Learn about the features, types, benefits, drawbacks, and proper usage of gun dog slip leads for hunting dogs and other working dogs.
Key Takeaways
- Gun dog slip leads are a type of lead that can be quickly slipped on and off the dog’s neck without a collar. They are used to control and train hunting dogs and other working dogs.
- Gun dog slip leads come in different materials, designs, lengths, and prices. The best gun dog slip lead should be durable, comfortable, weather-resistant, and have a stopper to prevent choking.
- Gun dog slip leads can offer benefits such as easy handling, escape-proof, comfort, and stealth. However, they can also pose drawbacks such as neck injury, choking, slipping, and negative impact on the owner-dog relationship.
- Gun dog slip leads should be used properly and carefully to avoid harming the dog or losing control. Some tips to use gun dog slip leads effectively are to adjust the loop size, position the lead correctly, avoid pulling or jerking, and remove the lead when not in use.
Best Gun Dog Slip Leads
A gun dog slip lead is a type of lead that is made for making quick and easy use. The idea is to gain better control over dogs, especially for hunting dogs. The slip lead has a loop that goes around the dog’s neck and tightens every time the dog pulls. This helps in stopping dogs from running into danger or escaping.
So, if you are looking for the best gun dog slip leads in the UK, here are some of the products that top the chart as per the analysis I conducted with our Wewantdogs team. Let’s check out the best gun dog slip leads out there:
1. Dog & Field Deluxe Gundog Slip Lead
The Dog & Field Deluxe Dundog Slip Lead is made of supersoft braided nylon that is suitable for working dogs and pet dogs as well. The sliding rubber stopper in this gun dog slip lead is safe and easy for dog owners to control. The nylon material used is durable and allows proper stretch relieving pressure off both the dog and handler.
Also, the length of this gundog slip lead is perfect for walking dogs without causing any issues and dog owners can easily control their furry friends.
Key Features:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Hand-stitched
Further, the manufacturer claims to have not used metal crimps in making this lead.
- Suitable for all dog breeds
- Perfect length for handlers
- Comfortable for dogs to wear
- Too much stretchy
2. Bisley Natural Rope Slip Lead
For dog owners looking for a heavy-duty gun dog slip lead, Natural Rope Slip Lead by Bisley is a definite option to consider. This 10mm rope slip lead has a simple sliding mechanism and you can adjust it with a leather or rubber stopper.
In addition, the material is flexible, so, dog owners can easily control their dogs without any hassle.
Key Features:
- Soft and flexible
- Durable slip lead
- Adjustable with rubber or leather stopper
Further, dogs can easily drink or pant if this natural rope slip lead is strapped around the dog’s head and not the neck.
- Suitable for gun/working dogs
- Comfortable for every dog breed
- The rope easily loosens without the dog escaping
- Dog chews off rope easily
3. Fida Slip Rope Dog Lead
Slip Rope dog lead from Fida, can be used on gun dogs without using a harness or collar. One can easily put on this slip rope dog lead with the help of the adjustable loop around the dog’s neck. The reflective stitching helps with visibility and security during the night.
The tightening and loosening of the lead relies on the dog’s behaviour and you can easily control them while walking, jogging, or training outdoors.
Key Features:
- Adjustable sliding
- Reflective stitching
- Strong nylon material
In addition, the length of this rope dog slip lead is perfect for dog owners to provide free movement to their dogs without any restraint.
- Has anti-choke buckle
- Suitable for every dog (small, medium, or large)
- Comfortable grip for dog owners for better control
- Leather sliding slips sometimes, and the dog escapes
4. Ancol Heritage Nylon Rope Slip Lead
For dog owners seeking weather-proof gun dog slip lead, the Ancol Heritage Nylon Slip Lead is just the dog slip lead they need. This dog slip is hand-sewn and uses polyester and nylon material that is comfortable to put on dogs.
In addition, this gun dog slip lead is lightweight and the grip is proper for having better control over dogs’ movement or behaviour.
Key Features:
- Weather-proof
- Strong polyester
- Hand-sewn ends
Further, the design of this dog slip lead is such that you can attach it to the dog’s neck without using a collar.
