Dog Lead
You will probably end up with a collection of dog leads as you may use different leads depending on what you are doing.
Extendable Dog Lead -
An extending dog lead is great for training purposes as you can use it as soon as you get your puppy/dog to teach the recall. It can also be used for walking in the forest if you have a small light dog that you don't want to let off the lead.
An extendable dog lead should never be used in busy areas or near roads as one wrong move could prove fatal. If you have a heavy or strong dog then a lead like this can be very dangerous for you and the dog.
Leather Dog Lead -
A leather dog lead is normally the best solution for the purpose of walking your dog. It is durable and doesn't cut into your hands as much as a nylon lead.
Nylon Dog Lead -
If you have a small or light dog then a leather dog lead might be too heavy. Nylon dog leads are more comfortable for small dogs.
Chain Dog Lead -
A lot of puppies will be tempted to bite their lead to start with. Before this behaviour becomes a problem switch to a chain lead and your puppy will find it less attractive. Once he shows no interest in chewing the lead you can switch back to a normal lead.
Long Line for Dogs -
Long lines for dogs are great when it comes to training. Whenever you train your dog you want to make sure it has success, so by using a long line your dog has the freedom to move around without you loosing control. It is always better to promote success than to wait until problems occur and then correct them.
Long lines are also used in Working Trials for tracking.
Slip Lead for Gundogs and working dogs -
As mentioned in the collar section, gundogs do not wear collars. This is because they are expected to go through hedges etc, so wearing a collar could be lethal. Once a gundog is trained they will walk to heal regardless of what is happening around them. So although a lead isn't functional, there are occasions when a gundog needs to be on a lead. The slip lead allows the handler to release the dog quickly. These leads would be used during Field Trials.
The slip lead shouldn't be used on a young puppy or for training purposes, but rather for when the dog is trained.
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