Taking The Integrated Approach means:

Use different leashes for different for reasons.  The ABC’s of choosing the right leash for the right application. 

Please note:  Like dog training collars, you may want to own more than one training leash.

1.  Leashes vary in length.

This is about physics.  It is a scientific fact that the longer the tool, the more power or leverages it offers.  In the picture below, a person is using a long stick to gain leverage and move an enormous rock.  Length means more power, but note that it can also work against you. 

WARNING:  A long leash, a long line, or a long recoiling leash will

magnify the power of a dog should they hit the end at full force.

You will get hurt!

For obedience training, or any situation where you want your dog under control and not too     far away from you, the choices are typically either four foot or six foot leads.  It’s a matter of personal preference.  Experience has taught me that four foot leashes are far less cumbersome and easier to work with.         

Long lines are oftentimes a necessary tool in dog training.  However, based on the warning above, they must be used with great caution.  The same is true for retractable leads.  Both are fabulous pieces of equipment when used for the right application and with the right technique.

2. Leashes vary in width.

At DogTrainingEquipment.com, our leashes are 3/8 inch, 5/8 inch and 3/4 inch. 

The leash clip will also vary in size and weight according to the width of the leash.  As the width or the leash expands so will the size and weight of the leash clip. 

This picture is a great example of how leash clips grow in size and weight with the width of the leash itself. 

WARNING:  Many people purchase thick, heavy nylon leashes that are at least 1 inch wide with a big heavy duty clip on it thinking they need a heavy duty leash for their heavy duty dog.  It’s usually not the case.   The weight of this leash and the leashes’ clip may hamper the performance of a training collar. Plus it is not very flexible.  In fact, in my opinion, they are just downright awkward for training.  

3. Leashes also vary according to what material they are made of.

At DogTrainingEquipment.com we carry: nylon, cotton web, leather and chain leashes. 

Decisions in this regard are usually based on personal preference.  The big advantage to the chain leash is that a dog cannot chew through it.