers or cyclists if they aren’t hi-vis which can cause a nasty accident.
Should you use a retractable lead?
Retraceable leads should only be used with dogs who are generally well behaved while out walking and can follow basic commands like “heel” and “stay”. This prevents you needing to use the safety break to harshly control your dog if they look like they’re heading toward trouble.
It’s not advisable to use any type of extending lead in busy urban areas, even for disciplined dogs. If you become distracted and not notice your dog pull ahead of you then this can cause safety issues if you don’t break the lead in time. It’s best to save the use of retractable leads for park or country walks.
See our range of retractable dog leads here.
Lightweight Dog Leads
Lightweight leads are easier to control and are made from quick drying fabric like mesh. Owners tend to use them for puppies or smaller breeds, but despite their light material they can be very sturdy and long lasting if bought from a reputable brand.
Should you use lightweight leashes?
Many pet owners prefer a lead made of lighter fabric as these are more comfortable to handle on longer walks. Having a quick drying mesh lead has it obvious benefits in rainy weather, but they are also ideal for dog’s that can’t help themselves from getting muddy and jumping into puddles and streams.
Lightweight leads are the perfect choice for owners of smaller, highly energetic dogs that like to long walks.
Check out the IDC® Powair Lightweight Dog Lead.
Ultra Grip Dog Leads
Super grip, or ultra grip, dog leads are designed to be easy to hold even when wet and are highly durable. They are made from water-repellent material which have special rubber threads woven into the fabric, allowing you to keep a strong grip in the rain.
Should you use super grip leads?
Due to their rubber based material, super grip leads are extremely strong and long lasting, making them a perfect choice for dogs of any size. The added grip these leashes give makes them the go to choice for pet owners of larger breeds, allowing maximum control whatever the weather. The water-repellent material also makes them very easy to clean.
Browse our range of Color&Gray® Super Grip Dog Leads.
Leather Leads
Leather dog leads are always popular with dog owners for their aesthetic, comfort, and strength. While nylon basted leads tend to fray over time, masking them a little unpleasant to hold, good quality leather often gets softer with age. Owners can treat the leather with special restoration fluids and repair oils, vastly extending their durability and softness. Leather also offers great grip in the rain and provides a firm and secure surface to hold onto if your dog suddenly lunges forward.
Should you use leather leads?
Leather is the classic choice for most owners. If you are willing to spend a little time and money maintaining the leather, then you will have a very long lasting and comfortable dog lead that can withstand the elements.
See our range of leather dog leads here.
Wrist Strap Leads
Wrist strap dog leads have a loop handle which wraps around your wrist. The primary reason to use them is to provide firmer control of your dog, but a lot of owners use them so they can free up both their hands. This is of course practical, allowing you to hold your phone or pick up your dog’s mess while you maintain a level of control. However, this shouldn’t be the main way you use wrist strap dog leads.
Leaving it wrapped around your wrist without a firm hold of the leash can be dangerous and is not how these leads were designed. When you need to control your dog you should always make sure you have a firm hold with your hand, with the wrist strap there providing extra support.
They should also not be used unless you have complete confidence you can safely gain control over your dog when they’re using all of their weight and struggling against you. Otherwise you are at risk of injury if you are lurched forward and are unable to get your dog under control.
Should you use wrist strap dog leads?
Wrist straps provide extra support and allow you to free up a hand when necessary. Owners find them to be very convenient and practical. However, you should only use them if you’re certain you can maintain control of your dog and won’t get caught struggling against them. Improper use can cause injuries like strained wrists, friction burns, and sometimes fractures.
Buy our Wrist Strap Leather Dog Lead here.
Double Ended Leads
Double ended dog leads are designed for use with duel-clip (also known as multi-clip) harnesses which have two attachment D-rings – one on the top of the harness and another on the front. This provides a lot more control over your dog and is designed to apply pressure more evenly across the dog’s back and chest. They are often used by owners training dogs not to pull on the lead, with the even pressure disruption helping prevent discomfort and injury.
Should you use wrist strap dog leads?
If you are training your dog not to pull on lead then using a double lead on a duel-clip harness is a popular choice for professional trainers and pet owners. They are also great choice if you need added control for overly energetic dogs.
We stock Color&Gray® Super Grip double dog leads here.
Hands Free Jogging Leads
Jogging leads are elasticised and attach to special belts to allow runners to go out with their dogs. Some pet owners don’t just use them for when out for a jog, but like to remain hands free when out for regular walks. The leads themselves are made from stretching rubberised material which softens any sudden tugs and pulls from the dog. The belt the leash attaches to is designed for high activity training and is often padded for comfort and has safety straps securing around your legs and waist.
Should you use jogging dog leads?
They are of course the obvious choice for runners who want to go out with their dog (make sure to read our blog on how to jog safely with your dog). If you just want to go on hands-free leisurely walks using one of these leads, then you should only do so on quiet country walks or in large open spaces.
