How to choose the right leash and collar for your dog?
Choosing the right dog leash and dog collar is crucial for every pet owner. Not only does this enhance your dog’s comfort and safety, but it also helps owners to better control and train their dogs. Whether you are a novice dog owner or an experienced pet owner, it is important to understand the key factors to consider when choosing a dog leash and dog collar. This article will detail the features of different types of dog leashes and dog collars and provide practical advice to help you pick the most suitable equipment for your dog.
Factors to consider when choosing a dog leash and collar
- Your dog’s size and yours: if your dog is heavier than you are, then you will need to shop for a stronger dog leash.
- Your dog’s personality: observe your dog carefully, analyze his personality, and evaluate the right training style for your dog based on his personality.
- Your dog’s sensitivity to touch and discomfort thresholds: You want to be able to get and keep their attention without hurting them.
- Your training skills: the dog collar and leash you choose should provide the support needed.
Dog Training Leashes
Standard training dog leashes consist of cotton mesh, nylon, leather and chain:
- Cotton mesh: these dog leashes are comfortable to the touch, easy to use, inexpensive, and readily available in stores.
- Nylon: these are similar to cotton mesh leashes but can be less comfortable to handle.
- Leather: Leather is more expensive, but is not as flexible or versatile as the other materials listed above.
- Chain: chain leashes are not suitable for dog training as they are heavy and uncomfortable to use.
A six-foot nylon dog leash is our preferred choice when preparing a dog for training. A half-inch wide strap is recommended for medium to large dogs and a quarter-inch wide strap for small dogs. Collars that are too wide or too narrow can cause discomfort.
A note about leashes and retractable dog harnesses
Simply put, our team of dog trainers do not use them. They do not provide the control you need for training. For dogs that still need to be trained, using them poses a risk of injury to you or your dog. If not made properly, the dog leash can go right through the chest instead of the shoulders, putting your dog at risk of injury. Retractable leashes have no tension to control an untrained dog.
Dog Training Collars
Dog collars are categorized into dog collars and dog training collars. Training type dog collars are designed to help you guide your dog through training. We prefer customized non-slip collars. These dog collars provide users with a safe way to keep their dog in a pack.
Training collars are best worn on your dog two hours before and two hours after training so that your dog doesn’t just obey commands during training.
Buckle Collars (for non-training time)
These dog collars are available in nylon or cotton webbing with plastic or metal buckles, or leather with metal buckles. An ID tag can be attached to the buckle. These collars are suitable for everyday use but not for training as they do not provide you with the necessary control and dexterity.
Nylon Buckle Collars
Nylon Buckle Collars are our favorite training collars. It is practical and comfortable for you and your dog. You can place this dog collar high on your dog’s neck just below the ears for a snug fit and to give you maximum control over your dog. The dog collar should only be used during training (and for a short period of time before and after training).
For a great quality snap-on collar, we recommend Sevenpets collars. We have been an excellent supplier for many years.
Electric Collars for Dog Training
There are a number of dog training electric collars, collars with remote controls or electric shock collars available. However, we do not recommend that anyone use these products. Without proper training and guidance from a professional dog trainer, a novice can easily choose the wrong type of collar and potentially traumatize their dog.
When used properly, remote collars are one of the best ways to train your dog. However, it is important to remember that not every collar is created equal. Available collars vary in quality, are much more expensive than standard collars (about $200 to $500), and require more in-depth knowledge to use them effectively and safely. Collars specifically designed for punishment should be avoided!
With the right leash and collar, you can train your dog on a leash and have a lifetime of companionship with a well-behaved dog.
In conclusion, choosing the right dog leash and collar requires a combination of your dog’s size, personality, sensitivity, and your training skills. Whether it’s a standard leash for everyday use or a collar for special training, it’s vital to find the right product for you and your dog. Hopefully, with the information in this article, you will be able to better understand the pros and cons of the various options and pick the best leash and collar for your dog. May you and your dog enjoy safety and fun on every walk and training session ahead.