Here is our review of the best everyday dog leash.
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Watching a speeding car hit your dog is devastating. The image stays fresh in your mind forever. Another heartbreaking episode is walking leisurely with your dog, and suddenly it runs, leaving you behind. You try running after it, and it disappears without a trace.
These are common scenarios for dogs without a leash. A dog leash is your dog’s guard. It prevents accidents and ensures your dog does not get lost.
Dog leashes also ensure you do not get into trouble with the law. Most countries prohibit dogs from walking without a leash. Additionally, a leash ensures your dog does not chase visitors or children.
These excellent benefits make a dog leash a necessity for every pet parent. Read on for more.
How We Chose The Best Dog Leashes
Choosing the best dog leashes was not an easy task. To come up with the right leashes, we used a variety of platforms, including customer reviews. Customers are the product’s first users, and their reviews reveal a lot about it. We chose leashes that received the most positive feedback.
In addition, we took price into account. A dog leash should never break the bank. As we sifted through various leashes, we kept in mind that every pet parent wants a high-quality yet affordable leash. Most of our leashes are reasonably priced, ensuring your money is well spent.
Best Overall: Max And Neo Reflective Double Handle Leash
This leash is the right choice if charity is your cup of tea. The company donates a leash to a rescue center for every purchase you make. So purchasing this leash ensures you impact positively on rescue dogs.
The leash comes with 2 handles: one is at the end, and the other is approximately 18 inches from the clasp. This is vital for large dogs. The leash is made with hard tear-resistant materials. This makes it last longer. You can comfortably choose your preferred color.
Features
- Soft heavy-duty nylon webbing to support large dogs.
- Two padded soft neoprene handles ensure you can hold your dog closer during traffic.
- Reflective stitching boosts visibility in dark alleys and at night.
- Includes D-ring for simple attachment of accessories.
- Tear-resistant and extra tough to last longer.
- A variety of colors to select from.
Material: Stainless steel, neoprene, nylon.
Length: 4 and 6 feet.
Color: Blue, orange, pink, black, purple, red, teal.
Fit for: All dog sizes.
Pro
- Great for all dog sizes.
- Gives you 100% control over your fido.
- Highly durable.
- Ensure your dog is visible, thus avoiding accidents.
- Lots of colors to select from.
- You can attach other accessories.
Cons
- There are no clear negative characteristics. This is why we selected it as our best overall dog leash.
What Pet Owners Say
This is an excellent and strong leash for our pup, that likes to pull. The customer services are great. I wish the loop downwards was a bit higher and would buy another one if offered.
NCW
Best Budget: PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
You can get the best leash at an affordable price. This leash will not cost an arm and a leg, but it has excellent features for your pup’s maximum safety. This leash gives you full control while ensuring your dog is safe and secure.
The leash is easy to use. The on and off hooks make it simple to attach the leash to your pup’s harness or collar. The varied colors ensure you can match your dog’s leash with its collar for an admirable look.
It is available in different widths and lengths, so you can be assured of getting the correct size for your furry canine baby.
Features
- On and off hooks make the leash easy to use and attach to a harness or collar.
- Varied colors allow you to choose the best one for your dog.
- Available in different widths and lengths, ensuring every dog is catered for.
Material: Metal, nylon.
Length: 4 and 6 inches.
Color: Black, raspberry, purple, green, blue, and red.
Fit for: All dog sizes.
Pro
- Easy to clean.
- Durable.
- Affordable.
- A variety of sizes and colors to select from.
- Soft and lightweight.
Cons
- The design is very basic. No additional features.
- Teething puppies can easily gnaw at it.
What Pet Owners Say
The leads are strong enough to walk a dog weighing more than 40 pounds. If you have a smaller dog, I recommend going with a thinner thickness. The size fits perfectly in my hand and is easy to walk over long distances.
Vanessa
Best Rope: Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash
This leash is perfect for extreme pullers. The secure locking carabiner ensures your puller cannot easily detach. This makes it capable of withstanding heavy weights. The integrated reflectivity is a plus as it ensures you and motorists can easily spot your dog even in low-light areas.
It is available in 2 width sizes and 4 colors, so you can choose the best color that appeals to you and your pet. You can wrap it around your waist, thus freeing your hands. The leash’s wavelength webbing absorbs shock with the springiness of a bungee cord, allowing it to retract and extend with your dog’s wandering scope.
It also has a padded handle for comfort, an extra handle near the clasp for better control, and an accessory loop for clip-on things such as stool bags.
