A dog lead is both a training tool and a safety device. To know which dog lead is best suited for you and your dog, check out these 14 types of dog leads and their unique features.
1. Standard Dog Lead
2. Slip Lead
3. Martingale Dog Lead
4. Head Collar
5. Short Dog Lead
6. Chain Dog Lead
7. Adjustable Dog Lead
8. Retractable Dog Lead
9. High-Visibility Dog Lead
10. Umbilical Dog Lead
11. Cycling Dog Lead
12. Multiple Dog Lead
13. Shock-Absorbing Dog Lead
14. Dog Seat Belt Safety Lead (SBSL)
1. Standard Dog Lead
This is the most common type of dog lead and is suitable for daily use and basic dog training.
Generally, a standard dog lead is available in lengths of 4–8 feet. A 6-foot standard dog lead is the ideal choice for many pooches.
This type of dog lead is available in different materials, colours, lengths, and widths. The weight and width of the lead should correspond to your dog’s size.
A standard rope dog lead, typically round, is good for large or very strong dogs.
On the other hand, the standard nylon lead, although durable, may be uncomfortable for some dog breeds. However, these are light enough for puppies and smaller dogs. The standard leather dog lead is more comfortable and durable.
2. Slip Lead
This collar-and-lead combination is suitable for dogs that still have problems when on a walk.
A slip lead is also known as dog training lead, as it is commonly used for training.
A slip lead is a good choice if your pooch gets easily distracted by many things whilst on a walk—from a gust of wind to squirrels. This lead lets you correct him easily and keep him on track whilst on a stroll.
Tip: Just make sure you give a quick pull sideways so that your dog will not pull against you in reaction. The pulling will tighten the lead, which is a corrective signal for your dog.
However, see to it that the lead does not become too tight as it may restrict your dog’s airway. As a precaution, in case your furry buddy slips out of the lead, have him wear an ID collar.
If you have a Greyhound or dog breeds with necks thicker than their heads, this is not the right dog lead to use.
3. Martingale Dog Lead
This type of dog lead is suitable to use for dogs that pull whilst walking.
This dog lead is a combination of a martingale collar and standard dog lead.
If your dog pulls, the collar tightens on his neck but not to the point that it causes choking. The pressure will prevent him from repeating undesirable behaviour.
A martingale dog lead is specifically designed for dogs with small heads but thick necks like the Greyhound. This prevents them from accidentally slipping off the lead. Since it tightens only to a certain degree, the martingale dog lead is safe to use on these dog breeds.
4. Head Collar
Its primary purpose is to prevent lead pulling.
A head collar is also called a head halter. This type of collar coils around the dog’s neck, behind his ears, and over the muzzle. It also comes with a lead.
When your dog starts pulling, the nose loop tugs his head towards you. This distracts him from the unwanted behaviour and refocuses his attention on you.
Care should be taken when using a head collar. Although it is a handy training tool, it can be dangerous if it is wrongly used. Sharply pulling on the dog lead can injure your dog’s neck. Getting the wrong size can potentially chafe his skin and damage his eyes.
5. Short Dog Lead
This dog lead has a variety of uses, including no-pull training, navigating dogs safely in crowded sidewalks, and giving better control in stopping aggression in dogs before it is acted upon.
This dog lead is simply the shorter counterpart of the standard lead variety. Its length is around 1–2 feet. There is also a shorter version of this lead type, which is called a tab dog lead.
It is perfect to use for dog sports that involve passing through obstacles. The super short length of the tab dog lead prevents the dog from crashing on the obstacles.
6. Chain Dog Lead
This dog lead is a great choice if your dog has a habit of chewing and destroying his lead.
This is a strong dog lead as it is made of metal. It is very resistant against your dog’s sharp teeth, making it a better alternative to a standard lead.
When choosing a chain dog lead, be mindful of the weight and thickness. If you have a puppy, opt for a lightweight chain dog lead. You can pick a thicker and heftier one once he gets older to ensure that the metal will not break.
Using a chain dog lead can stop a pooch from chewing as it makes him realise that it is indestructible. However, not all dogs like this type of lead.
Some dogs will continue to chew on the metal until their teeth get damaged. We advise that you keep a close eye on your dog if he is wearing a chain dog lead to avoid this kind of accident.
