Are Slip Leads Good for French bulldogs? Don’t Make This Mistake

The options are endless when it comes to our dog-walking accessories, sometimes too much which can confuse us in choosing what’s best.

If you are a Frenchie parent or thinking of becoming one, you should know that you have to be extra careful while making choices, the choice of lead belongs to the list as well.

So, Are slip leads good for French Bulldogs? Slip leads are not good for French Bulldogs as they are a Brachycephalic breed; slip leads can put pressure on the dog’s eyes, cause Thyroid gland trauma, spine injuries, Nerve impingement in front legs, Salivary gland injury, or Trachea collapsing especially to small breeds like French Bulldogs.

Let’s explore the choice of slip leads when it comes to Frenchies and the best type of leads for this specific breed, so keep on reading.

Are slip leads good for French bulldogs?

Normally, dogs get uncomfortable when the pressure from the slip lead or collar tightens, but it is not harmful; but in the case of french bulldogs, this breed is naturally prone to Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome, which means “short-headed” or “flat-faced” that might make it difficult for your Frenchie to breathe correctly.

This pressure of a slip lead may be more uncomfortable for brachycephalic breeds than other breeds and the strain on his neck may cause his trachea to be crushed. 

The trachea may collapse in this scenario, preventing the dog from breathing or causing uncomfortable coughing.

Crushing injuries to the trachea are extremely unpleasant for your Frenchie, and some may require surgery.

Owners of French Bulldogs are frequently hesitant to use slip leads because they have heard that they can harm the dog.

Extra strain on the fragile tissues in the neck is severe, especially a brachycephalic type.

What are Slip leads? 

Slip leads combine the functions of a leash and a collar into one convenient package. With a few minor changes, they may also be converted into a head harness or a body harness.

Slip leads are made to tighten when under strain and release when the tension is released. They are not only practical and easy to use, but they are also inexpensive.

A slip lead should lay behind the jaw at the very top of the neck in the proper position (right behind the ears).

The correct position of a slip leas is when the cushioned slide would brush the dog’s neck to prevent him from slipping out, but it should still be slack enough to pass two fingers between the slip lead and the dog’s neck. 

When your dog is at rest, the collar should be loose and comfy. Make sure your dog is comfy with the slip lead or collar you’ve picked. Softer materials, such as nylon or silicone, are safer alternatives to leather or other fabrics with no softness or give. 

The right amount of tightness is to make it snug enough that your dog won’t slip through, but loose enough that he won’t be uncomfortable or choke.

The slip lead should be able to go around the rear or base of the ears, as well as the area beneath the jaw.

A slip lead should never be attached to the center of the throat or neck. If your dog abruptly pulls away or pulls while on a stroll, this might cause injury or choking.

Do slip leads hurt dogs? 

Slip leads can hurt dogs, especially those who pull harshly on the leash as they put pressure on the dog’s eyes, cause trauma to thyroid glans, cause trachea injury; Slip leads don’t hurt dogs that are trained to walk without pulling on the leash and they are more preferable for bigger-sized dogs.

Regarding how slip leads go around the ears and beneath the jaw, this position makes them uncomfortable if the dog pulls too hard on the leash and is also prone to causing some dangers. Not only can the collar section of the leash tighten, possibly strangling your dog, but the pulling itself can easily injure the delicate tissue in the neck.

Tightening a slip lead can result in:

• Putting pressure on the dog’s eyes
• Thyroid gland trauma, which can result in a number of thyroid issues.
• Cervical spine injuries in the dog’s neck
• Nerve impingement in the front legs of your dog, resulting in lameness and discomfort.
• Salivary gland injury – a condition in which the salivary glands are damaged.
• Trachea collapsing

Dogs in pain are more prone to be more aggressive, which can lead to behavioral issues like vigorously pulling on the leash.

For these and other reasons, it’s important that you only use a slip lead when your dog has previously been trained not to tug on the leash.

For dogs who tug on the leash until they are trained to behave differently, a harness is the safest alternative.

The best leads for Frenchies 

French bulldogs are an adorable-looking breed, yet that heart-melting appearance doesn’t come without a price, they, unfortunately, come with proneness to some health issues, including mobility issues and respiration issues.

These issues make your choices when it comes to your Frenchie a bit limited and needs more thought.

If you’re seeking the most comfortable, all-purpose lead, a soft-padded harness is the way to go. They are really soft and cushy, yet it’s also firm and long-lasting. Nylon harnesses could also be a good option because of how easy it is to clean them.

I use the Auroth Tactical no-pulling dog training harness with my franchise, and they seem o be really comfortable in it. It’s easily the one they like the most out of the dozens I have tried with them.

You can check its price on Amazon here.

The French bulldog is a brachycephalic breed, which means that their small bodies might make it difficult for them to breathe properly at times.

The harness will relieve strain on your french bulldog’s neck and shift the weight to a larger body surface, preventing spine and neck problems and allowing your Frenchie complete range of motion.

How long should a French Bulldog’s leash be?

A French Bulldog’s leash should be at least a 4-foot leash; this length is ideal for Frenchies because they are a smaller, shorter breed than other breeds. Keeping your French bulldog close to you when strolling also guarantees their safety.

Standard and long dog leashes provide you less control over your dog than short dog leashes. Short leashes are ideal for dogs that are small like french bulldogs, constantly tug, or are unpredictable around other dogs or people. 

Short leashes are especially useful while walking your dog in a crowded setting, where it is better to keep your dog close. A short leash can also aid in the training if your Frenchie exhibits leash aggression.

Related Questions 

Do French Bulldogs need special harnesses? 

French Bulldogs don’t necessarily need special harnesses, but because of their sensitive skin,  and proneness to allergies, the soft cushioned harness is ideal for Frenchies. It is also a good option if your Frenchie tends to pull when you are out on a walk

At what age can a puppy wear a slip lead? 

A puppy can wear a slip led by the age of 6 months, yet it is worthy of notice that the smaller the dog size, the less that slip leads are recommended; Puppies as young as four to six weeks old can start learning how to walk on a leash.

Can French Bulldogs wear a Halti? 

French Bulldogs can wear a Halti as it prevents them from pulling, as well as to manage and retrain dogs who pull; While the head collar may be a valuable tool, it’s critical to use it correctly and combine it with a strong training approach.

Why do French Bulldogs need a harness? 

French Bulldogs need harnesses as they reduce tension on your french bulldog’s neck and redistribute weight to a wider body surface, avoiding spine and neck issues and allowing the french bulldog to move freely, especially as this breed is prone to mobility health issues.

Helpful Resources 

HOW TO USE A SLIP LEASH CORRECTLY

What you should know about slip leads

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