Leather leash
Pro: The very best for your hands. With just a bit of conditioning when they are new they will feel like butter. With the right treatment this leash will be the last leash you’ll need.
Con: They don’t do great when wet. They can be pricey. Some puppies find the leather delicious so it might not be the best idea for young pups.
Nylon leash
Pro: pretty durable and cheap
Con: not recommended for dogs that pull because the nylon will give you rope burn. Some have dyes that can bleed, staining light colored dogs and your hands when wet.
Extendable leash
Pro: you can give dogs a bit of freedom.
Con: It’s very hard to control a dog when they are 20 ft. away from you. They can snap quite easily. The slim girth of the rope makes them quite dangerous as they can tangle around objects, your legs or arms, in some cases causing serious injury. The handle is quite heavy and can be very scary for the dog if you drop it because it makes a lot of noise.
Chain leash
Pro: This leash is used for dogs who chew on the leash, most dogs don’t like the feel of metal chain in their mouth so it works on that behavior.
Con: These leashes are very heavy and they can be quite loud when dropped. Not very practical for everyday use.
Slip lead
Pro: It’s easy to catch a dog even if they don’t have a collar on. It helps prevent dogs from slipping out of their collar.
Con: These leashes don’t have a clip to attach it to a collar. Many don’t have a stop on them so the section that becomes the collar can get too big when you loosen the leash.
Bungee leashes
Pro: reduces some of the impact on your arms when the dog pulls. They usually have a big comfortable handle.
Con: they are usually quite short (4ft.). The multiple handles can sometimes be cumbersome.
All leashes have useful features and they all have downfalls. Depending on the size and temperament of your dog you might need more than one during the pup’s life time. No matter which leash you choose, they are all tools. They should all be used carefully and training your dog so they will be under control is a must.
