A good dog leash is essential for any dog owner caring for his four-legged friend. Whether it is a daily walk in the neighbourhood, a stroll in the woods, or a visit to the dog park; a dog leash not only ensures safety, but also makes the walk more comfortable for both the dog and the owner.
What is a dog walking line?
A walking leash is an essential tool for leashing your dog while walking. It allows you to guide your four-legged friend in a controlled way and keep him safe in different situations, such as in busy streets or around other dogs and people. There are different types of walking leashes available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the size of the dog, its use and the environment in which you walk.
A dog leash can vary in length, material and handle shape. It is important to choose a leash that suits the needs of both the owner and the dog. This depends on how active your dog is, how much freedom of movement you want to give him and how strongly the dog pulls on the lead.
What is a good leash for daily walks?
For everyday use, the best dog leash is one that is sturdy, comfortable and practical to use. The ideal walking leash dog has a comfortable length (about 1.20 to 2 metres) and offers enough freedom of movement without the dog running too far away from you. The length of the leash determines how freely your dog can move and sniff, which is important for his well-being and for you and his safety.
A short leash is often useful in busy areas or while crossing streets, while long lines (from 3 to 5 metres) are more suitable for quiet walks in parks or nature reserves, where your dog can have a little more freedom to explore. The handle of the leash should be made of soft material so it is comfortable to hold, even if your dog pulls hard.
Many owners choose rope leads or leather leashes. Nylon leashes are light, durable and often more affordable, while leather leashes are known for their strength and long-term comfort. Leather becomes more flexible over time, making it pleasant to hold, and it also looks stylish.
Why not a flex line for dogs?
A flex line, also known as a rolling leash, is a leash that is coiled in a casing and rolls itself in and out according to the dog's movement. These lines can often roll out up to 8 metres or longer, giving the dog a lot of freedom to explore.
While flex lines may seem attractive at first glance, mainly because of the freedom they offer, there are several reasons why many dog trainers and vets advise against them. Below, we discuss some of the main disadvantages of a flex line.
1. Lack of Control
One of the biggest disadvantages of a flex leash is the lack of control the owner has over the dog. Because the leash can constantly roll out, a dog can easily run too far, which can be dangerous in crowded environments or near roads. Rolling the leash in and out also makes it harder to get the dog to you quickly in an emergency situation.
2. Insecurity for Dog and Owner
Flex lines are often made of thin nylon cord, which can tighten up quickly during unexpected movements. This can lead to cuts or burns on the owner's hands. Moreover, dogs that pull suddenly, such as when seeing a cat or other dog, can easily injure themselves due to the sudden shock of the leash stopping abruptly.
3. Poor Training Habits
Because a flex leash allows the dog to walk far ahead, this can lead to unwanted behaviour such as pulling on the lead. Many dogs learn on a flex line that they can keep pulling constantly to get more freedom, which makes it harder to train them to walk neatly alongside you.
4. Risk of accidents
Another danger of the flex line is that it can easily wrap around objects or people, increasing the risk of injury. In a busy park or on a walk with several dogs, this can lead to chaotic situations where dogs or people get entangled in the leash.
5. Insufficiently Suitable for Busy Areas
In busy urban areas, a flex leash is far from ideal. The leash's ability to roll out many metres means the dog can suddenly run into the street or get in the way of other pedestrians or cyclists, which can lead to dangerous situations.
Conclusion: While flex lines seem to offer a lot of freedom, the risks and disadvantages often outweigh the benefits. Especially in urban areas or busy environments, a standard dog lead is a much safer and more effective choice.
Dog leash for large dogs
Large breeds, such as Labradors, Rottweilers or German shepherds, need a strong and robust dog lead. It is important that the dog lead is sturdy enough to withstand the dog's strength, especially if it pulls. Large-breed dogs tend to have more strength, and a weak or thin leash can therefore be unreliable.
For larger dogs, we recommend dog leashes made of leather or thick rope. These materials are durable and cope well with the pressure that larger dogs can exert. A good dog lead for a large dog has a sturdy musketon, which can be easily attached to the collar. The handle should be soft and comfortable so that it does not cut into your hand when your dog pulls hard.
Many owners opt for a long dog lead with larger breeds, so that the dog has a bit more room to move and sniff during walks. Still, it is important to always maintain control, especially in situations where you would like to let the dog run loose but it is not safe to do so.
Leash for small dogs
For smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds or French Bulldogs, a lighter and shorter leash is often better suited. Small dogs often have less strength, so there is no need to use a heavy or extra strong dog lead. A leash made of soft material, such as nylon, is ideal for these dogs as it is light and comfortable to the touch.
