
Which dog, which leash?
Manage your dog’s weight, prevent issues including heart disease and joint problems, and boost physical and mental health: a walk is our ‘best friend’s’ best friend.
It is also a wonderful opportunity to introduce behavioural training. While walking, dogs often pull at leashes and ignore commands or chase other dogs and animals. Properly training your dog to walk on a leash without pulling and be responsive to commands invites a better experience for yourself and those around you.
Ways to walk your dog can depend on its behavioural nature, experts say, with multiple options available for well-behaved to misbehaved dogs.
Collar and leash
For well-behaved dogs, a collar and leash offers a comfortable walking experience. Collars are convenient. Easy to take on and off, with the ability to hold your dog’s ID tag, these work wonders for dogs who require little control on a walk. If your dog needs more guidance, a collar and leash might not be suitable, according to industry professionals. Collars apply pressure to the dog’s neck and throat, making them uncomfortable for dogs that pull. If your dog has random movement tendencies, a collar may slip off, making it a potentially dangerous option.
Harness and leash
For dogs that need extra control, a harness is the way to go. Providing pressure across the chest and shoulders, harnesses provide enhanced safety and comfort for dogs that pull on the leash. While harnesses are convenient for dogs that run and pull, harnesses can be uncomfortable during the warmer seasons, causing your dog to overheat. They also require more physical strength when controlling larger dogs.
Muzzle and leash
Muzzles are suitable for misbehaved dogs. They are helpful while working to improve a dog’s social skills and manage aggressive actions. A muzzle and leash are ideal for dogs with a higher bite threshold, providing a much lower risk of biting a human or animal. Yet, they can cause distress for dogs who don’t need them.