The Best Dog Leashes in 2022

Taking your buddies out for a walk is a fun activity. Besides, your pet can benefit from getting even just a few minutes of exercise. To make the experience a lot more comfortable and enjoyable, a dog leash is necessary.

However, there’s actually a huge difference between the typical leash you can find in the market and a high-quality and durable one. An ordinary leash can easily break or snap, especially if you own a large dog. Meanwhile, a quality leash won’t.

In this guide, we’re going to talk about the best dog leashes on the market along with a buying guide. We’ll also try to give you some useful answers on some of the frequently asked questions regarding dog leashes.

How to Choose the Best Dog Leash Guide

There’s plenty of dog leashes on the market, so it’s only understandable that you’ll have a hard time looking for the right product. Fortunately, you can easily narrow down your choices by knowing what things to look for in a dog leash. Basically, these things are what you should keep in mind.

Type

There are 8 different types of dog leashes you can find in the market. As such, it’s important to know which type of leash you are buying beforehand. Without further ado, here are the different leash types you can choose from:

Standard leash

The standard leash is the most common dog leash type which you can use for basic training and daily walks. It’s often made of either leather or nylon, although you can also find some variants that are made of cotton or rubber.

On average, a standard dog leash will measure around 4 to 8 feet long and is strong and durable enough to restrain even an adult dog. Due to its range of length, you can have room for freedom of movement as well as easy control of your dog if necessary.

Retractable dog leash

A retractable dog leash is the second most common type available. Its design allows you to have control over the distance your dog can walk. In fact, you can easily control how close or far you want your dog to go. In other words, a retractable dog leash provides you and your dog with the most freedom of movement.

It works like a measuring tape that comes with an extendable nylon cord which can extend anywhere between 4 and 30 feet. Its handle comes with a locking mechanism to let you lock the leash at any specific length.

Adjustable leash

The adjustable leash is designed to fill any gaps between the standard and retractable leashes. It’s designed for dog owners who want to adjust the leash to their desired length. On average, an adjustable leash can extend around 3-6 feet by simply adding or removing loops.

You can either get a short leash for training or a longer one for walking your dog. Simply put, an adjustable leash provides you control of its length to a certain extent.

Bike leash

If you live an active lifestyle and like riding a bike, you might want to get yourself a bike leash. This type of leash can be attached to your bicycle’s frame, giving your dog an adjustable distance from your bike. With proper training, you can have your dog run alongside you while biking without him running away.

Compared to other leash types, this one is a bit harder to use. However, once your dog gets used to it, it will serve as an excellent means of exercise for the both of you.

Multiple dog leash

As the name implies, this type of leash allows you to walk multiple dogs all at the same time on a single leash. It comes with a single handle with multiple leashes attached. This is an excellent option if you have more than one dog you want to walk at once.

Chain leash

If you often face the problem of your dog destroying his leash, getting a chain leash would be the most feasible option. As it’s made of metal, it’s virtually indestructible. It’s also very useful for dogs who have a tendency to chew their leash.

Martingale lead leash

Though this type of leash sounds quite uncommon, it’s actually more common than you think. It’s often used by training experts for preventing a dog from pulling a leash. Once a dog starts pulling his leash, it will then tighten around his neck, just putting enough pressure that’ll make him uncomfortable the harder he pulls but without choking him.

Seat belt safety leash

This type of leash is an ideal option if you love taking your dog with you on a road adventure. It’s a short leash that comes with a clip attached to your dog’s collar and another clip attached to a seat belt so your dog is secured while sitting in your car.

With this, you can prevent him from moving around inside the car as you drive. It also keeps him from wandering off if ever you get caught in an accident. While traveling with your dog in your car is best done with a crate, a seat belt safety leash is the best alternative if you don’t have one.

Size (length and width)

Next, you have to consider the size depending on how big or small your dog is. There are two factors to help you decide the right leash size for your dog: length and width.

A shorter leash is ideal for training and safety purposes, while the longer ones are ideal for distance command training and allowing your dog to wander around without losing control over him. In the city, a 4-ft leash is often used to give dogs enough freedom while still keeping them close to their owner. Meanwhile, a leash that’s around 6-ft long is ideal in suburban areas as there is more open space for the dogs to move about.

