What is a Traffic Handle on a Dog Leash?
We all know how important safety is. Too many dogs are lost each year to cars and other traffic accidents. So how can we keep our dogs safe when walking around outside, especially in busy areas with high vehicle and human traffic? Some would suggest using a traffic leash, but what is a traffic leash? Are they really effective? Let's find out.
Key Takeaways
A traffic leash is a shortened leash used for easy manoeuvrability and safety in urban areas or other crowded areas. They are good for training and offer better control when keeping your dog near you is important.
Table of Contents
What a Traffic Leash Does
A traffic leash is a short leash, or a secondary handle or loop located near the collar or harness clip. designed for keeping your dog as close as possible when navigating urban areas and other high-traffic areas. They are typically much shorter than a standard leash, around 12 to 18 inches long, with a firm handle or reinforced loop to give you maximum control when crossing busy streets or walking narrow hiking paths.
A traffic leash can be highly effective if you have a nervous dog or are still leash training; however, it should not be used to replace proper heel training.
When to Use a Traffic Leash
While a regular leash may be good for day-to-day tasks, when you have lots of space, it can be helpful to keep a traffic leash on hand in case you need it quickly.
A traffic leash pairs well with a harness, which gives you more control to pull your dog out of danger if needed, compared to a collar. Especially if they are a small dog that may need to be lifted quickly to safety. If you are interested in checking out some harness options, have a look at Sparkpaws’ Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Collection.
Walking in High Traffic Areas
If you live in the city or have to walk through busy streets to get to the dog park, then a traffic leash is extremely useful for giving you the most control. It allows you to keep your dog close on narrow sidewalks without tripping strangers with the slack. In heavy traffic, people are unobservant and might walk between you and your dog. It also keeps your dog close when having to cross busy roads in a hurry.
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Quick Leash Changes
Since they’re much shorter than a full-length leash, a traffic leash is easier to attach and detach in a rush. This can be useful if you’re walking your dog through an on-leash area on the way to your destination.
Dog Training
Traffic leashes can be very useful during heel training. Since they are short, it makes it harder for your dog to grab the leash or chew on it. It also forces your dog to walk alongside you during training sessions, which can help them get used to the heel position.
Learning to walk alongside you is also important if you plan to train your dog to run or jog alongside you. A shorter leash can help with this, as there will be less tangling or dangling to distract you.
When Walking Strong Dogs
It is always best to have an experienced walker walk large or strong dogs, but since that's not always an option, a traffic leash can be a great tool to help you maintain control and keep a large dog walking near you. You will have more grip strength to direct the dog than if you were walking with a long leash, and it can provide a more solid connection.
This can also be useful if the person walking the dog is a child (An older child; small children should be assisted by an adult), an elderly person, or someone else with a health issue that may need assistance to keep a secure hold over the situation.
Since traffic leashes come with a reinforced, padded handle, for enhanced safety, they can also help people with mobility issues to have a comfortable grip and extra control.
Dog Safe Events
A traffic leash can be very useful for pet owners who like to attend dog-safe events like farmers' markets. Even if your dog already knows how to walk calmly by your side, a shorter leash adds some advanced safety by helping you keep your dog close.
This means they are less likely to be in the reach of other dogs there, and your short lead is not going to trip people in the crowd or get tangled around displays.
How to Use a Traffic Lead Effectively
Most dogs may take some time to get used to using a traffic leash, but patience makes all the difference. When your dog walks politely by your side, you should reward calm behaviour with some positive reinforcement, maybe with a treat or with some pats.
It's a good idea to train them to follow sit and stay commands first, so that you are able to quickly calm your dog and attach and detach the leash quickly.
Try not to keep the leash too tight. Though the leash is a shorter length, this doesn't mean you need to hold it taut all of the time, as this can be counterproductive to proper leash training. Rather, try to trust your dog to keep close quarters with you, rewarding him when he’s able to do so.
A traffic leash is best when it's reserved for quick control situations, like urban walks, and can make walking frustrating and uncomfortable for your dog if used all of the time. Remember, walks are not just for training; they’re for helping your dog unwind, too.
Choosing the Right Traffic Leash
Material
Like all leashes, you want something that is durable yet lightweight. Given that traffic leashes are normally for strong dogs, training, or close control situations, a blended material like nylon, reinforced rubber, or leather may be the most durable and lightweight.
Hardware
The clip should be solid brass or an alloy like stainless steel that's less likely to rust or break at critical moments.
Length
Obviously, it's not a traffic leash if it's not the right length to qualify. That said, look for some options that best suit your needs and the size of your dog. As mentioned, you don't want the tension to be too tight, as this can actually harm your training.
Common Mistakes When Using a Traffic Leash
#1 Using Too Often or Too Long
As mentioned, traffic leashes are meant for short use. Using them too long is going to be frustrating for your dog, as they may stop relaxing on their walks, and the walk can get uncomfortable for both of you.
They should also not replace regular leashes, as they are not necessary for every situation.
#2 Using a Traffic Leash as a Punishment Tool
Some owners may switch to a traffic leash if their dog is misbehaving. This is counterintuitive, as your dog may begin to associate the use of the traffic leash or walking beside you calmly as something associated with trouble and tension. This can actually worsen behavioural issues.
#3 Overreliance on Force When Training
A traffic lead can force your dog into good behaviour, but this will only harm them in the long run. Many modern dog trainers disagree with using aversive punishments when training, as the dog often doesn't understand why they are being punished.[1]
Rather, traffic leads should be used with discretion to demonstrate to the dog how to behave in specific scenarios, and always with positive reinforcement for good behaviour.
This allows the dog to understand that walking alongside you is a good behaviour to follow, rather than something they are forced into by a tight leash, which they may try to fight against. This can also help reduce some anxious behaviours associated with punishments.
#4 Not For Very Small Dogs
Small dogs need heel training, too, but a traffic leash may not be the way to do it. The very short leash may mean the walker has to bend at an awkward angle so the dog can walk comfortably.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a traffic leash is shorter than a normal leash with a reinforced handle that can be a valuable tool for dog owners who need tight control and safety in busy or high-risk environments.
When used correctly, it supports heel training efforts, offers more control, and helps keep both dogs and handlers safe in crowded or urban settings. However, like any training aid, it works best when paired with proper leash manners, positive reinforcement, and an understanding of your dog’s individual needs. It should never completely replace a regular leash in day-to-day walks.
They are great tools for strong, heavy pullers, especially when paired with the correct harness or collar. If you are interested in looking at some examples of harnesses built for heavy pullers, try Sparkpaws’ Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Collection.
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FAQ
What is the O-ring handle on a dog leash?
An O-ring is an extra ring that attaches to a lead that allows you to shorten it or to attach extra accessories, such as a second lead or a poop bag holder.
What To Be Aware of When Walking Dogs in Urban Areas?
Aside from cars, dog owners should also be on the lookout for hot concrete, increased air temperatures, busy crowds that can trigger your dog, and unexpected construction that can be overstimulating or potentially dangerous.[2]
What Are the Disadvantages of Long Leads?
Long leads often do not offer enough control for dogs who pull. Also, the leash can snag on trees, stairs, or branches, and it may be difficult for inexperienced people unfamiliar with the length. Some dogs may also be distracted by or chew on a dangling leash.
Ext Links
[1] https://shyandfearfuldogs.com