Knowing what type of leash or lead to buy and use with your pet can be difficult to determine. Here are a few quick tips for the 3 main types of leads.
Harness
Pros: Some dogs have a medical condition that prevents the use of a regular collar. A harness allows for control of your pet without putting unwanted pressure on the neck or spine.
Cons: A harness is designed for pulling. (This is why you see sled dogs wearing them.) A standard harness goes around the strongest points of the dog’s body, giving them the strength to control where you go. In addition you have little or no control over their head if you were to get in a difficult situation.
Tip: If your pet does have a medical condition that prevents the use of a traditional collar then try using an Easy Walk Harness. It is designed to discourage your dog from pulling on the leash. The front-chest leash attachment helps you steer your dog to the side and redirect his attention toward you.
Gentle Leaders
Pros: If you are having a hard time keeping your dog from pulling try using a “Halti” or “Gentle Leader.” These head pieces are designed to go around the dog’s nose and neck so if they start to pull it turns their head to the side. They make a great training tool that does not put pressure around the neck, and can be paired with a collar or harness. The lead significantly cuts down on pulling and allows for good control over the dog’s movements. This is especially good with reactive dogs or for people who are not that strong.
Cons: Gentle leaders can requires a significant adjustment period for some dogs that do not like the sensation of something over their mouth.
Retractable leashes
Pros: Retractable leashes are a longer lead that allows a dog more freedom to sniff and explore on walks.
Cons: The longer lead allows dogs to get far enough away from their humans for a situation to turn dangerous. It's much easier to regain control of, or protect, a dog at the end of a standard 6 foot leash than it is if he's 20 or so feet away. Keep in mind it can be difficult to know if the dog you are approaching is friendly with other dogs, or if the person you are approaching is afraid of dogs. Also, dogs that like to chase, or fearful dogs trying to run from a scary situation, have been known to snap and break the thin cord of the retractable leash.