Unleashed! Why to Leash Your Dog, and How to Pick One
Dog owners know: You should have your dog on a leash. But it’s fun to let them off and run wild every now and then, isn’t it? While there is a time and place for that—a dog park, a fenced yard, a large farm, etc.—most of the time, it’s a good idea to keep your dog on a leash.
Some places are even cracking down on unleashed dogs. Recently, the city of La Cañada Flintridge, near Los Angeles, said that it was going to “emphasize” its leash laws as it had been receiving an influx of complaints from residents. The city said that it wanted people to feel safe and comfortable, and that unleashed dogs potentially posed a risk to people and other animals.
And that’s true. While many people like dogs, many don’t. Some people have allergies. Sometimes dogs can be aggressive—or at least too aggressive for comfort. It’s reasonable to expect dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash, in that respect. Plus, it’s the law in many areas, and dog owners could face fines if they don’t comply.
For reference, here’s the City of San Diego’s leash law:
“Dogs must be kept on a leash not to exceed eight (8) feet at all times except when at a designated off-leash area or confined to a residence or backyard. Leash law requirements are also enforced at City parks including canyons and trails.”
And for off-leash parks:
The City offers more than 20 off-leash dog parks for the public and their dogs to enjoy. Owners using these facilities enter at their own risk and accept full responsibility and liability for their dog's actions.
With that all in mind—leashes. What should you know about them? How can you choose a good one?
All About Leashes
There are numerous types of leashes on the market, and some are better than others for certain dogs, and certain types of dogs. If you make your way to a pet store, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed if you’ve never chosen a leash before.
To keep things relatively simple, you can narrow your choice down by focusing on a few key qualities: Type of leash, length, and material. There are other things to keep in mind, but focusing on those factors should get you started.
Type of Leash
You’ll quickly learn that there are a ton of different types of leashes. The one you’re most likely to find at a store or at a dog park is a standard flat leash, which is typically made out of nylon, and is six feet long or so. These leashes will do the trick for most dog owners, because they’re strong, relatively cheap, and won’t get easily ruined.
Beyond that, there are also chain leashes, retractable leashes, hands-free and long-line leashes, and even martingale leashes. If the standard flat leash doesn’t do the trick for you (or if your dog doesn’t like it for whatever reason), explore your options.
Length
Leashes are usually between four and six feet long. You can’t usually go wrong with a six-foot leash, which should give your dog enough room to roam or walk with you, but also keep them close enough that they’re easy to corral. A lot of it’ll depend on the size of your dog, too. If you happen to walk your dog in an area with a lot of open space, a long-line leash may be a good option.
Material
We already discussed this a bit, but for most dog owners, a standard nylon weave leash will likely suffice. If it doesn’t, though, you may want to look at chain leashes, which dogs can’t (hopefully!) chew through, or even leashes that are made out of materials like cotton or rubber. Those exist, but are less common, and may not be as durable. Leather is another option, but they can be expensive, and some dogs may like to chew them up.
If you’re still unsure, feel free to ask our team—we’d love to offer a guiding hand to make sure you’re getting the right leash for your dog!
Contact us to make an appointment today!
Read more: