What dog walking equipment should I use?
If you’re wondering ‘What dog equipment should I use?’ the equipment we choose makes a significant difference to their comfort, confidence, safety and behaviour. From collars and harnesses to the many types of leads available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Understanding how each piece of equipment works allows us to make informed choices that protect our dogs’ well-being and support good training.
Why Harnesses Are Often Better Than Collars
Traditional collars are widely used, but they can place pressure directly on the dog’s throat, neck and spine. When a dog pulls forward, the collar tightens around the trachea and the delicate structures of the neck. This pressure can lead to coughing, gagging, thyroid irritation, eye issues from increased intraocular pressure and even spinal discomfort over time.
A well-fitted harness, on the other hand, spreads the pressure safely across the chest and shoulders. This reduces the risk of injury and offers greater comfort, particularly for small breeds, brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, puppies, and dogs who are still learning not to pull. A harness can also give the handler improved control, especially if it includes both a front and back attachment point.
Harnesses are not all the same, however. Some restrict shoulder movement. The best option is a Y-shaped harness that allows natural movement while keeping pressure away from the throat.
Lead Types: Benefits and Considerations
- Standard Lead
A standard lead, often around 1–2 metres long, is the most common type. When paired with a well-fitted harness, this lead offers simple, reliable control. It is ideal for loose lead training and everyday walking in environments with regular traffic, people or other dogs.
The biggest benefit of a standard lead is consistency. It doesn’t lengthen or shorten unpredictably, which helps the dog learn to walk at a comfortable pace without pulling.
- Slip Lead
Slip leads tighten when tension is applied. They are common in working dog settings and are sometimes recommended in traditional training. However, because they tighten around the neck, they carry the same risks as collars, with increased potential for harm if used incorrectly.
Slip leads can contribute to:
- Neck strain and trachea damage
- Stress or discomfort
- Increased pulling if the dog becomes anxious or frustrated
However, there is an important point to acknowledge:
If a dog is already fully loose-lead trained, walks calmly without pulling, and is not anxious or reactive, a slip lead can be used safely as a simple on-off handling tool. It should never be used to control pulling or correct behaviour.
- Retractable Lead
Retractable leads extend and retract based on the dog’s movement. They can seem appealing because they offer dogs more space to explore. However, they also present several risks:
- They teach the dog that pulling works (because pulling earns more lead).
- The thin cord can cause burns or cuts if it wraps around legs or fingers.
- The locking mechanism can fail.
- Sudden stops can jerk the dog’s neck or spine.
Despite these issues, a retractable lead can be used safely if the dog already has excellent loose-lead skills, good recall, and walks with minimal tension. For untrained or reactive dogs, they are not recommended.
- Long Line
A long line is usually 5–20 metres and attaches to a harness, not a collar. It allows the dog to explore, sniff, move more freely, and practise recall while staying safe.
Benefits include:
- Helps build recall in gradual, controlled steps
- Encourages natural movement and enrichment
- Reduces frustration compared to short-lead walking
However, long lines require skill. If allowed to trail, they can tangle around legs. If held too tightly, they can jerk the dog. Learning to “manage the slack” takes practice, but once mastered, the long line can transform walks.
