Today, many dog owners prefer to walk their pets on a leash-roulette. A simple device, an aesthetic design, the ability not to pull the leash, but to fix it by pressing a button - it has a lot of advantages. However, even this variant of walking has certain nuances, about which an inexperienced dogman may not know.
What it is?
Dog Leash Roulette is a plastic case, equipped with a handle and a latch-lock. Initially, all roulettes were equipped with a button that made it easy to unwind and reel the cable.
Modern models are equipped with a number of useful features. For example, the installed button allows you to fix the cable at one length and will not allow your pet to run out onto the road, chase the cats or run up to passersby.
There is a function of long-term locking of the cable, which is fixed for a certain length for a long time. This is very convenient when you have to let the dog go, but not to give it complete freedom.
A number of devices are equipped with a braking mechanism: if an animal climbs where it does not follow, the owner only needs to stretch his arm in the direction of the dog and pull the mechanism.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of roulette are obvious. Unlike a conventional leash, it is not tangled and does not drag on the ground, and therefore does not need to be washed. The device is equipped with a convenient handle that is easy to hold with one hand.
Such a leash allows you to release the pet to the maximum distance and at the same time control its behavior. For a dog, the tape measure is very convenient in terms of minimum pressure and tension, which creates the illusion of freedom. The animal quickly gets used to the device and stops noticing the cable.
The roulette lead has certain disadvantages. First of all, the use of roulette affects the behavior of the dog. A favorite learns to pull the leash, independently determines the distance from the owner. It will be difficult to return her to her, because the dog will consider that she can walk without the owner's participation.
Such a leash is unsuitable for training a puppy: the owner cannot support the team “Near” with a good jerk to himself, and the click of the lock will simply not be perceived by the dog. Hold the dog will have only one hand, which is not easy.
From the sharp movement of dogs of large breeds plastic housing can easily scatter. If the owner drops the roulette, the animal will be frightened and rush to run, and the plastic case will rumble behind him and frighten even more.
A significant drawback of a dog's roulette is traumatic. Attempting to hold a dog by grasping the tape or cable may result in a serious cut or burn. If a dog plays with other dogs on such a leash, his playmates can also get hurt.
Constantly being on a tight leash is detrimental to the health of the dog itself. Cervical vertebrae and neck muscles are particularly affected, and pinching of the throat is possible. To avoid such troubles, it is necessary to fasten the leash to the harness.
What happens?
There are two types of leads-roulettes. Cord (or corded) is a device consisting of a thin nylon cord of round cross section. At one end is a carabiner, at the other - a plastic handle.
On a tape leash the tape fastens (a wide strong band or a belt). This option is less practical, because the tape may twist or get tangled while walking and you have to spend time on disentangling.
If the pet climbs into the bushes, you first need to pull out the tape from the branches, and then go with it to another place.
There are combined options that consist of a thin cable, on one end of which there is a plastic handle, and on the other - a piece of wide braid with an attached carabiner. The tape does not retract into the roulette.
All other differences of these devices relate to the countries-manufacturers and the length of the leash. For example, Leads of the Italian company Ferplast from 8 to 10 meters long are designed for dogs weighing up to 60 kg. This is the best option for a walk through the city park.
The German manufacturer Vitakraft offers leads for dogs of different breeds, but the length of the cable does not exceed 3 meters. This is ideal for residents of densely populated areas or for owners of dogs of decorative breeds.
Another German company - Trixie - produces leashes 15 meters long. These roulettes are acquired when necessary search work. These products are often chosen by hunters who do not want to lose sight of the dog. The length of the leash allows you to work out teams in the far distance.
The roulettes of these manufacturers are made of durable plastic. Their handle and body are completely rubberized, which increases strength and provides better grip with the hand. The spring device is mounted inside the case, the opening of the rotating reel is tucked in with a tape or a cord of nylon.
The product is equipped with a reel brake button, the rotation of which can be stopped by lightly pressing the thumb. Lock the leash for a long time will allow the lock button. A special loop worn on the wrist prevents the leash from falling. Products from manufacturers are supplied with warranty card and instructions for use.
How to choose?
When choosing a lead roulette should be based on the size of the dog itself. It is no coincidence that manufacturers label their products in the appropriate frame sizes. So, "Giant" is designed for the largest dogs, whose weight exceeds 60 kg.
"Larg" and "Medium" designed for dogs of large and medium breeds - 25-50 kg and 10-25 kg, respectively. Finally, "Small" and "Mini" designed for small and dwarf pets, whose weight does not exceed 10 kg. If you have to pick up a leash for two dogs, you should pay attention to double roulettes.
These designs are designed for small dogs and dogs of medium breeds, whose weight does not exceed 22 kg.
The length of the leads is only 3 meters, and the spinning and retractable design ensure the free movement of the dog without the risk of getting tangled in cables or tapes.