Features
- The secure locking carabiner ensures your pup cannot detach.
- Available in 2 sizes and 4 colors, giving you room to choose the best.
- The wavelength webbing ensures it can retract and extend with your dog’s movements.
- The padded handle provides comfort for your hand.
- The extra handle allows you to control your pooch maximally.
Material: 5.5-7 feet, 7.3-11 feet.
Length: Aluminum, stretch webbing.
Color: Blue, gray, and red.
Fit for: Small and large dogs.
Pro
- Comfortable.
- It retracts or extends according to your dog’s movements.
- Your dog cannot escape.
- You can tie it around your waist.
- Varied lengths.
Cons
- Chewers can bite it.
- A bit expensive.
- A bit short.
What Pet Owners Say
This is great for my puppy, who is an extreme puller.
Nickazoid
Best Double-Ended Dog Leash: PetSafe Two-Point Control Nylon Reflective Dog Leash
Control your dog’s movements with this high-quality two-point leash from Petsafe. The two-ended pup leads to connect to your fido’s harness in two places: the front of its chest and the collar, improving its simplicity.
It is designed to limit leash pulling. The leash also includes a handle that floats freely and changes according to your dog’s movements, while the swivel hardware limits tangles. You need not worry about your dog getting lost in dark places or at night, as this leash has reflective strips.
This leash will not hurt your hands as it is padded for maximum comfort. Its waterproof feature ensures it stays dry and comfy.
Features
- The double-ended leads make it easy to redirect your dog.
- Free-floating handles adjust according to your dog’s movements.
- The swivel hardware reduces the risk of tangles.
- Reflective strips ensure your dog is visible in dark places.
- Padded for comfort.
- Waterproof hence it stays dry and warm.
Material: Synthetic fabric, nylon.
Length: Six feet.
Color: Grey.
Fit for: Medium and large dogs.
Pro
- Better visibility of your pup even at night.
- No tangles.
- Comfortable.
- The handles are adjustable.
- Easy to use.
- Waterproof.
Cons
- Minimal variety of colors.
What Pet Owners Say
My pup can sometimes walk well, but when he detects a scent, he may begin to pull. To best manage this, I’ll need a dual-clip harness and leash. Most dual-clip leashes feel awkward in my hand, but this one is padded and simple to grip.
Traci
Best Reflective Leash: L.L. Bean Reflective Personalized Leash
This is a great leash since you can spot it ½ a mile away so your dog cannot be hit or get lost easily. It is perfect for nighttime walks as it has a wide reflective strip visible from afar. This leash is highly customizable, and you can add your name or phone number. And the best news is that these extra features come at no additional cost.
It comes in 2 widths, and you can personalize using approximately 23 characters, including spaces. It is lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
Features
- Highly customizable so that you can add characters according to your preferences.
- The reflective strip makes it an excellent choice for night walks.
- It is lightweight and easy for your dog to walk around with it.
- The durable plastic buckle ensures it lasts longer.
Material: Nickel, nylon.
Length: Six feet.
Color: Lime.
Fit for: All dog sizes.
Pro
- It can be tailored to suit your dog’s unique needs.
- You can add your name or phone number at no additional cost.
- Lasts long.
- Not heavy.
- Highly visible.
Cons
- Limited colors to choose from.
What Pet Owners Say
I purchased two of these leashes for my 50-lb dogs. The leashes are extremely strong enough to resist the constant pulling of my disobedient pups. We frequently take the dogs out at night, and the reflective strips are extremely useful. They are visible from a long distance. We had the leashes customized with our phone numbers rather than the dogs’ names.
Best Hands-Free Leash: The Buddy System Hands-Free Adjustable Leash
If you enjoy walking with your dog without holding the leash on your hands, then this is a superb leash for you. You can wear the leash on your waist and guide your pup effortlessly. Take a stroll to the picnic area for a quick walk or run with this dog leash that easily connects using the quick-release mechanism.
The leash has an emergency release at the buckle for added convenience and safety when walking and pulling dogs. You can convert it from hands-free to hand-held. The leash is tangle-free, so you need not worry about your dog getting hurt.
Features
- The quick-release mechanism ensures you can easily let off your dog.
- The quick release at the belt comes in handy during an emergency.
- Highly adjustable so that you can switch from hand-held to hands-free mode.
- The swivel hook keeps the leash tangle free.
- Designed to slide around your waist, so it does not pull you as your dog switches position while walking.
