Yard Leashes for Dogs Buyer’s Guide
While shopping for yard leashes, there are several special considerations you need to make. In a lot of ways, it is different from shopping for leashes for other typical uses. You, therefore, cannot just get the very first option you come across when out looking.
To help you out, let’s delve into a few crucial factors to consider when considering your options. Understanding what each of them means for you will give you a better perspective for a more informed decision. Here is what really matters when shopping for a dog leash for yard use:
The materials used
This should be one of your top priorities, especially because of what the leash will be exposed to in your outdoor space. This includes extremes of weather, mechanical friction as well as your dog’s constant tugging and pulling as they reach for freedom.
It is therefore crucial that you find a leash that can actually handle all that is going to be thrown at it. In this case, Nylon is the best option. It is strong enough to handle the dog’s pulling and biting as well as the friction from things like the grass. It is also waterproof meaning you can leave it out in the rain and on wet surfaces.
Other options like cotton though strong are not always the most durable. However, if you want something soft and easy to handle then these leashes are great to consider.
The length of the leash
How much freedom are you willing and able to give your dog in your yard? If you have a lot of space, there is no reason why your pooch should be confined to a tiny depressing corner of the property. It is therefore always best to go with longer leashes in which case anything over 50 feet is pretty decent.
Longer leashes are also amazing as they offer versatility. With all the range offered, you could easily and comfortably use the leash not only in your yard but other outdoor spaces including parks and hiking trails. This allows the pooch to run around and explore without making things uncomfortable for you.
The handle design
If you plan on getting a yard dog leash for active training on your outdoor space, then your comfort should always be a priority. In this case, make sure you go for something with a good handle design.
One of the main features to look for is ergonomic design. Our top pick stands out in this regard as it is so much more than just an extension of the rest of the leash. It is designed for comfortable handling with the thick curved handle. Options with any form of padding in this case are always the better option to work with.
Aesthetics and visibility
It might not seem like that big of a deal but aesthetics do matter when it comes for yard dog leashes. In addition to getting a color that you actually like, it sometimes helps a lot to have something visible. This makes it easier to keep track of your dog as they run around on the property.
Visibility at night is particularly handy if your dog sleeps outside. Again, you can very easily just pop outside and spot your beloved pooch in case you feel the need to keep an eye out for them. In this case, reflective threading is a fantastic feature to have.
Fastening mechanism
There are very many different fastening mechanisms to connect your leash to the dog collar or harness. The choice you make matters a lot with use on yards as it determines how easy or hard it will be for the freedom-hungry dog to escape.
Spring snap bolts are easily the best option for use in this case. In addition to being very secure, they are incredibly easy to attach to leash D rings on collars.
In addition to the actual mechanism, when it comes to use on backyard spaces, the flexibility offered at the ends matters a lot. As you will notice, all our top picks have a swivel design. This helps to ensure that the leash does not get tangled up as the pooch plays on your property by offering 360 degrees of free rotation.
Hand-held vs tie-out
This is particularly important as it determines how active your role will be in keeping your dog in check while they are on your outdoor property. With hand-held designs, you need to be there to actually restrict your dog’s movement around the yard. This is very useful when it comes to training as you try to teach your dog how to stay within your set boundaries.
With tie-out designs on the other hand, you really do not have to be there all the time. Just find something on your space to attach the leash to whether it is a tree, the gate or even fixed outdoor furniture. This is a fantastic alternative for keeping your dog outdoors outside for long periods of time including overnight.
