What are Dangers to Your Older Dogs?

by EzThaibiz

As you could imagine according to our humans, older dogs, like elderly people, while a dog ages, his eyesight fails along with his mind and energy. Things that were easy for him to navigate when they were young, such as the edge of a hill or a walk through the woods are now extremely difficult for them.

He can’t always see the edge of a pool or cliff, his joints won’t allow him to recover from a misstep as easily as when he was a young pup. Here are a few reminders of what are dangers to your older pet and some ideas on how to keep them safe.

Daily walk safety with a quality retractable leash

Retractable leashes are great to let your dog run a bit without getting away from you. Many older dogs get a little "puppy" in them and they will take-off running only to get into trouble because they can no longer see you very well or hear your commands. Some older dogs also develop dementia and cannot sense danger. They need to be kept from wandering too far. A retractable leash will keep you in control but allow your dog the ability to roam.

Flashing safety leashes or bright safety ID tags are also a great way to keep your dog visible to you and others. The tags can be seen up to one mile away and the flashing tape of retractable leashes are reflective. If your dog does wander off during his nighttime business, your dog will be less likely to be hit by a car and he will be easier for you to locate.

Drowning or cataract at water side safety

Accidental drowning is a major problem for older dogs. Many older dogs develop cataracts because they are no longer able to determine the edge of the pool. Once in the pool, they often do not have the energy to swim long enough to be noticed, nor the strength and agility to jump out. There are several options to keep your dog safe. There are pool alarms designed to float on the water and react to motion in the water. Another alarm attaches to your dogs collar and sounds if they fall in to the water. There are also life vests for dogs which are great for boating or when your dog is around a lake or river.

Keep off extreme temperatures

No dog is comfortable in extremely hot or cold weather but again, just as elderly adults are more vulnerable to the excessive temperatures, it can also be deadly for your dog. Keep them in air conditioning as much as possible on extremely warm days. Make certain that they have access to plenty of water. Avoid taking your dog in the car with you if you cannot bring him inside at your destination. If your dog is long-haired or tends to be easily overheated, consider a cooling bed or collar.

In the extreme cold, make the outdoor visits as brief as possible. Remember, dogs can get frostbite on their paws and noses. Outdoor dogs need to be brought in from the cold when the temperatures are significantly below zero.

Car rides with a seat belt harness

Your dog might still love to ride with you in the car but now his safety is more important than ever. Getting your beloved pooch into the car can be a challenge. Arthritis can mean his jumping-in-to-the-backseat days are over! Ramps are available to help your dog into his co-pilot chair. There is also a lifting aid that will wrap comfortably around his middle to give you a way to assist him into the car. Remember, his balance is not as good as when he was younger so consider a seat belt harness to keep him from falling off the seat.

Household accidental poison or treatment dangers

It is as important as ever to keep your dog away from any plants, foods, or poisons that are toxic to canines. As dogs age, their systems won’t be able to tolerate the damage from the poison or the treatment.

ASPCA is warning dog owners the newly discovered danger posed by is grapes and raisins. These fruits have been used as a training treat for dogs, but have been recently found to cause renal failure if eaten in large doses. If your older pet was trained using grapes and raisins or you have used these fruits as treats for your dog, he may have developed a taste for them. You will need to store grapes and raisins where your dog cannot get into them. Of the 10 dogs that were reported poisoned by overeating grapes/raisins, only 5 survived. And that was with early, aggressive treatment. An older dog would not have much of a chance of survival from an accidental poisoning. Please visit the ASCPA Animal Poison Control Center Website, www.napcc.aspca.org for addition information.

http://pets-2004.blogspot.com/2008/11/keeping-your-older-dog-safe.html

A Guide to Choose A Leash for Your Puppy

What kind of leash you would be using to walk and train your pup is more comfortable for your puppy? it's not about the leash being fashionable, but whether it's sturdy and does its job, maintaining the safety of your pup. Many pet lovers will ask this question before getting one leash. The leash type, length and strength matters much for everybody. This is intended as a general guide to help you make a logical selection, with a strong emphasis on quality and strength.

Flat leather or nylon webbing leash preferred

A flat leather or nylon webbing, preferably half inch wide or more may be more sensitive. You may have to shop around to get such a leash. Avoid those for fancy and useless plastic leashes, thin leather ones and even chains.

Any very thin leash of any material will cut into or burn your hands if you have to use any force on it or try to catch/control it by hands directly. Please refer to other articles in PUGGA blog. Before changing into any leash please make sure it is of good leather or solid webbing, with a loop, big enough to get your hand through and firmly stitched at the other end from the snap.

