Slip Leads For Dogs Buyer’s Guide
A slip lead is a must-have for walking or training your dog.
But before you purchase one, keep in mind that it is not ideal for every pooch.
Read this guide before you buy to make sure a slip lead is exactly what your canine friend needs.
Does Your Pet Need A Slip Lead?
There are a few situations when your pet can benefit from a slip lead such as the following:
Walking
It is inevitable for some dogs to pull when they see other pups on the road or react to certain sounds they hear while walking.
In this case, dear Fido could use a slip lead as it does not cause damages to the throat when he pulls. You can place the slip lead behind your pet’s head, which then discourages pulling due to the slight pressure felt behind the ears. As a result, this trains dogs not to pull while eliminating pain and discomfort.
Biting Issues
Some dogs simply love to bite or chew on their collar or leash.
If this is your pet, a slip lead prevents this behavior. Unlike a leash, a slip lead is further away from your pet’s mouth. So, each time your canine buddy tries to bite on the lead, you can simply pull it up on the collar to tighten it a little bit. A quick and effective solution to biting issues!
One last thing - be sure to get a heavy-duty slip lead for a leash-biting pooch. Leather and sturdy rope materials are the top choices right up this alley.
Training
Are you entering your adorable little pooch to a dog show?
A slip lead helps you train your pup to ensure proper behavior. You can easily have dear Fido follow your commands without causing any physical harm. It is effective to train your pet to go a certain direction, discourage undesirable behavior such as pulling or yanking, and so on.
For dog shows, it is best to stick to a thinner slip lead with a neutral color or one that matches your pup’s coat.
Slip Lead Safety
Some pet owners ask - are slip leads safe to use?
Yes, it is absolutely safe. But to ensure safety, you need to make sure that you are using the slip lead correctly.
Steer clear from leash corrections
It is not advisable to enforce leash corrections when training your dog with a slip lead.
Leash corrections involve pulling up a leash sharply around a canine’s neck. This results in pain and discomfort, which does not help with training. Instead, you are only causing injuries to your pet’s throat and other physical trauma. Moreover, it does not help establish a bond between you and your pup.
Position it correctly
The best place to secure a slip lead is behind your canine’s ears. Firmly fasten the stopper, so the lead stays in place. This is the safest position that prevents a tugging on your dog’s neck and throat. In case your pooch pulls during your walk, be sure to stop walking and wait for your pet to back off to loosen the grip. Then, resume walking once more.
Avoid tying a slip lead on your pet when unattended
Choking is likely to occur when you tie a slip lead on your dog and then leave for an extended period. It can also cause your dog to escape by pulling off the lead when there is zero pressure applied.
Either way, it is never a good idea to tie out a slip lead. You should only use this to your pooch during your walk or training.
Don’t forget the tag
Slip leads, on their own, do not come with a space for your pet’s tag.
So, once you remove the lead, (i.e. after a walk or training), you need to make sure the tag is still there in case your pooch decides to run off and escape. When this happens, it will be tough for your dog to come back to you even when picked up by a friendly stranger.
Always secure a buckle collar on your pet’s neck that includes the tag. Although a slip lead does not require a collar, you should still use one for safety reasons.
Features Of The Best Slip Leads For Dogs
Slip leads come in different sizes, designs, and lengths. Be sure to check out these features to find a slip lead that is the perfect fit for your pooch.
Material
Common materials are leather, rope, or nylon. When choosing among these available materials, consider the durability and comfort for your pet.
We recommend a lightweight material that is rugged at the same time. This is why a combination of rope and leather is perfect. These materials are smooth and will not pull on your dog’s coat.
Moreover, choose a weather-resistant material. This way, your dog will not have to endure wearing a soggy lead in case there’s a heavy downpour during your walk.
Length
For a small breed, 4 feet should be a good length to use. The same holds true with a medium breed that tends to pull a lot.
However, if you have a large breed that is not quite of a puller, you should be able to work well with a 6-foot long slip lead. This can give you better control without being too restrictive for your pet.
Reflective Design
If you prefer to walk your pet at night, you need to make sure your slip lead has good visibility.
Choose one that comes with a reflective thread that makes it easy for motorists to see you and your pooch easily at night. This is particularly true if you are walking your dog in a high-traffic area.
Comfortable and Secure Grip
Check the material used for the slip lead handle.
Be sure it is soft and padded to prevent your hands from burning. When your pet pulls, this can cause the handle to scratch up against your skin. Thus, you want to be sure it is smooth while allowing you to maintain a secure and firm grip.
These are among the key features you need to look for in the best slip lead for your pet. Aesthetics are also important to some dog owners, but more than the looks, a slip lead should be comfortable, secure, and supportive. This way, you can ensure the results you want without inflicting pain on your beloved pooch.
