When used correctly a slip lead is a straightforward and effective tool for TRAINED dogs.  It was created as an easy lead to carry so it could quickly be “slipped” onto a dog after work or a walk. 

However, it is very important that a slip lead must be used correctly because it is very scary to see the number of dogs out in the field or walking with the slip lead on the wrong way round or pulled tight because it’s the wrong size.  The result is that many dogs gag or start coughing because they are basically being strangled.

The lead should be positioned over the dog’s head with the sliding ring nearest the handler’s leg; if it is on the correct way the ring will slide up and down the lead freely. This means that when the lead is slack, as it should be at all times, the ring will drop freely down the lead under the dog’s head. If you walk with your dog on your left side (as in the picture) then looking from the front of the dog the lead will go over the dog’s neck in a clockwise direction, down the opposite side, under the throat to the sliding link near your leg.

It needs to be long enough to have plenty of slack and be of good-quality soft rope or leather that is supple enough for it to slide freely.