Best standard dog leashes according to redditors
We found 234 Reddit comments discussing the best standard dog leashes. We ranked the 147 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 234 Reddit comments discussing the best standard dog leashes. We ranked the 147 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I carry disposables in a little leash bag holder. Kinda like this one.
Be sure to have a bag ready so you can pick it up and throw it at the owner. Keep in mind, it's not the dog's fault!
My big rant about dog owners in Spokane is people walking their dogs off-leash, whether in a public park (not the dog park) or in the natural areas. That's extremely dangerous for you, your dog, another dog owner or another dog.
My dogs are both well-behaved when no one is around but you don't know how the interaction will go for your dog off-leash vs someone else's dog on-leash.
If you live in an area where a lot of people keep their dogs off leash, you have to take precautions with your dog, and you need to forget feeling embarrassed about it right now. You have to do what is necessary to keep your dog safe and other dogs safe, and you also can't sacrifice your dog's exercise.
Here's a way to let people know your dog isn't dog-friendly without even having to say it: Amazon: "NERVOUS" yellow warning leash. You can also get leashes that say "NO DOGS" or "CAUTION."
Use a front-clip harness on your dog and be polite and friendly with people. Carry a crap ton of treats with you so you can distract your dog whenever an off-leash dog approaches.
I highly recommend you read a (very short) book called Feisty Fido by Patricia B. McConnell.
Yea! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZZ33C3/ I really do love these, and when I did have one crap out WAY earlier than expected the company replaced it no problem.
EDIT: They are heavier than your average leash and probably better for dogs 40lb+, but YMMV. I recommend using them with a harness, not a collar, too.
I always have my dog in her harness and buckled in for car rides. I'd never forgive myself if she got hurt in an accident and I didnt do anything to try to prevent it. Plus it keeps my 70lb pit from trying to snuggle on me while im driving or jumping out the driver door the second I open it.
Dog Seat leash
Sure!
Leash: link
Harness: link
The harness was recommended when I googled around for reviews. Definitely go for a “vest” style harness because they’re much harder for cats to get out of than the classic harness-style ones (we all know cats can defy physics). Obviously you can use pretty much any leash with it.
To stop people from approaching you and your dog, consider getting one of those leashes that warns people off with large print. In case my description is too vague, here's one I found off Google's search engine: https://www.amazon.com/NERVOUS-PREVENTS-Accidents-Warning-Advance/dp/B00BXL66IU
There are other brands that produce these. You might even consider getting one done up.
If there's a real change your dog might bite someone, please consider a muzzle for standing in lines and other activities that will involve being in a close proximity to other people.
As angry as you were that a man threatened your dog, he was responding to a legitimate threat. You really do need to protect the general public against a dog that can lunge and bite.
Do you have a dog? Take him/her for a daily walk.
If you don't have a dog, you can pick up one of these for like $6 and do it anyway.
They actually do especially if they're in back and they go flying into windshield. They actually make these leash clips clip into seat belt thing.
https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Leash-Automobile-Seatbelt-Adapter/dp/B003TDRMI8
I have two shelter dogs and I get this a lot because they are small beagles and people assume they are friendly (they are but they get nervous). It just doesn't occur to people that just because the dog is not snarling they still might not be ok to pet.
I recommend this:
https://smile.amazon.com/Stop-Sign-Not-Leash-Wrap/dp/B00DM0OBNM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1503152975&sr=8-6&keywords=do+not+pet
it stops people, and makes them take a moment before they just pet.
Simple
I would suggest a muzzle as well, unless she wants her car to be broken into by other dog lovers. What would happen if the police broke the window to her car to save the dog and the dog attacked them? I'm sure he'd go straight to the pound. A muzzle is much cheaper and safer.
OR
http://www.amazon.com/NERVOUS-PREVENTS-Accidents-Warning-Advance/dp/B00BXL66IU
If taking your dog on a walk, I strongly recommend getting this harness and leash:
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Never let your dog wander the yard unsupervised. If you let your dog out to run and do their business, be there with them or have a way to supervise their activity. Supervision is the best way to prevent anyone from interacting with your animal - fenced yard or otherwise.