Material: Nylon, metal.
Length: 22-40 inches.
Color: Royal blue, purple, black, green, pink, red.
Fit for: Small and large dogs.
Pro
- Great for jogging.
- Adjustable.
- Can easily slide over your waist belt.
- Tangle free.
- Lots of colors to select from.
- Water-resistant.
- Rust resistant.
Cons
- Some customers complained the leash was not the best for training.
What Pet Owners Say
It’s lightweight and easy to adjust, so I can use it with a gentle leader face harness and quickly add length for my dog to lead track trails or shorten it to keep her next to me on the road.
Kristin W
Best leash for dogs who chew: VirChewLy Indestructible Leash for Dogs
Chewers, leash destroyers, and teething puppies are hard to put on a leash. You purchase a leash today, and tomorrow, you need a new one. This can be an expensive affair, and this is where VirchewLy leash comes in. This leash is designed to withstand your chewer’s efforts.
It is crafted from sturdy vinyl steel-coated cable that can withstand over 900 lbs. The hardware can comfortably hold up to 220 lbs. It is tangle-free, chew-proof, break-proof, odor, and rust-resistant. These features are essential for chewers. You will no longer rush to the market after a few days.
Features
- Sturdy vinyl material to withstand chewers.
- The spring lock attachment allows you to secure your pup to a tree or a post and adjust the length for a fast short lead.
- The high-quality webbing handles improve comfort.
- It is adjustable so you can use it as a traffic lead.
Material: Stainless steel wire.
Length: 4-5.6 feet.
Color: Black, orange, red, pink, and yellow.
Fit for: Chewers and teething puppies.
Pro
- It is easy to clean.
- Odor and rust-free.
- Sturdy.
- Comfortable.
- It stands up to heavy chewers and teething puppies.
- The cable is flexible and lightweight.
Cons
- The leash attachment can disengage from the harness or collar.
- The non-padded handle can be uncomfortable for long distances.
- A bit expensive.
What Pet Owners Say
This was the only leash that my puppy did not chew on. I’m happy I chose the cloth handle because the rubber leash can be painful on the hands.
JAF
Best Leather: Logical Leather Leash
Pet parents that love fashion will love this leash. It is made from pure leather and features a nickel-plated clasp and great stitching, making your dog stylish. Though lightweight, the leash can withstand up to 245 lbs of pulling power, so your puller won’t succeed in breaking it.
The rainbow of colors is handy for pet owners who love specific colors. The color variety ensures you get the preferred one for your pup. It is water and stain-resistant, ensuring it lasts longer. You can boost your dog’s look by purchasing a matching collar and making your pup the neighborhood.
Features
- Varied colors to choose from.
- Made with 100% leather, so it is fashionable and lasts longer.
- Nickel-plated clasp holds securely.
Material: Leather.
Length: 6 feet.
Color: Yellow, purple, orange, tan, red, black, pink, black, green, blue, and gray.
Fit for: Pullers, working, and service dogs.
Pro
- Matching collars are available.
- Highly durable.
- Firmly secure your dog.
- Various colors and sizes to choose from.
- Soft on hands.
Cons
- There may be a chemical smell resulting from dyes.
What Pet Owners Say
It is a good leash. It’s stiff, typical for new leather, but a product like Leather New will help keep it supple and prevent cracking. When my leather leashes get wet, I use them, and they last a long time. Also, leather is much easier on my hands.
Michelle
Best Long: Downtown Pet Supply Training Lead
Dogs that love exploring will enjoy this. The leash is long enough to allow your dog to explore further while keeping tabs on its whereabouts. It goes up to 200 feet long and starts at 15 feet. It is available in a wide variety of colors. You will also get a reflective black leash for dark areas and night expeditions.
The swivel hook keeps it from twisting. This leash is also perfect for training and comes in handy for recalling commands. Chewers and teething puppies can easily chew on this so ensure you use it for training purposes and not tying up your pooch.
Features
- The swivel hook keeps the leash from buckling.
- The black color is reflective for easy visibility.
- Goes for a maximum of 200 feet long, making it great for adventure.
- Variety of colors to select from.
Material: Cotton, natural fabric.
Length: Up to 200 feet.
Color: Black, green, orange, blue, reflective black, rainbow, pink, red, and light gray.
Fit for: Dogs that love exploring.
Pro
- It cannot twist even when your dog moves in cycles.
- Black reflective colors ensure your dog is visible at night or in low-light places.
- Lots of colors and sizes to choose from.
