🐕‍🦺 The Great Leash Debate

Nylon, leather, chain, rope, or retractable -- Which dog leash should you choose?

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In this issue:

  • 🐕‍🦺 The Great Leash Debate

  •   Sit & Stay Pro Tip: Leash Pros and Cons

  • ❓Poll: What type of leash do you use?

  • 😁 Smile Section

  • 🩺 Vet Recommendations: Fitting Dog Collars

  • 🍬 Treats

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Asking dog owners to agree on the best dog leash is like asking a parent which type of infant carrier or stroller to use. There are about a hundred different options, and everyone has a favorite. Does it even matter which you use? Is one better than the other?

Whether your favorite leash is a bit of string (definitely do not recommend) or a gold-plated chain lead, we’re here to put the debate to rest.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Leash Pros and Cons

Nylon

Your trainer will always recommend a flat lead when leash training your dog. This allows for better grip and control. Your material options here are leather or…drumroll, please…nylon.

Pros:

Cons:

  • If your dog pulls, this material is more likely to chafe your and your dog’s skin.

  • It’s easier to chew through than other materials.

  • Nylon isn’t expected to last as long as other materials.

Leather

We think of the flat, leather leash as the nylon upgrade, and it’s the go-to option for Canine Trade Group president John Van Olden.

Pros:

  • All-natural material

  • Durable

  • Gentle on skin

  • Ideal for training

  • Long-lasting

Cons:

Chain

We don’t see the chain leash used too much, but it remains an option. If you’re going for a particular look or your dog has chewed through ten leashes, we can see the appeal.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable

  • Easy to maintain 

Cons:

  • Heavy, bulky material

  • Not ideal for small breeds

  • Not ideal for training

Rope

We typically see rope leashes as slip leads, which can be helpful for rapid transitions with a well-trained dog. However, we are seeing more cases of rope leashes because of the material’s durability and affordability.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Bulky

  • Absorbs water and becomes heavy/difficult to dry

  • more dangerous for the owner if dog takes off

Retractable

This is easily the most controversial of the five options we’ve looked at here, but we understand why it’s popular.

Pros:

  • It’s convenient; the dog has more freedom to explore without the walker having to leave their intended path.

  • The leash can adjust to different lengths depending on the situation.

  • The leash is less likely to get tangled.

Cons:

  • It’s nearly impossible to control the dog if it runs the full length of the leash.

  • If the thin cord does get tangled, it can cause friction burns and deep cuts.

  • The handle is bulky and easier to drop.

  • You don’t have a visual on the state of the cord. It could be about to break, and you may not notice because it’s often retracted.

If you’re still training your dog for leash manners, a flat nylon or leather lead is the way to go. The other options are certainly viable, but we recommend making sure your dog is well-trained before turning towards some of the more cumbersome leash options.

Poll

What type of leash do you use?

Click to cast your vote!

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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

No new recalls to announce! 🥳

The Smile Section

Thanks to Phyllis H. for making us smile with this adorable photo of her 1-year-old puppers.

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendations

Dr. Carla discusses how to properly fit your dog for five types of dog collars.

Treats

  • The most athletic Frenchie: Check out this Frenchie, Lulu, balance and dribble this ball on the beach with pure ease.

  • 🏆️ Check out the winners: Every year Purina crowns 5 companies with the best innovations for pets.

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!