Sociologists report that 41% of Russians keep dogs. Among other pets, only cats outnumber "man's best friends". This is not surprising, after all, a dog is an animal that requires a lot more investment of time and money from a person than other representatives of the caudate ones. The average Bobik living in a city apartment needs at least one set of collar and leash. Unfortunately, the prices for ammunition are rising every year. But experienced dog owners know perfectly well how to save money and provide their pet with a set of accessories for any occasion. This article reveals their secrets on how to make a DIY leash from available materials.
A bit of theory
A leash is a thing required by law for every dog, regardless of its breed, size and place of residence. Originating from a tethered chain, this tool has become not only a device for holding a walk, but also a method of controlling an animal in the process of training. Before we start talking about how to make a dog leash, it's worth talking a little about its types.
Daily leash
Model for walking animals. It can be from 1.5 to 3 meters long. Most often, such a leash is leather, nylon or canvas, with one carabiner and a handle. Reliable option, the easiest to manufacture. Can be completed with a soft grip, reflective tape or shock absorber. Training option - a leash of the same design, but 10 meters long.
Re-stitching leash
Allows you to change the length by one and a half to two times. Convenient for quickly changing the size of the leash, as well as for leashing the dog. In the manufacture, metal half rings are used, sewn along the length of the leash, as well as one or two carabiners.
Role Leash
Due to the internal mechanism, it twists and unwinds without sagging or dragging along the ground. A leash for dogs can be convenient as a walking option for owners of small and medium breeds. Not recommended for strong animals, as the roulette mechanism is not strong enough to withstand sudden jerks. Such a leash can be tape or cable, but it is worth remembering that any roulette leash for dogs teaches the animal to pull. Unfortunately, this is the only model that is almost impossible to make at home without specialized materials.
Walker Leash
Short, usually about 50 centimeters long, model. Designed for increased control over strong and tall dogs in the city. It is a long loop with a carbine, worn on the arm. The design does not allow the animalaway from the owner's foot. This option is distinguished by the presence of a reinforced carabiner, and often a shock absorber.
Show leash
Otherwise called "ringovka". The model, as a rule, without a carabiner, with a choke collar. Thin and light, the ring line is chosen not for walking with dogs, but for showing them in the show ring.
How to make a leash: step one. Hardware selection
The main thing that factory models can boast of, especially if they are released under the label of famous companies, is the presence of high-quality metal fittings. Retaining rings, half rings and carabiners are the most important part of the leash. Sometimes the life of the dog itself and the well-being of others depend on their strength.
Carbine. Must match the breed and size of the animal. You should not use bag or haberdashery carabiners for sewing leashes, which can often be found in sewing stores. This option can only be suitable for dwarf and decorative breeds of dogs. The jerk of a medium or large animal is equal to several hundred kilograms. So you should choose a carbine in pet stores or points selling goods for hunting and fishing
Metal half rings. Accessories used in leashes and in the manufacture of collars. The main rule is that the rings must be made of an all-metal alloy, and must also be welded. Unfortunately, high-quality fittings for leashes are very difficult to find. Suitable models can be found in hardware workshops, professional storesneedlework or order online
Rivets. As a rule, for a leash, stitching with strong threads is enough. But for greater strength, rivets can be put on the product. This service is carried out in furniture workshops
Material selection
Since it is necessary to make a leash strong and reliable, you need to take care of the right choice of materials. Many modern models are made of nylon slings. This is not the best choice, since such material is often excessively slippery and hard, and its edges are sharp. When jerked, the nylon leash is sure to burn your hand.
The tarpaulin is natural and durable. A fairly heavy carabiner can be sewn onto it, and the dense material of the fabric will not sag under its weight. The tarpaulin has two disadvantages - just like nylon, it slips and burns hands, sometimes to blood, and besides this, its appearance is far from beauty and grace.
Soft leather, especially calfskin, the so-called "greasy" is an excellent material for leashes. The most expensive and comfortable models are made from it. The skin does not slip and does not cut the hands if it is soft. This material is beautiful, light and comfortable. The only negative can be called its ability to tan after interaction with water. But this can be avoided by acquiring soft, expensive leather. Unfortunately, these tips are of little use for self-production, since making a leash from leather materials at home is quite problematic.
The right option forDIY sewing will be a synthetic sling without a hard edge, sheathed with softer, possibly colored or reflective cotton braid.
Sew a classic leash
For 1.5m model you will need:
- tape made of sling, canvas or nylon 2-2.5 cm wide - 1.8 m;
- Strong latch carabiner - 1 pc.;
- jacquard braid for decoration - 3 m;
- sewing machine, thread and scissors.
How to make a leash, step by step:
- Insert one end of the tape into the eye of the carabiner, bend 3 cm and wrap it inside.
- The resulting three-layer hem is sewn on a sewing machine around the entire perimeter and crosswise. Be sure to make fixing seams.
- At the other end of the tape we sew a handle. To do this, wrap a hand with a ribbon and add 3-4 cm for convenience.
- Sew the tape with a hem, forming a loop-handle.
- Jacquard braid folded in half and cut.
- Apply both parts of the braid to the future leash on both sides, closing the seam near the carabiner and handle. Baste the braid or secure with pins in the desired position.
- Sew the braid to the leash.
The leash is ready!
