As a professional pet sitter, I've walked my share of dogs. Each dog has his own way of walking, and my main goal is to make sure each one is safe, getting an appropriate level of exercise and having fun. All of this hinges upon my control of the dog, and the proper leash is essential.
I've tried 'em all. Regardless of style or length (I'd recommend different versions depending on the dog), quality is essential. We don't want anything coming loose or the dog breaking free when he decides to bolt after a squirrel. Comfort for both the walker and the dog is also critical. You want to be sure your hand doesn't become chafed or painful during a walk with a dog who pulls, for example. This is especially important to me due to my hand injury. And please don't get me started on retractable leashes. Let's just not go there.
I was recently asked to try the Rand Hill Paracord Dog Leash. Rand Hill Paracord is a new company–just nine months old–"offering quality paracord creations made only with genuine 7-strand 550 paracord." What is paracord? I feel like I know what it is, but, then, when asked to describe it, I was stumped. Like when your kids ask you the definition of the word "the." So I turn elsewhere for an accurate summary. According to Wikipedia:
Parachute cord (also paracord or 550 cord) is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope originally used in the suspension lines of US parachutes during World War II....It is now used as a general purpose utility cord by both military personnel and civilians...The braided sheath has a high number of interwoven strands for its size, giving it a relatively smooth texture. The all-nylon construction makes paracord fairly elastic."
There you have it.
When I first opened the package and checked out my 5-foot Rand Hill Paracord Dog Leash, I was a bit concerned that it wouldn't suit my dog, N.A.S.H.A. She's a wee little thing, and this is a serious leash. It looked so sturdy that it might drag her down. And, then, on second thought, perhaps that wouldn't be such a bad thing. She's quite a puller. I handled the leash and came to the conclusion that it really wasn't as weighty as I initially thought. Though it looked tough on the outside, it was quite light, actually.
So I hooked N.A.S.H.A. up, and we headed out. The leash was quite comfortable to me, and she skipped for the duration of our hike in her usual happy way, so I think she liked it, too. She pulled some, but that's not the leash's fault. My bad. We were both quite comfortable with the leash.
I thought my review should include a more in-depth trial, so I called upon Knox to help me out. He's a two year-old in-tact black lab. You may have seen his appearance on the blog this past Wednesday. Knox is strong and healthy (if not a bit goofy), and his parents reported to me that he likes to pull on his walks. Just what I needed to put the Rand Hill Paracord Dog Leash to the test!
Knox and I set out, and sure enough, he drug me to the first bush he saw, and then off to the rock up the way, and then he attempted to drag me out of the neighborhood right into the desert. The great thing about the paracord leash was it's strength and flexibility. Though Knox is strong and a sub-perfect walker, the leash had enough elasticity to give and soften the blow to my arm while simultaneously holding firm.
I thought about other applications. I walk quite a few dogs who like to walk themselves, so to speak. You know the kind. They immediately grab the leash in their mouths and chew and pull, sometimes for the duration of the outing. This leash would be perfect for that type of pooch.
Rand Hill Paracord outlined a few other features for me:
• paracord is rated for 550 lbs
• mold and mildew resistant
• used in parachuted in military (good job, Wikipedia)
• leash can be unwound and used in many survival situations
• all Rand Hill Paracord is made in the USA
• has seven inner strands that can be taken out and used for fishing line
Now I'm not sure I'd find myself in a situation where I'd use that last feature, but I imagine quite a few of you rugged outdoorspeople would find comfort in back-up fishing line, not to mention the fact that it can be unwound for use in survival situations. Keep calm and use paracord.
Function aside, let's talk about what's really important: fashion.
Twenty-seven colors. I'm not good at math, but I think that gives us about a gazillion combo options. Photo courtesy of Rand Hill Paracord.
This leash looks slick. Each one features two colors, and you can customize your combo. My leash came in teal and charcoal grey, but there are twenty-seven colors to choose from. Each leash is custom made according to your specifications. In addition to your choice of color, you can order your leash in 4', 5', 6', or 7' lengths.
Rand Hill Paracord offers other great products, too, so be sure to check out their full collection. What's more? Shipping is always free to any U.S. or Canadian address.
You know you want one.
Rand Hill Paracord is offering one Well Minded reader a custom dog leash. You pick the length and colors, and they make your leash especially for you and your dog with love. Please enter so you can join me in the cool kids' club with this awesome leash.