As soon as you get the leash out, your dog knows it’s action time, and she usually loves it. Dogs have been known to bring the leash to their pet parent, and even turn around to clutch the leash in their teeth to do the leading. It’s delightful to see how much our dogs love being taken on walks – or vice versa – so make it a comfortable experience as well.
What kind of leash should you use? Is there a best length? Find one that is sturdy, flexible and washable, like nylon. However, if you have a huge and powerful dog, thick leather is best.
The clasp should swivel, and be strong enough for your pet to pull on it without it breaking. A six foot lead is best for average walks. A longer one, about 10 feet, will help you keep control of your dog at outdoor places like a park while still allowing her to sniff a little further off the path. For training classes or for a tiny dog, a 3-4 foot leash will work. If you do a lot of evening walking, make sure the leash and harness have reflective stripes.
Are there any innovations in leashes?
There is a kind of leash with a second handle part of the way down its length, for those times when you have to bring your dog in closer for a moment, or need a strong double grip. This is especially good for city walking, when you two may have to get past people in close proximity. If you don’t have a second handle, you could make a double knot a few inches down from your handle to use as a fairly non-slip second grip.
One of the latest inventions is the ‘hands-free model that acts in much the same way as a crossbody purse, with a big loop thrown over the head and a shoulder, freeing up both hands for other activities.
You can get clip-on leash extenders to make a 6 footer into a 10 footer in a snap. Also, there is an attachment for walking two dogs at once.
Retractable leashes can be dangerous for their sudden action that can slice fingers or choke pets. They are not recommended.
Accessories come in many forms. You can get a handgrip cushion, various convenient slide-on poop bag holders and containers, or very tiny bungee cords to attach things like snack bags, and a stretchy ‘shock absorber’ clip-on extension for dogs who dash. Or, if your dog’s collar is loaded with ID tags, rabies tags, microchip tags, homing tags and bling, you can get an extra D-ring on a nylon loop that slips onto the collar for simpler leash-clipping.
Now it’s become a thing: if you’re a park-goer, you need to know the ‘bow’ signs.
- A yellow bow tied to the leash is part of the Yellow Ribbon Project to warn others that this dog is nervous and may react. In some places, though, yellow can also indicate that the dog is up for adoption.
- Red means ‘don’t come near.’ Sometimes it’s because they’re aggressive, but it can also mean that they’re sick or injured and need to be left alone.
- Orange indicates that the dog likes people, but not other dogs.
- Blue ribbon dogs are in training, or are unfamiliar with their surroundings.
- Green means they’re friendly.
- A white bow can mean that the dog is blind or deaf.
- Purple is the color of a domestic abuse survivor.
You can also spell it out more clearly with colorful slip-on tags for your leash, called Bark Notes, that convey what others need to know: a green ‘FRIENDLY!’ or a blue ‘WORKING’ tag, for example.
When walking, please ask the owner first before you approach their dog- even if the dog is wearing a green ribbon and beckoning you with a big, goofy, tongue-wagging smile and a whole-body wag.
Have you walked your dog today? Let your dog choose the route and walk you. Love every minute of this experience together, when just the two of you are connected by this very special and physical bond. That connection is what brings your dog the most joy on walkies.
Heron’s Crossing provides end-of-life care for pets in the Metro Atlanta area. In-home appointments with compassionate vets are available. If you’d prefer a home-like setting away from your home, our Decatur office is also available by appointment.