- Great for training.
Cons
- May not be the correct selection for chewers and teething puppies.
What Pet Owners Say
It was ideal for Ace to assist him with training and recall. Just the correct length, and no need to worry about letting Ace run wild in the picnic area.
The long leash allows you to react quickly to keep your pup safe. Colors are varied, and the material is tough and not easily destroyed.
Ace got a green, and my neighbor’s got a red, both of which are lovely.
Best Retractable: Flexi NeonTape Reflective Nylon Retractable Leash
If a retractable leash is your favorite, then this leash is superb. It has a smooth rolling tape and neon handle to boost visibility and prevent accidents. Its one-handed braking system is simple to use.
But before purchasing this leash, there are some considerations; retractable leashes give you little control and can be fatal in dangerous circumstances. The cord can get entangled around your legs or dog or hurt your hands when you touch it. The clattering noise that comes when you let go of the handle scares your dog.
Features
- The soft moving tape and neon handle boost visibility.
- The single-handed use brake is perfect for convenient handling.
- The 16-feet neon-colored tape gives your pup freedom of movement.
- The ergonomic grip feels good in your hand and is ideal for lengthy strolls across the city.
- It is compatible with the Flexi Multi Box Dog Leash Accessory for extra convenience.
Material: Nylon, plastic.
Length: 16 feet.
Color: Black, neon.
Fit for: All dog sizes.
Pro
- Offers proper visibility.
- Allows your pup to roam freely or stay restrained at a given length.
- Use tape.
- Includes neon color.
Cons
- Can be dangerous if not handled accordingly.
What Pet Owners Say
Despite the fact that I must use manual control to lock this leash, I consider it a massive improvement over a standard leash. It is lightweight, simple to attach and detach, and florescent for nighttime visibility. It comes with an extremely useful instruction manual. The button that held the leash in place without manual control only worked a few times.
Evolvingelder
Buyers Guide: Best Dog Leash
Purchasing a dog leash is a process that requires thorough research and a full understanding of the types of leashes. A good leash must have some qualities that appeal to you and your dog. Such qualities include affordability, ease of use, material, reflectivity, length, attachment materials, and country of origin.
Collar vs. Harness – What’s Better?
Harnesses are best for walking with your dog. This is because they do not put pressure on the neck. However, collars are comfier and have a place to put an ID tag for identification.
If your dog has breathing problems, you should use a harness rather than a collar.
Collars
Dog collars are ideal for controlling your dog’s movements while out for a walk. They can be attached to a leash. Collars have both benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- They have a place for ID tags.
- More convenient.
- Better control and minimal physical strength.
- Easy to put on and take off.
- Great for training and controlling aggressive dogs.
Cons
- Not safe for dogs with health problems, including breathing issues and neck injuries.
- Not suitable for pullers.
- May lead to back pain.
Harness
A harness is useful for evening walks and training sessions. It enables you to direct your dog. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of a harness:
Pros
- Reduce pulling.
- No pressure on your pup’s chest.
- They are more secure.
- Great for puppies that have learned to walk on a leash.
- Minimize dog back pain.
Cons
- There is no place for an ID tag.
- They may not be convenient.
- They are bulkier and hence can be uncomfortable for your dog.
Single Handle vs. Double Handle
A double-handle leash is better compared to a single-handle one. Double-handle leashes are great for controlling reactive dogs. They are also perfect for dogs with a high prey drive. Furthermore, such leashes come in handy in high-traffic areas. You can also use double handles to train your pup.
10 Reasons to Leash Your Dog
Here are the top 10 reasons to keep your dog on a leash:
- Car accidents are common, and a speeding car can easily hit a dog without a leash. Parking lots are safe with leashes.
- Preventing diseases: An unleashed dog mingles with all types of dogs, including sick ones. It also goes around sniffing another dog’s feces.
- Improves bonding: You can easily bond with your dog as you guide it using a leash. It knows you are in control.
- Promote good behavior: Dogs on a leash would meet and greet each other courteously, knowing someone was watching them.
- Promotes cleanliness: A loose dog will run around and jump in dirty places, including muddy areas. This makes it dirty.
- Prevents dogs from jumping at each other: Dogs can become aggressive and start jumping at one another. A leash helps.
- Minimizes the risk of dogs getting lost: This is because you are holding the leash and your dog cannot escape.
- Prevents dogs from eating things they should not: Dogs are scavengers and may try to eat garbage while walking.