- Ideal for quick control of dogs
- Useful for both medium and large dogs
- Not for dogs prone to pulling behaviour
- No reflective strips
5. Climbing Rope Lead
Climbing Rope Lead is suitable for dog owners who like to go hiking in the mountains. This climbing rope lead is durable and is designed for dogs who are known to escape. The soft padded handle has a comfortable grip and stops hand fatigue or injury to dog owners’ hands.
In addition, this dog slip rope leas can be easily attached or detached from the dog’s collar or harness.
Key Features:
- Retractable
- Reflective threads
- Durable and Tear-resistant
Further, the 360° rotatable and non-knotted performance of this lead provides the dog with freedom.
- 10 to 20 m recall lead
- Water and dirt-repellent
- Suitable for dogs prone to escape
- Dog chew through the material
- Lead twists easily and gets tighter around the dog’s neck
6. TagME Slip Rope Dog Lead
For dog owners seeking British-style slip lead that work as both a lead and a collar, Slip Rope Dog Lead by TagME is a viable option. The mechanism is simple and you can easily put this lead on your furry friend and the padded grip ensures you don’t suffer burns while handling your dog.
In addition, the metal lock tab in this dog slip lead is used to avoid the risk of a dog choking while you control them or they pull.
Key Features:
- Anti-choking tab
- Heavy-duty stitching
- Slip ring and leather stopper
Further, the reflective threads on this dog slip lead shine bright at night and provide better visibility.
- Less risk of choking (anti-choking tab)
- Useful to control dogs who are pullers
- Reflective threads for visibility at night
- Stopper is loose
- The slip connector is too thin
7. Mycicy Durable Rope Slip Collar Choke Dog Lead
For using heavy-duty dog slip lead for your fun dog, Mycicy Durable Rope Slip Collar Choke Dog Lead is a suitable option for dog owners to consider. The material for this dog slip is lightweight and has strong nylon fabric.
In addition, the O-ring slide fits easily fits a dog’s neck and is adjustable. You will have to exert less pressure on a dog’s neck to control its movement or behaviour.
Key Features:
- Padded handles
- Leather stopper
- O-ring slide
Further, the padded handles are helpful in controlling the dogs that have a stronger pull without having to use extra pressure.
- Adjustable leather stopper
- Comfortable shock grip
- Suitable for medium and large dogs only
- The material is thin and uncomfortable
Buying Guide: Best Gun Dog Slip Leads
Now that you have observed the product list, it’s time for you to get into the details of various prospects that have an impact on the gun dog slip leads price, the perks, and the drawbacks. But, before we get into those details, let’s have a look at some of the features of gun dog slip leads that make them different from regular dog leads.
Features of gun dog slip lead
Gun dog slip leads are a bit different from normal lead. They are specifically made for hunting dogs and other working dogs. Below are some of the features of gun dog slip lead that will help you understand the distinction:
- Loop in gun dog slip lead goes around the dog’s neck and tightens when the dog pulls. This stops the dog from escaping or running out in the open. The benefit of this feature is that you can walk your dog easily and adjust their movements and radical behaviour.
- The gun dog slip lead is durable, comfortable, and weather-resistant material like nylon, leather, rope, or cotton. It has the capacity to withstand extreme weather and also, not wear or tear during outdoor exercise or training.
- Dual handles or grip on gun dog slip lead enables the owner to have better control over the dog in public areas. In addition, the grip or handles are padded with soft foam or rubber to prevent hand injury or fatigue.
- Gun dog slip leads are easy to use and you can slip them on and off the dog’s neck within seconds without any clips or buckles. In addition, these leads are lightweight and compact which makes them quite easy to carry around.
Factors to consider while buying gun dog slip lead
You saw the features, but, there are various factors you need to consider while buying gun dog slip lead. Material, design, length, and price are some of the prominent factors to consider. Below are the prospects explaining why these factors are crucial to consider while buying gun dog slip lead.
- Material
The material of the slip lead must be durable, weather resistant and comfortable for the dogs. Nylon, cotton, leather, and rope materials are the common ones and you can use gun dog slip leads that have these materials.
A leather material gun dog lead is also a viable option. It is strong and long-lasting but, is quite heavy and stiff. Nylon is lightweight and simple to clean but, it can often trigger friction burns on your furry friend’s neck.