Two good kinds of snaps of the leash

According to my personal opinion, there are two good kinds of snaps.

One with a sliding rod at the side of the snap held firmly in place by a spring, and the other one, which has two curved metal hooks, which slide along side each other to make a secure catch for the ring of the collar. Avoid completely the fancier snaps you will see on some leashes, especially the kind that Old Navy Maternity apart at the tip of the snap and is held together by a spring.

Six feet is exactly the right length for a leash

Regardless of the size of your dog, six feet is exactly the right length for a dog leash. In fact, some city ordinances require leashing and keeping your puppy under control at all times in public, and that the leash shall be no longer than six feet. At 6' length, a standard leash is used for everyday walks and is also used for basic training.

Do not waste money on anything longer, as you and he will get all tangled up in it. The longer canvas leashes in pet stores are for tracking, where considerable length is required. While walking with your lovely pets, a longer leash sometimes encourages your dogs to walking before your step, not controlled well just alongside yourself. They are leashing you and walking!

Retractable leashes are perfect for small and medium size dogs

The new retractable dog leashes are perfect for small and medium size dogs. The nylon lead is rolled up and housed in a casing that you can hold. Most brands are available in six-foot lengths by a one - button braking and locking mechanism. Retractable leashes are ideal in parks, without any real hazards, like cars; just watch out for the kids. The cord is made of nylon and is retracted from a case.

PUGGA designed unique retractable dog leashes for all pet lovers and the all belt type leash, which is nylon webbing worthies a try.

Tangle free leash

If you want to walk your two pooches on two leashes, this leash will allow you to run around with your pups without getting tangled. As tangled as it may seem, once you pull it apart, it snaps back separately like magic. Great for active dog walkers.

Pugga on CIPS 08 The China International Pet Show in Beijing Exhibition Hall

Nov. 6-9, 2008 at Beijing Exhibition Hall, it is the time to go for fun on CIPS 2008, The 12th China International Pet Show. PUGGA will bring its quality retractable dog leashes and retractable dog leads for exhibition and your joy.

The China Great Wall Exhibition Company and Nürnberg Global Fairs as organizers of CIPS 2008 have so far confirmed the applications of 355 exhibitors for the international exhibition and there are already 77 companies on the waiting list.

Due to great demand, the organizers have increased the space available and some exhibitors will present their new products for the pet supplies market in spaces temporarily set up in front of the exhibition halls. The exhibitors offer professional buyers from Europe and the USA an excellent survey of products from the Chinese pet and aquaria industry.

The exhibition in Peking traditionally focuses on products for dogs, cats, hamsters and guinea pigs, pugga is one of them and hope our retractable leashes and dog leads will impress you and meet your needs. Think in the pet minds and find pugga for more there.

Comments on Retractable & adjustable dog leashes rotate on ground anchor

This article purposed to introduce a retractable dog leashes functioned adjustable, hands free, and pivoting. This product is a patent pending in USA.

Pugga gives our own comments on these good products. The mainly changes on this kind of retractable leash are two parts. One is length switch, another one is mounting anchor. The side switch button could control the leash max extension as pre-set with 4 different lengths, the anchor could fix the retractable dog leashes when you are tired walking and holding the leash.
Adjustable retractable Dog Leash with patent pending.

Advantages of this retractable adjustable dog leashes:

1) A retractable dog leash that can be mounted on a ground anchor, which is designed to allow the dog to rotate without getting tangled as well as hands free option.

2) A Retractable Dog Leash is Adjustable with four preset lengths to fit your dog.

3) A Retractable Dog Leash offers a new way to exercise your dog used with the companion Anchor.

4) Alone Retractable Dog Leash is a handy leash suitable for medium sizes dogs.

5) This Retractable Dog Leash has four adjustable lengths: 4,8,12 and 16 feet, which can be changed using the side switch.

Special enjoys of retractable adjustable dog leashes:

Give great freedom for pets while camping

Relaxing on the beach Days at the park

Mounts easily on leash Anchor so you can relax most anywhere

Pugga further opinions on adjustable retractable leash:

Pugga found that this patent pending adjustable retractable leash has stopped selling with a notice on the website, but no reason explained. Personally we could find some questions and hope this patent get be modified and be perfect to meet purposed functions.

1) The leash itself is Nylon cord, it is not designed as mounting chains because dogs sometimes snap the cord. Please keep in mind, all retractable leashes are only for daily walking your pets.