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I am not familiar with your state's laws, but in my state if someone comes onto your property without your knowledge or consent and they get bit by your animal then the fault falls on the intruder to the property - not the animal. There is a gray area with guests and visitors, however.
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But the harness and leash display openly not to pet your animal. Be proactive and try to avoid encounters where the animal can be pinned. Look into behavioral training. The behavior could be diverted with proper training and counseling.
Yes.
I have several different Dexil leashes-they seem to help in situations that may stress out my dog.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BXKW9JQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1411911503&sr=8-1&pi=SL75
I think I was 4 the first time I went to Disney World, and I saw some kids walk by with novelty invisible-dog leashes, and so after that, I thought they really had invisible dogs at Disney World.
My little brother got me this one last year for Christmas. It's pretty cute so I still keep it on my dresser.
Pet rock with a walking leash
Being overwhelmed is NOT a terrible sign. Things will get a LOT easier as you guys build a routine and a life together. You will not always be this overwhelmed. You won't always have to be freaking out over him.
But you also can't let yourself freak out too much now, either. Take time every day to do things for yourself where the puppy isn't there. Crate him and go to a movie. Go to dinner with friends. Go for a walk without him. The fact that all your dreams are dog dreams makes me thing you aren't having a second to have quiet you-time, and you can't be the best dog parent with your puppy if you don't have some moments of chill to collect yourself.
As for the leash issue: this is easily resolved. Get a metal leash, like this: https://www.amazon.com/CtopoGo-Heavy-Padded-Handle-Medium/dp/B079211458 . He's not going to be able to chew that up. (Mind you, never get a metal collar or harness as they can hurt the dog, but the leash is totally fine). That should go a long way towards your peace of mind on walks!
The "eating things on the ground" issue is also an easy answer. Muzzle training! Here's Zak George's video on how to muzzle train: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7skDA82lvw It's not only for aggressive dogs. A basket muzzle can help you keep your dog safe from eating dangerous things he finds on the ground. With appropriate training, your dog will come to love his muzzle and associate it with great things (like treats and walks!). Take it slow, as some dogs aren't immediately comfortable with the muzzle. The video should help.
Together, these two pieces of equipment should make your walks a lot calmer and safer for you both.
I saw this get posted last time. Its a short leash that latches into the seat belt buckle. Ive used this on the family dog. It works great
Our cat used to walk US, which was really more like finding a bush to smell for 20 minutes. We got a bungee leash that did wonders for him. He doesn’t like feeling pulled (like most cats I’m sure) so this really helped him learn the concept of walking with us. Here’s what worked for us (once we had warmed him up to the leash/harness):
Whenever he’d walk too far from us, he’d feel the tugging sensation from the leash.
When he started to walk off, I would not follow, so the tugging sensation would only get worse the further he got. He learned that the tugging sensation only stopped when he walked by me.
When he stopped trying to wander off and came back to me, I gave him lots of pets and told him what a good boy he was. Treats helped too of course!
I’ve also found that just taking them outside to sit (with the harness/leash) with no expectation of walking helps acclimate them and feel comfortable. My cat still likes to do this before we begin walking.
Would love to see a picture! Hope this helps, and sorry for any weird formatting (on mobile).
Retractable leads arent a good choice compared to elastic ones like this
But 100% agree on the harness. If your dog is motivated by food then you can spoil her with treats right before and while she is wearing the harness. Do not longboard with your dog without a harness, ever.
We use Outward Hound backpacks and LOVE it. We had another brand, can't remember the name, that kind of fell apart.
For water, we use the Gulpy water bottle and I bait it with a small amount of chicken broth to encourage her to drink.
We use Musher's Secret on her paws to keep them healthy. I feel like it's really beneficial, especially since we're urban runners and mostly run on the sidewalk or on our levees out here (with a ton of small rocks that could cut up her paws).
Due to her leash reactivity, we use a yellow leash with the words NERVOUS printed on it. It helps, A LOT.
