What is a traffic loop leash, and when should I use one?
A traffic loop is an additional handle positioned near the snap attachment on a leash, giving you extra control in high-distraction situations like busy streets or crowded areas. The video recommends it as a tool for training loose-leash walking and managing pulling dogs without resorting to retractable leashes.
At a glance
Length
21 min
Channel
Becoming a Dog Owner
Video from
Nov 2024
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
New dog owners and trainers upgrading their equipment
What this video answers
What is a traffic loop leash, and when should I use one?
Why does the video discourage retractable leashes?
What's the difference between biothane and nylon leashes?
How should a dog collar fit?
Are harnesses a permanent solution for pulling dogs?
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Overview of Essential Dog Gear for Training and Daily Walks
This comprehensive review covers leashes, collars, and harnesses from three trusted brands—KONG, GoodWolf, and OneTigris—helping dog owners choose gear matched to their pet's specific needs. The video draws on real experience training a high-energy Vizsla named Willa over two years, sharing practical lessons learned after initially making common mistakes like relying on retractable leashes. The host emphasizes that selecting the right gear isn't just about comfort; it's a critical investment in your dog's safety and your ability to communicate effectively during training.
The review evaluates each tool type across build quality, durability, material (leather, nylon, biothane), snap attachments, and real-world performance. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or upgrading outdated equipment, the video provides concrete details on price points, product features, and honest assessments of what works best for different situations—from daily neighborhood walks to hiking and training sessions in varied weather.
Key Moments
Key Features and Products Reviewed
KONG Comfort Traffic Dog Leash ($26): A 6-foot nylon leash with stitched snap attachment and traffic loop handle; described as ideal for daily use and maintaining control during training over 2+ years of reliable performance.
GoodWolf Classic Biothane Leash ($35): An 8-foot waterproof leash with riveted snap attachment; praised for durability, comfort, and easy maintenance, though noted as longer than ideal for loose-leash training.
GoodWolf Classic Buckle Collar ($37): A biothane collar available in multiple colors; highlighted as stylish, easy to clean, and long-lasting, though sizing can require custom hole-punching for the perfect fit.
OneTigris Dog Collar ($20): A functional nylon collar with padded lining, metal buckle, and grab handle; recommended as a durable tool for training, hiking, and outdoor use with adjustable sizing.
KONG Reflective Waste Bag Dog Harness ($50) and OneTigris AIRE Mesh/GUARDIAN Harness Sets ($43–$46): Harnesses presented as temporary training tools rather than permanent solutions, best used during the learning phase while dogs develop loose-leash skills on their collar.
Flexi New Comfort Retractable Tape Dog Leash ($40): A 16-foot retractable option suitable for controlled off-leash exercise in secure areas, though not recommended as a primary training leash.
Why Choosing the Right Collar, Leash, and Harness Matters
Selecting appropriate dog gear is essential for effective training and safety. Different breeds, ages, activity levels, and training goals require different solutions—a high-energy Vizsha needs sturdier materials and handles for control, while a toy breed may rely on a harness for life to protect its delicate neck. The video stresses that gear serves as a communication tool and training aid, not merely an accessory. A properly fitted collar (with room for two fingers underneath for medium-to-large dogs) prevents escape and ineffective training, while the right leash type—such as a traffic-loop leash over a retractable one—directly supports your dog's learning and your ability to manage their behavior in real-world situations. Waterproof or quick-drying materials matter in rainy climates, and investing in durable hardware ensures your tools last years rather than months, saving money and frustration in the long run.
Common Questions About Dog Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses
What is a traffic loop leash, and when should I use one?
A traffic loop is an additional handle positioned near the snap attachment on a leash, giving you extra control in high-distraction situations like busy streets or crowded areas. The video recommends it as a tool for training loose-leash walking and managing pulling dogs without resorting to retractable leashes.
Why does the video discourage retractable leashes?
Retractable leashes teach dogs that pulling is rewarded with more freedom and make it harder to establish loose-leash walking skills. The host used one with her puppy initially and found it counterproductive to training. They're acceptable for controlled, off-leash exercise in secure areas but unsuitable for primary training or busy environments.
What's the difference between biothane and nylon leashes?
