Is your Westie energetic, powerful, and known to excessively pull on their leash? Does your Westie possess keen earth dog and also hunting instincts? (We are talking nearly superpower earth dog instinct.) If so, keep reading. This is a review of our favorite heavy-duty nylon, rope leashes for energetic, forceful Westies. Those West Highlands who without trepidation happily, and strongly, bound after every new scent while pulling on the leash.
If you have a calm West Highland White Terrier with low earth dog and hunting instincts, this leash is not for you. In fact, you will probably find this rope leash too thick, too bulky, and too extra in every way.
Below is a quick rundown if you are pressed for time and unable to read our full review.
ZippyPaws Mountain Climbers Dog Leash is a thick rope leash made from authentic mountain climbing rope. Don’t let the name fool you. Yes, it’s an excellent leash for robust outdoor exercise, but I don’t climb mountains nor does my Westie. (Actually, she would try to throttle up a mountain if chasing a deer.) The name lends itself to the fact it’s made of durable mountain climbing rope. We love this leash for regular, daily use because it feels safe and secure on Westies that pull, possess a stronger than normal earth dog instinct; and those predisposed to chase and hunt rabbits they detect during daylight and midnight potty breaks. The human (me) can’t see anything when it’s pitch black, but the Westie knows precisely where the deer are standing and that a rabbit is just across the road.
When held in hand, the rope provides a firm grip. This is not a wimpy leash that feels as if it could slip out of hand and off the wrist. Some dog owners claim the rope is too thick. Its thickness is exactly why Westie Insider considers it one of the top leashes for rambunctious Westies. zippy paws leash held in hand – Made of real mountain climbing rope. Feels secure for the most powerful Westie. – Thicker than ordinary rope leashes – Tightly woven design makes the rope easy to grip. Westie Insider has not seen this type of tight weave on other rope leashes.
– Durable, heavy-duty silver clasp provides a secure connection. Westie Insider suggests using this leash with a harness for Westies.
Honestly, it’s hard to find something negative about ZippyPaw’s rope leash. Two years ago, we were relieved to find a leash that made us feel safe with a Westie who not only pulls on the leash but also has an acute earth dog instinct. As with any product, you will find those who don’t care for it. We listed the pros above. Here are a few cons we noticed online: “The leash is too bulky, even for my 60 pound Husky.” “It’s thicker than I expected.” “The clasp is too big for smaller dogs.” YES, this is a large, thick leash and that is why we love it. Remember, this leash is ideal for Westies that harshly pull, and/or exhibit strong earth dog and also hunting instincts.This is the sort of rope leash that should be used with a harness – especially if your Westie is petite.