We get lots of questions about the right gear for small dogs, so we thought we’d share our recommendations! Here is part one about walking equipment.
Choosing the Right Leash and Walking Equipment for Small Dogs
Harness and Collar Options
There are a few things to keep in mind when walking a smaller pup. Small dogs in particular often have delicate necks, and their trachea can easily be damaged when being walked on a flat collar. It should go without saying, but we do not recommend that any dog, let alone a small dog, wear aversive equipment such as an e-collar, prong collar, or slip/choke collar.
In terms of walking equipment, it’s very important to remember that heavy or bulky equipment may be uncomfortable or aversive to small dogs. Always want to try to keep walking equipment and hardware as light and streamlined as possible while still keeping your pup safe.
Photo from Cara H.Choosing a Harness for Small Dogs
We recommend walking your small dog on a well-fitting, non-restrictive harness. Look for a padded harness that fits snugly, clips in the back, and doesn't restrict their movement for walks. Many small dog guardians like the Puppia padded harness.
Choosing a Collar for Small Dogs
Even when wearing a harness, your small dog should always wear a flat collar for safety reasons (in case of harness failure, for example). We recommend our Brass Collar for Small Dogs which is made with ⅝” width BioThane for a thinner, lighter profile. We also recommend our Sport Collar for dogs with neck sizes over 9”. Finally, our ID tag collar may be a good choice as the ID tag is built into the collar rather than dangling. If your dog is tiny, you may consider an even smaller, more lightweight collar designed for tiny pups. The Foggy Dog has some cute options.
Photo from Sondra F.
You may also consider a Safety Strap which is a backup attachment that connects from your pup’s flat collar to the base of the leash clip. A safety strap ensures that you stay connected to your dog via the strap in case of emergency or in case of leash or harness failure (or if your pup happens to back out of their harness). Check out our Safety Strap demo!
Choosing a Leash for Your Small Dog
The most important consideration when choosing a leash for walking a small dog is (in our opinion) is weight and bulk. You want your small dog to feel comfortable and not encumbered and weighed down by heavy gear! At the same time, you want your equipment to be durable, secure, and to offer your dog lots of freedom of movement. We have put together a collection of Small Dog leashes here.
Here are our best tips for choosing the right leash!
Leash Width
When selecting a leash for your small dog, it’s essential to consider the size and weight of the hardware. Heavy clasps can be cumbersome for small dogs, so opt for lightweight but sturdy hardware to keep them comfortable without compromising safety. Our BioThane leashes for Small Dogs - Brass are a fantastic option - the leash material is only ⅜” wide but is incredibly strong, durable, waterproof, and odor proof. The brass snap is lightweight and low profile while being extremely durable and rust proof.
We recommend our Small (⅜” width) leash for small dogs.
Leash Length
Even if your pup is pint-sized, we still recommend giving them the freedom to sniff and move their body freely on walks! This is most easily accomplished by using a longer leash. We recommend starting with a leash just a couple of feet longer than what you’re used to using. For dogs up to about 30 lbs, consider a leash length of at least 6 ft for neighborhood walks, with 8 to 10 being optimal (in our opinion) for giving your pup lots of freedom while still keeping leash length manageable. Your pup will so appreciate the extra sniffing room, and you will likely find that your dog pulls less with a longer leash!
For other types of outings where you might want to give your pup even more freedom - think hikes, beach trips, sniffy walks, park rambles, or enrichment walks, your small dog might appreciate a leash length between 10 and 15 feet. If your pup is extremely active or athletic, you may consider a length up to 20 ft. We don’t recommend going longer than 20 ft for a small dog - the added leash weight is likely to be uncomfortable and in most cases is not necessary! Read all about leash sizing considerations here.
Photo from @bucky_themutt on IG
Consider a Hands Free Leash
A hands free leash can be a fantastic option for walking your small dog! Unlike traditional handheld leashes, a hands-free design - typically worn around the waist or across the body - distributes the force of any pulling more evenly, preventing sudden jolts to the arm, wrist, or shoulder. This can be especially beneficial for those with joint issues or limited grip strength. Additionally, because small dogs are lower to the ground and generally lighter, a hands-free leash minimizes the risk of being pulled off balance, making walks safer and more enjoyable. Finally, having both hands free allows for easier multitasking, whether it's adjusting a jacket, carrying a coffee, or training with treats.
We offer a Hands Free + Convertible Leash product that can be used 8 different ways and comes in a variety of lengths and colors - perfect if you want a ton of versatility!
You can also add a "Convertible Handle + Sliding O-Ring" as a custom add on to any leash from our Custom Leash Collection . This versatile add-on transforms your everyday leash into a hands-free or cross-body option whenever you need it. To customize your leash, simply select this feature under the “Custom Handle Options” dropdown while designing your leash!
Consider a Drag Line
If you do lots of hiking, beach visits, and exploring with your pup, and you’d like for them to be off leash, consider a Drag Line - it’s simply one of our Custom Leashes with the Handle Option “No Handle/Drag Line” selected. This means just what it sounds like - your leash will not come with a handle! Again, this is a great option for hikes and other off leash adventures where you’d like your pup to run free but the drag line stays clipped to your dog’s harness as a safety back up. The lack of a handle means that the line is less likely to get snagged on roots, rocks, tree branches, or other obstacles while your pup explores.
A drag line is for more advanced long line users and should only be used on pups who have a solid recall in place. Many of our customers use a leash with a handle for neighborhood walks but opt for a drag line for longer hikes or beach trips.
Built in Traffic Handle
We offer the option of adding a Built in Traffic Handle to any Custom Leash. While many people love having this option - it is important to consider whether this option is necessary for you and your small pup. With your dog’s smaller size and weight, you may not find it necessary to have a back up handle along the length of your leash. If you’re unsure whether a traffic handle is right for you, we recommend skipping it, and keep your leash as lightweight and low profile as possible. Here’s a Built in Traffic Handle Demo.
Learn more about our custom leash options.
Want Part 2 with more tips for walking small dogs? Check it out here.