Finally, we do use Doggles on the few days where it's really, really windy. I don't want crap getting kicked up in her eyes, just like I don't want crap getting kicked up in mine! We get some SERIOUS smiles when she models those.
And for her human companion, I do have a couple running shirts with a dog carrying tennis shoes on them. I'm proud to brag about running with my furry friend.
I have a howling dog alaska because it was the cheapest to get here in the UK for my 15kg cocker spaniel cross and it still looks brand new 1.5 years later and running nearly every day with it.
For me I have a trixie running waistbelt https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waist-Belt-Lead-Medium-Sized-Large/dp/B0057FZLDY/
but I will be upgrading/changing that to an actual under the legs running belt in the near future https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dingo-Multifunction-Comfortable-Adjustable-12780/dp/B01LXFIF41/
Why? The trixie one is great for the other half to use, it spins around if need be when just walking with it but the one under the legs will be kept lower and won't move out of place and be great for actual races.
I love running canicross style! I'm aware I'm in the minority on the sub, but I have actively trained my dogs to pull when we run - well, my second dog anyway - my first trained me to run this way. He simply adores pulling - and I love it too, we have an absolute blast when we're out together. You're right, some dogs just really love it, and kind of need it - it's an extra layer of mental stimulation and physical effort, and a different sensation to what they're used to.
We've got a section on pulling in the wiki, may be worth a look :)
As for your query - I've been through quite a bit of gear over the years, and this is my current waist belt / lead set up. The belt is super wide, nicely padded neoprene, and comes with a bungee lead LINK HERE! I ditched the lead itself as I'm not really keen on the bungee leads - I don't like the loss of feel or control that comes with a stretchy lead, and I like to feel the lead tight. I actually still have the lead - PM me if you want it, and I'll post it on. It's a decent length, well made, reflective stitching and strong hardware - if you're into bungees it's pretty good.
With regards the harness, it really depends on your dog and his body type. I wrote about this in another thread a while back, here's a copy of that comment:
Which harness you choose depends very much on your dog. I have two very different dogs, and found that they needed different styles of harness.
Tom is a Lurcher - he's a big lad in terms of height and weight, but he's also almost two-dimensional. Any harness that crosses over his chest and between his front legs just doesn't work - there's not enough space there. He wears a working dog type harness - The Julius K9 IDC Powerharness. As you can see, it has no straps running between his legs, so no rubbing on his thin Lurcher skin.
On the other hand, Fred is a short, stocky Staffie cross - he's not got much neck, so this harness just didn't work for him as it was putting pressure on his throat. I use a cross-back type harness with him (I actually custom made it myself, as he's got a bit of an awkward body, and a few other issues....).
It's worth checking out our Gear We Love page for brand recommendations.
Hope this is all useful - let us know how it goes, and of course there is a dog tax to pay on this sub - we need pictures!
Or if he already wears a harness get a small leash that plugs into the buckle http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003TDRMI8?pc_redir=1408507579&robot_redir=1
First: Do Pack out your dogs shit. This bag holder is fantastic. It velcro's to the leash and doesn't flop around like the ones that clip on.
It depends on how busy it is for me personally. I prefer not to have my dog on a leash, but I always have it with me and recall him when others are near. I do not allow him to go out of site and he is trained to follow me.
I try my best to pick hike that are not popular, and I usually start hiking no later than 7 AM. I am almost always hiking 7+ miles as well. This combination of factors limits people on the trail. If it is too busy on a certain hike and I still want to hike it I will leash him.
I recommend for frequent hikers to get a 12' leash. The standard 6' leash is often a bit short for hiking in places with rock climbs or
It is 100% inexcusable to not have your dog leashed in the city and probably any hike within a 1 hour drive.
Yep.
I use the kurgo leash and Zipline for the back of the Jeep. I installed the zipline just behind the front seats over the roll cage (I don't keep the back seat in) and my Husky can go from side to side and not jump or fall out. The leash has different tether lengths so you can adjust as needed. I would suggest adding a swivel connector between the zipline and the leash. My dog goes in circles and without the swivel got the leash all curled up.
