Walk into a pet store, and you’ll quickly understand why so many people get overwhelmed and end up with the wrong lead for their dog. TheLead you pick can make or break a nice leisurely walk, and lead to game of tug of war instead. Consider your dog’s size and age. However, the most important thing to consider is how he handles himself on a lead. The range of pet supplies in the UK is huge, so whatever you pick, you should take a look at the range of pet supplies UK shoppers can browse for collars, leads and harnesses.
Pick a Collar First
The most important thing a collar does is hold a dog tag. In the UK it is the law for your dog to wear a collar with your name and address when in a public place. A flat buckle collar is a good pick for most dogs. The right fit is when you can fit 2 fingers between the collar and your dogs neck. A tighter fit will irritate your dog, and a loose fit will just come off. You will have to check the fit often on a growing puppy.
A dog’s collar can also help him learn basic commands. A good collar along with regular training can have your dog trained in no time! Training your dog to fetch a tennis ball will require a slightly stronger collar though, as you’ll need something to hold on to when he starts playing the game of tug of war.
When a Harness Makes More Sense
If your dog only wears a collar, it is putting more pressure on its throat. A harness will help distribute the pressure more on the dog’s shoulders and chest. This can help small dogs with more fragile windpipes. This can also help dogs that have respiratory issues and flat-faced dogs. If you have a dog that is pulling on the leash and you don’t have a harness, you should look into getting a front-clip harness, as this will help if your dog is pulling.
Picking a Lead
The ideal length for a lead is about 1.2 to 1.5 meters. Nylon is easy to clean and cheap, but leather leads get softer and more comfortable to the dog. Retractable leads can be dangerous and help the dog pull more by extending the lead. For training a double-ended lead is good because it attaches to the front and the back of the harness for two points of control.
Reflective Gear for Dark evenings
It gets dark early during the winter. There are aids to help drivers and cyclists see you when you’re walking your dog. These gadgets are relatively inexpensive and give you piece of mind when walking your dog at night. There are reflective collars, vests and lights to attach to your dog’s harness.
Material and Weather
If your dog is like most dogs and loves to play in puddles, you’ll want to get a waterproof coated webbing, because thin straps can go stiff and leather can take on a bad odor, especially if it’s not fully dried after a walk. A heavy chewer can go through thin webbing straps quicker than you can buy them. Buckles and clips can wear out and a failing clip is a risk near roads.
Getting the Fit Right
A harness should not gape at the chest or constraint the front legs. Watch for rubbing behind the legs after a few walks. Help your dog get used to the new harness by rewarding it with treats.
Keep It Simple
You don’t need every single gadget on the shelf. A comfortable dog collar with ID, an anti-pull harness and a quality lead are a good start. Replacing gear frequently is good for quality and quantity, but be sure to check the fit. This will help your dog relax and enjoy its walks.