The Best Dog Leashes

Responsible dog owners go out of their way to get the best dog leash on the market for their beloved pet because the right leash delivers several benefits for both dog and owner.

For starters, a good leash makes it easier for your dog to move around and feel free. And, as any dog owner knows, it also is far easier to keep your pet under control when on a leash. This control comes in especially handy when your furry friend tries to venture into risky areas, including roads high-traffic roads.

You’ll find a wide variety of dog leashes on the market, designed to suit different situations and needs. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top-rated options to help you find the best leash for your particular pup.

9 Best Dog Leash Brands in 2022

If you like walking your pet at night, BAAPET 5-FT Strong Dog Leash is an excellent choice for you. It has reflective threads that help keep both you and your pet safe while walking in the dark. The leash comes with a heavy-duty clip hook to enhance your safety.

Another noteworthy feature of this leash is its 5-foot length. This length is great for running with your dog and ensures that both of you can move easily and freely. Given its high quality, you can expect to use this leash for several years before needing a replacement.

Key Features:

• Heavy duty
• Soft, padded handles for comfort
• Reflective threads for night safety
• Ideal for walking, running, and training

The BAAPET 5 FT Strong Dog Leash comprises heavy-duty ½-inch rock-climbing rope, so it’s secure and durable. What’s more, this dog leash features soft padded handles, which ensure a comfortable grip. You don’t have to worry about rope burns, even if your pooch gets excited and pulls.

The BAAPET is one of the best dog leashes you can buy. It is ergonomic, light, and appropriate for both young children and adults to use in walking the family pet.

Retractable dog leads are great for on-leash walks. With this type of leash, your pets can roam much farther than they can with an ordinary leash. It also gives you the option to lock the leash to a limited length, when surroundings dictate the need for increased human control. Flexi Giant Tape Leash is one of the best retractable leashes money can buy.

The Flexi Giant Retractable leash is heavy-duty and works with dogs of virtually all sizes. That said, we don’t recommend this one for the very largest canines. This leash can extend up to 26 feet, allowing your pet to explore an expansive area while still in your control.

Key Features:

• Handcrafted in Germany
• Features a safety collar
• Comfortable handle
• Ideal for canines as heavy as 110 pounds

Moreover, the Flexi Giant boasts a smooth mechanism. You can easily lock it when you need to keep your furry friend close. The ergonomic handle is comfortable on your grip so that you can go for long walks without discomfort.

While it is quite expensive compared to its competitors, the Flexi Giant Tape Leash is undoubtedly worth the price.

Coastal Pet is known for producing high-quality harnesses, collars, and leashes. Its Remington Rope Slip Leash is one of the top-rated slip leashes on the market. This leash is not only practical but competitively priced as well.

This 6-foot leash comprises nylon interwoven into a green and white checkered pattern. The rope pattern makes the leash strong and durable – and it gives the leash an attractive, rustic look.

Key Features:

• A 6-foot leash made from a soft, braided nylon
• Flexible, durable material and can fit in your pocket
• Stylish design with leather-like accents
• Design recommended by trainers, for quick but gentle adjustment

At the end of the rope, you’ll find a metal ring that comprises the collar of the slip leash. Next to the ring is a leather slide that enables you to adjust the size of the collar so that you can place the leash higher on your pet’s neck, behind its ears.

This placement option allows you to make small adjustments for your dog’s comfort. The handle features a leather accent and, while it doesn’t have additional padding, the grip is still comfortable on your hand because the nylon is soft and doesn’t chafe.

IYOSHOP PET also provides high-quality pet products. If you have a dog who doesn’t wear collars, or you loathe fumbling with collar loops and leash hooks, the iYoShop Strong Dog Leash is an excellent option for you. This leash is designed to tighten when your dog pulls.

This automatic tightening helps correct inappropriate walking behavior. It is ideal for small, medium, and large canines, ranging from 20 to 150 pounds. The leash comes with a foam-padded handle, ensuring a comfortable grip. You can quickly wrap the handle around your hand, making it perfect for walking dogs that pull.

Key Features:

• 6-foot long, ideal for dogs between 20 and 150 pounds
• Long-lasting, high-density nylon rope
• Padded handle for improved comfort
• Reflective threading for enhanced visibility at night

This 6-foot leash comprises a ½-inch diameter rock-climbing rope, so it is robust and long-lasting. Despite its durability, the leash remains affordably priced. Another valuable feature of this dog leash is the luminous reflective threading, which ensures you and your pet are safe during night walks.

If you are looking for a classic, simple, and genuinely user-friendly dog leash, you might want to consider the PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash. Available in 4-foot and 6-foot lengths, this reasonably priced, lightweight leash is neither too long nor too short. It is just right for having your pet walk beside you without bolting ahead.

The design may be simple and classic, but this leash is built with robust, high-grade nylon, ensuring a valuable companion for walking your pet for many years to come. This leash is fully compatible with training aids, including headcollars and harnesses, making it perfect for puppies.

