The figure-of-8 leads available here, manufactured by Hem & Boo, are without doubt our most popular version of the range of figure-of-8 leads we stock. These leads are 60” long and available in a choice of thicknesses and colours. They are manufactured using a super-soft woven nylon, extremely comfortable on both the owner’s hand and the dog’s muzzle.

The first distinctive feature of these leads to observe is that they can be used as either a figure-of-8 lead or a conventional slip lead. When used as a figure-of-8 the leads are inevitably shortened by 20”-25” (depending on the size of the dog) due to the loops which are formed for the dog’s neck and muzzle. When the lead is used as a conventional slip lead, the lead’s length reduces by perhaps 15”-20”.

The dual-purpose metal clip.

The metal clip which creates the figure-of-8 actually has two uses. The primary use of the clip is being positioned under the dog’s chin where it forms the figure-of-8 point between the loop around the dog’s neck and the loop around the dog’s muzzle. The secondary use of the clip is when the lead is fitted as a conventional slip lead – the clip can be positioned where it stops the loop from over-tightening around the dog’s neck.

Each lead incorporates a leather ‘stopper’, which when the lead has been fitted is used to fix the lead in place. (Just slide it back up the lead to easily remove it.)

These rounded leads are available in two thicknesses – 8mm and 12mm. Generally, it could be suggested that the thinner 8mm width lead is the more suitable size for smaller breeds such as the majority of terriers, collies and Cocker spaniels. At the cross-over point where both sizes might be suitable are Springer spaniels and the smallest of labradors. The thicker 12mm width is suitable for the majority of labradors and all other breeds of a similar or larger size. If you’r leaning towards the 12mm width then perhaps the single issue to consider is to be sure the lead – where it goes over the muzzle – doesn’t obstruct the dog’s vision. If you follow the breed guidelines noted above this won’t be a problem.

So, if you’re not sure that you want/need a figure-of-8 lead then this one can alternatively be used as a conventional slip lead. If you’re tempted then why not try it?

If you do know that you want/need a figure-of-8 lead then this one ticks all the boxes.

And at the price point of an ordinary slip lead, what’s not to like?

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If you’ve ever experienced how exhausting and embarrassing it can be when your dog is pulling on the lead, or lunging at other dogs and people, you’ll be pleased to discover that Gencon has a solution.

The Gencon All-in-1 Clip-to-collar leads are made from soft yet durable webbing fabric and are specifically designed not to pull up into your dog’s eyes or uncomfortably turn their head, making them the perfect lead training accessories for grown dogs and puppy walking.

Each Gencon All-in-1 Clip-to-collar lead consists of one piece of lead, towards one end are formed two simple loops (often referred to as a ‘figure of 8’) that apply gentle pressure when your dog pulls, the lead gently but effectively stopping your dog pulling forwards. Only gentle pressure is needed; there is no need to jerk. Make sure the Gencon is fitted correctly and it is slackening when the pressure is taken off the lead.

The additional feature of the top-of-the-range Clip-to-collar leads is that the ‘handle’ end of the lead terminates in a clip fastening. Depending on the behaviour of your dog you can either clip this end of the lead to your dog’s collar, giving you extra control and reassurance that an excited dog can’t slip it’s lead, or formed into a conventional handle.

Most people walk their dogs on their left. The standard configuration of the lead is ‘left-handed’, so the lead, held in the right hand, crosses in front of the owner’s body to the head of the dog on the owner’s left. Alternatively, leads with a ‘right-handed’ configuration can be ordered to suit particular requirements.

Available in a wide range of classic and modern colour ways, one size of Gencon* fits all breeds.

*Gencon – the name is an an abbreviation of ‘Gen(tle) Con(trol). Sweet!

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