Let’s talk about dog leashes based on their varying lengths:

4 feet – this is often used in busy areas like the streets or city. Ideally, a 4-ft long leash gives you maximum control over your dog and is quite useful for training purposes. It can also be useful in cases where your dog tends to wander before he’s even trained to stay at your side.

6 feet – considered the most common length for a dog leash, a 6-ft leash allows you to walk your dogs within the neighborhood or in areas with minimal traffic. It also gives your dog enough room to wander and explore without getting it tangled.

8 to 10 feet – designed for obedience training purposes, dog leashes with this length offer a considerable distance between you and your dog. Of course, you still get to exert total control over your pet.

Long line leashes – these are leashes that range around 50 to 150 feet long. They are the perfect choice for distance command training such as long stays and recalls. With a long line leash, you can maintain the longest distance between you and your dog without losing control and connection.

When it comes to width, you only have two considerations:

Thick leashes – you want to get a thick leash if your dog is a strong puller or chewer. A wide leash provides more strength and will keep the leash from snapping in the event your dog pulls aggressively.

Slim leashes – a slim leash is ideal for small dogs or puppies since they are lighter and offer fewer restrictions. If you have a puppy, you may have to upgrade to a thicker leash later on in accordance with his breed and temperament.

Material

The next factor you should consider is the material used for constructing the leash. There are different materials used for creating a dog leash, and each of them has its own unique features and benefits. To help you figure out which leash to choose, we’re going to talk about the most common and widely used materials that dog leash manufacturers use. They are as follows:

Cotton – a leash that’s made of cotton features a good amount of give and is ideal for swimming purposes. If your dog loves to swim a lot, going for a cotton leash is the most feasible choice. The problem with a cotton leash is that it’s really difficult to find, not to mention that it runs the risk of leash burn just like nylon.

Chain – a chain leash is a budget-friendly alternative, although it’s not really ideal compared to the other materials. The reason is that it’s made of metal which could be harmful to your dog, especially if yours have a tendency to bite on leashes. As it has no give, it’s hard on the hands and might even fracture your fingers if it wraps around you while walking a strong and big dog. Generally, chain leashes are not recommended.

Nylon – considered as the most common material used for manufacturing dog leashes, nylon is strong, affordable, and available in any color you want. Albeit really cheap, nylon actually offers decent strength and durability. However, when going for a nylon leash, make sure you choose one with a padding to prevent leash burns, especially if you have a big and strong dog. It’s very lightweight, making it ideal for use on puppies.

Leather – leather is by far the best material you could ever have on a dog leash. It’s incredibly strong and gentle on your hands. The only problem with a leather dog leash is that it’s quite expensive as compared to the other leash materials on the market.

Reflective – while it’s not technically a material used for creating an entire leash, a reflective is a material that’s woven into a leash (made of either leather or nylon) so you can walk your dog safely and easily at night. It’s a common addition to a dog harness as well.

Clip style

Lastly, you want to choose the right clip style. It should be strong and reliable enough as even the strongest leash available will still be useless if it won’t stay attached to the collar. As such, you have to choose a leash that comes with a good quality clip. And since the leash can get wet, going for a brass or stainless steel clip is ideal to avoid corrosion.

Also, the clip must be able to withstand a certain degree of force as there are instances when your dog pulls aggressively.

There are two styles of leash clips, and they are as follows:

Bolt snap – a bolt snap clip comes with a little spring located inside a shaft which you slide open to attach to a collar. It’s a fairly reliable clip, which explains why it’s widely used in most leashes on the market. The problem is that the spring weakens over time, causing the clip to loosen, allowing your dog to escape the leash.

Trigger snap – similar to the bolt snap, a trigger snap clip also comes with a spring. To open it, you simply need to push the tiny lever which acts as the trigger. Compared to the bolt snap, this one’s a bit bigger and more reliable as it contains a larger spring which doesn’t weaken easily. Also, its design allows it to be more secure the more tension your dog creates.