2) It is not much convenient to take another anchor alongside while going for a walking.

3) It is very dangerous to leave your pets amounted alone with retractable leash on the collars unattended.

There are other two patents invented to make a portable and adjustable leashes, use anywhere any time, but none solved the question above mentioned. We do hope somebody could change this.

How TUV tested retractable leash or lead for safety?

How TUV tested retractable leash or lead for safety?

An unique retractable leash or lead must be safe while training or walking your dog, Pugga authorized TUV SUD China Shanghai office test our products and hold the certificate when we set up. We bring some points of the safety test for your information.

Retractable leash Safety test standard:PPP555:1997 is issued by TÜV SÜD Group.Retractable leash Safety test steps:

1. Construction check: without any sharp edges and squeezing & shearing points.

2. The brake system must hold a load of 1.5 Rated Load allowable securely.

3. The test sample must be completely functional after the load with 1,5 x F in all using and function points and mustn’t have any deformation.

4. For a load of 3 x F allowable, no component’s tear and break strength can be reached.Deformation and function limit should be recorded.

5. After 10.000 load operations, the leash mustn’t have mechanism’s or leash’s damage.

Pugga will test in our factory same ways as TUV done.

What is a strong and sturdy metal clasp of retractable leash?

The recall of Slydog retractable leash due to poor quality of metal clasp caused great discussion. It is very important to get a strong and sturdy metal clasp of retractable leash, Pugga brings some points on what is a strong and sturdy metal clasp of retractable leash!

choose a retractable leash or lead with a sturdy, heavy clasp

1) Never use one that’s rated lower than the weight of your dog or that has no size or weight rating at all. Refer to our former article on TUV test, the max loading is 3 times of the weight of purposed pet.

2) A good metal clasp has strong structure as well as strong metal - Zinc alloy. The holding ring end and the hook both must be strong enough. Due to cast moulds, a carefully designed mould guaranteed quality metal clasp. Nevertheless, the Zinc alloy must be pure to assure quality material also.

3) Be aware of the fact that most metal clasp purposed for bags use, some of them not designed specially for pets, bags just requires equivalent loading as its possible contents weight, not as strong as 75kgs for a medium size of dog.

Possible faults of the metal clasp of retractable dog leads or leashes:

Most of such metal clasp is designed for bags, which do not require strict loading, as you may know, most luggage is just about 15kgs. If you check on some bag clasp you will find it out.

1) the holding end of the metal clasp
2) the hook body
3) the linkage

Be aware of the damage it can do if it should ever break and fly back at your face. So use it with utmost care, especially if your dog is jerking at the other end.

An easy way to test the metal clasp of retractable dog leads or leashes:

Test the dog leads to a force of 500 N, which is equivalent to an average-size (20 kg) dog pulling two-and-a-half times its weight, a force that smaller, weaker people would have problems resisting. Mostly, hang yourself by hand on the handler with brake locked, pending on some place, it is much easier to find a sturdy metal clasp of retractable dog leads or leashes.

Another way is just throwing the retractable leash onto ground at height of yourself, those get no damage you could give more trust. Anyway, some stores imports retractable dog leads or leashes from outside American but required very low prices to compete with those qualified ones.

Our advice on the metal clasp of retractable dog leads or leashes

Dog responds to another dog’s barking with a pull on the lead, it is a very typical reaction. But what happened next is in no expectation. The metal clasp of the retractable dog lead snapped in half and, with its jagged edge, went flying back straight into eye, causing major damage.

We have a leash law to keep dogs on leash and using a long line is difficult (hard to reel it in, the extra slack tends to get caught around pets’ legs, hard to carry, etc) so we sometimes use the retractable leashes. Dogs were already well trained to walk on loose leash fits much better to retractable one.

Why SlyDog Retractable Leashes Recalled?

Pugga opinions on the issue:

As a supplier of retractable leash, we have much to say on what's a safe retractable leash and will do better to provide a safe retractable leash for pet lovers.

The matel clasp is always a very important parts for this kind of dog leashes even it not a retractable one. Molds to manufacture the said clasp has to been very carefully prepared and the clasp has to be tested each lot or batch to make sure, that we adopted proper parts.

Another reason on this accident is the cost of zinc alloy rose too much in last two years and factory reduced the necessary weight of the alloy, it caused the faults and hurts.

Pugga find out this retractable leash very familiar with a China factory and is very willing to offer our suggestions on how to improve the quality.

The following text is quoted originally by this website.

