Before hiking with your dog, make sure you have the right gear. In addition to other hiking supplies, bring at least one leash. Leashes protect dogs and wildlife and other hikers. So when prepping for a hike, find the right leash for you and your dog.
Leash Length
Many hiking areas have leash restrictions: not just that dogs are leashed, but also for leash length. In general, a standard six-foot leash does the trick. For highly populated areas, six-foot leashes allow dogs to explore and navigate the trail. However, a long line may work for more open areas.
Avoid retractable leashes which malfunction and can even cause injuries. Instead, a leash made of nylon or biothane allows your dog to run, sniff, swim, and explore freely. Only use long-line style leashes in areas where your dog won’t trample sensitive plantings or approach other dogs or people. Remember to avoid long lines on narrow hiking trails where it’s helpful to keep your dog close.
Leash Material For Hiking
For hiking, a comfortable dog leash that’s easy hold and easy to clean is helpful. Depending on how often and where you hike, certain materials are more convenient than others. Most commonly, leashes are made from nylon, leather, biothane, or rope. Especially if you’ll be hiking somewhere dusty or muddy, you’ll want a leash that is easy to clean after you get home. Some leashes made from rope or nylon can be thrown into a washing machine. Another easy-to-clean option is biothane. Biothane is rubber-coated webbing that feels like leather and can be wiped down after hiking. The material you select for your dog’s hiking leash is a personal decision.
Leash Style For Hiking
There’s a variety of leash styles available for a hiking leash. The most common options are a handheld leash, a cross-body leash, or a leash with a waist attachment. The style of leash is a personal decision based on personal preference, dog temperament, and dog size. For hiking, hands-free cross-body or waist-attaching leashes are game-changing. A wearable leash is especially convenient so your hands are free to take photos, look at maps, and engage with the trail.
Size Restrictions
The last consideration when hiking: ensure the leash fits. For small dogs, heavy leashes add unnecessary weight. For large breed dogs, the leash should be strong enough for their weight (especially for excitable or reactive dogs). If leashes don’t match your dog’s size they can snap or disconnect which puts your dog and others in danger.
