The correct items for walking your dog: Ensuring that your dog walk is fun

A dog walk is essential for the dog not only as exercise for physical exertion, but also for the external stimuli. No general statement can be made about how often and how long a dog walk should be. The duration and frequency of the walk depends on the breed, age, character and temperament of the dog and general circumstances of life. For adult dogs, you can roughly estimate two large rounds of one hour each, including playful phases. Therefore, a dog toy is always welcome on the walk. You can read about suitable toys in our guide on dog toys.

This guide, however, is about the right items needed to ensure that the walk is both relaxed and safe for both dog and human. This includes: Dog lead, dog collar or dog harness, poo bag and possibly a dog coat.

3 tips for the perfect dog lead: A dog lead is the most important thing when walking your dog

A dog lead is an absolute must on every dog walk. Although at first glance it restricts the dog’s range of movement, in some situations it is essential for the safety of both humans and animals. For example, when other dogs are around, in a crowded city or for training purposes. We will show you in three steps how to find the best lead for your dog and needs.

1. Type of dog lead

There is a suitable dog lead for every situation and every dog:

• Standard leads
• Slip leads
• Tracking leads
• Retractable leads

The standard lead is a classic that has a snap hook at one end that is attached to the collar, and then usually a hand loop at the other end. Some leads are also equipped with several eyelets that can be adjusted to various lengths.

Long leads are suitable for walking a dog in the park or forest, while short leads, are more suitable in crowded environments or for training „heel“.

With a slip lead, the collar is integrated into the lead. A loop is simply slipped over the dog’s head. This way, the dog is quickly freed and put back on the lead. This turns out to be extremely practical, especially in competition or training.

Tracking leads can be up to 20m long, which massively extends the dog’s range of movement without completely breaking the connection to the human. Tracking leads can be used, among other things, for training the recall command. The dog then drags the lead behind them.

For this reason, a dog harness should be used in combination with a tracking lead so that the pull on the neck area is kept to a minimum and the dog does not strangle itself if it becomes entangled.

Especially popular with smaller dogs are retractable leads that have an automatic retraction mechanism. This allows the dog to move away from the human. Unlike tracking leads, the lead does not drag on the ground. Retractable leads can only be used for training to a limited extent because a constant pull is exerted and thus there is no release of pressure. This tends to confuse the dog and you may end up having a dog that pulls on the lead. Because of the continuous pull, a harness should always be worn with retractable leashes.

2. The material of the dog lead

A dog lead is highly subject to strain, dirt, moisture and the dog’s teeth. For this reason, robust and durable materials are indispensable for dog leads.

Leather is a very robust natural material that feels soft in the hand and is durable with good leather care. Due to their weight, leather leads are more suitable for large, strong dogs.

Nylon is very popular and often used. It is also very robust, but much easier to care for than leather. You can even put it in the washing machine. When buying a nylon lead, pay attention to the workmanship, as the edges of low-quality leads will quickly fray.

A solid and non-slip dog lead is provided by either cotton or rope.

Water-repellent material is essential, especially for tracking leads that are dragged through dirt and moisture. Dirt-repellent PVC fibre is not only particularly light and grippy, but can also be easily rinsed after a walk.

The material also determines the weight of a dog lead. This should be adapted to the dog’s body size. Puppies, for example, whose skeleton is still fragile, require a light lead. The weight of the dog lead is determined not only by the material but also by its length and width.

You should take a closer look at the material of the snap hooks, as these are the most likely to break on a dog lead. In the best case, the snap hook is made of metal, as it is particularly strong. Brass, on the other hand, is an alloy and therefore less robust.

3. The appropriate length of the dog lead

Depending on the type of lead, dog leads can be between 35cm and 20m long. The shorter the dog lead, the more control the human has over the dog. Short leads are more suitable for training or for various safety reasons than long ones. For this, dog leads that are no longer than two metres are best.

On the other hand, a longer lead means more freedom of movement for your four-legged friend. However, this can also entail a higher risk of injury. In particular, dog owners should act prudently when tracking leads are uncoiled and difficult to see, or when tracking leads are dragged behind, so that no one gets caught in the lead and injures themselves or their dog. Dog leads of two to three metres are well suited for everyday use.