Biothane is polyester webbing coated with plastic, making it waterproof, extremely strong (often tested to 750+ lb breaking strength), and easy to clean; it resists wear better than nylon. Nylon is lighter, allows for reflective materials, but wears faster and won't last as long without fraying or damage from chewing and sharp corners.
How should a dog collar fit?
For medium-to-large dogs, you should be able to slide two fingers under the collar; for smaller dogs, one finger. Most owners fit collars too loosely, which is actually less comfortable and less effective for training. A snug, properly adjusted collar prevents escape and improves training efficiency.
Are harnesses a permanent solution for pulling dogs?
No—the video emphasizes that harnesses should be viewed as temporary training tools while your dog learns not to pull on their collar. The long-term goal is loose-leash walking on a collar alone. Harnesses are appropriate for permanent, daily use only for toy breeds or dogs that cannot safely wear a collar due to anatomical issues.
This video is genuinely helpful because it separates common marketing hype from real training principles and backs up recommendations with years of actual use. The host doesn't just list products; she explains why gear matters, what mistakes beginners make, and how tools support training goals rather than replace them.
What impressed me most was the honest assessment of sizing problems with the GoodWolf collar and the clear explanation of why retractable leashes undermine training, paired with specific price points and links so viewers can actually find these items. If you're building a gear kit or rethinking your current setup, this is worth watching in full.
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Find the perfect gear for your furry friend with our comprehensive dog gear review! We cover the best leashes, collars, and harnesses tailored for every breed, size, and activity level. Whether you’re training, hiking, or just going for a walk, discover durable and stylish options your dog will love. Featuring top picks from brands like KONG, GoodWolf, and OneTigris. Plus, join our giveaway to win a premium dog collar! Watch now to upgrade your dog's essentials.
Leash Recommendations:
- KONG Comfort Traffic Dog Leash $26 - https://www.petsmart.ca/dog/collars-harnesses-and-leashes/leashes/kong-comfort-traffic-dog-6ft-long-69734.html
- GoodWolf Classic Biothane Leash $35 - https://goodwolf.ca/collections/waterproof-dog-leashes/products/classic-leash
- flexi® New Comfort Retractable Tape Dog Leash $40 - https://www.petsmart.ca/dog/collars-harnesses-and-leashes/leashes/flexi-new-comfort-retractable-tape-dog-leash-79558.html
Video transcript for “Dog Gear Review - Collars, Leashes & Harnesses - KONG, goodwolf, & OneTigris” Accessibility
A full written transcript of this video, provided for accessibility. Select any timestamp to jump the video to that moment.
[Music] [Music] hey everyone and welcome back to our channel on this week's episode we're diving into a detailed review of dog gear sharing our experiences and helping
you pick the best options for your pup whether you're just starting out or upgrading your dog's gear will cover leashes collars and harnesses and why getting the right tools for your dog specific needs is crucial when we first brought Willa home we had two leashes we had a retractable
leash and an 8 foot leash with a traffic Loop we quickly saw the air in our ways with a retractable leash and felt the repercussions of that decision so I wanted to make this video to share our learnings from those first few months and what we've learned in the last 2 years years of training Willa there is
nothing wrong with making these mistakes or using these products if they work for you I just really wanted to share all of our learnings with all of you why choosing the right gear matters every dog is unique and their gear should reflect their individual needs a well-chosen leash collar or harness can
make training more effective walks more enjoyable and keep your dog safer here are a few factors to consider When selecting gear number one breed specific needs different breeds have different strengths and behaviors for example high energy breeds like Willa or visha benefit from durable gear that can
handle their active lifestyle number two training goals if you're working on loose leash walking or recall you'll need tools designed to support those goals such as traffic Loop leashes or harnesses with a handle number three activity level dogs that hike swim or go on long walks may require waterproof
materials padded handles or harness with handles for extra control number four age and size puppies need softer materials to prevent irritation while larger dogs require sturdier Hardware to ensure safety number five environmental considerations if you're out in rainy or muddy areas waterproof or quick drying
gear like biothane leashes and collar can make life much easier choosing gear that matches your dog's unique profile is an investment in their comfort safety and your peace of mind leashes are the most important items for keeping your dogs safe and teaching them the basic skills it is
among the first things a dog owner buys when they get a new dog and once you learn how to use a leash effectively it becomes a powerful communication tool When selecting a leash consider these features a loop handle choose a slim Loop handle for better control and comfort avoid bulky padded Loops that