14 Best Dog Leashes

Paw Lifestyles Heavy Duty Dog Leash

The Ideal Leash for Medium and Large Dogs

Tough and durable, this 7ft long heavy-duty leash from Paw Lifestyles is the leash you need if you enjoy walking your dog at night. It features a luminous reflective threading that will help you and your dog remain visible at night.

It’s also marketed as almost 2x thicker than most dog leash in the market. It’s made of nylon and comes with plus padded handles to offer you a comfortable and complete control.

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Pets Lovers Club Heavy Duty Dog Leash

Super Comfortable Leash with Padded Handles

Only a few can match the durability and strength that this 6ft heavy duty leash from Pets Lovers Club can offer, which is the reason why it has made it to this list. It features a double layer design which makes it 2x stronger compared to your typical nylon leash. It’s also incredibly comfortable, thanks to its padded handle which protects you from leash burns.

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Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash

Reflective Leash for Added Night Visibility and Safety

This reflective leash from Max and Neo is what you need as far as a walking or training leash is concerned. Aside from being durable enough to withstand a large dog’s pulling force, it’s also incredibly comfortable on the hands.

Since it has a reflective threading, you can use it for walking your dog safely even at night. It also comes in 5 different colors for you to choose from. What makes the Max and Neo leash special is that the manufacturer will donate one identical leash to a rescue dog for every leash bought.

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Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Dog Leash

Simple Yet Durable with High Density Webbing

This classic dog leash from Blueberry Pet is available in 19 different colors to choose from, thereby giving you a very wide variety of options. Aside from that, it’s made of nylon fabric for enhanced durability.

While it’s sold as a single product, there are actually matching dog collars and hooks to complement its looks. Albeit displaying a rather classic and simple design, you’ll be amazed to find out just how durable and comfortable this leash can be.

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Primal Pet Gear Double Handle Dog Leash

Two Handles for Two Times the Control

The Primal Pet 6-ft leash is ideal for those who want control, comfort, and customization. As the name implies, it’s a double handle leash which is designed to make dog walking a lot safer and easier. Also, it’s made of a durable nylon material which makes it perfect for handling really strong and powerful dogs.

One of its handles is positioned a foot away from its clip for maximum control especially during training and walking. Meanwhile, the other handle is located at the end of the rope to allow your dog freedom to explore without compromising control.

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Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash by Hertzko

The Best Selling Retractable Leash in the Market

The Hertzo retractable leash is designed for a hard-pulling dog. It’s a heavy-duty leash that will keep even the most powerful dogs in check. As a retractable leash, you can expect a reliable operation along with a good amount of durability regardless of the breed of your dog.

It’s capable of extending up to 16 feet, thus giving your buddy more room to explore and more distance to roam around. Lastly, its super grip handle has an ergonomic design to offer maximum comfort while ensuring an excellent grip for enhanced security.

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TaoTronics Retractable Hands Free Dog Leash with Dual Bungees

Hands-Free Wearing for a Hands-Free Walking Activity

The TaoTronics leash is a high-quality product which is offered in two different colors. It’s a retractable leash that’s capable of supporting large dogs of up to 150 pounds. Its dual-bungee cord design allows you to walk your dog safely without the risk of muscle strain and injuries for the both of you.

It also features a waist strap which allows you to walk your dog hands-free so you can use your hands for other activities like using your cellphone without being restrained by your dog’s movements. Lastly, it comes with a reflective stitching to provide you and your dog enhanced visibility and safety while walking at night.

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PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash

A Traditional Style Leash That’s Perfect for Both Cats and Dogs

The PetSafe leash is a simple yet highly durable and reliable dog leash that’s available in 6 different color options. Despite having a classic design, you can surely rely on this product’s durability, especially since it’s made of a durable nylon material.

It’s available in lengths of 4 and 6 feet with varying widths to suit the size and breed of your dog. If you’re looking for a leash that will help you train your pooch with ease, this is definitely one of the best options you can find.