Courtesy of Consumer Product Safety Commission

Worldwise Inc., of San Rafael, Calif., has issued a voluntary recall of about 223,000 SlyDog retractable dog leashes after receiving five reports of injuries, including facial cuts, a broken tooth, a displaced eye lens and a bruised collar bone.

Those who have a SlyDog retractable leash with a metal clasp should stop using the product immediately. The company said the metal clasp connecting the leash to a dog’s collar can bend or break while in use, causing the leash to recoil back unexpectedly.

The leash has a handle composed of a blue plastic case with a black plastic grip. It is made of a black woven strap and measures approximately one-half inch wide. The SlyDog retractable leash with a plastic clasp is not included in this recall.

The leashes were sold through Dollar General Stores nationwide from September 2007 through August 2008 for about $5.

Consumers should return the leash to Worldwise Inc. for a full refund, including shipping costs. For more information, contact Worldwise at 888-296-3907 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s website.

How pugga heats the Pet Fair Asia 08?

Pugga designed unique exhibiting tools for pet fair asia 2008 according to its unique retractable leash and retractable lead products.

Many company expended too much for exhibition but with low effects. we will not do that. simple and excellent!



pet fair asia entrance waiting line, trust most people in the line impressed by pugga.



Pugga pet products corp. on booth A19, take a look on our pride products retractable leash and retractable lead. the best retractable leash models from pugga heat the fair!

Pet Fair Asia-The Leading Pet Industry Trade, find pugga retractable leash at booth A19!

Pet Fair Asia, the pet industry focused exhibition organized by VNU Exhibitions Asia will take place September 3-6, 2008 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center in Shanghai, China. Pugga will exhibit our products there, including retractable leash, retractable lead, ball launcher, pet care products, clicker and all new designs. Remember our booth A19 and be sure to be there to have fun.

The Pet Fair Asia was divides into two parts in 2005: The "B-B" (Business to Business) Trade Fair-Pet Fair Asia Professional and "B-C" (Business to Consumer) Public Visitor Fair--- Pet Paradise Asia to meet the different requirements of exhibitors. With the rapid development and expansion of Pet Fair Asia, the size of the fair in 2007 has grown to 17000 square meters which generated the interested of more than 350 participants from the pet and aquatic industries involving over 20 countries. There were more than 20000 visitors including 7600 professional visitors from North America, Europe, and Australia in attendance at the show.

On-Site Activities

On Pet Fair Professional as well as during Pet Fair Paradise there are all kind of additional events, to mention a few:

China Dog Show winner performance

Pet Grooming Competition 

Pet Products Promotion Area

Pet Performances

"My Pet, My Show" 

Stray Animals Support 

Expert Lectures and Presentations

What's New!

In China, the consumption of pet medical products is becoming a hot topic. Statistics shows that 65% consumer will pay more attention to pet medicine, pet medical treatment facilities and pet health-care products.

let's enjoy this professional pet fair in Shanghai as well as pugga retractable leashes!

Pugga retractable leash or lead - Safety Precautions and Directions

It is strongly recommended to read and follow these Warnings and Directions for Use before using your retractable leashes or leads, to avoid the risk of eye or face injury and cuts, burns, and amputations to your body or the body of another person from the cord or lead or all belt and hook of retractable leash or retractable lead.

We declare that this article adopted most ideas and listings from the Flexiusa website.
Safety Precautions and Directions shall be included in every leash package. Read the safety precautions below before using pugga leash.Failure to follow these safety precautions can result in serious injury.

INTENDED USE comments from pugga

The retractable leash or lead is for use by responsible adults only. Do not allow anyone to use this leash who has not read the Warnings and Directions for Use pamphlet. Keep out of reach of children. The leash is not a toy! To avoid the risk of injuries like cutting, burning, amputation or eye injuries to infants and children, DO NOT USE THE LEASH NEAR OR AROUND INFANTS AND CHILDREN!

This retractable leash or lead is intended to help you lead and restrain your dog. The leash user is responsible for keeping the dog under control at all times. The leash is for dogs that are controllable and well behaved.

Remember all the time the following tips:

DO NOT use this leash for disobedient or uncontrollable dogs.

DO NOT use this leash for dogs that exceed the specified weight for the leash.

DO NOT use this leash as a stationary (non hand-held) leash attached to a pole or other fixed object. You should use specially designed garden tie-out as a stationary leash.

DO NOT use this leash with any product except for the dog’s collar, which must be strong, and in good condition.

DO NOT use the leash near or around infants or children.

DO NOT attempt to operate or use more than one leash at a time.

