Let's talk dog leads!
May is national dog walking month and so I thought it would be a good idea to have a look at walking with your pooch.
There are so many benefits for both you and your dog when you go out walking together. It helps with mental health, you get outside and enjoy nature and they get to use their brains and sniff. You both to socialise and build an even stronger bond between you. You both get some exercise to help with weight management particularly if you both prefer the sofa to exercise!
Ensuring you have the right lead for your pooch is really important for both parties, giving your dog the ability to sniff and explore whilst you are still in control.
It is not always possible to allow your dog to enjoy off lead walking. For me one of my dogs is reactive to other dogs. Not only do we muzzle him for his and other dog's safety he also is walked primarily on the lead. It allows us to have more control. There are also certain places you need to walk your dog on a lead, particularly if you are walking along a busy road or near livestock.
There are also many different factors that you need to consider for your choice of lead. Including age (may have a lead and a long line for training), size (same lead for a Pom and a Great Dane?), temperament (pulling on the lead), level of training, and the situation.
So making sure you have the right lead can be crucial. We are going to explore the law, the length of the lead and the lead style in this article.
The Law
Unlike other rules regarding your dog such as identification there isn't an overall law about dogs on leads in public spaces but a series of orders that pertain to your dog being on a lead in certain places such as roads, parks and beaches. Restrictions on dogs on leads can also be put in place by local councils that cover things like kids play areas etc.
Highway Code
Rule 56 of The Highway Code says that dogs should be kept on a short leads along roads and on paths shared with horse riders or cyclists.
Your local authority also has the power to ask you to keep your dog on a lead when walking along ‘designated’ roads. A designated road is one your local authority has chosen as such. The section of road should be marked with signs.
While there is no countrywide blanket ban on walking dogs off-lead along roads, you should keep your dog on a lead, as stated in the Highway Code, when walking by any road to prevent accidents.
Local Authorities
Many local authorities have now introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders to restrict dogs being walked on or off lead (or excluded from the area entirely) in certain public spaces. When you are out and about keep a look out for signage detailing restrictions. As well as checking your local council’s website for details of any restricted areas.
The Highway Code states that dogs should not be let out on a road on their own. It also states that your dog should kept on a short lead when walking by a road (rule 56).
Countryside Code
When walking in the countryside, (farmland or other areas) you’re likely to come across livestock, horses and other animals that may pose a problem for you and your dog. Even if this is not usual behaviour your dog may chase and hurt animals so it is recommend that you keep your dog on a lead.
It’s better to be safe than sorry!
The Countryside Code states: "On Open Access land and at the coast, you must put your dog on a lead around livestock. Between 1 March and 31 July, you must have your dog on a lead on Open Access land, even if there is no livestock on the land. These are legal requirements."
What can happen if I break these laws?
The maximum fine for a dog owner is up to £1,000. Farmers can also shoot dogs they believe are worrying livestock on their land.
They can issue fines or fixed penalty notices for those who do not comply.
Laws: The Highway Code Rules about animals 47-58 published 2015
Road Traffic Act 1988, section 27, Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, Animals Act 1971, section 3, Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
Lead Length
Short Leads
At Urban Tails my standard length lead is 1.2m including the handle, which is considered a "short lead" This lead is ideal for everyday walks. It allows for maximum control whilst walking in bust places. you can have shorter leads with a 1m length but this will depend on the size of your dog. If you require a shorter lead then just let us know.
Training Lead
These leads tend to be a little longer at 2m and is fitted with a clip at each end and rings along it to allow you to use the lead in different configurations. This allows the lead to be attached to a collar/head lead and harness at the same time to improve control of your dog. It also takes the pressure off the neck if your dog pulls. I can make these leads to order, just let us know.
Long Line
These leads are use for training your dog to be able to go off lead, particularly if they are cheeky and end up with selective hearing when you are out and about. These leads are relatively standard between brands. They are 10m in length of webbing and have a clip at one end to attach to your dog. I don't often make this type of lead but there are plenty of places that have these for sale.
With this lead you have to be aware of the length, my poor dog walker has been tangled up in many a long line and even taken a tumble as the dog jumped at her! So keep an eye on your furry friend and the lead around your feet!
The Controversial Retractable Lead
Using this type of lead certainly divides the internet on to use or not to use.
As with all leads there are pros and cons and I think it's personal choice. Using this type of lead in certain situations can be a great benefit to your dog and I will confess my Jack Russell cross is walked with this kind of lead.
Reasons for not using this type of lead is predominantly due to the number of injuries associated with their use. If this kind of lead is attached only to the collar and your dog is running and you stop it you can cause an injury to the dog's neck and/or back. So using this lead with a harness can make a big difference.
So let me explain my reasons for using this type of lead. My larger dog (Lab Cross) is very reactive to others. He is now generally walked with my Jack on their own. He is muzzled and has a training lead that allows some flexibility as he is not let off the lead in public places. Unfortunately this means the little dog has to be on lead too. So to allow her a little more freedom she has the retractable lead with it connected to her harness which means she can have a little more freedom in her walk. She is also 10 and a half now and has a bad back leg (she had a locating patella and had surgery) she is now starting to have some joint issues. So whilst she would play with a tennis ball until she collapses she is a lot less excitable when on a walk!
My advice is to think about the circumstances you will be using this lead in, if you take certain precautions.
Sydney and Timmy on a walk!
More Resources
If you would like more info on loose lead walking check out this article by The Dogs Trust
Find out more about natural treats that can facilitate your walking adventures with this fantastic blog post by Hannah: Trail Snacks & Treats: Natural Options for Walks On-The-Go
Additional References:
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/wellbeing-and-care/dog-laws-uk
https://positivepettraining.co.uk/should-i-use-a-retractable-lead/