7 Best Dog Leashes in 2024: Practical Guide on Choosing a Dog Accessory
Every dog owner will probably agree that this is incredible, extraordinary happiness. At least, I second this. However, it is worth realizing that this is also a huge responsibility. First and foremost, you should provide for the care and safety of your pet and those around it. One of the main elements of control for an animal is a leash to manage the dog’s movement in an emergency. This thing should be solid and enhance comfort for both a pet and an owner. The best dog leash for me is the WAUDOG model. My pets get freedom during the walk, and I can control them with the help of stylish retractable leashes. Let’s find out more about these dog accessories!
Top 7 Best Dog Leashes Reviewed
In my reviews, I will introduce you to several reliable and in-demand models and also tell you about the main criteria that should be considered when selecting a leash.
- WAUDOG: Best Retractable Dog Leash
- TwoEar: Best Dog Leash for Active Walks
- Siumouhoi: Best Training Dog Leash
- PINA: Best Long Dog Leash
- Jenico: Best Heavy Duty Dog Leash
- LWBMG: Best Leather Dog Leash
- PLUTUS PET: Best Pink Dog Leash With Two Handles
1. WAUDOG: Best Retractable Dog Leash
The WAUDOG brand appeared in 1995 and has tirelessly produced innovative accessories that have made pets and their owners happy since then. You will find a wide range of collars, harnesses, leashes, dog jackets, pullers, and dog toys in the brand’s collection. But I was captivated by one of their latest developments, the world’s first hands-free round leash.
I love walking my fluffy friends, especially with this stylish white 9.5 feet retractable dog leash. The accessory is light, made of nylon but surprisingly strong, and has withstood many fun adventures. The comfortable round handle fits on the wrist and leaves my hands free. Even if the dog suddenly decides to run forward, you will not experience pain, as with other leashes; the handle reduces the impact. Also, I like that the leash has a mechanism to secure the strap. The length I set remains stable throughout the walk. This model is my favorite and my recommendation.
- Ergonomic hands-free design;
- Reflective strip;
- Anti-slip handle;
- Reliable stop button;
- Dogs up to 88 lbs.
- The handle may be too big for a small hand.
2. TwoEar: Best Dog Leash for Active Walks
To unravel the mystery of the best dog leash, TwoEar is constantly studying feedback from pet owners. In 5 years, the brand managed to get close to the ideal formula and put a lot of valuable products on the market, which both dogs and their masters appreciated. I was lucky to test out this 6-feet green nylon leash with two handles. It is very convenient for training because it allows you to manage the animal’s movement better. The strap is tight, which guarantees durability, but the handles are soft and pleasant to the touch. In addition, among the accessory features, I would highlight a hook with automatic locking. I advised this model for active walks and running with your furry friend.
- Padded dual handles;
- Sturdy D ring for attaching waste bags or other things;
- Reflective design;
- Strong auto hook;
- Fit for all breeds.
- Fasteners might come undone.
3. Siumouhoi: Best Training Dog Leash
Many people dream of a pet. But they stop such thoughts when they remember that raising an animal requires not only time but also money. Siumouhoi has set itself the goal of creating affordable and reliable dog accessories that will enable everyone to realize their dream of having a pet. Several of my clients have purchased these nylon training leashes and are still happy with them.
First, this rope is attractive thanks to its durability. It has rotary clamps with a belt buckle and a carabiner made of stainless metal. The zigzag seam not only decorates but strengthens the strap. We spent many hours training with these leashes, and dogs and owners always felt comfortable and safe.
- Increased strength;
- The length of 10 feet;
- The width of 1 inch;
- Suitable for training;
- Combination of machine and hand work.
- Not suitable for large breed dogs.
- The collar is sold separately.
4. PINA: Best Long Dog Leash
This American brand’s philosophy is built on improving our pets’ lives. And they do it perfectly. The brand focuses on creating ergonomic and durable accessories that would satisfy the animal’s needs during the walk and make it comfortable and pleasant for the owners.
I know this model well because my neighbor Francis bought it. Among the highlights of this retractable nylon leash is its length, 26 feet. The dog has plenty of freedom during the walk and can solve all its affairs. At the same time, Francis might easily roll and unroll the rope with the help of a button on the handle, which is convenient to press with the thumb to lock the length. The strap and the spring retracting it are strong; the 360° swivel hook is made of shock-resistant ABS material. This long dog leash might be a good choice for everyday use.
- A length of 26 feet allows the dog to explore a large area;
- Reflective material;
- Easy to use;
- Handle with anti-slip effect;
- Additional collar, collapsible water bowl, and garbage bag dispenser as a gift.
