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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Collar and Lead For Your Dog
A lead and collar are among the most essential pieces of equipment you'll use throughout your dog’s lifetime.
It's only natural that the needs and requirements of a teething pup will differ from those of an adult dog, so the leads and collars you use will change and evolve as your four-legged friend grows.
Plus, all dogs are different! Needs vary from breed to breed and temperament to temperament.
In this guide, we’ll dig into the most common types of leads and collars so you have all the information you need to make the perfect choice for your pooch.
Collar vs Harness
There’s a timeless debate about whether a collar or a harness is better for your pup. We say there is no correct answer; in fact, there’s an argument that your dog should have both.
Owning a collar and a harness allows you to dress your dog appropriately for the different activities and circumstances that come their way.
Why use a Dog Collar?
Collars are incredibly convenient. They can remain around the neck and are easy for leads to attach to, which makes exploring the outdoors quick and stress-free.
A collar also signals to the world that your pup belongs to someone and has a home. Attaching a tag with your contact information to your dog’s collar makes it much easier to reunite with your lost pet if they ever wander astray.
What to Consider Before Buying a Dog Collar
Overall, collars are a great piece of kit, but not all dogs respond well to them. Consider the following points before purchasing a collar:
- Some breeds, such as pugs and whippets, have a reputation for slipping out of their collars, so be wary of putting a collar on escapee-prone pups!
- If your dog constantly tugs and pulls on their walks, avoid a collar, as repeated pulling on the neck can lead to thyroid damage or spinal injuries over time.
- Avoid using collars to walk dogs with medical issues such as glaucoma, a history of neck injuries, or spinal malformations. Repetitive strain from a collar can aggravate these existing conditions.
Why use a Dog Harness?
Harnesses fasten securely around your dog’s chest, shoulders, and upper back, which prevents repetitive strain in one area.
Multiple straps ensure that your pup is wrapped up and secure on walks - making them ideal for dogs that wriggle free from their collars.
Do you have an anxious dog? Step-in harnesses like our Snappy design are perfect for nervous pups that don’t enjoy things passing over their heads.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Dog Collar or Harness
The requirements for a dog collar or harness all revolve around keeping your dog comfortable and secure. We want to protect the delicate neck area as much as possible and keep any nasty health issues at bay.
When choosing a collar or harness for your dog, consider the following factors:
- Material - Choose a soft material that isn't abrasive. We love a light, breathable fabric that doesn’t matt up your dog’s fur and sits comfortably around the neck and body.
Want to invest in an extra comfy style for your special four-legged friend? We recommend a gently cushioned Padded collar or Airmesh harness. - Sizing - The collar or harness should fit comfortably around your dog’s neck with space for wiggle room. This extra space protects your dog’s most vulnerable areas, like the trachea and oesophagus. To find the perfect fit for your pet, use our handy Size Guide.
- Adjustability - Be aware that even the best-suited collar may need to adapt over time depending on your pooch’s breed, temperament, age and activity level. All our collars and harnesses are made adjustable to grow alongside your dog.
- Washable - If you’re an owner of a mucky pup, you know this is an absolute essential. At Doodlebone, we’ve ensured all of our collars and harnesses are washable so you can keep your purchase looking as bright and funky as ever.
Choosing the Right Lead for Your Dog
Now that you’ve determined the best collar or harness for your dog let's get started on choosing the right lead to go with it.
Types of Dog Lead
We'll be exploring our different types of dog leads and how they can benefit your walkies together.
Don’t dismay if you can’t select one lead that covers all your needs. It’s common for dog owners to have more than one option to use in different situations.
Standard Lead
Standard leads are timeless, durable and reliable. They feature a clip that can attach to a collar or harness and a softly cushioned handle, so you don’t receive any friction burn as you trot along together.
Our Leads are available in three widths and an array of fabulous colours and patterns to match your collar or harness. Play with different colours to brighten up your everyday walks.
When should you use a standard lead?
A standard lead is suitable for everyday walkies and other outings. Although if your pup is a little disobedient or pulls you along with bundles of energy, you may benefit more from a Rope or Slip lead.
Rope Lead
Rope leads are lightweight yet impressively strong. Made from solid nylon wrapped around an extremely tough inner core, they’re a fantastic heavy-duty alternative to your standard lead and can endure a lot of wear and tear.
These leads are 120cm long and feature a nifty trigger clip making it easy to attach the lead to one of our collars or harnesses.
When should you use a rope lead?
Rope leads are ideal for big, energetic doggies who pull as they walk. They’re also great for teething pups that have a habit of chewing and gnawing at their leads.
Slip Lead
This is the lead for you if you have a dog that struggles with wearing collars and harnesses (or often escapes from them).
Slip Leads have a clever collar and lead design. The loop sits nicely around your dog’s neck, secured safely by a stopper. Although at 150cm long, they can still have a good sniff around!
When should you use a slip lead?
A slip lead is a perfect solution if your dog does not like or cannot wear a harness or collar. The lead’s loop acts as a gentler version of a collar, only used when you’re out for walks together.
Retractable leads, also known as extendable leads, offer more flexibility on your walks.
Rather than remaining at one fixed length, your dog can branch out and explore up to 5m (for dogs up to 25kg) or 8m (for dogs up to 50kg). Then with a touch of our quick-stop braking button, you can easily reel your hound back in.
It’s a simple and secure way to give your dog freedom on walkies whilst remaining in control. It can also help teach your dog valuable commands like coming back when called.
When should you use a retractable lead?
Retractable leads are perfect for increasing your dog's exercise levels and allowing them to roam free across open environments while keeping them safely under your control.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you make an informed decision about the equipment you need for your pet.
For all the most stylish, colourful dog collars, harnesses and dog leads, explore the entire collection of Doodlebone products. Every option has been tested rigorously to ensure your pup is safely suited and booted!
If you have any questions, reach out to us through our contact page, email orders@doodlebone.co.uk or call 01295 698072.
