You will find so many different types of dog leads in specialist shops that it is not easy to make a choice. We would therefore like to explain the advantages of certain types and materials in more detail.
First of all – why a dog lead is so important
Do you have a very loving dog that obeys your every command? Even if your dog has mastered commands such as “sit”, “heel” and “stay”, there may always be situations in which your beloved four-legged friend can’t help himself and goes off on his own. You’ve probably already experienced it: your male dog meets a female dog in heat. The chances of him obeying your commands are relatively slim. So if you are out and about in the forest, park or city, you absolutely need a lead. In the forest, there is even a leash requirement during the closed season from April 1 to July 15: If you are caught by a hunter with your dog without a leash, trouble is inevitable. Unfortunately, there are no uniform rules in Germany regarding the obligation to keep your dog on a lead. So if you are on vacation with your four-legged friend in another federal state, the rules may be different from those in your home country. It is therefore best to find out exactly what applies beforehand.
But which lead should it be? First-time dog owners in particular are quickly overwhelmed by the choice of a suitable lead, which is part of a dog owner’s basic equipment. There are countless types of dog leads and we can help you choose the right one.
The different types of dog leads and their advantages
First of all, a good dog lead should be as comfortable as possible for your four-legged friend and, of course, you should also like the way it looks. The undisputed classic among all types of leads is the so-called lead. This type is one of the best-selling models for a reason, as it offers you numerous advantages. This classic lead has carabiners at both ends and D-rings are incorporated at several points. This design makes it possible to attach one carabiner to the collar and one to such a ring. This creates a loop that can be used as a hand loop or worn around the neck, depending on the size, hence the name “neck leash”. The average lead is between 1.5 and 2 meters long so that your dog has sufficient freedom of movement. A special form is the short lead, which is a maximum of 55 centimetres long. You should really only use it for short walks if your dog has to walk at heel all the time.
The retriever lead is also advantageous at first glance because the collar is included. So you practically kill two birds with one stone and don’t have to buy the collar separately. A retriever lead is also known as a moxon lead: So don’t be surprised if you come across this term. With this model, make sure that there is a tension limiter. This can be individually adjusted so that the dog cannot constrict its throat when pulling. As with the collar for your dog, the same applies to the retriever lead: always adjust the strength to your dog’s weight: A collar with a width of a few millimetres is certainly not suitable for an animal weighing 40 kilograms.
The retractable or flexi leash is also a popular model. Its advantage is that the leash is wound up in a compact housing and can be unwound to a length of up to ten meters if required. On the other hand, the drag leashes, which are used by many dog owners for training purposes, can be up to 30 meters long.
Do you live in a big city and are usually out and about with your four-legged friend in the middle of the city? Then you should buy a city leash. City leashes are a maximum of one meter long. This forces your dog to walk close to you. As there are many people out and about in the city who may be afraid of a dog, a city leash is almost a must in the city.
Which leash you buy for your dog depends not only on your personal taste. The size of your dog determines the type of lead as well as your relationship. If your dog is obedient, you can give him a lot of freedom on walks with a multi-adjustable lead. It is also suitable for puppies, as they first have to learn how to walk properly on a lead. And a multi-adjustable lead is very practical for this.
What material for the dog lead?
Before buying your first dog lead, you will be faced with the question: Which material should I choose? We would advise you to choose a robust and durable material. In our opinion, Biothane or PVC is a material that beats all others. The reason: it is a high-quality polyester fabric that looks strikingly similar to leather, but has better properties. The Biothane/PVC lead is a waterproof lead and much more durable than real leather. Even if your four-legged friend likes to tug at the lead: A biothane/PVC lead cannot be destroyed so quickly. If it gets dirty, you can easily wash it off. You can even disinfect the antibacterial material. You and your four-legged friend will enjoy a biothane/PVC lead for years to come because, unlike other types of lead, UV light does not fade the color. Such leads are also cheaper to buy than real leather leads.
However, if you prefer a leash made of real leather, you must be aware that it requires much more care. To prevent the leather from becoming porous and breaking, it must be treated regularly with a special leather care product. Of course, the advantages of leather cannot be denied, as it is a very soft and supple material and has a high-quality appearance.
You can also opt for a dog lead made of webbing without hesitation. We offer this material in different colors. Webbing is made of either polypropylene, which is extremely strong, or polyester. Polyester is also extremely durable, but slightly softer than polypropylene. We offer our webbing leashes in different widths so that you can adjust them to the size of your dog’s neck. The advantage of webbing is that it is UV-resistant and the colors do not fade even after several years of use. If the lead gets very dirty, you can machine wash it without hesitation.
Paracord is another material that many dog leads are made of. These leads are also comfortable to hold and are tear-resistant. However, paracord is usually only used by hobbyists who want to weave their own dog lead. The same applies to rope, which is also quite robust and can be put in the washing machine if it gets dirty.
Conclusion:
There are many materials for dog leads. We can wholeheartedly recommend leashes made from biothane/PVC. There are many reasons to choose a lead made from this material. If you are looking for a very special biothane lead for your beloved four-legged friend, you are sure to find it in our online store. We offer you our own collection of selected dog leads that are aimed at the discerning dog owner. Our lead and city leashes made of biothane or webbing skillfully combine functionality and safety. Of course, they are also attractive to look at and will certainly look good on your dog. Are off-the-peg dog leads too boring for you? Then take your time to browse through our well-stocked store and you will be able to discover numerous collections of different dog leads. Whether stylish and elegant or colorful, we have the right leash for every dog and owner.
