Louie is a brave 24-month-old Yorkshire Terrier, and over time we have tried many different collars and harnesses. As his caregiver, I prefer lightweight walking gear, while Louie tends to pull strongly on the leash. Because of that, finding a collar and leash with secure hardware that does not loosen during walks has always been important. This post shares my experience using Merlot during daily walks and what stood out in real use.
1. Key Points I Look For During Walks
Comfort is the first thing I pay attention to when walking with Louie. Even for small dogs, choosing the lightest product is not always the best solution. What matters more is how weight and force are distributed while maintaining reliable fixation.The connection point between the collar and leash plays a major role in walking stability. Many products I used before felt lacking in this area. Since Louie likes to lead and pull, I wanted a collar that would not loosen or open unexpectedly. That expectation is what made me particularly curious about Merlot.
2. Merlot Collar First Impression
Once fitted on Louie, the collar did not feel restrictive around his neck, and he could move freely. Getting ready for walks felt easier, and the overall first impression was positive, making me curious about how it would perform outdoors.
3. Merlot Leash In Real Use
Louie is curious by nature and often pulls in different directions during walks. With this collar and leash combination, sudden changes in direction felt controlled and stable.
The 360-degree rotating clip prevented the leash from twisting, which made a noticeable difference for me as the handler. Compared to products I had used before, this feature alone made walks feel more relaxed and manageable.
4. Main Features
The 360-degree rotating clip helps prevent leash tangling. The reflective logo adds visibility during evening walks. A poop bag can be attached easily for simple preparation. There is also a name tag loop that allows owners to attach an engraved pendant with the dog’s name, registration number, and contact information.
The Tamra locking clip was one of the features I wanted most. For dogs that pull strongly like Louie, a secure locking mechanism feels essential. Many similar clips are too heavy, but this one remained lightweight while still feeling reliable.
These features were noticeable during actual walks, not just on paper. Walking with Louie made it clear why each design detail mattered.
5. Stability And Comfort
The inner finish of the wrist strap also added comfort, reducing strain on my hand during longer walks. Overall, both the dog and handler experience felt more stable.
There were a few areas I noticed for improvement. The buckle does not have rounded edges, and adding a padded lining inside the collar could further improve comfort, especially for sensitive dogs.
6. Louie’s Reaction
Louie usually dislikes walks, but with the new collar and leash, he walked more willingly than usual. Although he still wanted to head home after one round, he walked longer than he typically does. Despite the muddy conditions after rain, he seemed happy and curious, even stopping to inspect fallen branches.He even pulled strongly toward other dogs to greet them, which is unusual for him. Seeing that level of engagement made the difference in walking experience clear.
Reflections
Walking gear is essential for daily routines, and collars and leashes are no exception. After using many different products, Merlot stood out for combining lightness with durability. It felt suitable for small dogs while offering safety features that also make it appropriate for larger breeds.
Based on our experience, this collar and leash set is worth considering for dog owners who walk frequently during both day and night and value secure hardware without added weight. I will continue sharing more real-life experiences with Louie as we go.