For dog leads of more than three metres, it is advisable to wear a dog harness so that the dog’s cervical vertebrae and larynx are not too heavily burdened by the weight of the lead.

The width of the dog lead also plays an important role in choosing the best lead for your dog. The wider the dog lead, the higher the tensile force it can withstand. For large dogs weighing 15kg or more, dog leads with a width of 1.5cm are suitable, for heavier dogs weighing 25kg or more, a 2cm wide dog lead is appropriate. Narrower leashes are also suitable for small, non-pulling dogs.

The dog collar: A favourite for walking your dog

A dog collar is a typical choice when walking your dog. The collar is not only a pretty accessory, but also has the primary purpose of attaching the lead and a dog tag. At the same time, it is a means of communication between man and dog. A dog collar is especially useful for training purposes and in educational work and can be preferred to a dog harness. If, for example, „heel“ is to be taught, the attachment ring of the harness would be too far back, which would mean too much effort when correcting the dog.

Especially dogs with a strong neck are easily corrected with a collar, as they would otherwise hang themselves into the harness. On the other hand, a collar is less comfortable for a dog with a short nose and heavy breathing, as the windpipe can be squeezed.

The fit of the collar:

Measure your dog’s neck at its mid-height, not too tightly, but also not too loosely. For reference, one to two finger widths should fit between the measuring tape/collar and the dog. Ideally, the size of the collar can be adjusted so that it still fits once the dog’s coat has been shed. Collars with a pin buckle are logically not as adjustable as a collar with a side release buckle and an infinitely adjustable strap. There are also so-called „slip“ collars, which tighten to a point when pulled. However, these are only suitable for dogs that feel comfortable in the collar and do not try to wriggle out.

Ideally, the ring for attaching the dog lead should be close to the buckle, otherwise the buckle will press on the larynx when the collar is pulled.

A dog collar should be too wide rather than too narrow so that the pressure caused by pulling is distributed more easily. This reduces the risk of injury to the dog and at the same time makes the dog collar more comfortable to wear. Nevertheless, it should always be adapted to the size of the dog.

The dog collar material:

The material must be gentle on the fur and must not trigger any allergies. A leather dog collar is a real classic. The natural product is pleasantly warm in cold weather and lasts a long time with good leather care. You can read more about proper and gentle leather care in our „Saddle & Leather Care“ guide.

A dog collar made of nylon is also robust and tear-resistant, but easy to care for. It keeps its shape even when damp and does not become as heavily saturated as with a leather collar. Nylon collars usually come with a plastic buckle which, if of poor quality, can break if the dog is pulled hard and suddenly tugged on the lead. Stainless steel buckles may be a better choice for dogs that cannot walk on the lead properly.

Furthermore, the material for a dog collar should be easy to stretch so that it does not choke the dog. However, it should not be so flexible that the dog can slip out easily.

Dog collars for puppies:

Puppies need different collars than adult dogs. On the one hand, puppy collars must be particularly soft and supple, as they do not yet have to withstand strong forces. Skin-friendly cotton collars, for example, are ideal for this. On the other hand, they must be able to grow along with the size of the neck. An infinitely adjustable collar is particularly practical, so that a new one does not have to be bought all the time. Under no circumstances should a no pull collar come into play. Puppies that first have to learn to walk properly on a lead can be choked, which can lead to injuries.

Dog collars for large dogs:

The larger the dog, the wider and more resistant the collar must be. If they are too narrow, the collar can cut into the skin or exert punctual pressure on the larynx. Furthermore, dainty collars would not be able to withstand the tension when the dog pulls on the lead. For a better distribution of pressure, XL dog collars made of leather, for example, are suitable for large dogs.

Glow-in-the-dark dog collars:

Luminous or reflective dog collars provide more visibility and safety when walking during the winter months. While reflective dog collars must first be illuminated by an external light source in order to recognise the dog, luminous collars produce their own light source. This means that the dog can be spotted and identified even in absolute darkness.

For the sake of sustainability, there are more and more luminous collars for dogs that are rechargeable via a USB connection.