Further, cotton is soft and natural but, easily gets wet. Ripe material is flexible and strong, but, can tangle and fray. So, you must analyse the material and pick the one that suits your dog’s size, coat and also, and activity level.
- Length
The length of the gun dog slip lead must be suitable for your dog’s size. Also, the length of the lead must help you control your furry friend better. A small-length gun dog slip lead is a viable option because it helps you get better control over your dog.
However, shorter-length gun dog slip leads can cause choking issues in dogs. It restricts their movements and hard pull can lead to dog choking. A longer-length gun dog slip lead will allow more freedom and reduce the risk of choking but, the dog may get caught in obstacles or get tangled.
So, to avoid such issues the general thumb rule suggests that you pick a gun dog slip lead that is 1.5 times the length of your furry friend’s body.
- Design
A gun dog slip lead should have a design that is safe for dogs. This means it must have a ring or a stopper that can stop the loop from tightening. Otherwise, the dog’s neck will get hurt. Some dog slip leads have a snap or swivel that helps you attach or detach the lead easily and fast.
In addition, some gun dog slip leads will have a grip or handle that makes it easy for you to hold the lead and control its movements.
- Cost
While you consider different factors such as material, design, and length, make sure you don’t forget to analyse the cost. Because based on different factors brands hike up the cost, especially if it has some additional utilities. So, compare different gun dog slip lead products and pick the one that fits both the budget and the requirements.
Using Gun Dog Slip Leads
For training or controlling your dog while out in the field and avoiding any accidents or injuries, you will need to use the gun dog slip lead effectively. So, you need to consider the features, and factors such as material, design, and durability for picking the best gun dog slip lead for your dog. Also, the length of the lead must be suitable for you to have better control over your furry friend.
In addition, make sure the length is not too long or too short. Now, for safety purposes, the lead must also have a sliding ring that will help adjust the size of the loop that is formed around your furry friend’s neck. This will make sure the loop isn’t too tight for the dogs.
Once you pick a suitable gun dog slip lead for your dog, the next steps mainly involve putting the lead on your dog correctly and how to use it properly.
#1. Put on the gun dog slip lead
Putting on the gun dog slip lead on your dog is crucial to ensure you can handle their movements properly. Here are some ways you can put on the lead:
- Create a loop big enough to fit over the dog’s head. After this, hold the loop and the lead so that it forms a “P” shape. Make sure the loop is hanging down and the lead is parallel to the ground.
- Once the shape is formed, place the loop over the dog’s head and pull it comfortably around the upper part of its neck. The loop should go behind their ears.
- The sliding ring must be near the leg and the lead must go over the dog’s neck in the clockwise direction. This is suitable if you walk your dog on the left side.
#2. Using the lead properly
The slip lead will work when you apply some pressure on your dog’s neck. So, you’ll have to pull or lunge and release the pressure. You’ll have to use commands while you are using the gun dog slip lead to ensure your dog doesn’t feel discomfort. For this, you may have to train them.
Here are some tips for using gun dog leads effectively:
- Keep slip lead slack – you must not allow the slip lead to drag on the ground or get twisted around your furry friend’s body. This may lead to injury.
- Snap and praise – when your furry friend is not behaving properly, you need to snap the lead and make it firm. Praise them for their obedience and try using a food treat to make sure their obedience is acknowledged. Make sure you don’t pull hard or jerk the lead constantly. This can make dogs aggressive or fearful.
- Train to follow commands – using commands such as “sit”, “heel”, or “down” you can make sure that your dog remains in a proper position while you use the slip lead. You can also train them to follow the hand gestures to change their postures while they have the slip lead on.
#3. Maintain the gun dog slip lead
If you are going to use the gun dog slip lead regularly, you need to clean and store it safely to maintain its performance and ensure its longevity. Below are some tips that might come in handy for cleaning a gun dog slip lead:
- Use mild soap and water after using the gun dog slip lead. Rinse the slip lead thoroughly and make sure you remove the dirt from it completely.
- Allow the gun dog lead to get dry and store it in a safe location.
- While washing the lead, make sure you don’t use any harsh chemicals, bleach, or detergent. Otherwise, the material will begin to crack or fade.
Lastly, make sure you don’t machine wash, dry clean, or use iron on the gun dog lead. This can compromise the durability of the gun fog slip lead and you might get to use it for longer periods.
