Dog collar or harness, but never a retractable lead, here’s why

If you are walking your dog in a public space the UK law states it cannot be ‘dangerously out of control’ so a collar, lead or harness is a good idea, not only so your dog is safe, but also to respect the law and other people and their dogs around you. Look out for signage that may state your dog has to be walked on a lead, as many recent incidents have given rise to local authorities insisting dogs be kept on some sort of leash in parks and open spaces.
Identification is also required by law, so a collar with a tag and a microchip will ensure you are not fined £2,000.
The dog lead market is full of various types, from full-body harnesses to collars with fancy decoration, like the $3.2 million one and the everyday retractable lead which I see day in day out, in addition to canicross which allows you and your dog to move together as a sport, which I do with my dog Dylan.

A dog collar or harness?

Both collar and harness have the same use, to guide your dog, control it and keep them away from potential harm. However, as a collar goes around the neck, pulling and tugging can, over a long period of time, inflame dog’s spines and thyroids. Smaller breeds can also easily slip out of a collar and are not great for any dog with a preexisting medical condition, as convenient as they may be.
With a harness the forces are combined over the main body of the dog, so you are less likely to inflict any damage, but the harness must be well fitted. Watch this link for how to fit a harness correctly. Harnesses have much more support and security as a dog can’t slip out of it and a good harness should reduce pulling, will get less tangled and will allow you to pick up your dog more easily. Get your dog used to wearing a harness and ensure the straps are well-fitting but not too loose or tight by putting two fingers in between harness and dog.
Both can only be successful if your dog is well trained and your first step may be for your dog to wear a training collar moving onto a harness.

Flexi leads are dangerous

Although a retractable lead may seem like a good idea, easy to attach, quick to use and very handy, these types of lead are a real hazard. Some are able to allow over 20 feet of cord, allowing dogs to very quickly get away from you. Imagine spotting a squirrel on the other side of the road, if you drop your guard for instance your dog can immediately run over without any sort of restrain. This kind of experience can also be said of interaction with other dogs and once the lead is extended it can be difficult to get back in control. These types of leads can also easily get tangled, knock you off your feet, be effortlessly pulled out of your hand and cause friction burns. They are also liable to break, made of many component parts, which a harness won’t do in the same way. Please think twice about a retractable lead.

Respect The Lead, why using a lead is a good idea

It may be helpful to put yourself in your dogs’ paws for a moment. Bumping into others unexpected can be a worry, you don’t know this other dog and they may appear much bigger or full of energy when all you wanted was a quiet walk! It’s really important to ask the other dog owner if it is okay for the dogs to make contact. Other dogs on walks may be recovering from surgery, maybe new to the world, or maybe very nervous, you cannot tell by looking, so ask before going ahead. If the other owner is okay allow for the three-second rule; where the dogs sniff and introduce each other but keep it brief. Head over to the Respect The Lead campaign page for helpful tips, videos and articles.