Finding the perfect dog harness: Comfort and extra safety for the dog

Some dog owners prefer a dog harness to a collar for personal reasons, in some cases a dog harness can bring better benefits when walking. For example, a harness provides more security for anxious or panicky dogs. A dog harness can also mean more comfort because the larynx is spared and protected. In dog pulling sports, on the other hand, a pulling harness is a prerequisite, for example in canicross (cross-country running with a dog).

As with dog leads, there is a suitable harness for every situation, although not every harness fits every dog. It is best to try out different types.

Standard harnesses for dogs:

A standard harness can be used to suit a wide range of individual needs and is multi-adjustable. This makes it suitable not only for a variety of different breeds of dogs, but it can also be used for young growing dogs.

To put on, slip the harness loop over your dog’s head, to which are attached the chest strap and the back strap, which are connected to each other via a belly strap. There are three different forms of harness: H, Y or X harness, which distribute the pressure in different ways.

All three types, provided the harness fits, allow the shoulders plenty of freedom of movement and do not limit the dog’s stride length.

A panic harness is an extension of the above harness that is suitable for safeguarding very anxious dogs when walking. A safety harness has an additional waist strap that makes it almost impossible for the dog to slip out of the harness.

Norwegian harnesses for dogs:

A Norwegian harness is more discreet because it only consists of a vertical chest strap and a torso strap. This makes it very easy to put on: The harness is simply put on the dog and the belly strap is fastened. A handle on the back allows the dog to be held securely in a critical situation. A Norwegian harness is not suitable for anxious dogs, as they can slip out more easily.

The ideal fit is essential for a Norwegian harness, as it has few adjustment options and can therefore only be adapted to a limited extent. If it does not fit properly, the horizontal chest strap runs over the pointed sternum and shoulder joint, thus not only changing the stride but in the long run may even displace the ribs. A Norwegian harness does not fit all dogs, so a classic harness is the better option for them.

Saddle harnesses for dogs:

A saddle harness is usually constructed like a Norwegian harness with a horizontal chest strap, but has wider fabric parts on the belly strap. This allows drinking bottles or outdoor cameras to be attached, for example. The disadvantage of these fabric panels is the heat generated underneath, which can be very uncomfortable for the dog, especially in summer.

Weight pulling harness for dogs:

A weight pulling harness for dogs is suitable for anyone who enjoys sporting activities with their dog. These are used, among other things, for dog sledding and other pulling sports. They are designed in such a way that they give the dog a lot of room to move and distribute the pressure gently. This is because, unlike in everyday life, the dog is supposed to pull on the harness in this case. Pulling harnesses have an extension behind the last belly strap to which the lead is attached. This way the harness does not slip, but fits snugly.

The optimal fit of the dog harness:

The way in which a dog harness must fit depends very much on its intended use. Generally speaking, the dog must feel comfortable in the harness and be able to move freely. To determine the correct sized dog harness, the dog should be measured beforehand. Important in this context are the neck circumference and the chest circumference.

For the neck circumference (1), the measuring tape is placed at the last cervical vertebra before the shoulders, where the highest point of the shoulder is, and wrapped once around the neck over the sternum bone. To measure the chest circumference (3), place the tape measure 3 to 5 finger widths behind the front legs and loosely wrap it once around the torso – you must still be able to slide an index finger under the tape measure. Keep in mind that different manufacturers have different measurements, therefore trying the harness on first is always best.

The harness fits correctly when the belly strap (3) and the chest strap (2) do not hinder the natural movement of the front legs. If the belly strap sits too far forward, it can press into the crook of the elbow and cause chafing. For small dogs, there should be two fingers of space between the belly strap and the front legs, for large dogs it can be up to a hand’s width.

At the same time, the belly strap must not be too far back, but must sit in front of the last ribcage. It is best to check this with a light pull on the lead, because even then the belly strap should not shift into the dog’s soft spots and squeeze organs.

The back section lies centrally on the back and does not slip. If the dog harness fits perfectly, you can put a flat hand between the dog and the harness.

