Types of Dog Leashes

Martingale leashes are simply extensions to Martingale collars, and can be used while training. Martingale leashes shouldn't be used for regular use in well-trained dogs.

Leashes are vital accessories for dog owners. They are crucial while training the dog, and retain their importance when it grows up. There are various types of dog leashes available to the buyer, the choice of which can be confusing. This information will hopefully resolve some doubts about which type to buy.

Leashes are divided by functionality and material. The most common materials used in leashes are nylon, leather, and metal chains. Nylon is used in advanced leashes, and is the least durable of the three. It also lacks a natural stretching ability.

Leather is much sturdier than nylon, and can survive bites from persistent dogs much more emphatically. It is also a natural material, and has a natural ability to stretch. It also looks the best of the three, though this should not be the major criterion for buying a dog leash.

Since you have to be resigned to the fact that any dog will chew the leash at first, leather is the healthiest material for that. Metal chains are, obviously, the sturdiest, and can be used if the dog just doesn't learn to not bite the leash. However, these can be dangerous while training puppies.

This is the basic leash, and works just fine, to be honest. The leash is of fixed length, and is joined to a basic collar. These are usually 5-8 feet long. These can also be used in training, though they are not ideal for that purpose, and are excellent for leash-trained dogs. Standard leashes can be bought for as little as USD 4 to USD 130.

Adjustable leashes can, as the name suggests, be adjusted to a different length than the standard configuration. They have several metal loops on them, any one of which can be fastened to the collar. This type of leash is more useful during training than standard leashes, and is helpful when the dog grows up. These leashes cost around USD 6 to USD 65.

Retractable leashes, like adjustable leashes, can be modified to suit your need/preference of the length of the leash. They work like measuring tapes, and are stored in small plastic containers. The containers have the handle and the button to release/retract the leash.

Released, it can reach lengths up to 25-30 feet, and are helpful if you have enough space to let your dog roam around a bit without running after it every time. Retracted, they can be used to lead the dog through crowds. Their versatility makes retractable leashes an attractive proposition.

However, persistent chewers can destroy these leashes, since they are made from nylon. If your dog doesn't have much of a tendency to chew, retractable leashes are perfect for you. Retractable leashes can be bought for about USD 15 to USD 40.

Leads are used to guide the dogs in crowded areas, and are necessarily short―1 foot at best. These can also be used with dogs with an unpredictable/aggressive nature. Leads can also be designed in conjunction with longer leashes, which can be attached to the lead section at the front.

Though these serve the same purpose as retractable leashes, they can be made from leather or metal, which makes them sturdier. Nylon or leather leads can be bought for as little as USD 4 to USD 9. Metal leads may cost twice as much, but in this case even nylon does the job perfectly, since you are very close to the dog, and can correct biting on the spot.

Disclaimer: The mentioned prices here are not precise. Knockoffs or fashionable leashes can cost much less or much more, respectively, than these prices.

Choose your leash based on your needs, particularly whether your dog has a strong tendency to chew, whether it would have space to wander where you are going to walk it, and your budget.