Best Dog Leash - Comparison and Reviews

How to Choose the Best Leash for Your Dog

As you might imagine, there are many different dog leash options available on the market today, which might make selecting one a little daunting. Honestly, it may be a mistake to try to find one leash that fits all dogs for all situations. If you and your dog have an active life together, there are going to be situations where you might need a different type of leash.

Picking out the right leash means taking a good inventory of yourself and your dog. There are lots of factors to think about, such as whether you plan on hiking or jogging, or if you live on a dark street with heavy traffic, and even your dog’s temperament. Consider all these things before selecting a dog leash, and get the one that satisfies most of your qualifications.

Related: Best Dog Backpack

We’ve compiled a few tips here to help guide you through the leash selection process. You should always consult with your veterinarian, though, to get recommendations on the best leash for your pet.

What Things to Consider when Buying Dog Leash

Type of Dog Leash (Standard or Retractable)

Dog leashes come in two basic types – standard or retractable. Which one you choose will depend on whether you want your dog to have a wide range of movement (which allows them to get into a lot more trouble), or if you’d rather keep your dog close and controlled (to prevent them from getting into said trouble).

Standard dog leashes are usually five or six feet long. The most significant advantage of this style is that they keep your dog pretty close to you, so you can make sure you control them safely. Use a standard leash for training. Doing so will ensure your furry friend does not run into traffic when you’re on a busy street or get overfriendly with strangers in a populated area.

Retractable leashes are ideal when you want your dog to have more freedom and aren’t worried about them tripping up other people or running into traffic. These models have become much more popular in recent years, and are often dog owners’ first choice. They often become tangled, though, because of the much longer lead, and they’re not great for obedience training while walking.

Type of Dog You Own

Which type of leash you buy is going to depend a lot on what kind of dog you have. You’re not going to want or need a heavy rope leash with a small dog. They’ll just be dragging it around, and they won’t enjoy it.

Likewise, buying a light nylon dog leash for a large pup almost guarantees that you’ll be replacing your leash often. You also might have the unenviable experience of having to chase after your dog as they sprint after their latest distraction.

Make sure you get a leash that is strong enough for your dog and won’t permit them to pull your arm out of its socket if they decide to run off. Bigger, more active dogs, like Rottweilers or Pit Bulls, are going to test your patience—and your arm. If you own an oversized dog, get a leash with a padded handle if you don’t want to risk rope burn from trying to rein in your puppy.

Different Styles of Dog Leashes for Runners, Hikers, and Trainers

Picking out the right dog leash also depends on what you’ll be doing with your dog. These days, companies produce excellent hands-free dog leashes that let you run alongside your faithful friend without getting tripped up or pulled around.

Who doesn’t love the idea of taking their dog out on a hiking trip? You don’t want your dog to be dragging you around every tree and bush, requiring you to unwrap and untangle them for miles on end. You’ll want a shorter leash for those wilderness treks so you can keep your pooch under control and close on the trail.

If your dog has a habit of leash pulling during the walk or running then consider buying the best no-pull dog harness as well. It will help you train your dog for walking.

If you are a dog trainer or are just trying to teach your own pup some manners, you can also choose from a variety of different leashes. Shorter leashes are better for teaching them to heel and be obedient. And, if you have a large puppy, you might want to double up on the handles, so they don’t pull away from you when they get excited.

Material (Leather, Nylon or Chain)

Nylon dog leashes are the most popular option these days because they’re cheap and robust while still being flexible and safe.

Traditional leather leashes are still a great option because they’re incredibly durable and hard to damage. Dogs love to chew on their leashes, and leather holds up to abuse much better than nylon.

Chains are still popular as a material, but they tend to be cumbersome, and aren’t great for smaller dogs. It’s very durable, but it can be uncomfortable for the dog and susceptible to rust.

Comfort in Handling

If you’re a long-time dog owner, you’ve likely experienced the feeling of having the leash ripped away from your grasp as your furry friend gets taken with a sudden urge to chase a squirrel or inspect a new scent. It can be a painful learning experience if you’ve got the wrong leash with an inadequate handle.

These days, manufacturers use an assortment of different handles that cater to owners of active, impulsive dogs. You’ll never feel that leash slip from your fingers again—and no more rope burn when your pup decides to lunge.

Solid, padded handles give you the grip you’ll need to keep hold of even the biggest and most powerful dogs. Of course, you won’t need something that robust for a smaller pooch, like a Corgi. Consider how big and excitable your dog is, and plan accordingly for the squirrels and scents they’ll encounter when you’re traveling together.

Size

Size matters in dog leashes. As we’ve mentioned before, a thicker leash isn’t necessary with a small dog. A large dog will chew through and escape thinner nylon bands almost as soon as you get it on them.

Length is another consideration. A shorter leash is better to keep control because the dog doesn’t have as much space to build up speed if it attempts to run away. A longer leash can be helpful if you want to let your more obedient, predictable dog roam and experience the world with you.

Hopefully, this information has helped you figure out which dog leash is best for you and your faithful companion. Consult with your veterinarian to get tips and pointers on the best leashes available for your lifestyle and your type of dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a dog leash be?

The length of a dog leash depends on what sort of activities you’re doing with your dog. Generally, a distance of between 5-6 feet is perfect for most dogs. This length gives them a good range of movement while still allowing for maximum control. The shorter the length, the less time they have to gather momentum, and the easier they are to maneuver.

What is a hands-free dog leash?

A hands-free dog leash is simply a leash that clips on to a belt that allows you a full range of motion while moving. They’re great if you’re doing something active with your dog where you may need the use of both hands, such as hiking a challenging trail. They usually have a short leash, so the dog doesn’t get tangled up in bushes, or other pester other people while you’re moving.

Are retractable leashes bad for dogs?

There’s a lot of discussion about retractable leashes these days, but the fact is that they are only as dangerous as the ignorance level of the owner using them. The longer leads allow dogs to explore their world a lot more, but it also means that your pup can get into more trouble if inadequately monitored. Dogs can also run out the length of their lead quickly and then come to a quick halt when they reach the end, which can hurt their necks.

Owners who have retractable leashes need to pay attention to them at all times and try to keep them reined in if they want to avoid problems. Do not use them in populated areas or enclosed spaces, as they can trip up other people and animals.