Perks of using gun dog slip lead
There are several benefits of using dun dog slip lead. To leverage the benefits you need to ensure you use gun dog slip lead effectively and maintain its condition. If you manage to do so, you can mention the below-mentioned perks:
- Easy to use
Gun dog slip lead can be easily slipped on and off the dog’s head without having to dabble with the snap hook or the collar. This aspect comes in handy because when you are out with the dog, there are often situations where you might have to quickly leash and unleash the dog. For instance, meeting other people, dogs, or at a public place. In addition, gun dog slip lead also saves space and weight and there is no need for using a separate collar or lead.
- Proper control
If you put on the gun dog slip lead perfectly on your dog, you can control it easily. You can exert pressure and release to communicate while walking and also, contain their behaviour. This reduces the chances of running, pulling, or lunging.
So, this means it can be useful in training the dogs to become more obedient and steady in the field. In addition, the bond with the handler also gets stronger and hence, the teamwork gets better.
- Escape proof
The gun dog slip leads are escape-proof. They get tight when dogs attempt to pull or try and get out of the lead. This feature is crucial for controlling gun dogs because at times, they will have a strong hunting instinct and they might make the run for chasing the prey. The gun dog slip lead prevents this and also if the collar is broken or loose, the dog would still not slip off.
- Comfortable and safe
Dogs will feel safe and comfortable in gun dog slip lead as they are soft yet, durable. The material doesn’t cut into the dog’s neck or the handler’s hands. So, if a dog owner is planning to spend time in extreme weather conditions, gun dog slip lead is quite useful.
In addition, it also reduces the chances of dogs getting tangled or caught in fences, branches, or other obstacles which can lead to injury or pain issues.
- Easy navigation
While out in the woods, there are chances of getting stuck in the foliage but, gun dog slip helps in easy navigation and helps in preventing such situations. Because there are no metal parts that can rust or snag, the movement of dogs remains steady and they can move easily. Also, the gun dog slip reduces the visibility and noise which helps to prevent alerting or scaring away the game.
Drawbacks of using gun dog slip lead
While there are ample benefits of using gun dog slip lead, if you are not careful with the usage, there are some drawbacks as well. Below are some of the drawbacks that you might face:
- Injuries
Gun dog slip lead can cause injuries around the dog’s neck or throat if not used correctly. The slip lead can damage the trachea choke, strangle, or suffocate the dog if it gets too tight, too loose or kept on the dog for a longer duration.
An injury to the neck and throat can cause serious health issues such as coughing, breathing difficulties, gagging, vomiting or even death. Also, using the gun dog slip lead for longer periods can make the dog aggressive, fearful, or anxious.
- Not suitable for puppies or small dogs
Puppies and small dogs have a delicate neck and using a gun dog slipping lead on them can cause damage to the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, or bones, especially in small dogs. Their organs are not fully developed, it using such slip lead may cause permanent damage and hinder their growth and development.
Further, the gun dog slip can also compromise their breathing, vocalising, or swallowing functions because the lead is too heavy for them to handle.
- Slip out of the position
At times, it’s possible that the gun dog slip lead slips down and shifts out of the original position on the dog’s neck. It can slide down to the lower area of the neck and is less effective but, harmful for dogs.
The slipping out is harmful because it can induce pressure on the dog’s thyroid gland and compromise its hormone levels and metabolism. Also, it can cause pressure on the cervical vertebra and affect the dog’s posture and movement. The slip lead can also slide off the dog’s head if the adjustment of the stopper is not proper or the dog gets out of it. If this happens, you lose control over the dog.
- Negative effect on owner-dog relationship
The continuous use of gun dog slip can have a negative effect on the owner-dog relationship. This happens because the lead is bulky and regular usage can make the dog feel stressed, uncomfortable, or harbour a feeling of being punished. Also, at times, you may not realise but, you might manifest such feelings because of harsh use. So, the dog will begin to lose trust and the bond will get weaker. In addition, the constant use of physical force will make the dog not obey verbal commands and this can compromise teamwork.
