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Owning a dog is a big responsibility and there are a number of things that you need to purchase to take care of them properly. One thing which is extremely important is a dog lead.

These come in a variety of different sizes and there are a few different types to choose from. Selecting the right type of lead to suit your dog is essential and many people do not realise the importance of selecting the right one.
So just why is the type of lead that you choose important and how could it make a difference to your walks?

Why Dog Leads Are Important

Dog leads are used whenever you want to take your dog out of the home. Dog">All dogs need some form of exercise and this usually means taking them out for daily walks. It is not realistic to simply take your dog out without a lead as they could easily run into the road, run up to strangers and other dogs and generally just get out of control as they become excited. So a dog lead is needed to keep control of your dog and to keep them with you.

If you do not choose the right type of lead then a number of problems can arise.
First, not all leads will be the same strength. Some are made from fabric and they are not designed to be used with larger breeds of dogs. If you were to use a flimsy fabric lead on a Rottweiler, for example, there is a big chance that the dog could simply snap the lead in two if they pull too much. So you need to take the size of your dog into account when choosing.

The Different Types of Leads Available

There are a couple of different types of leads available and which include:

' Retractable leads
' Standard Leads

Retractable leads can be extended at just the push of a button. Many owners prefer to have this type if they do not want to let their dog run free in their local park. Instead they have the power to let the dog roam a certain length in front of them and if needed the lead can be shortened again. This can give you more control over the dog and can be extremely handy. However, they are not always overly strong so again, they may be better for smaller breeds of dog.

Standard leads are simply leads that you hold at one end and attach to your dogs collar at the other. They do not change in size, although they do come in a variety of styles and materials. Usually, they are created using either leather or nylon but they also come in the form of a chain for extra strength. If you do own a larger dog then a chain style lead would be ideal. The handle is usually made from leather and the chain is made from metal with a metal clip that attaches to the dogs collar.

Overall, there are many different types of leads available to suit your dog. The main thing to look at is the length. Smaller dogs will need a smaller lead than bigger dogs. Choosing the right one is essential and you should spend as much time as possible selecting the right one for your dog.