As designer dog clothes and various pet accessories rise in popularity among dog owners, it is important to remember that dog collars and leashes also need to be functional in order to be effectively used in a dog's training or for a dog's safety. When choosing a dog collar and a dog's leash, be sure to not only select the one that is the most aesthetically pleasing to you, but the one that will help you maintain control when you are walking or training your dog, and the one that will help you best communicate commands to your dog while you are in public settings.

A Dog Leash or a Retractable Lead:

A standard or regular dog leash with a wide strap may be suitable for taking your dog on walks, but it will not allow your dog to learn how to respond to your control from a distance like a retractable dog lead or leash will. While a standard dog leash allows for only a few feet lead, which is good when training a dog to walk near you, a retractable dog lead can help you and your dog learn how to behave when the dog has a ten, twenty or even twenty five foot lead. In using a longer lead, a dog is able to respond to her natural explorative instincts, while you maintain a measure of control in making sure that the dog doesn't get into danger or wander too far away.

Dog Collar Safety:

Choosing a dog collar also requires some thought as to what kind of leash or lead you will be attaching to the collar. To begin with, collars should never be too snug around an animal's neck, but they also shouldn't be loose enough for an animal's head to slide through. Not only is it easy for an animal to slip out of a loose collar and run away or be hurt, but a collar that is too loose can also become more easily hooked onto other objects and possibly result in the dog becoming hung by the neck and perhaps choking to death. A collar should always be sturdy enough for a leash to be attached to, should always fit comfortably and safely around a dog's neck, and should always be made of a material that does not scratch or irritate the dog's neck area.

Function Before Fashion:

So, while it may be tempting to select a collar and leash that makes a fashion statement, owners are advised to resist trendier, designer-type collars and leashes unless they are made in a way that serves an actual purpose for the dog's best interest. Never forget that collars and leashes are also training and communication tools for your dog and that your first priority is to keep in mind what you will be using the collar and the leash for. Choosing the right dog collar and leads for your dog can still be as fun as buying dog clothes. There are many types, colors, patterns and styles to choose from, so enjoy the selection process. Just be sure to remember that, while style counts, functionality is your main objective.