Which tape measure for dogs is better, cable or tape?

How does it work

At one end of the roulette leash there is a mechanism made in the form of a handle and consisting of a plastic case with a built-in spring device. This mechanism allows you to twist and unwind the leash by winding a tape or cable around a spring mechanism.

If the pet goes to the owner, the spring is compressed and the leash is retracted. Unlike a regular leash, which must be twisted manually, this one works automatically.

There is also a button on the handle that allows the owner to limit the length of the retractable leash. Just press it once and the rewinding will stop. For long-term fixation, you need to press the button until it clicks or lift a special lever, depending on the roulette model.

Important! Roulette leashes are only suitable for walking large and impulsive dogs, but not for training them. To avoid injury, children are prohibited from using this dog accessory.

One of the advantages of this type of leash is that it never sag, but remains in a state of light tension, thanks to which it remains clean in any weather.

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Functions

This type of leash has its own specific functions:

• keeping your pet at a safe distance, controlling the dog’s behavior and stopping conflicts with other animals thanks to the short-term stop function;
• training the dog to the “near” command using the long-term stop function;
• no need to manually pull the leash or wrap it around your hand;
• some models have a pet return function (to do this, you need to raise your hand in the direction of the dog and press the brake button, and then pull the animal towards you);
• the tape measure does not sag and gives greater freedom for the pet’s movements.

Tape or rope

It should be noted that in terms of convenience and reliability, both versions of the roulette leash are equivalent, however, each of them has its own characteristics. Typically a cable leash is lighter than a tape leash. In addition, it collapses faster.

A leash with a ribbon can easily twist while twisting, and if your dog is active and energetically jumps between bushes or trees, then the cable will get tangled there much more easily. Also, a dog owner is more likely to be injured by a cable device than a tape device.

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Experts do not recommend purchasing a leash with a cable for an animal heavier than 30 kilograms, so for large fighting breeds only a ribbon is suitable.

Reviews of Flexi tape measures

Owners of small breed dogs claim that if you like to walk your dog in the morning or evening, it is better to choose a leash with a built-in flashlight for your pet. Its design is very simple, but such a mechanism brings invaluable benefits. With its help you can monitor the actions of your pet. After all, many dogs understand that the owner cannot see in the dark, so they can pick up something from the ground. This leash runs on batteries that can be replaced. But the device weighs a lot, so it is quite difficult to carry it.

However, most owners of large dogs say that tape measures do a poor job of holding such animals. And if the pets are not well behaved, then the tape measure may break and the dog will be in danger.

Types of roulettes

Roulette leashes come in two main designs - cable (cord) and tape (belt). They also differ in leash length - from 3 to 8 meters. For each dog, the leash must be selected individually. The weight of the pet, its character and the purpose of the accessory are taken into account. In most cases, in urban environments, a leash 5 meters long is considered optimal.

Roulette rope

The cord leash-roulette differs in that it is equipped with a nylon cable of round cross-section. Although the cable is quite strong, these tape measures are preferably used for small breeds.

The instructions for each model indicate the weight of the animal it is designed for. There is no need to buy an accessory with a large margin of weight, as it may be too heavy for your pet or injure it if it accidentally slips out of your hands.

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Tape roulette

This type of leash is more suitable for medium and large dogs. Its device contains a flat-section nylon tape, which is stronger than a cable.

When purchasing a leash for large breeds, you should give preference to devices with metal fixing elements - a carbine and fastening the carabiner to the leash. The rubberized handle of the case will also be a big plus.

To prevent your pet from suddenly running away and snatching the leash from the owner’s hands, it is better to choose models with a safety loop worn on the wrist.

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Roulette leash with flashlight

If you are used to late walks with your pet, then you may need a flashlight built into the roulette leash. Especially if your dog likes to pick things up from the ground, a flashlight will allow you to see what he is about to chew.

Although, by and large, a flashlight is more of a marketing ploy that attracts attention to the product and forces you to buy it. Therefore, before purchasing, think carefully about whether you personally need this function. This tape measure is equipped with batteries and weighs slightly more than the standard one.