Kurgo Leash and Zipline(TM) Dog Car Restraint https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002AN6STC/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_NNtBCbA9EWWD3
For my little pug co pilot I used the kurgo tether and his harness. It plugs into the seat belt and keeps him secure. We unknowingly tested this and it worked wonderfully. The only note I will make here is he was an old man and very subdued. If your dog is a mover and shaker they could step on the seatbelt release and undo it. Just something to consider.
Kurgo 01965 Direct to Seatbelt Tether Dog Seat Belt & Dog Car Seatbelt, Blue https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07D8XRNWR/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_KYtBCbA0FDPV7
Hope this helps, we all want our Jeep dogs to be happy safe dogs
I use this with mine. He's still not very good with keeping his balance in the car, but it might be because my seats are leather and he slides around?
It at least helps keep him from jumping all over the place and I ensure to hook it to his harness and not his collar. If I brake suddenly, it will pull on the entire harness so the force is distributed rather than on his collar which would choke him.
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Leash-Automobile-Seatbelt-Adapter/dp/B003TDRMI8/ref=zg_bs_3024191011_1
I would say "My dog is controlled, yours is not. I am protecting your dog." and walk away, sheesh. While usually I recommend the yellow-ribbon you may want to make it more blatantly obvious with a Caution style label on your dog/dogs collar/leash/harness--I do hate to do that to the dog but apparently the people in your area area just awful.
There are harnesses that have messages on them. I would assume one would prompt someone to ask permission.
http://www.amazon.com/CAUTION-Approach-Prevents-Accidents-Warning/dp/B00BXKW9JQ
This is the harness I've been eyeing for Savage. I like how bright and pronounced the letters come off the yellow.
I know they make harness with other phrases/colors too.
Edit: https://www.amazon.com/NERVOUS-PREVENTS-Accidents-Warning-Advance/dp/B00BXL66IU
I apparently can't Reddit today.
I see where you are going there, but the toy is often referred to as an Invisible Dog Leash.
I have ferret leash! I got it from the pet store, but they have em online as well. I like it because it buckles so it's extra secure. The only downside is that it covers a lot of his body.
Edit: It also has a wee little bell!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HG96FC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_mFH-Ab5KKGQ4M
Someone mentioned yellow leash concept-I have this yellow leash that says "nervous" for one of mine and a green one that says "friendly" for the other. Generally, people don't read them. The only people that have really noticed, and complimented, are workers in pet stores and the vet. I still encounter parents that let their children come running up to grab at the dogs. I verbally warn them before they get close when I notice and point out the leash and redirect them to the other dog if they ask nicely if they can pet. Sometimes I tell them no altogether. Also guilty of "lecturing" kids and parents about how to properly approach a dog. BUT if anything did ever happen, I at least can show I have taken steps to help avoid certain situations. I've even had people then say "oh it's ok I have dogs too". As if that somehow equates to knowing how to handle my dogs. Same thing with people who have unleashed dogs and they use the whole "oh mine is friendly". Sorry for the rant. You got me going now!! lol https://www.amazon.com/NERVOUS-PREVENTS-Accidents-Warning-Advance/dp/B00BXL66IU. This doesn't help with other peoples' unleashed dogs but it is an aid to your defense should something happen. The other thing we have done is worked with the nervous one to help her not be so anxious around people and other dogs. We always have treats/reward on hand. First we started giving treats to strangers to toss to her from a distance. Then as she became more comfortable we'd let people get closer and closer. A year later and now she lets strangers pet her and sometimes even seeks out strangers to get pets with or without treats! Maybe try something similar with dogs? See a dog out the window-good girl and treat. Leashed in your yard and see dog across street-good girl and treat. A strange dog approaches and she doesn't react or you successfully redirect attention-good girl and treat. And so on.
> Yogi, feeling a tug, will brace himself and refuse to move.
He might be reacting to the being pulled. You could try an elastic leash or attachment (like this) or something similar. Reducing that sharp tug might lessen his reaction. Or it might not.