7. Adjustable Dog Lead
This dog lead is good for heelwork as you can shorten the length, so your dog is by your side.
This dog lead’s appearance is similar to the standard lead but has loops or clips that allow you to adjust the length.
An adjustable dog lead can be modified to be as short as 3 feet or as long as 6 feet and comes in different materials. Some are flat, and some are rounded (rope type).
You can adjust the dog lead’s length so you can wrap it around your waist when you want to run with your furry buddy. However, this should only be done if your canine companion is already well trained.
8. Retractable Dog Lead
A retractable lead is great when you want your dog to exercise or explore further from you without going off-lead.
A retractable dog lead’s handle contains a mechanism that allows you to adjust the length of the dog lead according to your needs.
Using a retractable dog lead is a good idea if your pooch has no walking issues, is used to leads, and is progressing to off-lead walking.
A retractable dog lead is not suitable for loose-lead walking training. The tension in this dog lead encourages your dog to pull during training. Thus, it is best to find a different type of lead to use for this purpose.
Whilst a retractable dog lead is not ideal for big and highly energetic dogs; it is perfect for well-behaved dogs of smaller sizes.
Tip: Make sure to test a retractable dog lead before purchasing it.
Only choose a reputable brand, as a low-quality retractable dog lead might have a slow retraction, which might put your dog in danger.
Choose a size that suits your dog’s weight, as a wrong size lead might result in breaking.
9. High-Visibility Dog Lead
As the name implies, this lead type keeps dogs visible at night and is ideal to use during night walks.
A high-visibility dog lead has embedded reflective strips that shine brightly once the light is directed towards them.
Hence, it is also known as a reflective dog lead. Some leads have rechargeable LED lights instead of reflective strips. Depending on the brand, these can operate for up to 5–6 hours or more when fully charged.
10. Umbilical Dog Lead
This dog lead can be used in various canine activities, including hands-free toilet training and exercising together with your pooch.
An umbilical dog lead has a belt attachment to put around your waist. This keeps your dog close without requiring you to hold the lead.
An umbilical dog lead is a great tool for house training to keep your puppy close and prevent potty accidents. It can also be used in your day-to-day chores as it helps you multitask. It allows you to walk your dog even when your hands are full.
An umbilical dog lead is a good alternative to a standard lead if you and your pooch have an active lifestyle. It is convenient to use when you are hiking, jogging, or running.
To successfully use an umbilical dog lead, you must have proper control over your dog. This dog lead type is not recommended for dogs that are poorly lead-trained.
11. Cycling Dog Lead
Cycling dog lead is for dog owners who like to cycle with their dogs, running alongside them.
A cycling dog lead can be attached to the frame of a bicycle and has an adjustable length, allowing you to maintain a good distance from your dog whilst biking.
It will take several practice runs before you become accustomed to using this type of dog lead. But once you get the hang of it, using it will be easy.
Make sure to choose a biking dog lead that comes with reflective stitching or tape. This will keep your dog safe when you take him with you to bike at night.
12. Multiple Dog Lead
This dog lead type lets you walk more than one dog at the same time on one dog lead.
A multiple dog lead has one coupler, which lets you attach 2 or more dog leads.
This type of dog lead is convenient for dog owners who own multiple dogs and people in the dog walking business. However, this dog lead is only effective if you have well-trained pooches who get along with others and have no pulling or obedience issues.
13. Shock-Absorbing Dog Lead
This lead is ideal for use in high-traffic areas, large dogs, and dogs with a strong pull.
A shock-absorbing dog lead has a comfortable (often neoprene) handle and accordion-fold feature in the middle of the lead, which cushions the impact of pulling.
This feature can also be found in leads used for various activities, like running and cycling. Owners with arm, hand or hip issues will also benefit from a shock-absorbing dog lead.
14. Dog Seat Belt Safety Lead (SBSL)
This type of dog lead secures your dog in your car whilst travelling.
If you don’t have a travel dog crate, the SBSL is a great alternative.
This dog lead type keeps your dog from distracting you whilst driving. Most importantly, it gives him better protection in case a car accident happens and keeps him from wandering away from the crash.
SBSL safely secures your pet in his seat the same way as a seat belt does. This dog lead is attached to the seat belt on one end, connects to the back of the dog harness on the other end.
