Leads and Collars

[smdaigle]

I need a new lead to use during training. The one I have is way too long and gets in my way. What length should I get for doing basic obedience work? I can't seem to find anything less than 4 feet in the pet stores so I'll either have to buy one and have it cut down or order one online. (I like the one I have for walking - just not obedience).

I also have a prong collar with a quick release but it's an el-cheapo from Petco and when I hook the connector to the chain it always seems twisted. Is one of the Herm Sprenger ones going to be that much better? If so, where do I start? I probably need a FAQ on collars before I buy another one!

Thanks!

[DJEtzel]

What type of lead are you looking for? Nylon/cotton, Nylon, leather, etc? I've started making nylon and nylon/cotton collars/leads and wouldn't have a problem making a short one for you. Would probably be much cheaper than what you'd find online, but I don't know if it's what you're looking for.

[hunterisgreat]

All my collars are Herm Sprenger... fursavers, pinch, and a necktech. Love them all, and they all are undamaged by frequent salt water exposure.

Whatever material you prefer, I'd say your toolbox should have a 6ft, a ~3-4ft (preferably with a brass ring on the end so you can wear it as a belt when off lead), and a ~8" tab with ring. Maybe a 20ft for good measure. Depends on what type of training you are doing.

[RockinIt]

Originally Posted by hunterisgreat

Whatever material you prefer, I'd say your toolbox should have a 6ft, a ~3-4ft (preferably with a brass ring on the end so you can wear it as a belt when off lead), and a ~8" tab with ring. Maybe a 20ft for good measure. Depends on what type of training you are doing.

I've been trying to figure this one out myself and this answer was particularly helpful for me.

What width do you guys like the 3-4 foot lead to be? I'm really looking hard at a 3/8" leather lead specifically for training. I met a lady who was using one with her GSD the other day and she had knots in it every so far to help her remember where her hands need to be. She let me feel the lead (without handing me the dog) and it was super soft and pliable. I could see it feeling really good in my hands once I got it broken in!

[hunterisgreat]

Originally Posted by RockinIt

I've been trying to figure this one out myself and this answer was particularly helpful for me.

What width do you guys like the 3-4 foot lead to be? I'm really looking hard at a 3/8" leather lead specifically for training. I met a lady who was using one with her GSD the other day and she had knots in it every so far to help her remember where her hands need to be. She let me feel the lead (without handing me the dog) and it was super soft and pliable. I could see it feeling really good in my hands once I got it broken in!

I have a combination of Amish leather leads, and ASAT leads. ASAT is a leather synthetic that is rot/fade/crack proof and has a 500lb breakforce in 1/2 inch, 750lb in 3/4. All my leashes are 3/4. As far as my comfort, I prefer the leather... just preference though

[RockinIt]

Originally Posted by hunterisgreat

I have a combination of Amish leather leads, and ASAT leads. ASAT is a leather synthetic that is rot/fade/crack proof and has a 500lb breakforce in 1/2 inch, 750lb in 3/4. All my leashes are 3/4. As far as my comfort, I prefer the leather... just preference though

Thanks

[smdaigle]

Originally Posted by DJEtzel

What type of lead are you looking for? Nylon/cotton, Nylon, leather, etc? I've started making nylon and nylon/cotton collars/leads and wouldn't have a problem making a short one for you. Would probably be much cheaper than what you'd find online, but I don't know if it's what you're looking for.

I've mainly used leather but nylon would probably work just as well. I think my current leash is 6 ft. but for training I really only need 2 or 3 feet. Send me a PM with your prices

[smdaigle]

Originally Posted by RockinIt

I've been trying to figure this one out myself and this answer was particularly helpful for me.

What width do you guys like the 3-4 foot lead to be? I'm really looking hard at a 3/8" leather lead specifically for training. I met a lady who was using one with her GSD the other day and she had knots in it every so far to help her remember where her hands need to be. She let me feel the lead (without handing me the dog) and it was super soft and pliable. I could see it feeling really good in my hands once I got it broken in!

I think my leather leash is 1/2" - it might be 3/8" but it's at home and I'm not so I can't be sure. During my first obedience class 15 years ago the instructor tied knots in our leashes for us. But, I was doing AKC obedience and the heeling was taught very differently from the Schutzhund attentive Fuss (heeling) that my trainer uses so I don't need the knots any more. I still like the feel of the leather though.

Note that I'm not actually doing Schutzhund (nearest club is too far and I can't currently commit that much time anyway) . . . I'm just doing the Schutzhund style obedience - for now anyway