Key Features:

• Sturdy design
• Easy-to-use metal clip
• Ideal for training puppies
• Variety of colors, lengths, and thicknesses available

Regardless of the type of training you want for your puppy, this leash won’t disappoint. It features an easy metal clip and hassle-free opening system, so it’s easy to attach to your dog. Available in a range of lengths and thicknesses, choose the size that best suits your needs.

Friends Forever delivers another slip lead that is perfect for nighttime walks, thanks to its reflective threading. The Friends Forever Rope Leash is made of sturdy mountain climbing rope, so it’s durable. The 6-foot long and 1-inch thick leash features an adjustable loop that can fit small, medium, and large dogs.

It may be an excellent choice for training, potty breaks, or dog crate transfers. It doesn’t require any additional harness or collar. Also worthy of note is its leather slide, which allows you to regulate the size of the loop that goes around your dog’s neck.

Key Features:

• Built with heavy-duty mountain-climbing rope
• Ideal for potty breaks, training, and crate transfers
• 6-foot long, ½-inch thick, with adjustable loop
• Lightweight and comfortable

The Friends Forever Rope Leash comes in 6 color options – white, olive, blue, red, green, and black. You can choose a color that suits your dog’s personality. While the manufacturer says this leash is an excellent option for all sizes of dogs, we found that it can be a bit bulky for smaller puppies.

Overall, it is a durable, secure, and comfortable leash, giving you and your furry friend the security you need for long walks.

Founded in 2011, ZippyPaws has remained steadfast in producing high-quality, durable dog leashes. Its Climbers Mountain Original Climbing Rope Dog Leash is an excellent option if you are looking for a low-priced but durable dog leash.

This 2/3-inch thick leash is strong but highly flexible, made from mountain-climbing rope that can bear far more pounds of pull than your pet can generate. This sturdiness makes it great for active dogs. Moreover, it is somewhat more resistant to chewing compared to a standard thin nylon leash.

Key Features:

• Crafted from real mountain-climbing rope
• The exclusive woven design is easy on the hand
• Heavy-duty bull snap can contain the sneakiest of dogs
• Recommended for dogs of at least 40 pounds

The ZippyPaws Climbers Rope Dog Leash is available in 4-foot and 6-foot lengths. It also comes in eight different colors – blue, black, yellow, red, pink, green, purple, and teal. Choose the length and color that suits your needs and your dog’s personality.

Leather Brothers are known for designing and making high-quality dog collars and leashes. The company’s OmniPet Chain Dog Leash with Leather Handle is a perfect choice if your dog is fond of chewing through the leash. This chain leash is especially ideal for pit bulls, as they usually chew anything they can fit in their mouths.

With pit bulls, even the most robust leather leash can be rendered useless in an instant. A chain leash will solve that problem because dogs usually won’t even attempt to chew on the metal. You can rest assured that this leash will stand the test of time.

Key Features:

• Heavy-duty metal chain and collar clip
• Ideal for dogs that chew through ordinary leashes
• Lightweight – easy to wear and carry
• Comfortable black or brown leather handle

The OmniPet Chain Dog Leash features a sturdy leather handle that offers a comfortable grip. The handle is available in either black or brown. This chain leash is surprisingly lightweight, ensuring comfort and ease of movement for both you and your pet. It’s worth noting that the leash comes in a variety of lengths and gauges to suit different dogs.

If you have a reactive dog, the Primal Pet Gear Dog Leash with dual handles may be an ideal choice for you. If your pet is prone to suddenly dashing into traffic or jumping up on someone uninvited, this leash will allow you to control your dog quickly and avoid dangerous and embarrassing confrontations.

The Primal Pet Gear Leash features a double handle to give you versatility. One handle is placed a foot away from the clip, for maximum control. The other handle is positioned at the end of the leash, giving your dog the freedom to sniff and explore, when appropriate.

Key Features:

• 2-in-1 long and short leash
• Two handles for optimum control
• Padded handles for comfort
• Variety of color options – blue, black, green, pink, red, purple, orange.

This leash is also perfect for training your energetic dog and is specially designed for medium and large canines. In the early stages of leash training, you’ll need a short leash, but you won’t have to buy a separate one.

This leash comprises high-quality, durable but soft nylon. Both handles are padded, ensuring a comfortable grip and preventing your hands from getting sore during long walks.

How to Choose the Right Dog Leash

There are several factors to consider when choosing the dog leash that’s right for you and your pet. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Leash Length – Most dog leashes come in 4-foot and 6-foot lengths and are suited for different situations. If you usually walk your dog in a heavy-traffic area, you’ll want a 4-foot leash to keep your pet close and ensure its safety. A 6-foot leash is an excellent option if you’re going to allow your dog enough room to sniff around and explore.

Leash Diameter – It’s essential to choose the right diameter for the size of your dog. A thick leash is ideal for larger dogs, especially if they are chewers or pullers. If you have a small dog, you’ll need a leash that is no more than ½ inch in diameter. You don’t want the leash to be too bulky for your pup.

