One of the first things that you need to do when you adopt a dog or a new puppy is buy a leash. This may not be as simple as it sounds.  You must keep in mind that a dog leash is a training tool.  You can pay lots of money for a fancy leash but what good is it if it can’t keep your dog under control? The best leash is one that allows you to communicate with your dog and get him to do what you want him to do.  A  standard 6 inch nylon or leather dog leash s great for walks or basic obedience exercises, but it won’t allow you to give corrections to your dog over long distances.  A retractable 25 – 30 foot leash is good for training a puppy or teaching him the “stay” command but it may be a little difficult to keep him under control.  Never use a chain leash, they are not good for training and they may injure your dog.

The size of the leash depends on the size of your dog.  The bigger the dog, the wider his leash should be. When buying a leash for a puppy, think in terms of the size he’ll be when he’s full grown. A leash should be long enough to give him some slack but too long which will make it difficult for you to control him. Avoid  leashes with decorations or glitter. They could come off and choke your dog. Always have more that one leash available.

Remember, your pets count!