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Leashboss Original – Heavy Duty Dog Leash for Large Dogs

Ideal for Training and Walking without the Leash Burn

The Leashboss Original leash is a heavy-duty leash that’s intended for walking large dogs. It comes with a padded handle to offer you comfort while walking your dog and prevent the risk of a leash burn. Also, it allows you to maintain a firm and secure grip when your dog starts pulling hard.

Since this leash is made of durable nylon, you can expect it to last for a longer time without the risk of snapping. Lastly, its 5-ft length which is intended to neither be too long nor too short allows you to enjoy maximum control.

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OutdoorMaster Bungee Dog Leash

Unique Bungee Design for Minimal Risks of Injury

This bungee dog leash from OutdoorMaster has a rather unique design which is based on the bungee cord used by thrillseekers. This unique design actually serves a specific purpose which is to minimize the risk of injury and offer you maximum comfort especially when your dog starts pulling aggressively.

The 1-inch wide leash is made of 1000D nylon to offer maximum durability, while the padded handles are made of EVA for maximum comfort. The leash is only 36.5 inches long when contracted but can extend up to 4 feet when fully stretched.

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Fairwin Leather Dog Leash

Strong, Durable, Genuine Leather Dog Leash

The Fairwin leather dog leash is designed to give you complete control with plenty of length and strength to keep your pet secure during walks. If you’re looking for a pet leash that lasts, this could well be the product for you.

Made with genuine US imported leather, the leash has an attractive classic appearance to suit stylish dogs. It features braiding near the clip and handle too, which gives it a standout aesthetic that looks great, standing up to any fashion leashes on the market.

Leather is known to be extremely durable, and in combination with the copper alloy clips, the leash will withstand plenty of force from small to medium dogs. Owners will also love the 5.6-foot length of the leash which enables you to train, walk and play with your dog without too much restraint.

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Leatherberg Leather Dog Training Leash

Leather Leash for a Pain-Free Walking and Training Activity

The Leatherberg dog leash is an excellent choice as far as a quality leather leash is concerned. It’s made of durable cowhide leather for exceptional durability along with a double-stitching design. It also includes a heavy-duty stainless steel clasp to prevent it from getting twisted.

Additionally, it’s water-resistant and won’t collect any fur since it doesn’t have any fabric weave compared to conventional leashes that are made of nylon. While it might not be an affordable option, it’s nonetheless an excellent one when you’re looking for superior durability and comfort.

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BAAPET 5 FT Strong Dog Leash

Colorful Choice

This dog leash is designed for medium and large dogs, be it a Dogue de Bordeaux or Bernese Mountain Dog. With its new upgraded cover, it is guaranteed that it will not fall off easily. You’ll definitely love it because it does not leave a bad silicon smell on your wrist or hand. Compared to the others, its heavy-duty clasp is much bigger and more solid.

It can be assured that it’s 100% durable as it is made up of ½ inch diameter 5-ft climbing rope and a very strong clip hook. In addition, a professional double stitching sewing machine has been used to come up with this durable dog leash, making it possible to unbreak the seam even if the rope breaks.

Lastly, it can free you up from rope burns with its comfortable padded handles measuring 13 inches, three times longer than the other leashes. This BAAPET 5-ft strong dog leash will really give you the best control while leaving your dog with great freedom!

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Mighty Paw Double Dog Leash

The Perfect Double Leash For Households With Multiple Dogs

If you are a household with multiple pets, leashes like the Mighty Paw, that holds two dogs, can be a godsend. It stops you having to hold one leash per pet, saving your hands from chafing and strain, and giving you more control. The Mighty Paw also has a whole host of other handy features for even more great product value.

The 1-inch-wide, 2mm thick nylon leash comes in grey or green and is adjustable in length from 16 to 24 inches. It is also able to accommodate dogs of any size up to 100 pounds. Owners will be pleased to know that the swivel leash attachment prevents pets tangling when they move in different directions, avoiding embarrassing trip ups and compromising of your pet’s safety and security.

For night time walks, the reflective stitching in the leash is great, keeping your pets visible to cars as the light drops. It is also weather-proof and durable, ensuring it is able to withstand use after use without degrading, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it any time soon.

