best Leashes for dogs
Updated November 2020
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
- As Good As It Gets
- Best On A Budget
iYoShop 6 FT Strong Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle and Highly Reflective Threads
Bottom Line
Warranty covers any defects and even covers accidental CHEWING. For every leash sold, one is donated to a dog rescue. Dog rescues are constantly in whatever need and help they can get.
Made with strong high-density nylon rope and durable metal clasp. The handle is padded which makes it easy and comfortable in the hand making it suitable for heavy pullers.
Double handle affordable leash. For each and every leash sold, one is donated to a dog rescue. Dog rescues are constantly in whatever need and help they can get.
Great looking retractable leash with tough ABS Casing and Anti-slip comfortable handle. The tug quick log system is long-lasting and easy to control.
Durable leash embedded with reflective materials ensures safety and visibility for you and your furry friend. The leash is lightweight and affordable. A lot of color options and great after-sale support.
Pros
Designed with only one thing in mind, the consumer. The products are Tough, Heavy Duty, Durable, Comfortable, and Affordable. Reflective stitching to increase visibility at night.
The leash has reflective threading that keeps both you and your pupper safe and visible during those late evening walks. Comes with a 60- Day 100% Money back guarantee. Stretches making it comfortable for you and the dog.
The leash is very durable. The metal clasp and the bracket are sure to last long. Perfect for heavy chewers. Reflective stitching on the leash improves visibility. Extra handle provides easy control.
Tangle-free 360 degrees tape movement. The strap is wider which makes it suitable for heavy pullers. The ergonomic design ensures great grip even in adverse and wet weather.
The handle is not only soft but is made up of anti-slip material which makes it easy to grip. Easy and quick to use. Tangle-free and great for all activities. 30-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty.
Cons
The leash is only 1 inch wide which can make it susceptible to fraying, wear and tear in the long run. The lifetime warranty and the donation makes up for it.
The handle is made with foam is less durable and can wear off. Also, the material can be slippery in wet weather making it unsuitable for heavy pullers.
The leash is not well padded which makes it harder to grip sometimes especially for heavy pullers.
As this is a retractable leash, it might not be great for puppies or dogs in training. Also not suitable for heavy chewers.
The handle can be a little bit smaller to work with for someone with bigger hands. The leash is thin and not suitable for heavy chewers
- As Good As It Gets
Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash
Bottom Line
Warranty covers any defects and even covers accidental CHEWING. For every leash sold, one is donated to a dog rescue. Dog rescues are constantly in whatever need and help they can get.
Pros
Designed with only one thing in mind, the consumer. The products are Tough, Heavy Duty, Durable, Comfortable, and Affordable. Reflective stitching to increase visibility at night.
Cons
The leash is only 1 inch wide which can make it susceptible to fraying, wear and tear in the long run. The lifetime warranty and the donation makes up for it.
- Best On A Budget
iYoShop 6 FT Strong Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle and Highly Reflective Threads
Bottom Line
Made with strong high-density nylon rope and durable metal clasp. The handle is padded which makes it easy and comfortable in the hand making it suitable for heavy pullers.
Pros
The leash has reflective threading that keeps both you and your pupper safe and visible during those late evening walks. Comes with a 60- Day 100% Money back guarantee. Stretches making it comfortable for you and the dog.
Cons
The handle is made with foam is less durable and can wear off. Also, the material can be slippery in wet weather making it unsuitable for heavy pullers.
Max and Neo Double Handle Traffic Dog Leash Reflective
Bottom Line
Double handle affordable leash. For each and every leash sold, one is donated to a dog rescue. Dog rescues are constantly in whatever need and help they can get.
Pros
The leash is very durable. The metal clasp and the bracket are sure to last long. Perfect for heavy chewers. Reflective stitching on the leash improves visibility. Extra handle provides easy control.
Cons
The leash is not well padded which makes it harder to grip sometimes especially for heavy pullers.
TUG 360° Tangle-Free, Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash
Bottom Line
Great looking retractable leash with tough ABS Casing and Anti-slip comfortable handle. The tug quick log system is long-lasting and easy to control.
Pros
Tangle-free 360 degrees tape movement. The strap is wider which makes it suitable for heavy pullers. The ergonomic design ensures great grip even in adverse and wet weather.
Cons
As this is a retractable leash, it might not be great for puppies or dogs in training. Also not suitable for heavy chewers.
Fida Retractable Dog Leash
Bottom Line
Durable leash embedded with reflective materials ensures safety and visibility for you and your furry friend. The leash is lightweight and affordable. A lot of color options and great after-sale support.
