Leashes, Collars and Accessories for Huskies and Sled Dogs

Huskies and sled dogs instinctively pull when out and about.

Planet Dog Natural
Leash with Fleece Handle

Although patient, positive training methods can persuade them to subdue the instinct somewhat, the sight of a rabbit, cat, squirrel, seagull, other dogs or anything else that interests them will probably have them straining at the leash. To walk your husky you will need a good strong leash that optimizes control.

A good tip if walking more than one husky is to have a different color leash for each dog. This way you can identify the leashes easily if they get tangled up.

Planet Dog have a range of Natural Leashes with Fleece Handles in a variety of colors. We find that the fleece lining is particularly comfortable on our hands. Comfort is important for both you and your husky or sled dog. You will be walking your dog frequently, so make sure that the equipment you buy makes the experience enjoyable! Planet dog also have a range of matching Fleece Linned Adjustable Collars to optimize your dog's comfort as well as your own.

You might want to try and find a leash with a little bit of 'give' in it to absorb shock and try and minimize stress on the dogs neck when walking in a collar. Shock Absorbing Leashes are good for this. Dogs inclined to pull on the leash, and bounce around as sled dogs do, benefit from the shock absorbing design of these leashes. The need for this recognized in tug lines used in racing that all have bungee attachments to protect the dog's neck and spine. You could try the Bungee Pupee Leash or the Wacky Walk'r.

Although we know many owners use them successfully, we would not personally recommend using flexi-leashes for sled dogs. If you want to give your husky a longer reign, there are some extremely long leashes designed for this. Equestrian ropes with brass clips are also available in much longer lengths.

You can buy longer 'lunge leashes' from many pet suppliers. These give dogs such as huskies a lot more freedom whilst still keeping them on-leash. They are great for trips to the beach, as you can stay dry and still let your husky have a swim.

Collars

Rogz Reflective Dog Collar
The large clasp rings on
these collars make catching
hold of your husky easier!

Rogz for Dogz collars are pretty popular with husky and sled dog owners. They have large metal clip rings that are easy to grab hold of if your dog is goofing around. We Buy the Rogz 'Beach Bum' collars, or the Reflective Dog Collars for our own huskies. We find that medium collars suit our adult Siberians; our malamute owning friends get large sized ones for their adult mallies. They come in a load of different colors and designs and we've found them to be pretty durable. The 'Rogz' leads are good too.

Spiffy Dog Collar

The Spiffy Dog range of collars are strong and come in a wide range of designs and also have large metal clip rings. Spiffy Dog are known amongst husky owners for producing tough, durable products that are good for sled dogs. They make hiking equipment for dog owners, as well as leashes and other accessories.

Whichever type of collar you choose for your husky, be sure to fit it with an ID Tag with your contact details.

Walking Belts

As many owners come to find, it is much easier to walk a husky or sled dog with the lead attached to a Walking Beltaround your waist than one that you hold in your hand As huskies are not 'off lead' dogs, as a husky owner you will spend much time walking your dog to give it the exercise it requires.

Given their general tendency to pull on the lead, Walking Belts can significantly increase your comfort whilst out and about, as the strain is taken off your arms and focused on your hips. This allows for better balance and resistance against sudden tugs on the lead when your husky gets excited over something up ahead (we're not going to pretend that any of our own Huskies are perfectly trained never to pull on the lead!). You can still use your hands for extra control on the leash, and draw the dog closer to you at roadsides etc, but walking belts mean that, where the paths are suitable, you can rely on the belt to hold the dog and keep your hands and arms free.

Make sure the one you buy is strong enough to hold your husky at its most excitable - they can pull very hard when they see a squirrel up ahead!

Backpacks and Other Accessories

Fold-N-Go Collapsible
Dog Travel Water
Bowl & Food Dish

Back-packs with built-in 'walking belts' are available, and are handy for longer walks and hikes when you need to carry supplies with you.

Collapsible food and water bowls are always handy to have, and fold down small enough to stash in a small bag and carry with you on a walk.