What size tape measure should I choose?

When choosing a tape measure, special attention should be paid not only to the size of the dog, but also to the parameters of the device itself. It is very important that the dog's owner can easily hold the leash in his hand. Therefore, it is desirable that the dog tape measure fits easily in the palm of your hand, and the weight of the device should be minimal. Otherwise, a huge load will be placed on the hand, so it will be much more difficult to control the pet. Models that are too large are not only difficult, but also dangerous. The same applies to roulettes that are too light. After all, at the slightest tension they will tear out of the palm and fall to the ground, which can frighten the pet. Frightened, the pet may take off and run away.

Tape measures for small dogs

Roulettes are available in several sizes:

• Giant - for large dogs from 60 kg or more;
• Large – for large dogs weighing 25 – 50 kg;
• Medium - for medium dogs weighing 10 - 25 kg;
• Small - for small pets weighing up to 10 kg;
• Mini - for dwarf dogs.

If the dog is active, inquisitive and mobile, then it is better to purchase a leash with a ribbon. For a quieter option, the option with a cable is quite suitable. You should not buy a tape measure for a small dog with a large margin of weight. It may happen that the tape measure slips out of your hands and, at best, will only scare your pet, rattling after him along the road.

For example, for a dog weighing 6 kilograms, you can take a model designed for 15 kg, then you can be sure of the reliability of the entire structure and that it will definitely withstand all the jerks of your four-legged friend.

How to choose a roulette leash?

When purchasing an accessory, they are guided by the breed of the individual and its dimensions. The device is designed for a certain tension force. In this case, the weight of the pet is taken into account, to which 5-10 kg is added. to define the parameter. The following sizes are allocated for products: minimum, small, medium, large and giant. A dog walking tape with a rubberized handle is more reliable - it does not slip out of your hands. A convenient product has a swivel that allows the box to rotate without twisting the belt. The best device is one that allows you to control your pet without any extra effort.

Tape measures for small dogs

Dwarf pets are not capable of a powerful jerk, unlike large fighting breeds. Therefore, for decorative, small and slow-moving animals, a cable is quite suitable - it is lighter, does not get tangled, quickly unwinds and without much tension on the part of the animal will not cause injury to the owner. If you purchase a product with a detachable collar, then the cord stuck in the bushes will easily hide itself in the box if it is separated from the dog.

This product for a small pet can easily withstand the weight written on the packaging. The tape measure for small dogs is selected to be small, so that if it falls, the massive handle will not injure the fragile pet. For small breeds, heavy carabiners are an unnecessary measure. They are dangerous and can cause injury. Many breeders choose glamorous leather products or decorated with rhinestones for decorative pets.

Roulette leash for large dogs

A massive dog has heavy weight and a lot of belt tension, especially if he is not obedient. Tape measures for large dogs are selected according to all the rules for calculating the voltage of the product. This will allow you to be confident in the reliability of the belt and always keep the situation under control. It is important to choose an accessory with an ergonomic reinforced body that does not harm the owner’s hand. You can use products with a metal carabiner. It can withstand enormous thrust even in severe frosts.

For giant and massive animals, a dog belt tape measure is best suited. For large pets, it is recommended to choose a model with a safety loop. It is attached around the neck next to the collar, has a metal ring that clings to the main carabiner. Insurance is needed for extraordinary situations. If the ring on the collar breaks or the collar itself breaks, the loop will help control the dog.

Tape measure for medium breed dogs

For such pets, the product is selected in accordance with the size of the pet and its behavior. The medium size dog walking tape is marked M on the packaging. The length of the product is also important:

• 10 m cord suitable for animals not yet accustomed to commands;
• a tape 5 m long is suitable for medium-sized individuals (20-25 kg);
• for heavier dogs, purchase an 8 m product.