- The lock button may not work correctly.
5. Jenico: Best Heavy Duty Dog Leash
Jenico manufactures various pet items, including leashes, pet grooming hammock harnesses, and dog-run trolley systems. Thanks to its products, we might consciously take care of our pets. I saw one of this brand’s things in the park. The dog with this unusual leash immediately caught my attention, and I asked its owner about this accessory. Sam was delighted with his purchase, especially its upgrades. First, the updated version has a cushioning bungee that allows you to control and soften the pull of the animal. In addition, reducing tension in the hand provides a more comfortable walk. The second innovation was a 360° swivel hook made of zinc alloy, the material used to make accessories for rock climbers! Sam’s dog has forgotten what it’s like to get tangled in a leash; now, it runs and plays freely, remaining under its owner’s control.
- Designed for heavy-duty walking, running, and training;
- Damping bungee;
- Swivel lockable hook;
- Comfortable padded handle;
- Reflective material.
- The protective rubber on the handle might slip;
- The leash may seem cumbersome.
6. LWBMG: Best Leather Dog Leash
Leather leashes always look attractive, but it is also essential that they are durable. LWBMG managed to cope with this task and combine these characteristics in its products. The brand specializes in leather ammunition for animals, using imported cowhide. I use this leash as a spare for walking and training, and it’s always a good experience. This braided strap is handmade, 6 feet long, 3/4 inch thick and has a great look. At the same time, it is convenient. The leash is quickly and reliably fixed to the collar using a copper hook with a galvanic coating. Thanks to the elasticity and polished surface, it is comfortable to hold. The main thing is not to get into the rain with it because the leather might deteriorate after getting wet.
- Stylish handmade design;
- Long-lasting Italian leather;
- Copper swivel hook;
- Smooth surface.
- The leash has a smooth coating on only one side;
- It is not recommended to use in wet weather.
7. PLUTUS PET: Best Pink Dog Leash With Two Handles
A walk should be a pleasure–the designers of PLUTUS PET decided and began to create ergonomic, bright, and durable leashes for dogs. This stylish pink model is a favorite of my friend Clara and her dog. The strap offers a length of 6 feet and 2 thick handles with neoprene linings so that your hands do not burn after an active walk. The standard handle is suitable for daily use when the dog freely walks and sniffs the territory. The second handle is located 1 foot from the collar, allowing you to control your dog in crowded areas or near bike paths. This bright pink dog leash is nylon and quite strong. It is 0.11 inches thick and 1 inch wide, so it might withstand even the large Clara Cane Corso. In addition, the rope is sewn with a reflective thread, which guarantees safety during evening walks. The brand gives a one-year warranty with the possibility of replacing the leash.
- Two handles with lining;
- Reflective seam;
- Strong rope material;
- One-year warranty with replacement.
- A clasp might be more durable.
What We Looked at When Choosing the Best Dog Leash
When seeking the best dog leash, you should pay attention to its quality first of all. That is a control tool, meaning you should be confident in it. In addition, the accessory should be comfortable for your pet and you. If the look of a leash is important to you, there are various options on the market to suit every taste. Let’s consider the main points for selecting in more detail.
Water-resistant and durable materials
Solid and reliable materials guarantee the high quality of the leash. I recommend approaching this issue thoughtfully, especially if your dog is a large breed and active. After all, if a leash is torn, your pet might hurt someone or itself. The most common materials from which leashes are made are tarpaulin, nylon, metal, leather, or its substitutes. We will talk about each of them in more detail below. It is essential to pay attention to the seams and accessories as well. They should be solid and neat, and the leash connections should be well-fastened.
Water resistance also matters when it comes to the best dog leash. Daily walks in any weather are crucial for an animal’s life. Therefore, if you live in a region with frequent precipitation or your dog often has fun in the water, you should take care of a waterproof leash. The best option might be to purchase a separate leash for such cases.
Designed for safety
Ensuring safety for your pet and others is the main task of a leash. It should hold firmly on the dog and at the same time not press its body, not create a danger to the animal’s health if it suddenly pulls. You should feel comfortable holding and controlling the leash as well. If necessary, it could help to move the animal towards you quickly.
Available in a range of sizes
The modern market offers a wide selection of leashes for dogs in different sizes. You might find a model for the Chia Hua and the Shepherd that you will like and match the animal’s size and needs. Buying a leash with the pet or knowing all its parameters is recommended. In this way, it is easier to choose the optimal model.