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SparklyPets Heavy Duty Rope Leash

Strong Leash That Goes with a Storage Bag

SparklyPets Heavy Duty Rope Leash is the most reliable retractable leash you could ever have for your dog. This durable nylon webbing leash is meant for large dogs that are strong pullers and leash chewers. It comes with a bungee that gives you two options in one leash of how far or close you’d like to walk your dog.

This pull dog leash has a padded handle protecting you from bruises, arm strains, and burns so you’ll absolutely adore every piece of it. The nylon rope leash has an anti-pull bungee, extra durable stitching, strong metallic hooks, natural leather joints and braided nylon rope that’s really a big help in achieving comfort and durability.

On top of all that, SparklyPets Heavy Duty Rope leash set comes with a smart guide that teaches the pet owner how to train, feed, and care for a new pup like a pro. This leash can be a perfect gift for any pet owner you know.

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tobeDRI Heavy Duty Dog Leash

Good Choice for Those who Enjoy Evening Walks

This newly designed dual handle dog leash is made up of 1-inch wide and 2-layers durable nylon webbing. It is 100% guaranteed thicker and stronger than any other dog leashes making it suitable for running and hiking use.

The leash is strong enough that it can hold onto your Saint Bernard or Tibetan Mastiff if you are out for a walk. Because it is made up of 2 layers of high-quality rope, the shorter handle makes it best suited for keeping your dog near you, especially if you are in crowded areas and busy streets while the longer one is perfect to be used if you let your pet walk around without boundaries.

It also has a foam handle that is soft but firm that protects you from leash burns plus a soft neoprene padded traffic handle that allows you to have a rapid control of your dog when needed. A sturdy quick-release carabiner is attached at the end of the leash for safety and convenience.

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How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

Now that you know which are the best dog leash products in the market, let’s now talk about how you can teach your dog to walk properly on a leash.

Like all dog training activities, you need to proceed in a step-by-step process. Make sure not to rush your dog as it can only make the training a lot harder and slower. That said, here are some tips you have to follow:

1. Make sure your dog is familiar with his collar and leash first. Don’t walk him immediately right after getting a leash. Instead, leave it lying on the floor and give your pet enough time to play with it until he gets used to it. You can then place the collar around his neck.
2. Afterward, teach him to respond to either a sound or verbal cue. This is when a clicker is really useful. Also, you might want to give him some treats while doing so.
3. Next, entice your dog to come closer to you. As he gets closer, start moving a few steps back before giving him a treat. This time, he should already be wearing both the collar and the leash. Wait for your dog to start walking towards your direction, then start walking a few paces.
4. Keep practicing it in your house with little distraction as possible until your dog becomes comfortable “walking” with you while wearing a leash. Once he gets used to it, you may start walking him outside. Take it slowly. Walk him around the backyard, then as he gets comfortable, walk him toward the next block, then around the neighborhood, and so on. Always make sure to do it slowly and reward him with praises and treats.

FAQs

Q: Can dog leashes be washed?

A: Yes, you can wash a dog leash. However, since each material is different, you have to check the instructions on how your leash should be cleaned. Most nylon leashes can be washed in a washing machine, while leather leashes should be washed using a special soap and a towel.

Q: How do I know the leash size I need?

A: The size of your leash will depend on the size and breed of your dog. You also need to consider the purpose you’re going to use the leash for. We’ve already mentioned the different leash sizes available above.

Q: How to stop the dog from biting the leash?

A: If your dog is fond of biting his leash, there are a few things you can do to prevent him from doing so. They are as follows:

• Give him interactive toys that contain treats and make him “work” to get those goodies. Not only will it give him something to play with, it’s also a good method to provide mental and physical stimulation.
• Look for activities that allow your dog to have a physical or mental workout. This could be a game of fetch or food puzzles.
• Divert his attention with the help of treats. This way, his attention will be focused on the treat instead of biting his leash.

Conclusion

A dog leash, like any other dog products like dog head halters, allows you to walk your dog effortlessly without having to worry about his safety and comfort. With the best dog leash, you can certainly have a worry-free adventure with your dog whether on the street, park, or the neighborhood.