When choosing, you need to consider who will be walking the pet. If your pet is cared for by a woman, a child, or he is active and curious, it is better to buy him a belt harness - if the animal jerks strongly, it is easier to hold him and there is less chance of injuring his hands. For a trained and obedient medium-sized dog, you can buy a cable version with a ribbon attached to a carabiner.

Roulette for several dogs

Sometimes the promenade, even with two four-legged individuals, turns into chaos. It is inconvenient for owners who have to walk several animals to use more than one carabiner - they have to be rearranged, the ribbons can get tangled. In this case, the best tape measures for dogs are double ones, having several belts in one box. They allow you to control each pet individually.

Sometimes this design is equipped with a rotator, which reduces the likelihood of belts tangling. These models are heavier than regular ones. There is another type of ammunition - spark. In it, the ribbons cling to one ring attached to a carabiner. But if the pets are active, then the likelihood of several belts getting tangled is very high. They need to be taught to move in unison.

Helpful tips when purchasing a leash:

• a product for a puppy does not need to be taken “for growth” - the tape measure for dogs must fully correspond to the dimensions of the pet;
• Before purchasing, it is recommended to check the functionality of the buttons - they should be pressed comfortably and smoothly, not “walk” around, not creak;
• It is important to evaluate the strength of the carabiner - grab it by the loop and pull sharply with all your might;
• It is recommended to pay attention to the fastening elements, the ease of holding the handle in the palm of your hand, and the quietness of the mechanism.

Tape measures for medium dogs

As a rule, models with tape are available for medium and heavy dogs, as they are more durable and will confidently hold the dog during any tug.

In addition, when purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the quality of all parts and fasteners of the roulette leash and check the operation of the locking button. Metal fasteners and a rubberized handle are a big advantage when choosing a model.

Roulettes for several dogs

This tape measure is equipped with two leashes and, accordingly, is somewhat heavier than a regular one. It is suitable for relatively calm animals, since young and active dogs can easily tangle the cables, so when purchasing it you should pay attention to the presence of a rotator, which will slightly reduce the likelihood of the leashes getting tangled.

It should also be taken into account that not every person will be able to hold two dogs with one hand if they simultaneously run forward (for example, after a cat).

Important! It is forbidden to touch the cable or leash tape while walking, as this can cause burns and cuts to your fingers and even more serious injuries.

Video: review of tape measures for dogs

Roulette quality

When choosing a Flexi dog tape measure, it is very important to evaluate its quality. First, let's look at the design of the carabiner. It is important that the size of the leash is adequate, otherwise it will interfere with the pet’s movement. This is especially important to consider when purchasing a leash for decorative dog breeds. In addition, you need to make sure that the device is equipped with a swivel. It is this that ensures the rotation of the carabiner, and the belt or tape does not twist. If the Flexi Dog Leash is designed for large animals, you will need to grab the loop of the carabiner and pull it. This will check the reliability of the device. If you need to use a leash for giant breeds of animals, then you need to give preference to a reinforced carbine that can withstand enormous tension at any temperature (even in severe frosts).

The locking buttons should be comfortable to press. They change their position without squeaking or jamming, and are easily compressed and unclenched. You should also pay attention to the body of the product. It is desirable that it be smooth, without unnecessary bends. It is better to buy a plastic tape measure, which is more easily deformed than a plastic one. Therefore, if it suddenly falls on the asphalt, the damage will be less pronounced.

How to use it correctly

To make the walk comfortable for both you and your pet, you should adhere to some rules:

1. The roulette leash must strictly correspond to the weight of the dog with a small margin.
2. When walking in busy places, the leash should be kept on a clip and at a short length.
3. Do not touch the cable or tape while reeling in order to avoid injury.
4. You cannot attach a tape measure to a choke collar or a strict collar, so as not to harm the animal.
5. You should not allow your pet to climb into dense thickets so that the leash does not get tangled.
6. Before using a roulette leash, your puppy should be accustomed to a regular leash.
7. After a walk, you need to clean the dirt from the tape or cable, and if it gets wet, dry the leash at its maximum length to avoid corrosion of the mechanism.