DO NOT allow anyone to touch or come in contact with the leash cord or tape lead or all belt while in use. It can cause injuries like cutting, burning and amputations.

BEFORE USE

ALWAYS examine the leash before each use.

Stop using the leash if it becomes frayed, damaged, shows signs of being chewed, or does not function properly.

Be sure your dog’s collar is strong enough to withstand the tension of the leash and a sudden stopping of the leash.

Be sure to have your dog under control before attaching the leash.

Securely fasten the leash's hook to your dog's collar and to the leash safety loop before each use.

Wear gloves when using the leash to reduce the risk of hand or finger cuts, burns or amputations from the cord or lead or all belt.

Wear long pants to reduce the risk of leg burns and cuts from the cord or lead or all belt .

PROPER USE

Hold leash by the handle not the cord or lead or all belt.

Never allow the cord or lead or all belt to become wrapped around fingers. The cord or lead or all belt can cut or amputate a finger.

Never allow the cord or lead or all belt to become wrapped around hands, arms, legs or any other body part. The cord or lead or all belt can cut or burn you or another person.

To reduce the risk of injury from being pulled to the ground by your dog, always make sure you have firm and secure footing and you watch closely your dog’s behavior and activities while using the leash. If your dog starts running, immediately press the brake button and prepare yourself for a jolt.

If the cord or lead or all belt becomes wrapped around you or someone else, drop the leash and allow it to unwrap.

Keep the cord or lead or all belt from wrapping around the dog’s neck and other body parts.
Always hold the leash with your arm down and extended away from your body. Never hold the leash near your head. The cord or lead or all belt can retract rapidly and the hook can cause eye and face injury.

If the leash separates from the collar and safety loop during use, immediately apply brake and turn your face away.

When near other persons or animals, shorten your leash cord or lead or all belt and control your dog at your side. Never use the leash near or around infants and children.

If you lose control of your dog, immediately drop the leash.

Do not allow the leash cord or lead or all belt to be chewed or rubbed against trees, edges or other sharp or rough surfaces.

Before detaching the leash be sure your dog is under control and the leash cord or lead or all belt is fully retracted. If not fully retracted, the leash cord or lead or all belt can retract rapidly and the hook (8) can cause eye and face injury.

To avoid the risk of injuries like cutting, burning and amputations to infants and children, do not use the leash near or while operating an infant or child stroller, toy wagon or any other device used to transport infants and children. The leash cord or lead or all belt and the leash hook can cause serious eye, face, neck, and head injuries. Serious cutting, burning and amputation injuries can occur if the leash cord or lead or all belt or leash hook come in contact with an infant or child.


REPAIR

Do not attempt to repair the leash.

Do not open the leash housing. The leash housing contains a pre-wound spring that can cause injury if opened. Opening the housing will void the limited warranty.

TO ATTACH LEASH: Be sure to have your dog under control before attempting to attach the leash. With the cord or lead or all belt fully retracted into the leash housing, put the safety loop around the dog's neck near your dog's collar. Attach both rings of the safety loop and the ring of the dog's collar to the hook on the leash.

TO OPERATE: Hold the leash by the handle not the cord or lead or all belt. The leash cord or lead or all belt will run in and out freely without agging.

TO STOP LEASH: Press the brake button down firmly with your thumb.

TO RELEASE THE BRAKE LOCK: Press the brake button with your thumb, using your thumb draw back the lock, then slowly release the brake button.

TO WALK TO HEEL: Fully retract leash cord or lead or all belt and lock the brake.

TO BRING YOU DOG NEARER: Extend your arm foreward and press the brake button using your thumb to prevent the dog from further extending the leash cord or lead or all belt with the brake button depressed, step towards your dog and at the same time bring your arm towards your side. Release the brake button and repeat the movement as necessary.

TO DETACH LEASH: Before attempting to detach leash, be sure your dog is under control, the leash cord or lead or all belt is fully retracted, and the brake button is locked.

WET cord or lead or all belt: If the leash cord or lead or all belt gets wet, pull it out of the leash housing as far as it will go; lock the brake and leave it to dry overnight. After the leash cord or lead or all belt is dry, carefully and slowly retract the leash cord or lead or all belt into the leash housing by pushing and releasing the brake button and allowing the leash cord or lead or all belt to retract in short intervals. This will prevent the leash cord or lead or all belt from retracting rapidly and the hook from possibly hitting you causing eye or face injury.

The pugga retractable dog leash is for use by responsible adults onlyNEVER use this leash near or around infants and children.