You can try buying a short leash and doing it in your apartment. Walk room to room and as the dog is by your side, reward them.
Then use a normal leash with a little slack. Same thing as before. They most likely won't pull as there is nothing exciting to go to.
Gradually work up to going outside. Start with the short leash again, and go up from there.
Here is a link on Amazon to what I'm referring to as a short leash. (I by no means and pushing this product. It's the first one that popped up)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0041S3824/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487093248&sr=8-1&keywords=short+dog+leash
Lots of good advice already given. I'll add that you may want to consider putting a tab leash on your dog, so that if she starts to panic scramble you can grab the tab and get her out of your way. It's not training and it's not a perfect "forever" solution, but it may save your ass in the meantime!
They also make leashes that click into the seat belt. Like this http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Leash-Automobile-Seatbelt-Adapter/dp/B003TDRMI8.
Could you get something like this? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002AN6STC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520036767&sr=8-1&keywords=dog+seat+belt+zipline&dpPl=1&dpID=41Dh55tZjFL&ref=plSrch
This one works awesomely for me
Easiest fix, chain leash. Most dogs will not try to play tug with them because they are not fun to bite.
CtopoGo Heavy Duty Dog Leash,Metal Dog Leash Dog Chain with Padded Handle for Large & Medium Size Dogs 120 cm (Black) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B079211458/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GSDYCb0HHW22Y
Obviously, if he still tries to bite it, return it because that would be terrible for his teeth.
HandHook I think you'll love this ,
Your very own pet Rock ! Have you ever wanted a pet, but couldn't afford the pet food, their bed, or even a water bowl? Now you don't have to! This all in one Pet Rock Kit comes with everything you need. In fact, you can leave your pet there in your home while you leave for vacation, and everything in the kit will keep your pet rock alive forever.
Thanks /u/laterdayze for mentioning me :P You're amazing!
/u/Thesmy Be my fellow saleman!
I was thinking about this, and I think it'd work easier to use http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Dog-Leash-Great-Gag/dp/B0006GK8GE instead of balloons. Then use foam to create the outline of the children.
He might just learn the general limits to the tie out and not push it, but he also might just never get it. The only things I can think of to minimize injury are:
A) making sure his harness has the greatest surface are possible on the chest area
B) buying something like a "jerk-ease" to absorb shock (if you can be confident he will not be able to break it)
C) don't give him a reason to want to run out of leash range. Even though my dog knows the cable limit his instinct to chase things takes priority, it's unfortunate but better than him hurting his back.
i used to use these poop bag holders and the clip is handy! my issue was that they broke A LOT, and when they didn't break, the bottom part would come off and i would lose it on the walk. they also flopped around and that was kind of annoying. now i use this poop bag holder, which i like because it doesn't flop around.
You can also buy a bungee attachment to add between the harness and the line that will cushion the shock of hitting the end of the line.
Rockinthebox Pet Rock with Walking Leash (Kraft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PSP5SG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7rEAybZ4YG7R8
An option is to find a sturdy box, or something of the kind, that can sit at the foot of the part of the seat where you want your dog to be. It shouldn't be made of carton, but rather something that your dog couldn't break through if he jumps on it. you cover both the seat and the box with his blanket and that way he can stretch his legs there. If you can give him some room by moving the front seat forward, that can also help.
It's very important you fasten your dog to the back seat though, so that if you brake sudddenly he doesn't fly right through the windshield or into a seat. There are belts you can fasten into the seat belt holders, and we also use [this zip line] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kurgo-Safety-Tether-Orange-00032/dp/B002AN6STC/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1517649911&sr=8-15&keywords=Kurgo+car) to fasten Luci's harness to the back seat.
You can also use this to protect seats.
Nope, unfortunately it’s very real!
Amazon
RUFFWEAR - Slackline Leash, Twilight Gray (2017) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LP31HMK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_26qFDbTQFWZWK
I use this one I like how easy it is to anchor your dog when you need to run Into a store. I also like how you can do hands free it comes in handy for hiking because I can attach to either my pack or waist. It’s also adjustable in length so it’s perfect for city walks with traffic as well as hikes where they can roam.
