29/09/2025
The Right Equipment Saves Lives
Leads - Dogs are required to be on a short lead, under section 56 of the highway code, when walking on the pavement, road or path shared with cyclists or horse riders. Dogs on an extending, or 'Flexi' lead, could be too far away from you and end up venturing into the road before you can get them back to a safe position without causing harm to the pet or public.
Collars & ID tags – By law, every dog must wear a collar with an identification tag in public. It’s a simple safeguard that also ensures they can be quickly reunited if lost. If prosecuted, the fine can be £2000 or more!
Harnesses – A proper, well-fitted, harness is the safest and most comfortable way to secure a dog on a lead, reducing risk of escape and avoiding unnecessary pressure on the neck. If the harness is not fitted correctly, the dog can slip out and get into a dangerous situation. Having a collar and a harness allows for a double ended lead to have fixed contact on 2 separate pieces of equipment. FACT: if your dog slips its harness or collar and causes a road traffic collision, you are liable for all costs, therefore at the very least, if your pet is not insured for medical, it should have public liability insurance.
Slip leads & choke collars – These tools are outdated, dangerous, and unnecessary. They can cause pain, injury, or worse, and I believe they should have no place in modern dog care. We have seen dogs that have suffered horrific injuries from slip leads, especially rope leads, being used incorrectly. These should only ever be used by professionals in a handful of rare settings.
Flexi/retractable leads – They might seem convenient, but they offer little control in emergencies and can cause serious injuries to dogs and handlers alike. Throw it in the bin!
It’s also worth saying that most professional dog walkers are trained and prepared for emergencies. We carry out regular canine first aid training, we keep vet details for every dog in our care, and we routinely check collars and harnesses for proper fit.
I know it can feel easier to ask a friend or family member to walk the dog or step in last minute but it’s not just about walks — it’s about safety.
If you take one thing away from this post, let it be this: check your dog’s gear, make sure it fits and replace if worn before it snaps, don't use slip/flexi leads or choke collars, and trust their care to people who are equipped to keep them safe. The right choices can literally save lives.