Flexible on Pugga retractable leashes

When it's time to take a leash walk, many people may break out one retractable leash or retractable lead due to lack of proper knowledge.

Pugga brings topics of this kind of accidents and also kind suggestions, hope our articles helps much on how to use a retractable leash or retractable lead.

This article powered by Pugga blog by expert Richard Herr, a pugga retractable leash, a better walking with your dog.

You've got a new puppy, and decide to take first walk using retractable leash. Your pup is a little overwhelmed and frightened by the great outdoors, but he soon warms up and starts to enjoy the walk. It is strongly recommended to have your puppy adjusted before any walking with retractable leash. For those dogs that rush madly about when on a retractable leash, they're worn out when they get home, the owner on the other end of the leash is frustrated and sore from it as well.

Take a look at most dogs on retractable leashes. The dog is eager to keep moving ahead, and the owner is lagging behind, struggling to hold onto the plastic handle and lock the leash length every time a car comes by.

Leash walks should demonstrate the relationship between person and dog ... you're walking together, enjoying the scenery together.

What happens if you fail to smack it down in time? Your dog has 15 feet of freedom to tangle with oncoming cars, other dogs, frightened pedestrians, squirrels etc. Retractable leashes give dogs too much room to roam, with potentially disastrous effects.

Put a rabbit in front of any motivated dog, then you accidentally drop the leash handle, startling your pup. He jumps and moves way from the loud noise behind him, then realizes that the loud noise is chasing him! Down the street your puppy runs, with a big, noisy plastic demon keeping pace at his heels. Scary.

It is so important to train your dog before your first walking with dog on a leash, refer to pugga blog other topics for more skills and suggestions, practice as a professional trainer then your will find the evening walk enjoyable!

what's a retractable leash?

A retractable leash allows an owner to adjust the distance that his or her dog can wander while walking with a handler. A mechanism in the handle of a retractable leash allows the handler to stop the extension of lead by pressing a button. A clip on the leash attaches to the dog’s collar.

A retractable leash tends to work best on dogs who are well-controlled and do not tend to pull away from the handler. To effectively use a retractable leash, the handler must anticipate when he or she will need to restrain the dog because the animal is already in front of the walker.

Therefore, the handler cannot wait too long to use the braking mechanism. Retractable leash companies tout the advantage of giving the dog a sense of freedom while allowing the owner to restrain the dog.

Several issues of concern can arise when using a retractable leash. One concern arises when children or persons of small stature are handling a dog that pulls away from them. In this situation, the heavy handle of a retractable leash bounces behind the dog if it breaks free. The dog may think something is chasing him and could run into traffic.

Even if a retractable leash is marked to indicate the size of dog it is appropriate for, that does not always mean it can resist a firm tug from that particular size dog. Another concern is the risk of injuries such as cutting, burning, or amputation from the cord being wrapped. Eye injuries are also a risk. Most retractable leash packaging includes directions for use and a warning to not use this type of leash around children or infants. A retractable leash should never be used as a stationery leash attached to a pole or other object.

Retractable leashes come in various styles and colors. The lengths also vary, from around 16 feet (5 m) to 30 feet (9 m) fully extended. Some feature retractable cords, and others feature webbed belts. Another common feature is a comfortable, soft grip handle. Some retractable leashes even feature a flashlight and radio in the handle compartment.

Buying a leash for your pet is not terribly complicated, but a few tips and tricks may make the task easier. It is important to consider the type of animal you have, the activities you participate in, and the type of collar you use when you pick out a leash. Most frequently, a leash is used to control a dog, although leashes can also be used on cats, rabbits, and other animals. When buying a leash for a small animal, there are not nearly as many consideration, and a generic nylon snap on leash is probably sufficient for your needs.

The strongest dog leashes are chain leashes which will hold up best if the dog is a chewer. Chain dog leashes come in different gauges from smaller chain links to larger, heavier chain. The handles of these dog leashes are made from leather.

Leads are especially short dog leashes of about 14 inches (35 cm)— meant to keep the dog close. Leads are often used when walking large dogs through crowded public places. Leads are also used with aggressive dogs. Some dog leashes combine the lead and leash into one. The lead portion is connected to a longer leash, making this a handy choice for walks that go from high traffic areas, to rural park areas and back.

A retractable dog leash is housed in a small, plastic casing designed for easy handheld manipulation. A trigger or button releases the leash, allowing it to uncoil up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) or more. Another press of the trigger will retract the leash. Retractable dog leashes are better suited to smaller breeds or well-behaved larger dogs.