Dogs And Basic 4 Ft X 5/8 Leash

I prefer most students use a basic, flat, 4 ft X 5/8 in nylon leash to train their dogs. I also prefer bright colors. 

In the old days, the standard leash was leather, 6 feet long by 5/8 inches, and a brass snap. I found them to be too long, slippery when wet, expensive to replace (and yes, you will lose leashes over time), and easy for a dog to chew through. I typically encourage my students to purchase several leashes. One for the dog, another as a backup in the car, another as a backup in the home, and another as a spare in case you need to replace a frayed leash. 

My first leash, for my first dog, was a leather leash as I described above, It lasted the life of my dog. So, when I started training dogs for students, I had them get 6 foot leather leashes. But, as time went on, I found that they were not as useful as I figured they would be. For me, I can easily adapt to using just about any leash. All leashes are pretty much effortless for me to use. That isn't true for the average person. 

I am almost 6 ft, 1 inch tall. So, at my height, hand size, and strength, I can use a 6 foot leash. But, the average man in the US is 5'9" and the average woman is 5'3.5"; they have smaller hands, shorter arms, aren't as strong or fast as I am, and all that extra length is more of a hassle than a shorter leash. Plus, new people tend to wear out, or lose, their leashes. So, I switched to recommending inexpensive, brightly colored (not as easily lost at a park or at home), flat nylon leashes with the old fashioned clips. 

Proper leash work is a skill. It is more than just holding on. I teach proper grip, handling, usage from a wide range of angles. I also sometimes recommend speed-building exercises since most people, after 30 years of age, tend to lose their quick reflexes. I can flick a wrist or arm very quickly. I can easily work a dog from my left or right sides. I have to rebuild student's coordination to become proficient. Many students aren't getting the most out of their training in the beginning because of their rigid, weak, slow movements. Fast dogs can get ahead of slow people. Slow footwork is just as much of a problem as slow leash work. A shorter leash gives them an advantage as they build up their ability to respond and control.

Here is the type of leash I recommend. If you are a student reading this, I recommend getting at least 4 leashes. I would shop for several different colors, but get the bright ones. Black, dark green, and brown leashes are too easy to lose, so I recommend not getting those colors. 

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