It’s easy to get confused given the huge variety of leashes available. That’s why it is worth thinking about exactly what you need a leash for and then choosing it accordingly.
Short or Long?
Depending on the size of the dog, leashes between 1 and 1.5 metres are best suited for everyday city walks (shorter ones will do for bigger dogs). This allows your dog to sniff about easily without the leash dragging along on the ground. If needed, for example when using public transport, you can simply make the leash shorter, and if you detach it from the dog, you can comfortably wear it across your neck or shoulder.
For walking in fields, feel free to choose a longer leash of up to 10-15 metres. This provides your pet with a greater sense of freedom without you having to worry about them running off or chasing a rabbit. If you’re walking among a lot of trees, such long leashes will become less practical, as they can easily get tangled up. In this case, a 3 or 5-metre-long leash may be a good intermediate solution.
In case you wish to take longer walks in parks where you cannot let go of your dog, it’s a good idea to choose a leash that is around 1.8-2 metres, depending on your dog’s height. This will give them more freedom while keeping them within a safe distance.
Double carabiner leashes combine the advantages of short and long leashes in a great way. The larger of the two carabiner hooks is attached to the dog’s collar or harness, while the other is attached to any of the 3 hoops found on the leash. (The aim is to form a loop, so that you can grip it comfortably). These leashes are only 1.2 metres long in their shortest form but can be extended up to 240 centimetres. In addition, thanks to the two carabiners, one can be attached to the dog’s collar and the other to its harness – a feature that can be useful for dogs that scare easily.
The training leash is a good choice even if you wish to walk two dogs at the same time, although the double leash is best suited for the latter. This is an accessory that ensures that the two dogs do not drift apart during the walk.
There is also a very short, 35 cm long leash available which only has one handle. This can be very useful if you wish to keep your dog right by your side (for example in a crowd or at the vet). When no longer needed, it can easily fit in your pocket.
Leashes can vary not only in length, but in thickness too. For large or heavily pulling dogs it’s a good idea to choose the thicker version, while the thin one should do for the smaller ones.
Comfortable and sturdy at the same time
Julius-K9® offers a wide range of leashes in a variety of materials.
The speciality of Color & Gray products is the rubber fibres woven between the textiles that ensure great traction.
These leashes are comfortable and sturdy at the same time and are perfect in rainy conditions too.
IDC® Lumino products are made of strong polyester, which illuminates in the dark, after being properly exposed to light,
and so they are therefore exceptionally good for night walks. This entire product line of leashes is very easy to clean and disinfect.
As its name implies, the IDC® Tubular webbing leash is made of tubular web,
which will keep your hands from getting cut under heavier loads.
Its special feature is that it contains phosphorescent fibres that make it glow in the dark.
This is a lightweight, yet very heavy-duty leash.
The cowhide braided Leather leash is recommended for those who prefer more traditional equipment.
A long-lasting piece that gives both the dog and its owner an elegant look.
The cowhide braided
Handle: With or Without?
Our Color&Gray®, IDC® Tubular webbing and IDC® Lumino leashes are available both with and without a handle. The handle version is recommended for everyday use. If you often throw the leash over your shoulder it’s advisable to get the version that has a ring on the handle, as it can be conveniently attached to the carabiner. In the case of dog sports where you occasionally release both the dog and the leash together (for example guarding or mantrailing) it is more practical to use a leash without a handle to avoid getting caught in something.
Choose the sets!
Collars are also available in the Color&Gray®, IDC® Tubular Webbing and IDC® Lumino product family. If you want your dog to be truly stylish, choose a matching collar for your leash.
Special leashes for special purposes
Certain situations can require special leashes. For example, a dog leash used at a dog show is usually discreet with an ideal length, that allows you to guide your dog into the ring. When it is not used, it can be easily folded up to fit into your pocket. On the other hand, it is less ideal for everyday walks, especially if the dog tends to pull. If you’re are looking for a leash for walks or a dog school, you should probably choose the 1.2 metre or double carabiner version.
The 10-metre-long tracking leash was designed specifically for tracking. It is made of a thin, lightweight and slippery material that prevents knots from forming. On the other hand, it is not exactly ideal for everyday walks as it is too thin. Previously mentioned longer leashes might be more practical for the latter.
The so-called Swimming leash was designed specifically for dogs that like to swim. Thanks to its material it does not sink, but rather floats on the surface. With its 10-metre length, it gives the dog enough freedom while maintaining control and without you having to worry about your pet disappearing while chasing a duck. However, similarly to the tracking leash, it is less ideal for walking, so it’s recommended to swap it for a normal leash after your dog has taken a dip.
Specially designed for working dogs, the contact leash consists of an adjustable neck part and a short leash. Due to its light weight it is almost invisible to dogs, although they can still be disciplined by your exerting small movements.
More and more people are opting for running with their dogs as an exercise, for which traditional, fixed length leashes are not very practical.
For this purpose, a flexible Premium jogging leash is best suited as it cushions your dog’s power in case they try to run too suddenly. For running and short hiking, it may be a good idea to choose the 130-centimetre-long version, and the longer, 200-centimetre version for longer hikes and biking. For such activities, in addition to the appropriate leash, it is also important to choose the correct equipment for both your dog and for yourself. For the dog, we recommend an IDC® Longwalk or Hard Dog Race® harness, while owners can use the Premium jogging belt, that is available with the leash. The belt provides stability and distributes the force while keeping both of your hands free while jogging.
Orsolya Varga-Molnár