Types of Gun Dog Slip Lead
Different types of gun dog slip leads are made for various purposes keeping in mind different prospects and dogs’ preferences in mind. The common types of gun dog leads are as follows:
- Rope slip lead – made of durable and strong rope that can slide easily on a dog’s neck. One can carry rope slip lead for gundogs easily and also adjust it using leather or a rubber stopper. The gun dog rope slip leads are useful for the majority of dog breeds and sizes of dogs.
- Nylon slip lead – the material for this slip lead is lightweight and resistant to wear and tear. They are suitable for shelters, rescues, or kennels because they can quickly be slipped on and off.
- Leather slip lead – these are made of soft leather material and are comfortable for a dog’s neck. The leather slip lead is elegant and lasts for a longer time if handled with proper care. However, the leather gun dog slip leads are costly in comparison with the rope slip and nylon slip leads.
Additional types
If you are looking for a different type of gun dog slip lead for different purposes, here are a few of the other types of gun dog slip lead that you can consider:
- Chain slip leads – metal chain links on chain slip leads are strong and durable. You can use them for dogs who are prone to chewing or biting on various stuff. The chain slip leads are easy to maintain because they do not absorb any moisture or dirt on them. But, they are heavy and uncomfortable for the dogs.
- Short slip leads – these are made of leather or nylon material and are shorter in size in comparison with regular slip leads. You can use the short slip leads for the dogs who need more correction or guidance. Because the lead is restrictive and can provide easy control for dog owners. However, they can be quite uncomfortable for dogs as there is not enough slack or freedom for them while the lead is on.
- Headcollar slip leads – made using nylon or leather material can easily fit around a dog’s head and muzzle. The design for the headcollar slip lead offers smooth control over a dog’s head movement and stops them from lunging, pulling, or jumping. They are effective in handling gun dogs with behavioural issues like anxiety. aggression, or fear. However, putting this lead on dogs is tricky and may need regular training and adjustment for them to get used to the lead.
Things to Avoid While Using Gun Dog Slip Lead
Using gun dog slip lead is tricky and dog owners must handle it carefully while using it on their furry friends. These leads are strong and durable which is good for their longevity but, can pose some serious risks to gun dogs if not used efficiently. Here are some of the things dog owners must avoid while using gun dog slip lead:
#1. Use of gun dog slip that is too thick, short, or long
The gun dog slip lead, you pick, must not be too short or too long. The length must allow some slack between you and the dog. However, it must not be too long because it may drag along the ground or get tangled with your furry friend’s body.
In addition, the slip lead should be thin enough to slide easily through the ring but, not thinner. Because if it is, the dog’s neck will get cut. An ideal slip lead will have a 1.5 m length and 10 mm diameter.
#2. Don’t use gun dog slip lead without a stopper
A stopper in a gun dog slip lead helps prevent the loop of the slip lead from opening too wide or close too tight around your furry friend’s neck. So, make sure the gun dog slip lead you choose has a stopper ring. Otherwise, your furry friend is likely to escape from the gun dog slip lead or choke.
The stopper in a gun dog slip is made of either a plastic or leather metal material. Regardless, the stopper must be slid up to the ring and the loop must be placed over the dog’s head. In general, there is enough gap to slide 2-3 fingers between the loop and the dog’s neck.
#3. Avoid using the slid lead the wrong way around
The gun dog slip must be positioned over the dog’s head, near the sliding ring closest to your leg. This ensures that the ring will slide up and down freely when the lead is tight or loose. But, if the gun dog slip lead, is on the wrong way round, the ring is likely to get stuck on the loop and lead to continuous pressure on your furry friend’s neck.
To ensure the slip lead is on properly, look from the front of the dog and see whether the lead goes over the dog’s neck in a clockwise direction (assuming you walk with your dog on your left side). In addition, if your dog is on the right side while walking, the lead is in a counter-clockwise direction over the dog’s neck. To make sure the slip lead is not put on wrong, you need to ensure the slip lead goes under your furry friend’s chin from left to right.
#4. Don’t leave gun dog slip lead on the dog, unsupervised
A gun dog slip lead is not to be put on dogs all the time. It’s only to be used while walking, training, or as a temporary tool for controlling the behaviour of the dog. Also, dog owners must not leave the slip lead on their dogs unsupervised. Because leaving them unsupervised can lead to injuries and other issues.
Thus, remove the gun dog slip lead while you are not around your dog. This can reduce the risk of them getting injured or choking on lead in your absence.
