Us humans spend plenty of time choosing which clothes and shoes make us feel most comfortable, and our dogs aren’t too dissimilar. When it comes to essential doggy fashion , there are two items that most, if not all, dogs will need to don at some point during their training routines: collars and leads. There are quite a few different dog lead options out there and figuring out which one is best for your dog can be tricky. Particularly during the training period, you want a lead that helps your dog to learn as quickly as possible, whilst being a practical choice that makes lead training an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
We’ve reviewed the most common types of dog training leads and collars available. Read on to find out which is best for your dog.
1. Simple Flat Collar and Lead
Best for: happy-go-lucky dogs who don’t pull on the lead and want to walk by your side.
Pros of the simple flat collar and lead:
- Cheap to buy and easy to put on (no trying to put this over your dog’s head like some harnesses).
- Makes training easy as you have direct control of your dog, although care should always be taken with anything around your dog’s neck to ensure you don’t cause harm or injury.
Cons of the simple flat collar and lead:
- Too much pressure on the neck can cause injury or pressure on the eyes, which can inflame hereditary conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
- Scared dogs can slip out of a flat collar more easily than they might a harness.
- Pulling a dog on a collar to make them go where you want isn’t an effective or positive training method. It may instead damage their neck muscles and produce bad behaviour.
- Dogs don’t always think the same way as we do. Often they’ll continue to pull even if they are gagging or gasping for air on the end of their flat collar and lead.
2. Harness
Best for: small and flat-faced dogs, owners who are concerned about the effects of a collar around their dog’s neck.
Pros of getting your dog to wear a harness:
- The most comfortable option for your dog.
- It’s difficult to cause accidental harm to your dog wearing a harness as it holds them around their biggest muscle—the back, rather than the neck or face.
- The harness is easier to grab in an emergency.
- Good for dogs with flat-faces also known as brachycephalic dogs such as pugs, French bulldogs who can be prone to respiratory problems. Harnesses are also ideal for dogs such as greyhounds who can give collars the slip.
- Some harnesses will contain both a front and a back clip which can be used to help keep control of your dog, particularly for stronger breeds.
Cons of getting your dog to wear a harness:
- Large dogs may use the advantage of the harness to pull their owner around after them.
- Some dogs do not like the feel of the harness, or won’t enjoy having it pulled over their head each day (if a clip-on one cannot be found).
- Even with a harness, your dog is still legally required to wear an identification tag.
3. Long line lead
Best for: practicing recall and other training methods as well as letting your dog play with other dogs if they can’t be let off the lead.
Pros of the long line lead:
- Allows you to practice training without having to let your dog off the lead.
- Great for teaching recall commands.
- Lets your dog play with other dogs if they cannot be let off the lead.
- Lightweight versions are available for smaller dogs and those who are wary of the long line.
- Can be attached to a collar or harness for ease of use.
Cons of the long line lead:
- Can get tangled or trip people (and dogs) up if you’re not careful.
- Not suitable for many training classes.
- Due to the length, it can be difficult to control, or react quickly to situations.
- Not suitable for everyday walking due to length.
4. Extendable lead
Best for: letting your dog explore with some freedom while keeping them on the lead.
Pros of the extendable lead:
- Allows you to practice training without having to let your dog off the lead.
- Great for teaching recall and come commands.
- Lets your dog play with other dogs if they can’t be let off the lead.
Cons of the extendable lead:
- Can get tangled or trip people (and dogs) up if you’re not careful.
- Can yank a dog’s neck if they run out of lead while running, which can be damaging to the neck muscles or can even cause serious injury.
- Can also jolt your shoulder and back as the owner.
- Less control than with a shorter training lead, since the wire isn’t easy to hold onto as with a long line lead.
Whichever lead and collar combination you choose, ensure it is fitted comfortably for your dog. The collar and lead should be loose enough that it doesn’t cut into their skin or fur. As a general guide, you should be able to get two fingers comfortably under harness straps and collars, and your dog should be able to move and play comfortably while wearing it. You know your dog best and can make an informed decision on the best lead and collar type, depending on how they react to each one.
Avoid choke and chain collars or anything that uses physical pain to counteract your dog’s behaviour. Remember, this won’t stop your dog from pulling and could cause them real physical harm. For positive tips to train your dog to stop pulling on the lead check out this guide and you might like these tips on training—you can rely on Rover.com for informative articles but we also have plenty of dog walkers and sitters who offer dog boarding in your area!