Stylish and available in multiple colors
The dog is a family member, so it is not surprising that the owners care about all aspects of its life. Are you paying attention to a cute dog leash in your favorite or trendy color at the zoo shop? Me either! It is one of the examples that we want to be on the one page with our pets. This is especially relevant for pet owners participating in exhibitions because the animal look must be at the highest level. However, in pursuing a new-brand style for the leash, one should not forget about the functionality of the accessory.
How to Choose a Leash for Your Dog
In the previous section, we focused on major and minor points when choosing a leash. Read on to learn more about materials and additional criteria for selecting this accessory.
Length and weight
To choose the optimal leash length, you need to consider the animal’s temperament and breed. The more active the pet, the longer the leash should be. For particularly energetic ones, a leash of 16 feet in length may be needed. For small breeds, 6.5–10 feet may be enough; for medium and large breeds, consider options from 10 feet.
The purpose of the leash is also essential:
- 5 feet — moving through crowded streets, trips in transport, a trip to the veterinarian, use for service dogs during working hours, walking without a leash (the ammunition is used to reach the walking spot);
- 6.5 feet — a walk to the nearest dog walking areas;
- 3.2–6.5 feet — training, the practice of basic commands;
- 16.4 feet — training, practice commands “Fetch,” “Come,” and “Place.”
It would be great to find the optimal length so that a pet has enough freedom but cannot get tangled in a long ribbon.
Talking about weight, you should focus on the dog’s physical condition. A heavy metal leash may be suitable for active pets that do not exercise much. If the animal is small or old and has a disease, try to find an easier option.
Material
Dog leashes are made of various materials that differ in strength, comfort, and appearance. There are the most popular options:
Tarpaulin
Tarpaulin is a pretty strong, affordable material, easily cleaned from dirt. It is comfortable to hold in hand but becomes hard and unpleasant to the touch when it gets wet. A minus is that a large, aggressive dog might chew it.
Nylon
Similar to a tarpaulin, nylon is often used for roulettes, classic, and modern models. However, if the leash is very narrow, you should be careful. If the dog jerks sharply, you might get an arm injury.
Leather
A leather dog leash is durable, pleasant to the touch, and looks good. But it has a high cost and requires additional care. The product must be periodically treated. In addition, over time, its quality may deteriorate due to contact with water or after being chewed by your pet. I recommend choosing models with firmware that might last longer.
Leather substitute
Unlike leather ammunition, this leash is cheaper and less capricious. However, it has significantly lower strength, endurance, and appearance characteristics.
Metal
Metal chain models are solid and have a spectacular appearance. They are not supposed for free learning areas as with other long models. Such a heavy and short dog leash might be a good choice for fighting dogs that will likely quickly tear apart other options. Models with welded links are considered the most durable options.
Extras
Brands offer additional options to ensure maximum comfort for animals and their owners:
- The adjustable length allows you to control the movement of the animal;
- Lining under the strap for greater comfort;
- Light-reflective elements improve the animal’s visibility in the dark;
- Waterproof coating;
- Jogging belt for the owner, to which the leash is attached;
- Shock-absorbing spring to prevent accidental injuries due to a sharp jerk;
- Attachment to a bicycle, a seat belt in a car, etc.
FAQ About Dog Leashes
The more you learn about dogs, the more questions might appear. I am here to answer the most common one.
Is it better to walk your dog on a leash or harness?
It depends on the breed and activity of your pet. For large dogs, I recommend buying a leash. A harness is considered the best option for very energetic dogs, sled dogs, and those with musculoskeletal disorders, small breeds.
How to train your dog to walk on a leash?
Use the leash from the very first walks with the puppy. It would be best if you were patient and did not indulge your pet. For example, if it pulls somewhere to the side, you should stop, call, pet it, and indicate the desired direction of motion.
Does a service dog have to be on a leash?
According to the ADA, “service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.”
What Is the Best Dog Leash?
When you decide to get a dog, you should be prepared to change your life forever. A dog might become your best friend, but to build a harmonious friendship, you need to put in a lot of effort. You might start by choosing the best dog leash. The accessory should match the pet’s breed and temperament. My top choice is the WAUDOG retractable model. This convenient and reliable leash successfully performs its main functions: it allows you to control the dog’s actions and makes it possible to pull the pet to you in an emergency quickly. I recommend each pet owner get to know their dog well, as it helps choose a leash that ensures safety and comfort for both of you.
Tell us, please, about your pet! If it brings the leash to you, hinting at a walk? What are the features most important to you in this thing?
Britta Thygesen
A passionate dog owner and a full-time certified dog trainer. Aspires to make DogCareHacks a go-to place for all the doggo info. Shares personal experience and professional knowledge.
