Product Review: Mendota Slip-Lead

This item is described as a "British Style Slip-Lead Leash and Collar in One." We purchased this on the advice of Ender's dog walker who said this item would give us more control when he started lunging at people.



Do you ever watch earlier episodes of the Dog Whisperer where he uses those $0.25 leashes or turns their regular leash upside down to use, and the leash always stays on the top of the dog's head? This doesn't happen in real life! Or maybe it only happens if you are Cesar Milan.

Anyway, this lead accomplishes that purpose, where it stays high on the dog's head, maximizing your control. There's a little leather tab on the lead which helps to hold the position. It's seriously like magic.

The jury is still out regarding this lead. We normally use a prong collar (I'll save that post for later) and originally Ender's dog walker advised having the Mendota lead for special cases where he jumps, but keeping his prong collar and regular lead as his usual walking attire. At that point, it was just too much stuff going on.

I've actually tried just using the Mendota lead for walks, but I'm not sure that this lead works well for Ender. Although the lead is extremely well made, the fact that the lead is shaped like a rope makes it harder to hold onto. In addition, it just doesn't feel as sturdy as the Planet Dog leash we have. A big part of this is probably mental on my end, but I like to feel secure when I'm walking a giant jumpy dog around the neighborhood.

Product Review: Planet Dog Leash

Longest lasting leash thus far:

Planet Dog Hemp Leash with Fleece-Lined Handle




I bought this on a whim at a local pet store and this has been the sturdiest leash to date. This is the type of leash that makes you feel like you have a handle on your 80 pound dog when he starts lunging at a squirrel.

We had originally started off with the standard cheapo nylon leashes but that thing was so slippery, I had to start tying knots into the leash to prevent rope burn when Ender jumped. Therefore, I was interested in an alternative material such as cotton. When I saw hemp, I thought..eh, close enough, why not? The end result - it's awesome.

When we got Barksdale, I got lazy and bought her a leash that was the most similar to the Planet Dog at the big chain pet store. That leash was promptly shredded by Barksdale.

I have learned my lesson and Planet Dog leash number two is now on its way.