I use a combination of a Kurgo hammock, a seatbelt leash, and an appropriately-fitted harness.
Link if anyone's interested:
https://www.amazon.com/Rockinthebox-Rock-Walking-Leash-Kraft/product-reviews/B008PSP5SG
Product Image
I scoured the web high and low -- in search of your linked pic,
I looked around and soon I found
your item -- that was quick!
The above is this item's information as of 1-29-2017
Product Title:
Rockinthebox Pet Rock with Walking Leash (Kraft)
Rating: 3-5/5 stars
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It might help to get a lettered leash that says something to the effect of "small dogs don't approach" or "caution" or something like that. Something like this is an instant visual to ask other people to at the very least think and hopefully ask first before approaching.
I know this is an older post but my father recently dealt with this challenge. What he did was have a cyclone fence installed with gates and then put a clip through the gate. My mother can't figure out how to get past the clip. This makes it so that she can have the run of the house/yard but not get out into the street.
This is the clip:
https://www.amazon.com/ALAZCO-Superior-Quality-8-Inch-Swivel/dp/B0187QWT2K/
Obviously, this only works if the person is at the stage where they can't figure out the clip consistently.
You can get somethin like this to keep your dog secure.
They don't work for foxes though, those cunning little fluffballs will just slice right through the strap with their sharp little teeth.
As far as collars go, I get kitten ones for my girls, one of them is qute small and it just about fits ok. They are safety ones that unclip as soon as they are tugged on too much, which is reassuring but a pain when they lose them under the sofa!
Harness wise, if you want to walk your ferrets I recommend these I am in the UK but I am sure they will do something similar out there. They fit better than the usual strap type harnesses, especially on my smaller jill as she only has little legs!
Depending on how hard your dog likes to pull you can either just hang on to the end, or get something like this
if you aren't ready for a muzzle yet they make collars, bandanas, jackets, harnesses, and leashes that warn people to stay away. All of those products come up if you search "Caution Dog Leash"
Hahaha. No! It’s this one 🙃
We have a few of these. https://www.amazon.com/Trixie-Waist-Belt-Medium-Sized-Large/dp/B0057FZLDY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511601752&sr=8-3&keywords=trixie+belt
We like them because they don't rely on the strength of a plastic buckle. The strain is around your back/waist in a complete loop of one piece of material.
We use these carabiners as well, they seem OK. I can't remember what size though - https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Size-1-S-Biner-Carabiner/dp/B001E8EV3Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1511601841&sr=8-8&keywords=carabiner&th=1
get a "nervous" or "caution" leash or harness.
http://www.amazon.com/NERVOUS-PREVENTS-Accidents-Warning-Advance/dp/B00BXL66IU/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1458766004&sr=8-15&keywords=dog+in+need+of+space
> I termed it defining the world for them instead of training them to do things. My doberman get sessions and lessons with rewards. My afghans get a daily narrative of how things go.
I know exactly what you mean. My Whippets have a scary large vocabulary of words and phrases they understand, but formal obedience just doesn't come naturally to them. They are definitely shaping dogs rather than working dogs, and not in the training definition of 'shaping' either. One of mine is very eager to work for food, but I think she's pretty exceptional.
That photo is adorable by the way. We had a few touches of snow for the first time in both Whippets' lives the other month and they thought it was horrendous. I wonder what they would do with snow that deep, though. I bet they'd enjoy the novelty of it.
I will definitely tether for a while if this plan goes ahead. I have a trixie waist belt I could attach leads to, did you do it any other way?
I see a couple of people with one of these, yeah? I had one like that when I was a kid!
Yes.
This is the internet. Someone will buy anything.
10K rank in toys....... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PSP5SG
The ones I've seen are soft and crush down a bit. I talked to someone in the lounge once - we were on different red eyes - and he said it compressed more than you would think. He also had meds for the dog, but it was honestly pretty chill.