The plastic case is equipped with two color buttons, similar to the color of the leash. If you need to pull out a particular pet, just click on the appropriate button. If you need to slow down both dogs, you need to press both brake buttons.
Another important point: the leash for the dog must be with a certain margin of safety. For example, if a pet weighs about 22 kg, it is worth looking at models designed for 30-pound dogs. Then the roulette will precisely withstand heavy loads and will last much longer than the model, which exactly corresponds to the weight of the restless four. Directly Before buying, make sure that all elements of the mechanism are in good condition.
A smooth push of the buttons should ensure the unwinding and winding of the cable, perform the function of a short and long stop, and also fix the specified length of the leash. Extraneous sounds such as rattling or creaking indicate poor-quality assembly of the product.
You should look through the lead along the entire length to make sure that the cable or tape is of good quality. Then you need to pay attention to the carbine, which will be attached to a dog collar. It should be a durable, reliable, temperature-resistant device.
It is important that it be equipped with a swivel that prevents the tape or cable from twisting and does not interfere with the movement of the animal. For decorative breeds a carbine made of plastic is quite suitable, and for larger dogs it is better to choose a metal equivalent.
How to use?
Before you take your pet to the street on a new leash, it is worth trying a new thing at home. Depending on the manufacturer, the instructions for use of roulette leads may differ, but on the whole, the recommendations are similar.
Before use, the device should be assembled exactly as instructed.
- Insert one part of the quick coupling into the other and close the safety clip. The latter should fit snugly against the body of the joint.
- Then you should adjust the handle with the help of a special wheel.
- After that, fasten a carbine. This action is performed while the blocking button is pressed. First, you need to put a safety loop on the dog's neck, and then pass the carbine through it and through the collar.
Then you should take a walk with the dog around the apartment and make sure that it really moves freely, and the cable or tape automatically winds and unwinds.
It is necessary to work out the animal stop by pressing the brake button. When the dog runs up to the legs, the lock should be released to keep the leash in a tense position.
To return the dog back, you need to stretch your arm forward, push the braking button with your thumb and pull the arm back. Then the lock should be released and again stretch the arm with the leash forward. The leash will be unwound automatically, and the indicated actions should be repeated until the dog is at the required distance.
It is necessary to work out the situation in advance when the dog should be near the foot. To do this, pull the dog towards you, press the braking button, and then start the long-term stop mechanism. After such a workout confidence will be much greater and you can go on a street walk.
It is important to pay attention to the requirements for safety of use:
- check the device for damage before each walk;
- stop using the leash at the slightest malfunction;
- do not allow an animal to play with it;
- always use a safety loop that will protect against injury;
- not to take the cable or tape with your hands and not to entangle people or quadrupeds in it;
- make sure the leash is in a tight position;
- always hold the tape measure tightly by the handle in order to react in time to the unacceptable behavior of the dog;
- This device is designed only for walking, cycling with a dog is carried out only on a classic leash;
- Animals can not be tied to benches, pillars and other objects.
Walking the dog at the roulette can be people who are responsible for it. Therefore, you should not trust the walking of animals on such leashes to inattentive households or small children.
How to fix?
Despite all precautions, the tape measure may require repairs. It is not uncommon for cute pets to tear themselves off the leash while walking, why the leash suffers and stops unwinding, or gnawing the cord in quiet home conditions.
If the roulette is broken, it can be repaired by yourself, without resorting to the help of qualified craftsmen. Its mechanism is very simple, and the minimum set of tools is needed: a small screwdriver with a diameter similar to a dog-head bolt head, tongs or pliers, a new cord and a cigarette lighter.
Regardless of the nature of the damage, the structure will have to be disassembled.
To do this, unscrew and remove the screws, and then squeeze the case and divide it into two halves. But further instructions differ.
If it is intended to replace the cord or attach a new carabiner, it is enough to fix the torn end with a plastic cap (or completely replace the cord), and then attach the carabiner.
If the problem is with the mechanism of action, you will have to open the middle of the coil. The convex part is hooked by a screwdriver, then the cover is very carefully removed. All subsequent repair work should be carried out, gently holding the spring.
Then you should find and remove a piece of spring bend. After that, the edge of the spring is hooked by tweezers or pliers and heated on a low fire. Provide high temperature can be using a lighter or gas stove.
The edge of the softened spring is bent so that it does not fly out from the center of the coil. Cold metal bending is not recommended. Firstly, it is very difficult, and secondly, the spring can not withstand mechanical stress.
After the manipulations, the coil is closed with a lid, the buttons are set in place, the cord is wound on a reel and the case is tightly closed. The joints are fastened to a characteristic click, and then the bolts are screwed on.
Repair work completed. You can test the roulette at home to make sure it is reliable, and then again bring the pet to the street.
Even such a simple device, like a tape measure for dogs, should be correctly selected, adjusted, followed its rules of operation and periodically repaired.
For information on how to choose a dog leash, see the following video.