may hinder your grip build quality opt for durable materials that withstand daily wear and tear streamlined design simple no FRS leashes are the most efficient and reliable snap type standard bold snaps in steel or brass are strong and easy to use think about your snaps as you purchase your
leash a standard bolt snap is adequate for almost all situations especially if it's steel or brass Comfort ensure the leash feels good in your hand especially for longer walks just a quick note about the handle we recommend a loop handle based on training your dog and how to walk with a loose lead you must be able
to handle your leash like a multi-tool for that reason we do not recommend the ski handle leash this will only be useful for hyperactivity which is of course only shortterm hopefully and not the long-term goal of loose lead walking leather leashes it's hard to beat a good leather leash there's a reason it's a
staple for most trainers although nylon is technically stronger leather tends to resist wear better leather is also very comfortable and just get softer over time without losing any strength nylon leashes nylon also gives you the option of integrating reflective materials for nighttime which is typically not
available in leather and nylon is much lighter than leather and some people prefer an ultra lightweight leash however nylon does not resist wear and tear like leather does your nylon leash likely won't last last your dog's lifetime things like sharp corners or Nibbles from your puppy will damage your
leash over time biothane leashes biothane is essentially a polyester webbing with a plastic coating which makes it more durable stronger and easier to maintain it's waterproof smooth and extremely strong many biothane leashes have been tested at breaking strengths in Access of 750
lb snap attachments there are three main types of attachments for leashes to the connector braided riveted and stitched generally the attachment is going to be one of these three although you can find some that combine two of them defects and damage will happen some trainers have the rivets pop out stitching can
Fray braiding can squish together I've personally never had a problem with any of these as usual your mileage may vary and your experiences with your dog will be your own here are top picks for leashes the Kong Comfort traffic dog leash coming in at $26 this one is our daily leash coming
in at 6 ft long strong thread to help resist chewing and tearing traditional leash with traffic handle for increased control when needed this is a nylon leash with a snap attachment that is stitched I love this leash I find it makes the dog easy to control with the extra handle we have been using this
leash with our 45 lb vicha for over 2 years and it's still as strong as day one I feel like this leash is getting Willa to walk by my side instead of pulling in the front the leash is really secure and I feel more at ease that it won't break so far it has held up really well good wolf classic biothane leash
coming in at $35 so we also own a biothane leash that is 8 ft long with a traffic loop I love this leash however I found that it was twoo long wind training Willa on our loose leash walking so we opted for the shorter leash that's why we Ed the Kong above but the snatch attachment is
riveted we got light blue to match Willis's first collar it's durable great quality so comfortable to hold and waterproof which is great considering half the year it rains here also the customer service at goodwolf is excellent I highly recommend the goodwolf products flexi new comfortable
retractable tape dog leash coming in at $40 this is a 16t leash and as I stated previously we did purchase a retractable leash when Willow was a puppy this did allow her to run wild while she wasn't trained on her recall Willa getting exercise while still on leash was the best benefit if Willa needs to be
leashed in someone's backyard or I want her to have a bit more room to roam this leash is a great option for that callars are more than just a fashion statement they're a vital tool for identification and training I won't get into the merits or detriments of training collars such
as pronged collars or chokers this also includes even the electronic shock collars any training device is an extremely sensitive tool it is my opinion that no matter what your experience level is with dogs get a pro trainer involved if you're having problems and they will be able to advise
you on what the best tool would be and when to use them during your training progression I have met lots of dogs that use these different cers so and it's really just a personal decision on what tool works best for you basic collar types Buckle collars use the standard prong and hole set up like a belt buckle
this is stronger than a plastic snap but usually doesn't size as accurately as it should snap collar allow for more accurate sizing plastic snaps fail more often than buckles but should be fine for most setups and dogs metal Snaps are super durable but heavier Martin Gale collars are typically sold at a
corrective color but this is not what they were made for or the appropriate use for them their Dynamic resizing was made for dogs with necks bigger than their heads most notably sight hounds like Greyhounds and whippets and Bully breeds if you've been reluctant to train your dog on a collar because your dog
bucks their head out of their regular collars this is a very reliable and safe solution collar recommendations Willa's daily use collar is the goodwolf classic Buckle collar we originally chose a smaller one this size was perfect for Willa's first collar then we were able to increase the size
