Collars, harnesses & leashes

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the dog, their level of training, and their activity. For puppies, young dogs, anxious rescue dogs, or certain dog sports, a harness is usually the better choice. A harness also distributes pressure and sudden movements better when jogging, cycling, or hiking together. If your dog is well leash-trained, there's nothing wrong with a well-fitted collar or a coat-friendly chain collar for everyday use.

Especially for puppies, young or anxious dogs, joint activities such as jogging or hiking, and certain dog sports.

Benefits: more even pressure distribution across the body instead of concentrated on the neck, plus better control and a lower risk of slipping out when properly fitted.

For most everyday situations, a standard leash of around 2–3 m in length is suitable. We recommend a 3-times adjustable dog leash, as thanks to its two carabiners it can be flexibly adapted to different situations.

Check: Is it padded and made of high-quality material? Does it fit your dog and allow enough freedom of movement? Is it adjustable? Does it suit your activities together? Does it meet your needs (e.g. extra safety, reflective elements)?

For the fit: no straps or rings pressing on the breastbone or throat, sufficient clearance between the chest straps and the elbows, and you should be able to slide your hand easily under the straps everywhere.

We generally advise against saddle-style harnesses, as incorrect load distribution can cause lasting harm to the dog.

Nylon and fabric collars or leashes can be machine-washed at a maximum of 30 °C with a gentle detergent (e.g. wool detergent) – ideally inside an old pillowcase to protect the drum from metal parts. For spot cleaning, it's better to wash by hand with warm water, a bit of soap, and a soft brush. Biothane can simply be cleaned with clear water and a soft cloth. Afterwards, let everything air dry, never in direct sunlight or on a radiator. Metal parts such as buckles, carabiners, and chain links should be checked regularly for wear or damage.
Collars and leashes made of BioThane can be cleaned very easily with water and a cloth.

The harness fits correctly when no strap or ring at the neck presses on the breastbone or throat, the belly straps have enough clearance from the elbows but still rest over the rib area, and you can easily slide your hand under the straps everywhere. There should be about a hand's width of space between the front leg and the chest strap. For puppies and young dogs, you should check the fit regularly, as they're still growing.

ClicLock is the SPRENGER safety closure: the button is pressed down and slid into the metal housing, with an audible click confirming secure engagement. A plastic slider then prevents accidental opening. With a breaking load of 200 kg, it holds even large, powerful dogs during training.

Blood tracking primarily requires a tracking leash – a special search leash, usually without a hand strap, made of nylon or Biothane. Both materials are low-maintenance and quick to clean. Signal colors on the leash also ensure good visibility of the handler. It's important that the equipment fits reliably and works well even in wet, dirty, and active conditions.

Reflector patches increase visibility at dusk and in the dark by reflecting light from car headlights or bike lamps – with no battery required. They can be attached to a harness, leash, or dog coat with Velcro. Especially useful for dark-coated dogs, in rural areas without street lighting, or for active/older dogs. A securely fitted collar or harness is also important so your dog can be reliably guided. In addition, the ClicLock buckle (200 kg breaking load, UV- and seawater-resistant) can provide secure hold for the collar.

Basic dog equipment includes a suitable collar or harness, an appropriate leash, poop bags, a sleeping or resting spot, and depending on your daily routine, additional accessories for safety and grooming. For being out and about, reflector patches, a dog mat, a dog crate, or other accessories can be especially helpful. A training whistle or gloves for yourself can also be part of the basic equipment.

A dog harness can be a good choice when pressure needs to be distributed more evenly across the chest and body. Especially for young dogs, sensitive dogs, or longer walks, a well-fitted harness can be a practical alternative to a collar. It's important that the harness doesn't chafe, doesn't restrict freedom of movement, and matches your dog's body shape.