Picking the Perfect Leash and Collar for Big Dogs and Heavy Pullers

Is it time for a new leash for your big dog or heavy puller? Which type of leash is best? What should you look for when shopping for leashes? Here are our top tips for picking the perfect leash and collar for heavy pullers and big dogs.

Characteristics of an Excellent Big Dog Leash

An excellent leash should have a combination of strength and durability. It needs to be able to handle strong loads from heavy pullers without falling apart within a few weeks or months. Cheap leashes can wear out quickly, needing to be replaced, or even break during a walk, leading to a potentially dangerous situation for you and your pup.

Why Are Leashes Important?

Here are the biggest reasons why you should invest in a high-quality leash for your big dog or heavy puller:

• Keeping your dog safe

• Preventing your dog from running away

• Following local leash laws

• Keeping your pet well-mannered around people and other dogs

• Keeping a close eye on your dog

• Preventing fights between dogs

• Preventing your dog from chasing wild animals like birds or squirrels

• Avoiding traffic

Length Options for Dog Leashes

Dog leashes come in many different lengths for a variety of uses.

4-Foot Leashes

These short leashes are ideal for busy urban environments. They help prevent your dog from getting tangled up with lamp posts, trash cans, or pedestrians.

Looking for a leash on the shorter side? Check out our 55”-long leashes, available in a ¾” width or a 1” width.

6-Foot Leashes

The most common leash length, 6-foot leashes are perfect for keeping your dog close while giving them a small sense of freedom. If you need to keep your dog closer, you can choke your hand up the leash a few inches to eliminate the slack.

8-10-Foot Leashes

Longer leashes are appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of training. You can ask your dog to sit, then back away a few steps to practice their “stay” command while you still have control of their leash.

Long Line Leashes

The longest leashes range from 50 to 150 feet in length, perfect for training your dog in big, open areas. You can get a good distance away to practice “stay” and “come,” but your dog isn’t totally free to roam around as they desire.

Different Types of Leashes

There are a wide variety of leash types available, including:

• Training and standard leash: Ranging from 4 feet to 150 feet in length, training or standard leashes can be made from nylon, leather, cotton, or recycled materials.

• Retractable leash: Available in 10-foot, 16-foot, and 26-foot variations, retractable leashes are both prone to breaking and liable to injure yourself, your child, or your dog. Most pet professionals advise against using a retractable leash.

• Adjustable leash: These leashes use a button, hook, or belt system to allow you to adjust the length of the leash.

• Bike leash: Fit dogs can be attached to a bicycle for a run with a bike leash. Bulldogs, overweight dogs, elderly dogs, and others who can’t run well should not be attached to a bike for their own safety.

• Hands-free leash: With a hook that allows the owner to clip the leash around their waist, these leashes are excellent for training, jogging, or otherwise walking your dog while your hands are occupied.

• Martingale leash: The collar of a Martingale leash is a loop that tightens around the neck when the leash is pulled. These should generally only be used in dog shows as they can be dangerous when used improperly.

• Car safety belt leash: This specialized leash helps secure your dog in your vehicle, keeping both them and you safe in case of an accident.

• Multi-leash: These leashes allow you to walk multiple dogs at once with a single handle rather than juggling two or more leashes in one hand.

Various Leash Materials

Leashes are available in a wide variety of materials, including:

• Cotton

• Leather

• Chain

• Recycled material

• Reflective material

• Nylon

Check out our durable PVC leashes here!