Leash Material – Most dog leads are made of nylon, cotton, or polypropylene. Each material has specific attributes that might make it a better choice for you. Polypropylene, for example, is excellent at repelling water, while other materials absorb it.

Furthermore, polypropylene doesn’t expand when it gets wet. It is a good option if you usually go for long walks on the beach, for example. If your hands or your pet’s neck chafe easily, it’s advisable to buy a cotton leash because it’s softer than most other materials.

Thick cotton can also be sturdy and durable, and nylon leashes can also withstand water, provided you allow them to dry between uses. Nylon leashes also are lightweight and available in a variety of colours, but they are prone to damage through chewing.

Reflective Strips – If you like going for late-evening walks, reflective strips or threading are an excellent way to enhance your visibility, so choose a leash with this feature.

Comfort – You want a leash that is easy on your hands, especially if your pet is a puller. In this case, choose a leash that is crafted from soft materials or has padded handles.

Color – While the color doesn’t affect the performance of the leash, you’ll want to choose a leash color that matches your dog’s harness or collar.

Types of Dog Leashes

There are various types of leashes from which to choose. It’s essential to understand them, so you don’t get stuck with the wrong leash.

Standard Leash – This is the most common dog leash. It is simple and cheap, yet reliable. Standard leashes usually are made from leather or nylon and are strong enough to contain a puppy or adult dog effectively. They typically come in 4- to 8-foot lengths and are highly flexible.

Retractable Leash – With this type of leash, you can give your dog some freedom without letting it run amok. Retractable leashes are extendable from 5-30 feet, depending on the model. They feature a locking mechanism that enables you to lock the leash at a specific length, depending on your needs.

Adjustable Leash – These types of leashes come with loops and clips that enable you to regulate the length of the leash between 3 and 7 feet. That means you can make your leash longer or shorter without the bulky components that most retractable leashes have.

Chain Leash – Instead of a fabric or leather cord, these leashes feature a built-in chain. This feature not only makes them sturdier but also adds a visually appealing touch to the leash. Chain leashes come in different sizes and weights and can cater to the needs of any dog, especially strong or aggressive ones.

Martingale Leads – If you want to train your dog to walk on a leash, a martingale leash may be a perfect choice. These leashes are designed to become tighter around your dog’s neck if it tries to pull, exerting considerable pressure on teaching your pooch not to pull on the rope excessively.

Multiple Leashes – These leashes come with at least two ends. They are an excellent option if you have more than one dog. You can walk all of your pets at the same time. You’ll need to train your pooches to use the leash without pulling in in different directions.

Seat Belt Safety (SBS) Leashes – As the name implies, these leashes are designed to attach to your vehicle’s seatbelt clip. This type of leash enables you to restrain your dog to a given area of your car, preventing it from climbing into the front seat and distracting the driver or attempting to jump out a window.

Bike Leashes – With this type of leash, you can take your active dog for a walk by attaching the leash to your bicycle’s frame. Once you adjust the leash to the desired length, you can take your pet along on your bike-riding expeditions.

How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

If you’re training your puppy or dog to walk on a leash for the first time, it’s a good idea to start by getting it used to wearing a collar and leash. Try it for short periods around your home, playing with your dog and giving it treats for progress.

The home practice-and-reward system will help your dog associate the leash with “fun” time and consider the leash a pleasure rather than a task or punishment. After practicing at home, you’ll be a step ahead when it comes time for your first walk.

How to Train a Dog from Pulling on a Leash

The most effective way to train your dog not to pull on the leash is to deliver the opposite result your dog expects.

Your dog will typically pull to get somewhere quickly. So, whenever the pup pulls, stand still and wait for the rope to relax before you resume walking. When your pet is walking well alongside you with a relaxed leash, reward it to encourage the behavior. While this is a slow technique and may take you longer to reach your destination, it is highly effective.

How To Stop Your Dog From Biting on a Leash

There are various approaches to training your dog not to bite on the leash. It’s important to realize that dogs usually bite or chew at the leash simply because they have not learned an acceptable alternative.

Instead of reprimanding your pet for pulling and biting the leash, teach him to relax when he sees the leash.

But how do you do that? Touch the leash while it is hanging on the wall, but don’t pick it up. Reward your dog for calm behavior, including sitting, lying down, or standing still, while you’re touching the leash. Continue rewarding the dog for relaxed behavior as you touch and move the leash.

Next, try to move the leash around him while rewarding calm behavior. When you’re sure your dog can stay calm when he sees the leash, clip the leash on his harness or collar while he remains seated. This training makes your pet see the leash as a signal for relaxation instead of a trigger for impulsive biting, jumping, or frenzy.

Afterwards, teach your furry friend to walk calmly alongside you in a heel position without the leash. Perform this in a distraction-free area, possibly in your home. When your dog masters the habit, introduce the leash.

The marketplace serves up a wide variety of dog leashes. Consider all of the tips here to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. We hope this comprehensive guide gives you the information you find the perfect option for you and your beloved pooch!