- No accidental puppies: Unspayed dogs can easily mate with another dog while on heat resulting in unplanned puppies.
- It’s the law: Most countries demand that dogs should be on a leash. Failure to comply lands you in problems.
What To Look For In A Dog Leash
Here are the qualities of a good dog leash:
Material
Leashes are made using different materials including nylon, leather, and cotton. Some materials can be hard to break in while others are easy. Look for a material that is soft for your hands and would not cause pain if used for long distances. Thicker materials are highly durable than thinner ones.
Length and weight
Your dog’s size dictates the length and weight to go for. Smaller dogs may need a lightweight 6-inch leash while larger pups require a thicker and stronger leash. Long leashes are best for dogs that love to explore and enjoy the freedom of movement. Short leashes are best for crowded places.
Safety
This is key when choosing the best leash for your dog. The leash should be safe for you and your pup. You should be able to control it well and the leash should have an option for emergencies. Traffic handles and double clips give you more control. Retractable leashes can be dangerous.
Design
The design of the leash is one of the first factors to consider. Look for swivel designs, padded handles and loops, and other attributes that make the leash more convenient and simple.
You can also think about the fashion of the leash, selecting a color that matches your dog’s personality.
Country of origin
This may sound less important, but it comes in handy when buying a leash for your dog. Most leashes made in the US are crafted with high-quality materials that will last longer. However, such US-based leashes can be expensive compared to the rest.
Care and Maintenance
Leashes are dragged through unhygienic places, trapping germs and bacteria, making cleaning essential.
How to keep clean
Allow your leash to soak in hot water with soap for ten minutes to loosen and disintegrate oils and dirt. If your leash is particularly filthy, use a soft nylon brush to scrub it with extra shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and hang to dry. Avoid lots of brushing as the webbing wears out.
Where and how to store when not in use.
Leashes should be in an easy-to-spot place. You can store them on your door hooks after cleaning. This makes it easy to locate them whenever needed.
How do you stop your dog from biting its leash?
Common methods to stop your dog from biting the leash are to soak the leash in something unpalatable or shield the leash with a specific material. Lemon juice makes the leash smell and tastes bad for your dog, thus preventing biting. Shielding the leash keeps it unreachable.
Can dogs hurt themselves by pulling on the leash?
Yes. The trachea and neck are clearly injured due to pulling and jerking. Less obvious are nerve and vertebral injuries, which can result in permanent damage and medical issues.
Should a dog have a leash on all the time?
No. A leash is great when walking or in public places. Chewers and teething puppies can easily destroy a leash; hence, they should not have it all the time.
How do I stop my dog from pulling when we walk?
Teach your pup that walking alongside you with a loose lead allows them to move forward, whereas pulling does not. Stop walking the moment the lead tightens and stay still.
How do I keep my dog’s leash from tangling when I walk?
Keeping a leash from tangling is not easy. To minimize this risk, go for a tangle-free leash that will stay untangled no matter the distance or force exerted.
Is it OK to let your dog walk in front of you?
No. You are the leader, and guiding your dog is best done when you are in front. This gives the dog the idea that you are in control and following commands becomes easy.
Are dogs happier off-leash?
Yes. Dogs are happier off-leash. This is because they have lots of freedom and can explore whatever they want. It also gives them a sense of control and power.
Is tape or cord better for a dog leash?
A tape is better. A tape leash alerts others that your dog is restrained. Furthermore, thicker tape has minimal risk of snapping. A cord can wrap around your dog, causing harm.
Where should a dog be when walking on a leash?
Preferably, your pup should walk alongside you. They should not walk more than a few steps short of you because you will lose control if a distraction occurs.
Should I let my dog sniff on walks?
Yes. Dogs love sniffing around, and hence you should not prevent them. But never allow your dog to sniff other dogs’ feces, dirt, or garbage, as it causes infections.
Why do dogs zig-zag when walking?
They mostly zigzag because they are ecstatic to be out for a walk, which is normally the spotlight of their day. There are many sounds, sights, and, most importantly, smells to experience.
Is Dog Leash Worthy? Final Thoughts
Dog leashes are a basic need for every pup. They protect your dog from danger while keeping your peace of mind. The selection process can be hectic since the market is full of dog leashes, and each brand claims to be the best.
Our thorough analysis helps you select the correct leash. Our buyer’s guide is also a great reference point whenever you are shopping for a leash.
You may start with our best overall leash, Max And Neo Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash, and move down to our other premium selections, including our best price-effective PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash.