MERLOT Dog Collar and Leash Set Review: My First Take
The MERLOT dog collar and leash set felt best for a small dog that needs a light setup but still needs secure leash control. It did not feel bulky on Louie, my 24-month-old Yorkshire Terrier, but the leash connection felt more stable than many lightweight sets we have tried.
This review is based on real use during outdoor walks with Louie. He is small, brave, and curious. He also tends to pull ahead when something catches his attention, so the leash clip and collar connection matter more to us than looks alone.
Who Used This Dog Collar and Leash Set?
Louie is a small dog with a light body frame. He has used different collars, harnesses, and leashes, so I pay close attention to weight, pressure around the neck, leash movement, and how secure the clip feels during sudden direction changes.
He does not always enjoy long walks, but he still gets curious once he is outside. On the day we used this set, the ground was not perfect because it had rained recently. Even so, Louie walked more than usual and showed interest in branches, smells, and another dog nearby.
What Stood Out First
The first thing I noticed was the balance between light weight and firmness. The collar did not feel heavy in my hand, and it did not look stiff on Louie’s neck. At the same time, the nylon webbing felt tightly woven rather than flimsy.
For a small dog, this matters. A collar can be light but still uncomfortable if the edges feel hard or the hardware pulls down too much. This set felt easy to put on, and Louie could move naturally after wearing it.
The Collar: Light but Structured
The MERLOT collar had a clean, simple structure. The buckle and D-ring felt secure without adding too much weight. When Louie moved around before going outside, the collar did not seem to bother his neck or limit his movement.
The fit felt more practical than decorative. It is the kind of collar I would consider for a small dog that needs a daily walking collar, especially when the owner wants something lighter than heavy metal hardware.
One thing I would check before buying is the inside finish. The buckle area did not have a rounded, padded feel. For dogs with sensitive skin, thin coats, or a very delicate neck, I would watch for rubbing during longer walks.
The Leash: The 360-Degree Clip Made Walking Easier
The leash was the part that felt most different during use. Louie often changes direction quickly. He may pull forward, stop, turn, or suddenly move toward something interesting.
The 360-degree rotating clip helped keep the leash from twisting. That made the walk feel smoother for me. I did not have to stop as often to untangle the strap, and the leash stayed easier to manage when Louie moved around.
The locking-style clip also gave me more confidence. With a dog that pulls, a basic clip can make the owner worry about accidental opening or weak connection. This clip felt more secure during normal walking and sudden movement.
What I Liked Most
- Light feel: The set did not feel too heavy for a small dog.
- Secure connection: The leash clip felt stable when Louie pulled or changed direction.
- Less leash twisting: The rotating clip made the leash easier to handle.
- Simple walking setup: The collar and leash worked well together as a set.
- Reflective logo: This can help with visibility during evening walks, though it should not replace proper lighting.
- Attachment options: The leash can connect with small walking items such as a poop bag holder, which makes quick walks easier.
What Could Be Better
The biggest drawback for me was the lack of soft padding on the inside of the collar. The wrist strap area felt more comfortable, so I wish the collar had a similar soft finish where it touches the dog’s neck.
I also would have liked more rounded finishing around the buckle. This may not bother every dog, but it is worth checking if your dog has fine hair, sensitive skin, or a narrow neck.
Best Fit and Less Ideal Fit
This table can help decide whether this type of dog collar and leash set matches your walking style.
| May Fit Well | May Not Fit Well |
|---|---|
| A small dog that needs a lightweight collar and leash set | A dog that needs a padded collar for sensitive skin |
| A dog that pulls or changes direction often during walks | A dog that has strong neck irritation from regular collars |
| An owner who wants a secure-feeling leash clip | An owner who prefers a harness-only walking setup |
| Short daily walks, neighborhood walks, and casual outdoor use | Long hikes or rough outdoor use where extra padding may be needed |
For Louie, the set worked well because he is small but active during walks. The secure clip and rotating leash connection were more useful than I expected.
Louie’s Reaction
Louie usually prefers staying indoors, but he walked more than usual with this set. He still wanted to go home after one round, but he seemed comfortable enough to explore, sniff around, and even show interest in greeting another dog.
That reaction matters to me because a walking product should not only look nice. It should make the dog easier to manage while allowing natural movement.
Final Verdict
The MERLOT dog collar and leash set is a good option for a small dog when the owner wants something lightweight, simple, and secure-feeling. The leash clip was the strongest point for me, especially because Louie pulls and changes direction during walks.
The collar could be better with softer inner padding and more rounded buckle finishing. Still, for short walks and everyday use, the set felt stable, easy to handle, and comfortable enough for Louie’s walking style.
Before choosing it, check your dog’s neck sensitivity, pulling strength, and whether a collar is the right walking tool for your dog. For Louie, this set made our walk feel lighter, smoother, and more secure.