as she grew and eventually she needed a larger size but even on that one we had to create our own hole making it tighter the size has been difficult to get right but it is such great quality easy to clean and I just love the colors that are available we got the light blue and everyone thought that Willow was a boy
which was weird cuz that's my partners and my favorite color but since getting purple I love this color on her I think it suits her really well it is a biothane collar extremely durable stylish it never smells and it's super easy to clean we will be buying these collars for all my future dogs there was
some damage to the main hole that we used every day this was over 1 year of use and near the end of the collar so I think by bending the Coller in the same spot over time it created the damage since buying a new size and creating our own hole at the tightest that it can be we have
not seen any damage with this new collar and we absolutely love it next we have the one tigis dog collar with a metal buckle coming in at $20 this is a great collar to use for training hiking and more intense outdoor use think of this collar as a tool instead of the above good wolf collar which is more of a
style use this is a functional collar it includes an easy to control grab handle padded collar lining a metal Buckle it's nylon and it has a strength of 330 lb a stainless steel d-ring and reinforce stitching I love this collar and so does my dog my favorite part is the Buckle it
is easy to clip and has not broken unlike other collars in the past with a higher price tag the padding and width are perfect after lots of outdoor use this has not worn down or broken it has stayed in great condition in all weather types the benefit of this collar is that we were able to adjust in multiple ways
to get it to the perfect fit and that's of course one issue that we had with the collar above that's okay here's a pro tip to fit your collars correctly in my experience most dog owners have their collars way too loose most people feel like a properly adjusted collar looks uncomfortable for their dog however a
sloppy collar tends to make things more uncomfortable for your dog and inefficient here's the rule of thumb for a midsize to large dog you should be able to slide two fingers under the collar and for smaller dogs one finger should be able to slide under okay now let's cover harnesses you
guys may have noticed in our older videos when Willow was a puppy she is wearing a harness on every walk anytime we left the house she was on her harness now we're in our second year her pulling has definitely improved and we no longer saw the need for the harness most of our daily walks off leash so Willa knows
that she's getting in her her exercise soon but on really Long Leash walks Willa does better in a harness because she's doing a lot of sniffing pulling and saying hi to strangers some of those strangers don't want to say hi back so it's important to keep her close so these types of situations do require
more control so then we use the harness in those situations so I want you to think of your harness as a temporary training tool not necessarily a permanent fix for pulling the goal is having your dog learn from these tools and no longer need them or only use them when the situation calls for more
control when we're training a dog to walk on a loose lead we train them on their collar in a neutral environment and we teach them not to pull on the collar that process takes a great deal of time and we'll also need to move our dogs around the world in the meantime to the vet to the groomer in and out of the
car and in those instances you'll put a harness on your dog and it's okay if they pull into the harness because it won't interfere with your work on the collar some dogs however just cannot have a collar on at all for these dogs a harness is a lifelong solution and also keep in mind for some small dogs like
toy breeds a harness will still probably be the best solution this is a safer option for their tiny bodies than a collar when out in the world while there are dozens of harnesses out on the market we only recommend two basic configurations number one a body harness these have the main attachment point on
the dog's back usually around the shoulder area although these typically make it more comfortable to pull into the harness they do allow the greatest range of motion for their shoulders these are the best options for athletic activities such as hiking and running or sports like agility and scent detection
also body harnesses are the only option for car restraint and then number to the front hook or walking harness these have the main attachment point on the chest for us as well this when we went into puppy training the front Hook was a requirement in order for us to go to that class because this is the harness
that most trainers actually recommend so these discourage pulling by converting opposing energy into rotational energy during the training progression a strong puller May benefit from one of these however we do recommend that this is a temporary solution rather than a lifelong one long-term use can actually
affect the health of their shoulders and it can become a dependent which we want to avoid we definitely want our dogs to be wearing collars and not pulling on their collar so the harness should just be a temporary solution we did buy a puppy harness that was extra small to fit her as a tiny
little puppy but we quickly moved her up to the adult harness as soon as she fit into that one so that we could use the front D ring these small harnesses are useful for puppy training but she really quickly grew and we could just use the adult harness from Kong she was full size by like four to six months so uh
