The basic dog leash is six feet in length. This is the type most often required for obedience classes. The six-foot leash allows you to hold it comfortably with the dog near you without straining. Owners of toy breeds, especially those under 7 pounds, may prefer a 4 or 5 foot leash as it is less to manage. The best leashes are made of either leather or nylon.
Some dogs will attempt to chew the leash. To avoid this, try two things: first, never leave the dog unattended on the leash. Second, spray a deterrent, such as bitter apple (from pet retailers), on the leash to discourage any errant chewing. Some leashes are available that claim to be “chew-resistant.” Be warned that persistent chewers will take that as a challenge.
Long leads (20+ feet in length) are helpful for training or playing in public parks. They are often required for obedience classes.
Avoid retractable leashes as they can easily cause injury to owner, dog, or passerby when retracting. Also, they are less reliable at keeping your dog safe – I have personally known a dog who died because he was run over while on a retractable leash. He went around a corner just a few feet ahead of his owner. Apparently this is not uncommon with these leashes, so it is best to stay away from retractable leashes.
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