Leash Vs tape measure: which is better

The choice between a leash and a tape measure arises most dog parents. On the one hand, there is an old, kind, proven classic, and on the other, a convenient and modern device that does not get dirty and does not take up much space. But not everything is so simple, otherwise among dog breeders there would not be endless disputes and thoughts about roulettes and leashes.

Let’s discuss which is better: a leash or a tape measure? Let’s go through the pitfalls of both and tell you when roulette is appropriate, and when it is better to stop on a leash.

Roulette is a cable with a handle that can be controlled with one hand by pressing a button.

There are two types of roulettes: corded and tape. The first type is chosen for small and medium dogs, the second – for large ones. The tape is inferior to the cord in that it is difficult to wind it up, because. she is often confused. There is no such problem with the cord.

Roulettes also differ in the length of the leash: from 1 to 10 meters. The longer the cable, the larger the handle.

Roulette advantages:

Roulette can be reeled very quickly and easily, with just one touch of a button.
At home, a compact tape measure does not take up much space.
Due to the fact that the roulette cable does not sag, but is always in tension, it does not get dirty on street dirt and does not stain clothes.
Almost all roulette models are equipped with a short-term stop function. If you decide to fix the leash at a certain length, just press the button.
Roulettes have a return function, i.e. at any time you can press the button, the roulette will start to reel and return the dog to you. It is faster and more convenient than pulling the leash yourself.

Roulette cons:

The main disadvantage of roulette is its injury risk, manufacturers even write about it on the packaging. Corded tape measures can cause injury not only to the pet, but also to its owner and other dogs who happen to be around. For example, a dog ran sharply somewhere or started to fight with another dog. To wind the tape measure, you need to loosen the cable, and this is not possible in some emergency situations. Then the person instinctively grabs the stretched cable with his hands and gets a burn or wound that will heal for a long time. The same applies to other dogs: if your pet runs next to them and inadvertently touches the torso or legs of the animal with a cable, this will cause pain to the poor fellow. And if your dog likes to grab the leash with his teeth, then from the cord tape measure he will earn an injury to the tongue and soft tissues.
It is not recommended to purchase a tape measure for walking with large dogs. Large and strong quadrupeds can jerk and tear out the roulette mechanism.
Situations may arise when, when the dog tries to run away, the tape measure abruptly breaks out of the hands and starts chasing the dog with a roar. The dog gets scared and starts to run away from the noisy “monster”, not paying attention to the call of the owner. And if the watchdog does not intend to run away, the roulette twisting the cable will still overtake him and hit him.
If you are just teaching a puppy to walk, then a tape measure is a completely inappropriate option. The pet will always be in a state of taut leash and feel pressure on the neck, this will cause him discomfort. Therefore, it is better to start accustoming to the street with a regular leash, and only then, if necessary, switch to a tape measure.
Sometimes the roulette mechanism can fail, which will cause a lot of inconvenience to you and others, especially if you are in a place where there are a lot of people and cars.

Roulette – although a modern and convenient little thing, it is better to refuse it if you still have poor control over your pet, it is too small or if it is a representative of a large breed. Always remember about the risk of injury roulette. If you buy it, then do not save and choose products only from a trusted manufacturer.

Roulettes, although convenient for many dog owners, are not always enthusiastic about wet-nosed ones themselves.

Connoisseurs of leashes primarily note the practicality and low price of these accessories: an ordinary canvas leash will cost several times cheaper than a tape measure, but surpass it in reliability.

Now let’s talk about the pros and cons.

Leash Advantages:

If you are training a dog or accustoming it to the street, then your choice should be on a leash. Due to the fact that it sags freely and does not stretch, the pet feels much more confident and happier.
It’s easier to teach the dog not to pull on the leash, because with him the four-legged does not feel pressure (unless, of course, you yourself pull him towards you and tighten the collar like a noose).
Unlike a tape measure, the leash will not harm the dog, even if he grabs it with his teeth or inadvertently gets tangled in it. The owner’s hands will also not suffer from touching the leash. And in case of danger, the dog can be quickly pulled to you.
If the leash is made of quality material and is not worn out, it will not break. And if you accidentally let go of the leash, a well-mannered dog will not run away, because nothing will be frightened.
If you have confidence in your dog, you can free your hands and tie the leash to your belt, which you can’t do with a tape measure.

Leash cons:

The leash is a free device that does not stretch and sag, but this is also its minus. So, the leash easily gets dirty in the street dirt and can ruin the owner’s clothes. After each such walk, you will have to not only wash the dog, but also wash the leash. It is also easier for the dog to get tangled in the leash, you will have to rescue it from the trap. Another dog that came up to meet yours can also get into the loops of the leash. This causes a lot of inconvenience.
A high-quality leash that will last for centuries costs a lot of money. It is important to choose not only a durable tape material, but also strong fittings, especially a carabiner that is attached to the dog’s collar. If this detail is flimsy, the watchdog will simply break loose and can run away.
To deftly manage the leash and prevent embarrassment, experience and skill are required. You will have to train to make walking on a leash comfortable for you and your dog.
For walking and training, different leashes are needed. For a simple daily promenade, a leash up to 3 meters long is suitable, and for training – from 5 meters or more. This is not only an extra expense, but also an inconvenience in terms of storage.
To pull the dog to you, you will have to make an effort, especially if the dog is large and heavy.

There are a lot of supporters of simple leashes, but even they note that sometimes it is not easy with this accessory. The main thing is experience and skill. And, of course, a controlled and well-mannered dog, with which a walk with a tape measure and a leash does not turn into torture.

Choose what you like best, but do not forget to take into account all the minuses and nuances.

The article was written with the support of an expert:

Nina Darcia – veterinary specialist, zoopsychologist, employee of the Academy of Zoobusiness “Valta”.