she was Tiny for only a little bit but it was really nice to have a harness instead of the collar so Willa has gotten much better with not pulling as much on walks but if you are hiking all day long on leash it's much more comfortable for everyone if your pup is on a harness especially around mountain
tops and Technical scrambles Willa is new to technical scrambles so I would always recommend a handle on the harness to help your dog up sections and have the easiest way to grip them should they slip if you're even thinking you need a harness I would always recommend one with a handle and I'm going to cover one
of those Below in my recommendation next fitting identifying the correct size of a harness is a matter of measuring your dog's girth that is the circumference of their chest at its widest point usually measured just behind the armpits make sure to always measure your dog before purchasing so use a seamstress tape for
this harness recommendations Will's training harness it is the Kong reflective waist bag dog harness which we chose the purple one and this comes in at $50 in addition to providing control while the two of you are out on walks together this harness comes with a waist dispenser and is great for active
dogs it has to go over Willa's head so if that is an issue for your dog keep that in mind the no pull feature is the reason we got this harness and the front d-rings worked really well for this we bought this 2 years ago for Willa and it has has stayed in great quality since then as you can see there is some fading
of the purple on her vest it has been washed and used a lot over the last 2 years so I imagine that's why the buckle on the right side was damaged at 6 months we did reach out to PetSmart and Kong to try to get a free replacement but they said after 6 months that they would not replace it it still works well
but it is a little bit difficult to get the Buckle in and I'm excited that I got a new harness so will is going to start wearing that one instead I did read some reviews on this product for dogs that are over 100 lb with a great pole strength these dogs did not enjoy this product as much Willa is 45 lb and we
started pull training early so we haven't seen those same issues I really like the poop bag dispenser it's super easy and it's actually more obvious when we have run out some people in my comments don't like this feature and say that you shouldn't put the dog poop bags on your dog but I disagree and I don't
think it's that big of a deal one tigis air mesh dog harness set coming in at $46 this is a lightweight breathable tactical dog vest this one has to go over the head as well so just keep in mind if that is an issue for your dog the d-rings are stronger than the Kong definitely higher quality there are
padded handles comfortable and durable to help control your dog's activities perfect for all types of weather hot or rainy days I measured beforehand and the harness ended up being a bit big on Willow we had to tighten everything as tightly as they could go which made the extra material fly around a lot when she
was running around this is an excellent harness to be used as a tool when training or for tactical use for working dogs the clips are plastic heavyduty and strong next we have the one tigis Guardian dog harness set this is marketed as a service dog harness and it's priced at $43 but at recording this
video it's actually on sale right now for $24 this is such a great deal for what you get my favorite feature of this harness is the strap at the back this is perfect for those big hikes camping days or for basic training this mesh harness is really breathable making it perfect for all weather conditions this one has
to go over the head as well so just keep that in mind if you have a service dog I 10 out of 10 recommend getting this harness there's actually an add-on for this harness and I love how the packs can come off and on so easily and we can take it off during breaks they are large capacity packs on a detachable saddle
the material of this bag also does rub and wear over time on bushes and trees but overall I'm just so impressed at the ease of this product it's paded on the side for extra comfort for your dog stainless steel d-rings are great quality and you can use these pouches to carry dog treats poop bags toys or
service dog kits so medications for the Handler and emergency contact information and I have exciting news for you today we are going to do our first ever giveaway thank you so much for watching this video till the end to celebrate this video I'm hosting my first ever giveaway so one lucky viewer
will win a one tigis caller to enter comment your first name and Country below and I will announce the winner in 2 weeks thank you guys so much I appreciate you and I just want to thank you all so much for following along every week for our long videos and every day for our short videos so we're going
to do a giveaway and I'm really excited thanks so much for tuning in to this week's video I hope you found this gear guide helpful don't forget to like subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode I'll see you guys next week bye-bye [Music] [Applause] [Applause]
Every video on Helicopterstour.com is hand-picked and reviewed by Justin — nothing is added automatically. Each one gets an original written guide and an honest rating: ⭐ 1 out of 2 means a good video worth your time, and ⭐⭐ 2 out of 2 means a great one we would recommend to anyone. The videos belong to their creators — every page links back to the original channel so you can subscribe and support them.
