Dog Walking with Collars, Leads and Harnesses
As a dog walker, I see a multitude of collars, leads and harnesses. Some work well, some don’t. Different options are suited better to different shapes and sizes, as well as the dog’s walking habits. Here’s a rundown of the most popular:
Collars
Flat Collars
This is the most common kind of collar used which just clip or buckle around the dog’s neck. They usually have a ring on them to hang an ID tag or can have these details embroided into them. They come in various thicknesses and styles and are generally adjustable in length.
Whilst they are great for ID purposes, and a fun fashion accessory for some, they are not suitable for all dogs when it comes to walking. Dogs with small heads such as greyhounds, breeds who can experience breathing issues like pugs or dogs who pull whilst walking are better suited to a Martingale collar or a harness.
Martingale
Martingale (or obedience) collars are like flat collars, however if a dog pulls on them they will tighten a little. This gives the walker greater control without risking choking or injuring the dogs neck. They are also harder to slip out of should the dog pull away from the walker so great for excitable dogs as well as those who have smaller heads than necks.
The nylon collars are preferable to the ones with chain inserts for the safety of your dog. There have been cases where the chain has become lodged in dog’s mouths and they are also more likely to pinch.
Choke and Pinch Collars
Thankfully these are less common than in the past. If you feel the need to “correct” your dog using these collars, please consult a trainer or behaviourist.
Leads
Standard
Standard leads suit just about every dog, attached to the collar or harness of choice. They come in flat or rope varieties and are usually made from nylon, leather or chain, though I am not a fan of chains in case the dog bites at it or wraps itself or your fingers up in it. There are different thicknesses and lengths to tailor them to your dog. If you have a strong dog, a thick nylon or leather lead with a padded handle would be most comfortable. You can also choose reflective materials for night time walkers.
The length of the lead will depend on the dog and the environment you walk in. For city and busy locations, I like to keep the lead short, around a metre, to keep them close. In quieter areas, I’d use a longer lead or go leash-free at designated parks.
Retractable
Double-ended lead
Retractable leads are generally long, thin leads which can be released and locked into place by the walker. I can’t say I’m a fan of retractable leads. They are flimsy and the release clip often not so user friendly. I would hate to have to use one in an emergency, I’m guessing I’d reel the dog in manually rather than rely on the lead! If they had any use it would be to vary the lead length in different surroundings. To release it to full length when a dog is unable to go off-lead in a park and short (and locked) whilst walking in the street. My preference would be to have standards leads for each occasion or a double ended lead which can be used at different lengths.
Harnesses
Back Clip
Unlike collars, harnesses fit around the dog’s chest for extra comfort and control. A back clip harness, as the name suggests, clips between the shoulder blades then a lead is attached here. They are great for small dogs where heavy pulling isn’t an issue, as well as dogs such as pugs and other short nosed dogs who are prone to tracheal collapse. Vests are a more cushioned and comfortable variety of a back clip harness.
Front Clip
Front clip harnesses are like the back clip however the clip and lead attachment are at the front of the dog, on its chest. This style is preferable when your dog is a puller as the walker can better control, or steer, the dog by pulling to the side.
Tightening
These come in both back clip or front clip varieties. Like the Martingale collar, they tighten slightly if the dog pulls away from you. This can be a quick reminder for the dog that he is pulling too hard, but can also lead to the dog not learning how to loose-lead walk. A popular example is the Easy Walk harness.
Head Halter
Halters fit around the dog’s nose/muzzle and are used to control the dog by directing its head in the direction you’d like to go. They can be good to train sniffers and pullers how to walk on a lead. Many dogs don’t like to wear them, so need to be trained to get used to the halter itself! Unless you’ve found no other lead/harness combination works, think of the halter as a training device until loose lead training is accomplished.