With a harness, the neck strap and the chest strap meet in the middle of the sternum so that the larynx is not squeezed when the dog is pulled. With a Norwegian harness, the optimal fit is somewhat more difficult, because the dog’s shoulder should remain as free as possible, while the chest strap should still lie on the sternum.

When a dog needs a jacket: Dog walking during the cold season

With a dog, you go outside in all weathers. Dogs not only need their exercise, but also the opportunity to go about their business. Especially when it’s raining and cold, a walk can be unpleasant for the dog.

So when can a dog coat be useful?

When it comes to the question of when a dog jacket is necessary, you can generally consider cold, damp weather or a temperature of 5 degrees. When you go outdoors, a waterproof dog jacket or a lined dog coat is recommended. However, this has to be considered individually from dog to dog.

The following kinds of dogs need a dog coat during the cold season:

SHORT-HAIRED DOGS

Dog breeds with short coats, little undercoat or fat tissue need extra protection from the cold and wind.

SPORTY DOGS

Dog coats protect against chills during training breaks in dog sports and keep muscles and tendons warm.

OLDER DOGS, PUPPIES OR SICK DOGS

Chronic ailments of the back, joints and skin are reduced by increased weather protection. Dogs with weakened immune systems also benefit from a dog coat.

MEDITERRANEAN DOGS

Dogs from warmer climates, e.g. from animal shelters, feel cold in the winter and can even fall ill as a result.

• Dog raincoats without filling
• Dog coats with fleece lining
• Dog jumpers
• Dog fleece coats
• Classic dog winter coats with 50g filling or more
• Dog towel robes

Dog raincoats without filling:

A dog raincoat is particularly suitable for dogs that do not like to be wet. But also dogs with a dense undercoat that give off a strong smell in the house as soon as they get wet, can also wear a waterproof raincoat for dogs. As a rule, the taped seams also prevent water from penetrating. Some dog raincoats also have a fleece lining, which keeps the dog moderately warm and is particularly fur-friendly.

Is your dog sensitive around the ears or is it pouring down rain? For such cases, there are raincoats for dogs with a fixable hood. Furthermore, reflective stripes or piping on a dog raincoat are invaluable for greater visibility in autumn.

Dog jumpers & fleece dog coats:

Dog jumpers and fleece coats are an ideal transitional solution between seasons at temperatures above 5 degrees, when it is still too soon for a thick winter coat. Depending on the style, dog jumpers or fleece coats can also be worn as additional protection against the cold under a raincoat. However, they are not suitable for humid days, as they tend to become soaked with moisture, which can have a negative impact on the dog’s health.

Padded winter dog coats:

When temperatures approach zero degrees, a warm winter dog coat is just the thing for easily cold dogs without an undercoat. The warm filling adds the warmth that the dog does not have. A dog coat is considered a winter dog coat if it has a filling of 50g or more. Additional warmth and comfort is provided by a fluffy lining that is fur-friendly and does not cause hair breakage.

Beyond the basics, the individual types differ in cut and additional features. For example, some dog coats for winter have a collar that also keeps the dog’s neck warm. Also note that not all winter dog coats are waterproof and therefore cannot withstand a heavy rain shower. As with raincoats for dogs, reflective details on winter coat styles are a big plus for the dog’s safety.

Towel robes for dogs:

Has your dog jumped through puddles during a walk or gone for a swim in the lake and now has to get into the car? Or has your dog had a bath and now wants to run around the home? Towel robe for dogs is recommended for such occasions. Dog towel robes are made of an absorbent Terry Towel fabric that encloses the dog all around thanks to the belly flap, high collar and, in some cases, leg covers.

This allows the dog to dry faster and at the same time protects it from possible hypothermia. The latter is especially important for old, sick dogs and puppies that have a weak immune system.

How should a dog coat fit?

As with the harness, a dog coat must fit the dog. The key here is to try it on. A dog coat fits properly when the dog’s full freedom of movement is maintained, i.e. the dog coat must not be tight on the back or shoulders. Measure the length of the dog’s back while standing, with the head held upright. The dog coat should cover the entire back, ideally reaching the base of the tail. When trying on the coat, make sure that the cut-out at the front legs does not constrict the dog. Finally, the dog should feel comfortable in the coat and be able to move freely.