But that being said - seriously, if you don't have to fly with your dog, don't. If it's a relocation, you can plan ahead. If it's a vacation, just put your dog in a nice kennel or get a nice dog/house sitter. My girl would see me put her food container on the counter and her bedding in a duffel, and she would wait happily by the door so we could go see her friends at the kennel. (The owner of the kennel once told me if something happened and we couldn't keep her that she would happily keep her - my girl was a huge love.)
They spoiled her rotten and I never worried about her at all.
Road trips were a bit of a trial, I'm not going to say otherwise. While she liked short local trips, she didn't really like being pent up in the car much. We got her a really comfy fleece lined harness, and one of those attachments that slot into a seat belt so she had a little room to get comfy on the backseat, but otherwise, she was just pissed she was not on her couch or rolling around in her yard.
But she did like getting out of the car at the end of the day, and she totally played it up for the hotel staff who would shower her with ear scratches and treats. And she always loved sniffing around the hotel and hotel room.
Some of my friends have Jack Russells - they moved from Seattle to DC and back to Seattle. And with both moves, they just made an adventure out of the road trip. They said it took a little longer, but they were sure they were doing the right thing by the dogs.
For neighborhood walks I use pockets or sometimes my little cross-body purse for my cell phone and keys, and treats. Her poop bags are on the leash, I used to have this bag holder which is great because I could also have a handful of treats shoved in there without them falling out (the fabric fold vs metal eyelet keeps them in), but I made an oopsie and left it on the leash which I tossed in the back seat of the car with her and she chewed it open to get the treats. I want to order another though because it was super nice to know I'd always have treats with me just in case.
For hiking or longer training walks, or class I have this fanny pack which I LOVE because it has so many compartments. I can put poop bags, two or three different types of treats, my cell phone, keys, money/cards, water, snacks for me, and a collapsible water bowl, along with our favorite training toy which is a ball tug. It also has a look to attach the leash to so I can be hands free. I highly recommend it, even if you look like a big dork wearing it.
I have no experience with pugs, so you might be totally right. The thing with pugs is they are small and cute so people tend to invade their space. Maybe a leash like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Sign-Not-Leash-Wrap/dp/B00DM0OBNM/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1381346952&sr=1-1&keywords=do+not+pet
I walk using a 10 foot leash. It was recommended to me my dogs reactivity training (Amy Cook, Fenzi). But it does take a while to get used to handling such a long leash. It took a good month before I got good with holding the leash and having treats in my hand. Before this I used to walk my dog using a 4 foot leash, however, my dog is very sensitive to leash pressure, so the 4 ft leash was causing a lot of problems.
For the times when you know you will be in tight spaces you could try using one of the handle leashes. This way you could still use the longer leash, but have the smaller handle in tight spaces and they both can be clipped to the leash at the same time.
Hi, let me introduce you to my pet rock
Leash
Coupler
I love my leash, but it was pricey. It has buckle on the handle that I use for quickly attaching them to things. It also adjusts from about 4'-6'. Then the coupler adjusts too, so one dog has more slack. Which is nice because my good old dog doesn't get dragged around by the rambunctious puppy so much.
It's a fantastic setup for when we're casually walking. We seldom get tangled up. Definitely don't skimp on individual leash training for the new pup though.
There's also this leash. Which is $10 cheaper and lacks a padded handle and doesn't adjust in the front.
http://www.amazon.com/ROCK-walking-leash-Kraft-Silly/dp/B008PSP5SG
And this seems to be a pretty polished version of the pet rock. There are all kinds of awesome ways to make it, get a product out there and see what happens!
I've had this issue too as my pit is tiny and adorable looking but she's shy and needs to be able to sniff people before she'll let them pet her. When people or dogs just run up to her she gets freaked out and darts between my legs for safety. You could try getting a leash like this to let people know she doesn't apprciate the attention.
http://www.amazon.com/Rockinthebox-Rock-Walking-Leash-Kraft/dp/B008PSP5SG
I understanding have a preferred harness
Try a leash wrap that can also go over the clip on some harnesses, or around the dog’s collar.
Here’s one option , and another.