A dog leash for small dogs does need to be sturdy enough to ensure they cannot escape, but it does not need to have the same robustness as a leash for a larger dog. A short leash is often sufficient for small dogs, especially in crowded areas. This ensures that you can keep the dog well under control and prevents him from suddenly shooting out in front of you or coming near other dogs without you wanting him to.
As with large dogs, you should pay attention to the clasp of the leash. A convenient clasp makes it easy to attach the leash to your dog's collar. The handle should also be comfortable even if your small dog decides to pull unexpectedly.
Leash made of leather
Leather dog leashes are a popular choice among many dog owners, mainly because of their durability and comfort. A leather leash is sturdy and, if properly maintained, can last for years. It also softens over time, making it feel more comfortable in the hand. This makes it an excellent choice for owners taking long walks with their dogs.
A leather dog lead is ideal for both large and small dogs, as it offers a good balance between strength and comfort. The soft material prevents the handle from cutting into your hand when your dog pulls. Moreover, a leather leash is less likely to get tangled than, say, a nylon one, which makes walking your dog a lot easier.
Although leather dog leashes are generally a bit more expensive than other types of leashes, such as nylon, many owners see them as a worthwhile investment because of their longevity. They also come in different styles and colours, which means you can always find one that suits the style of you and your dog.
Different Types of Leashes Based on Material
Leather Leashes for Dogs
Leather is a classic material for dog leashes and has been used by dog owners for years. A leather dog leash is strong, durable and becomes more flexible and comfortable to use with time. It is especially a good choice for dogs that have a lot of strength.
A leather dog lead feels nice in the hand and causes less abrasion than other materials. Leather is also stylish and goes well with leather collars. Although leather leashes are often more expensive than nylon, for example, they are worth their price because of their longevity.
Rope and Hemp Leashes
Rope and hemp are natural materials that are becoming increasingly popular for dog leashes. These materials are strong, durable and eco-friendly. A rope or hemp leash offers a good grip and is ideal for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Although rope and hemp are sturdy, they can be slightly less comfortable than leather if the dog pulls a lot. Still, they are a good option for those looking for a natural material that is also good for the environment.
The right length of a dog lead
The length of a dog lead plays a crucial role in how well you can control your dog while walking. Short leashes, which range from 1 to 1.5 metres, offer more control and are especially useful in busy urban environments. A short line prevents your dog from walking too far away from you, which is important in situations with a lot of traffic or other people and dogs around you.
Long leashes, on the other hand, offer more freedom of movement for your dog. Long dog leads are ideal for walks in parks or quiet natural areas, where you want to give your dog a little more space to sniff and move around. Long dog leads usually range between 3 and 10 metres, depending on the needs of the owner and the dog. They are also ideal for training, as they allow your dog to walk a little further away from you while still maintaining control.
Looking for a long dog lead? At Cooper & Quint, we make custom-made long dog leads. For example, we make a long dog lead out of rope or hemp webbing. This can be available in 3, 5 or 10 metres and everything in between. Every long dog lead is custom-made at Cooper & Quint. Submit a request and we will get to work for you.
The importance of a good clasp
A dog leash is only as good as its clasp. The musketon or carabiner that attaches the leash to your dog's collar must be of high quality to prevent it from coming loose while walking. A convenient buckle ensures that you can quickly fasten and unfasten the leash, especially when you are in crowded or stressful situations.
Especially with larger dogs, it is important that the carabiner is sturdy and resistant to the dog pulling. With smaller dogs, a lighter musketon may suffice, but always make sure the clasp is reliable and cannot spontaneously pop open.
The best dog lead for your four-legged friend
There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to dog leashes. The best dog lead for you and your dog depends on several factors, such as the breed, your dog's behaviour, and the environment you walk in. Consider the following questions when choosing the best walking leash for your four-legged friend:
- Does your dog tend to pull?
- Do you have a puppy, large or small dog?
- Do you want a shorter leash for around town or a longer one for the park?
- What kind of clasp suits your needs best: a carabiner or a musketon?
- Which material feels best in your hand and is most suitable for your walks?
There are countless products on the market in different types of materials. At Cooper & Quint, you'll find several natural options such as rope, hemp and vegetable-tanned leather. With a little research, you can find the best dog leash that perfectly suits your four-legged friend and your walks.
Whether you choose a short leash for city walks or a long dog lead for more freedom of movement, the most important thing is to choose a safe and comfortable option for both you and your dog.
