A leash is not just for dogs but for every dog owner who wants to protect their pet while allowing them to explore the world. The best dog leash is one that comes in many sizes and colors, is sturdy, and can give perfect control and freedom to your furry friend.
The pull-and-push game between you and your four-legged companion can be risky, especially when you are in busy places. This is why investing in a good dog leash is important — you can safeguard your pet and enjoy your time with them.
We know the struggle of finding the right leash for your dog can be tiresome. So, we have listed the best dog leashes here; rest assured, you’ll find one for your pet’s breed.
What Types of Dog Leashes Are There?
The following are the most common types of dog leashes that are available on the market:
Retractable Leash
This super-convenient leash makes sudden control easy. It can offer appropriate lengths and give your pet the freedom to roam.
Standard Leash
This is a standard type of leash that has basic features such as a simple design, a buckle, and a clip to attach the harness.
Hands-free Leash
This leash is meant to be worn around the waist and allows hands-free walking or jogging.
Slip Leash
This kind includes the collar and leash in one lead. It benefits dogs who are strong pullers — it loosens and tightens to help train your dog to walk along with you.
Martingle Leash
This leash can be really handy when you want to secure your pet without letting it back out of a collar. However, such leashes are not recommended for unsupervised pets.
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What Kind of Dog Leash Should I get?
Choosing the best dog leash can be overwhelming. But keeping these points in mind can make this task easy:
Your Dog’s Size and Strength
The size and strength of your pet are essential factors to consider while choosing a dog leash. The stronger and larger your canine, the sturdier your leash has to be. Thinner, lightweight leashes can be used for small breeds.
Material
Material is another aspect to be considered when looking for a good dog leash. Dog leash brands offer various materials; the popular ones are mentioned below:
- Nylon: Nylon is a quite affordable material used to make reliable leashes that last longer. Such leashes are easy to clean and can be quick-drying.
- Steel: Steel is a long-lasting and most durable material. Leashes made out of steel are generally for large breeds and might not be very comfortable to use on a daily basis.
- Leather: Leather leashes are an all-time favorite. Not only are these stylish but they are also comfortable to use.
- Reflective Leash: A reflective leash is meant for visibility at night. These leashes can be seen in low light, making them apt for safety.
Style
Gone are the times when boring dog leashes prevailed. Today, we have leashes in multiple cool colors and numerous features. Some of the most preferred styles are slip leashes, hands-free leashes, and retractable leashes.
Durability
Durability is a major factor to consider. Cheap dog leashes may not last long and can even be uncomfortable. Look for sturdy leashes that don’t risk your pet’s health.
Other Features
When deciding on the best dog leash, consider features like a comfortable handle with soft padding and robust closure. These features are important as they can impact comfort levels and, depending on the quality, add or reduce strain on the hands. One should also look for features like swivel clips that can prevent twisting and turning while you and your pet enjoy your walk.
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Best Dog Leashes to Buy in 2024
Now that you’re more informed about dog leashes, it is time to find the right product for your canine friend. At DogTime, we aim to bring you the most suitable options for your fur baby. We have assessed these products based on several factors, including quality, ease of use, practicality, and durability, to ensure that your pet gets superior quality leashes and top-grade safety!
BEST OVERALL
Joytale Double-sided Reflective Dog Leash
Check Price on AmazonBEST RETRACTABLE
TUG 360° Tangle-free Retractable Dog Leash
Check Price on AmazonBEST HEAVY-DUTY
BAAPET Dog Leash With Padded Handle
Check Price on AmazonBEST DUAL HANDLES
JEWOSTER Heavy Duty Dog Leash
Check Price on AmazonBEST COMFORTABLE
Taglory Dog Leash
Check Price on AmazonBEST ANTI-SHOCK
Auroth Bungee Dog Leash
Check Price on AmazonBEST WATER-RESIST
AMAGOOD Traditional Dog Leash
Check Price on AmazonBEST OVERALL
Joytale Double-sided Reflective Dog Leash
PHOTO CREDIT: Joytale
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Durable quality
High-density webbing
Available in many sizes
Available in multiple colors
Double-sided reflective feature
Upgraded D ring for carrying stuff
But…
Not very thick
The Joytale Double-sided Reflective Dog Leash combines beautiful color, superior quality, and a heavy-duty metal clasp, all of which are important aspects of a good dog leash. Made of nylon, it is lightweight but highly durable. The brand has added soft cushion padding on the inner side to make it comfortable to hold. Not only are these pads soft to the touch, but they also help you maintain a strong grip, especially when you wish to control your furry friend.
The solid spinning clasp prevents the leash from twisting and lets your fur baby enjoy tangle-free movements. It is 6 feet long and ¾ inch wide, which gives enough freedom to your pet and gives you easy control.
BEST RETRACTABLE
TUG 360° Tangle-free Retractable Dog Leash
PHOTO CREDIT: TUG
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Tough ABS casing
Strong nylon woven tape
Anti-slip TPE comfort handle
Impact-resistant nylon plastic
Easy to manage small handle
Stainless steel coil spring for better retraction
But…
Not chew-resistant
This is a unique leash for dogs. Unlike regular ones, the TUG 360° Tangle-free Retractable Dog Leash comes with a tug-and-lock system that helps control your canine better. This system has easy roll-on and roll-off, which can be done with your thumb. Featuring an ergonomic, anti-slip grip that is comfortable to hold while preventing slipping, the leash ensures safety and security.
The leash prevents tangling with the tape inlet, which helps you control your pet at any angle. Its prime features include strong nylon wave tape and a chrome-plated rust-proof clasp, both of which ensure consistent retraction and smooth control.
