The jolt when a dog hits the end of the lead travels both ways, into their neck or chest and into your shoulder and elbow. A bungee section takes the sharpest part of that out. It stretches at the moment of impact and returns, so a sudden lunge at a squirrel becomes a firm pull rather than a snap, which is easier on a sore wrist and on a dog who has not yet learned to walk past distractions.

The set pairs a padded collar with the matching lead, so the two arrive coordinated and correctly proportioned to each other. Padding on the collar spreads pressure across a wider band rather than concentrating it on a narrow strip, and there is reflective detailing worked into both pieces. That is the feature that genuinely matters on a winter dog walk, when you are on an unlit lane and headlights need to pick the pair of you up early rather than late.

• Matching padded collar and bungee lead
• Elasticated section absorbs sudden pulls
• Reflective detailing for low-light walks
• Comfortable padded handle
• Black, green or khaki
• Sizes M and L

On sizing, and honest about bungee leads. Measure your dog's neck and allow two flat fingers under the collar. A bungee lead takes the sting out of a lunge, but it also gives a puller slightly more room to lunge into. It is a comfort measure rather than a training tool, and a dog who pulls hard still needs teaching. On a strong dog we would clip to a harness rather than to the collar.

Who it's for: Everyday walkers with a dog who lunges at distractions, and anyone whose shoulder has had enough of the jolt.