Leashes, Collars, Crates, Tie-Downs and ID Tags 

Types of Leashes  Leashes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most often, they come in four and six foot lengths, and are usually nylon or leather. There are also retractable flexi-leashes, chain leashes, and long lines. A six-foot leash is best for most breeds – it gives the dog enough room to sniff around without getting tangled. A four-foot leash can be better for smaller dogs and puppies. Leather leashes are usually more expensive, but last longer. Nylon leashes cost less and are washable, but wear out more quickly. Small dogs should have a light weight leash with a small clip so their necks aren’t pulled to the ground.

Flexi-leashes extend from two to 15 feet and can be locked into a given length if desired. These are sometimes harder to control than regular leashes and can encourage pulling, so you might want to buy both. Care should be used on busy streets as dogs can run out much more quickly than they can be reeled back in.

Chain leashes aren’t very useful unless you have a problem with your dog chewing through leather or nylon leashes. Long lines are 15, 30, or 50-foot leashes, usually made from cloth. They are intended to be a “safety net” as you begin to train your dog off-leash, and should only be used in areas where your dog can safely run 15, 30, or 50 ft without getting into trouble.

Collars also come in a variety of designs

Leather or Nylon Buckle Collar: The primary function of these collars is to simply be a place to hang your dog’s ID and license information as well as a way to attach a leash. They come in a variety of colors and styles and are available at pet stores and on-line. A proper fit should allow you to snugly place two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.

Nylon Snap Collars are similar to a buckle collar, but close with a plastic snap instead of a buckle. This can be nice if you have a particularly squirmy or active dog, but can catch the fur on a longhaired dog.

Martingale collars are made from nylon and have an extra loop of cloth. The loop serves as a safety mechanism, so if a dog tries to back out of her collar, it tightens just enough to keep her head from slipping through. Martingales are excellent for dogs who have wide necks and skinny heads, as they are hard to fit with traditional collars.

Body Harness: Body harnesses can also be found at most pet stores. Harnesses fit over a dog’s torso instead of his neck, and put less pressure on the throat than collars. They are useful for dogs with throat or neck problems, and dogs with very short necks. The only disadvantages to harnesses are that they can encourage pulling, and that they’re much easier to chew off than a collar. You might want to walk your dog on a harness but also have him wear a collar for his ID and license.

Training Chains, sometimes known as “choke chains,” are long, skinny chains with a hollow circle on each end, and are used by traditional trainers during training sessions. They are not intended to be used as a regular collar. The training chain got its nasty nickname because if fitted improperly, it will tighten on a dog’s throat but not loosen correctly. Do not use a training chain without consulting a trainer on proper techniques and use.

A Prong Collar works similarly to a training chain, but the links are much larger and have metal prongs that rest inward against the dog’s neck. When the leash is attached to the collar and pulled, these prongs press down. This is another tool that is intended only for training, not for everyday use. Please consult a trainer about proper fit and appropriate use before putting one on your dog.

Head Collar: There are a number of different types of head collars available such as the Gentle Leader and the Halti. These can help inhibit pulling and can also allow you to gently redirect your dog’s head away from something she’s investigating. A properly fitted head halter allows a dog’s mouth to open comfortably, so a head halter is NOT a muzzle. Primarily a training tool, consult a trainer to make sure it’s fitted correctly and you understand its intended uses. It can also take some time for a dog to get comfortable with wearing something on her face, so be sure to ask for advice on getting your dog used to it. Most head halters come with a booklet on how it should be fit and used.

Front Fitting Harnesses are tools to keep your dog from pulling on leash. They do so by distributing pressure differently than a regular collar or harness: instead of feeling pressure around the chest or throat when he pulls, a dog feels it right behind his front legs. This causes him to stop pulling and take a small step backward. It can be a little tricky to fit, so consult a trainer and make good use of the provided instructions.

ID Tags

Every dog should have an ID tag stating name and a phone number where you can be reached most anytime. IDs can also include addresses and/or note a reward for finding this dog if lost. Many pet stores have a small display of available tags that can be ordered and shipped to your home, or a machine that will make an ID tag while you wait. Make sure your dog’s ID is durable, and check it every few months to make sure it’s still legible.

Crates come in different shapes and sizes and are invaluable tools for keeping your dog out of trouble.

Plastic Crates are the type that airlines allow you to transport your dog. They are solid, opaque plastic on three sides (most have little “windows” on the each side) and a wire door that serves as the fourth side. Plastic crates are the most durable and the overall safest.

Wire crates are made entirely of metal wire walls. Some are collapsible, making them easier for travel. Others come with a divider which is useful if you adopt a puppy that will grow into a large dog. Some dogs enjoy being able to see all around them through the wire. Make sure that, once assembled, the crate is solid. If it folds in too easily, the dog’s movement might cause it to collapse

Observe your dog in the wire crate before you leave her unattended. Some dogs, especially smaller and younger ones, can get their mouth or paws caught between the wires. The plastic crates provide more of a den or cave-like setting. If you have a wire crate, but want that den feel, simply draping a big blanket over the top and sides will have the same effect.

Tie Downs

Tie downs are pieces of cable wrapped in plastic and should be no longer than three feet. They are for indoor use only. There are other, longer pieces of cable called tie-outs which are supposed to be used to tie your dog outside. While tie downs are wonderful tools, tie-outs can create a variety of behavioral, and safety issues and are strongly discouraged.