Pros
The handle is not only soft but is made up of anti-slip material which makes it easy to grip. Easy and quick to use. Tangle-free and great for all activities. 30-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty.
Cons
The handle can be a little bit smaller to work with for someone with bigger hands. The leash is thin and not suitable for heavy chewers
How We Decided
The selection of dog leashes out there are seemingly endless, and it can be confusing for even the most discerning dog owners. To find the best leashes out there, we scoured the internet, checking reviews and finding out exactly what owners around the world were saying about what makes the best dog leash. Here’s the breakdown:
23
Models Considered
8
Hours Researched
1
Experts Interviewed
5
Consumer Consulted
Buying Guide For Best Dog Leashes
In many ways, the dog leash you select will be an extension of whatever collar or harness you use with your dog. This means that it’s important to consider what features will work best in tandem with what you use already.
And since generally, your dog is on a leash when you’re out and about on a walk, it’s important that both you and the dog are comfortable with its use. A good leash allows for proper control of your dog, even in frenetic environments like a dog park. It shouldn’t be uncomfortable for either the dog or owner, ever.
Buying Guide For Best Dog Leashes
In many ways, the dog leash you select will be an extension of whatever collar or harness you use with your dog. This means that it’s important to consider what features will work best in tandem with what you use already.
And since generally, your dog is on a leash when you’re out and about on a walk, it’s important that both you and the dog are comfortable with its use. A good leash allows for proper control of your dog, even in frenetic environments like a dog park. It shouldn’t be uncomfortable for either the dog or owner, ever.
Key Considerations
Caution
Though a dog leash may seem simple, it’s important that consideration is taken when choosing materials, length, and weight. A thick leash with heavy fasteners will be uncomfortable for many dogs and owners. A leash that too light won’t hold up and can even put your dog at risk should it break.
Dog Leash Features
Expert Tip
While many owners allow it, in all instances you shouldn’t allow your dog to chew on its leash. Despite being made from strong materials, all leashes are designed to secure your dog, and even moderate chewing can compromise material over time. From a behavioral perspective, this also gives the dog a sense of control over the leash, which can lead to more pulling, chewing, and unruly behaviors.
Dog Leash Prices
The cost of dog leashes run the gamut from as low as $10 to as high as $100+. A lot of this has to do with the quality of materials, but be aware that ‘fashion’ and ‘branding’ for the owner’s benefit plays a huge role in the cost of leashes. A simple, no-name braided rope leash is likely as good as a boutique, ‘high-end’ leash using the same materials. The markups on leashes are enormous, so unless you’re getting identifiable technical features or benefits, ask yourself where your money is going.
Tips
To make sure you get the most out of your leash, here are a few things to consider:
- Get the right size. This is largely a matter of personal preference, but the length of a leash dictates the amount of control you can maintain over your dog. If you walk in solitary areas a long leash can allow for exploration, whereas in busy spots with other dogs, a short leash gives much-needed control.
- Correct undesirable behaviors. For training purposes, shorter, heavier leashes can be beneficial when a dog is young. The weight of the leash and the close proximity to the owner let the dog learn at a young age who’s in control during excursions.
- Choose materials that are safe for pets. Cheaper leashes are often made from low-quality, chemical-laden synthetic ropes and should be avoided. Ultimately, owners should look for dog leaches free of BPA’s and phthalates.
other products we Considered
Aside from our picks, there is an abundance of choices that we couldn’t test. But here are other options that you might want to consider for your dog.
Dog Slip Rope Leash: A great option if you don’t use a collar, this leash has an end-loop with a sliding lock mechanism to securely fasten it around your dog’s neck.
Pet Union Dog Lead Retractable Leash: With a 16ft strapline and a quick-locking mechanism, this is a great option if you walk in areas where your dog can get safely separated from you.
FAQ's
What size leash should I get for my dog?
Generally, 6ft in length is the most common for dog leashes. For most owners, this is short enough to maintain control without the dog getting underfoot. Generally, unless you have a retractable leash, you don’t want enough slack in the line so that it drags on the ground, wearing out and getting dirty.
How do I clean my dog leash?
Dog leashes get dirty, so it’s important to clean them from time to time. A sink filled with warm water and mild dish soap will do the trick, as long as you make sure to rinse the leash well and allow it to fully air-dry (the heat from a dryer will compromise most materials).
What’s the best material for a dog’s leash?
Nylong is far and away the most popular material for dog leashes because it is inexpensive and extremely durable. If your dog is a big chewer and you’re concerned about man-made materials, cotton and leather are both excellent, though considerably more expensive.
The Team That WOrked on This Review
Nitin Gupta
Chief Content Officer
JJ Resnick
Director of Growth
Erik Adler
Editorial Director