#5. Pulling or jerking the gun dog slip lead
At times, dog owners get pretty aggressive while using the gun dog slip lead on their dogs. Sure their dogs might have exhibited different behaviour but, it must not be used as a tool for punishment. So, you must not jerk or pull the gun dog slip lead hardly.
If you do, not only your dog will feel uncomfortable, but they might also face injury to their neck, spine, throat, or eyes. You must try and use a positive reinforcement training method or reward your dog for walking on a loose lead. This will help in minimising the scope of using the slip lead on your dog.
Potential Health hazards of using gun dog slip lead
I just mentioned that pulling the gun dog slip hard or using it for a long time or ineffectively can cause different issues for the dog. The common issue is neck injury. In this section, you will see different health hazards that your dog might face while using gun dog slip lead.
- Trachea damage
When the gun dog slip lead is too thin or too tight or pulled harshly, the dog’s trachea is compromised. The injury sustained can lead to breathing issues, gagging, coughing, or collapse.
- Larynx damage
The larynx is the voice box and is located at the entrance of the dog’s trachea. So, the pressure mounted by the harsh use of gun dog slip lead can cause damage to the dog’s voice box. The dog may lose its voice, have difficulty swallowing, or suffer from hoarseness.
- Spine damage
The spine is the backbone that protects a dog’s spinal cord. There are many nerves that connect the brain to the rest of the dog’s body. Now, when a gun dog slip lead is pulled too hard, the damage to the spine or spinal cord can cause extreme pain and severe issues like paralysis, or loss of sensation.
- Eye damage
If the position of the gun dog slip is high on the dog’s neck, it can exert pressure on the dog’s eyes as well. The pressure on the eyes can lead to swelling, bleeding, redness, or vision loss.
FAQs
Are gun dog slip leads and working dog slip leads different?
No, working dog slip leads and gun dog slip leads are not different. Both of these dog slip leads provide similar functionality. They both can quickly slip on and off the dog’s neck without dog owners having to use a dog collar. Both gun dog and working dog slip leads are used by hunters and professional trainers who work with highly energetic dogs that work professionally (police, rescue, or service dogs) or are used for hunting. The use of these dog slips are identical but, are not synonyms of each other.
How much are gun dog slip leads in the uk?
In general, gun dog slip leads in the UK are sold for an average price between £8 and £15. However, based on the size, design, type, material, and quality of a gun dog slip lead. The prices will vary. For instance, thick or heavy-duty gun dog slip will cost more in comparison with standard gun dog slip lead. Also, the design of a gun dog slip lead is likely to elevate the price, especially if it’s made for controlling multiple dogs.
Gun dog slip leads are used on which dogs?
Gun dog slip leads are used on dogs that are trained to assist hunters in finding, retrieving, or pointing game animals, like rabbits, birds, or deer. These dogs are also referred to as gun dogs, hunting dogs, or bird dogs. The common breeds of gun dogs are spaniels, retrievers, setters, or hounds.
Which type of gun dog slip lead is best to use on dogs?
There is no definite answer to the best type of gun dog slip lead you can use for your furry friend. Because it solely depends on your preference and experience with your dog while walking or hunting outdoors. You need to analyse the prospects of each type and pick the one that is suitable for your dog and safe as well.
Best Gun Dog Slip Leads UK – Conclusive Remarks
I have curated the list of different gun dog slip leads uk in the article considering different prospects such as features, design, quality, and type. So, whether you need a heavy-duty slip lead or a reflective strap that helps navigate your dog at night, you will find one as per your preferences and your dog’s requirements.
Once you pick a suitable gun dog slip lead, the job is only half done. You’ll have to use it properly to ensure your furry friend’s safety. From a safety point of view, you may have to consider choosing a gun dog slip lead that comes with a stopper. Also, you’ll have to adjust the stopper properly on the dog’s head and avoid pulling it harshly to prevent neck injuries or other damage.
Lastly, I hope you were able to find the best gun dog slip lead for your furry friend from the product list. Conduct thorough research on the gun dog slip lead that you decide to buy. Refer to the buying guide for better insights if you get stuck with multiple choices. Still, if you are dubious about any prospects, mention them in the comments. I will be happy to guide you through it.