BEST HEAVY-DUTY
BAAPET Dog Leash With Padded Handle
PHOTO CREDIT: BAAPET
Buy on AmazonWhy We Love
Durable sewing
Sturdy handle
360° rotating clasp
Great color
Replaceable buckle
Available in multiple sizes
But…
Not super durable
The BAAPET dog leash is a heavy-duty rock climbing rope with padded handles. It is 1/2 inch wide and highly durable. The padded handles help you stay comfortable while keeping your pet safe as you enjoy your walks. The leash is made of reflective threads that are visible on your late-evening walks. It is 5 feet long, giving you a balance between control and freedom.
Sharing some real-life experiences, an Amazon review reads — “Durable and nice-looking, and the large, cushioned handle is comfortable. The metal clip is big enough to be managed easily. My doodle is 73 pounds and the size of a standard poodle. I have a couple of these hanging in the mudroom by the door, and one in the “dog-go bag” kept in the car for trips short or long. Nice colors available. Bought another for my son’s dog”.
BEST DUAL HANDLES
JEWOSTER Heavy Duty Dog Leash
PHOTO CREDIT: JEWOSTER
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6ft long
Durable material
Has dual handles for better control
360° rotating clasp
Enhanced rugged construction
Available in 8 colors
Double-layer nylon for better strength
But…
The color might fade
Made with nylon material and a padded handle, this dog leash from JEWOSTER keeps you and your pet safe and comfortable. It features an extra traffic handle, which lets you control your naughty fur babies in heavy traffic without shocking them. Interestingly, the leash has luminous reflective threading, which helps safeguard your pet during those late-night walks.
With a 2-inch-wide heavy-duty clip and D-ring, this leash allows you to carry a disposable bag or keys while on the go. It is tightly webbed with nylon, 3mm thick, and 1 inch wide for extra control.
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BEST WITH COMFORTABLE HANDLE
Taglory Dog Leash
PHOTO CREDIT: Taglory
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Premium quality
Great price
Reflective feature for better visibility at night
Available in 3 sizes and many cool colors
Comes with an O-ring on the handle for hanging keys
But…
It will wear away with time
A heavy-duty leash like this one from Taglory can really help with those uncertain journeys where you wish to keep your four-legged companion safe. It comes in handy due to its reinforced woven design. It is ½-inch wide and sturdy enough for adult dogs and dogs of large breeds.
Featuring a foam-padded handle, this leash helps you get a stronger yet more comfortable grip. Its nickel-plated zinc alloy clip helps prevent the rope from twisting. It also helps keep your hands protected during those strong pulls that are needed to keep your fur baby safe.
BEST ANTI-SHOCK
Auroth Bungee Dog Leash
PHOTO CREDIT: Auroth
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Available in 11 colors
Features a seat belt buckle
High-wear resistance
360° rotating clip
Easy to open and close clasp
Reflective material that is easily visible at night
But…
Some pet parents may prefer something more stretchable
If you want to get an anti-shock leash for your fur baby, then Auroth’s Bungee Dog Leash is the one to get. It is a heavy-duty leash made of nylon, which lasts a long time. Featuring 2 padded handles, it allows you to control your pet along with the leash as and when the streets get busy.
The top handle is meant for use while walking or running. On the other hand, the bottom handle is meant to be used while you are in busy places like sidewalks, crowded areas, bike lanes, etc. The prime feature of this product is its anti-shock design, which eases the pressure on your pet while keeping them safe. It also has a soft handle that helps maintain cushiony control.
BEST WATER-RESIST
AMAGOOD Traditional Dog Leash
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAGOOD
Buy on AmazonWhy We Love
Reinforced stitching
Strong joints
360° tangle-free swivel
Easy to grip
Comfortable handle
Classing design
But…
Some pet parents may require more features
AMAGOOD’s Dog Leash is a lightweight leash that can be used to walk your pet while on the go. It is strong and durable, with an easy-to-use on-and-off hook. Since it is so convenient, it doesn’t feel like a huge effort when you wish to take your canine out for a walk.
Available in multiple sizes, this soft leash can be your go-to option when looking for several pets. The non-absorbent material prevents it from being heavy while in the water. Also, it doesn’t sink and floats if submerged completely. It has nickel-plated swivels, which prevent twisting.
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How We Choose the Best Dog Leashes?
We at DogTime, bring to you the best dog leashes after in-depth research and discussions with top veterinarians. We have also listed the options after getting to know the real-life experiences of dog owners. These dog leashes will help you control your pet with the utmost care while giving them much-needed freedom. Choose one that meets your requirements and be assured of its quality.
FAQ
What leash is best for a dog that pulls?
Joytale Double-sided Reflective Dog Leash and TUG 360° Tangle-free Retractable Dog Leash are a few leash brands that are best for a dog that pulls.
Are dogs allowed off the leash in the US?
There are state-wide leash laws in America. Dogs must be leashed in many public places, like parks in the US.
What kind of leash do vets use?
Slip leashes are the ones that vets use. They are easy to use, as the leashes can be adjusted according to the pet’s collar, and they provide better control.
What is the strongest material for dog leashes?
Thickly braided nylon or steel is the strongest material for dog leashes.
Are leashes safe for dogs?
Yes, leashes are safe for dogs as long as they are of premium quality and do not suffocate your pet.
What is the best dog leash that won’t break?
Joytale Double-sided Reflective Dog Leash and BAAPET Dog Leash are some of the best dog leashes that won’t break. These are premium quality dog leashes that can be trusted for their quality.
How do I choose the right dog leash?
While choosing the right dog leash, consider the material of the leash, its style, your pet’s size and strength, and the durability of the leash.