11 Dog Leashes that Have a Hold on Us
Sit, stay, and fetch yourself a cup of coffee. You’re gonna want to take the time to read through this. Here, we’ve outlined the best leashes and leads for your canine companion. And while free roaming is always best, sometimes you have to bite the bullet and put little things like “safety” and “law” ahead of your dog’s desires to explore the big wide world.
A leash isn’t just a nylon strap that puts Poochie in a choke hold when he or she wants to wander. They are specially-designed restraints that let your dog know when they’ve gone too far. And aside from keeping King by your side, a good leash will keep him comfortable and prevent your hand from chaffing.
Here are the “paws” and cons of the top 11 dog leashes.
#1 Top Dog: Flexi Explore Retractable Cord Dog Leash ($32.39)
Imagine your dog having the freedom to walk more than 25 feet away from you while you remain in control. Now imagine this dog weighs up to 110 pounds. While other leashes don’t make this distance possible, the Flexi Explore does. This retractable dog leash is perfect when your adventures take you to the local (dog-friendly) green space in your neighborhood.BestConsumerReviews.com explains this leash has the longest retractable cord on the market andThoroughly Reviewed calls it the perfect leash.
A patented one-hand braking system makes for easy walks where you’re in the lead no matter what your dog wants to explore, saysBuyTheBest10.com. Made in Germany, the Flexi Explore is built for both walking and strenuous training sessions, saysTopReviewPro.com. Finally,TopDogTips.com points out that the nylon belt and durable plastic case perfectly complement the ergonomic design of this top-billed dog leash.
Paws
- Comfortable to use
- Extends up to 26”
Cons
- Not chew resistant
- Limited colors
2. Pets Lovers Club Durable Dog Leash Pet Lead (Price: $13.99)
This ultra-sturdy dog leash is available in three colors, two of which offer the option for reflectivity. Bright colors not only make you and your pet more visible during the day, they make it easier to keep up with your lead when not in use.Thoroughly Reviewed says the double layer design of the Pets Lovers Club dog leash has encouraged some innovative farmers to use it as a horse lead, too. Made of high-quality nylon,BuyTheBest10.com points out a padded handle gives the Pets Lovers durable dog leash extra comfort.
6-feet in length, this heavy-duty dog leash makes it easy to remain in control at all times. While TopReviewPro.com thinks it deserves top billing, it still holds strong in our opinion and comes in comfortably the number two spot. TopDogTips.com says that it offers excellent quality while remaining lightweight. Pets Lovers Club products are manufactured by Dutchy Brand, a family-owned company committed to customer – and canine – satisfaction.
Paws
- Lightweight and durable
- Perfect length for walks
Cons
- Limited colors
- Basic dog leash with no-frills
(Information Source Amazon)
3. TaoTronics Retractable Dog Leash (Price: $16.99)
With a 16-foot reach,BestReviews.com says this is a great leash for dogs up to 110 pounds. The TaoTronics retractable dog leash is great for both owners and pet care professionals who want to give their canine companion a little extra leeway while remaining in control, according toThe Spruce. Its heavy-duty construction and comfortable, ergonomic grip handles make this leash a hands down winner for pet people who like to take long walks.
Business Insider points out that TaoTronics offers a five-year satisfaction guarantee on many of its innovative pet care products.BuyTheBest10.com says it’s simply one of the best dog leashes on the market due to its shock-resistant plastic casing and single-handed braking and belt recoil design.
Paws
- Weatherproof
- Allows dog to explore
Cons
- Basic color/color combinations
- Only one size
(Information Source Amazon)
4. Leatherberg Dog Training Leash (Price: $25.99)
The first all-leather leash on our list, the Leatherberg Dog Training Leash is a substantial upgrade compared to store-bought nylon leash systems. With a heavy duty, swiveling stainless steel clasp, the Leatherberg Dog Training Leash lets your pet move as he likes without getting tangled up. BestReviews.com says this leash is ideal for active dogs and emphasizes how well the leather stays clean compared to nylon. MyPetNeedsThat.com also liked the solid leather construction and durability.
If you’re wondering why leather, you should know that real leather absorbs the shock of pulling, which is why this leash is marketed as a training leash. It’s also exceptionally good for walking and short jogs. TopReviewPro.com cites the manufacturer’s longevity in the industry as part of the reason this leash makes the top 10.
Paws
- Strict quality controls
- 100% leather
Cons
- Only available in brown and black
- Multiple leashes may get heavy compared to nylon
(Information Source Amazon)
5.PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash (Price $7.99)
We didn’t expect to see such an affordable leash on a top products list, but here it is, in the top 5. This nylon pet leash attaches easily to any collar and can be paired with multiple training accessories including gentle lead and walking harnesses. Aside from affordability, this leash has options in its corner and is available in six attractive solid colors.TopReviewPro.com trusts the PetSafe name since it’s been a leading manufacturer of pet products for more than two decades.
BuyTheBest10.com claims this less-than $10 leash is soft and every bit as good as heavier, thicker leashes. When you’ve got a whole crew for walk time, this is the leash to beat. It’s cheap without being chintzy, cute without over-styling, and strong without bulk.
Paws
- Multiple sizes/lengths available
- Functional and affordable
Cons
- No padding on handle
- Non-reflective
(Information Source Amazon)
6. Downtown Pet Supply Durable Dog Leash (Price: $9.99)
Downtown Pet Supply offers this no-frills dog leash for less than the cost of a movie ticket. Available in five eye-catching colors, including pink, red, and purple, this 6-foot dog leash makes an excellent backup or primary lead. BestConsumerReviews.com found the polypropylene material resistant to mold and mildew. Unlike cloth-based dog leashes, this one won’t absorb water but will stay soft and durable.
Ideal for professional dog walkers, the Downtown Pet Supply leash is versatile for dogs of many sizes and comes in widths from 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
Paws
- Affordable
- Padded handle
Cons
- May not be suitable for extra-large dogs
- Basic function with no added features
(Information sourceAmazon)
7. Leashboss Heavy Duty Dog Leash for Large Dogs (Price: $27.98)
The Leashboss heavy-duty dog leash offers two-handed operation for comfort and convenience. When you’re walking a large dog that likes to pull, nothing gives you more control than this 5-foot, professional-strength dog lead. Its extra strong construction is backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The Spruce claims this leash is best for headstrong dogs that think they’re in control. Business Insider, as well as dog walkers across the country, agree. The Leashboss heavy-duty dog leash gives you the option of allowing your dog a little extra room to roam or keeping him by your side when you need to remind him who’s in charge.
Paws
- Extreme control
- Padded dual handles
Cons
- Best for dogs over 40 pounds
- More expensive than basic models
(Information Source Amazon)
8. Flexi Neon Leash 16ft. (Price: $19.99)
We’ve already seen Flexi brand leashes once on this list. The Neon is another excellent option from the German-born, canine-centered corporation. The Flexi Neon is available in small, medium, and large and boasts high visibility for you night walkers. At 16-feet in length, the Neon lets you give your furry friend plenty of room to wander but retracts so you remain in control.Thoroughly Reviewed calls it “the perfect leash…”
The Flexi Neon is one of the most comfortable-to-hold leashes on the market and can be controlled with one hand.TopReviewPro.com praises the design, especially the convenient permanent stop feature.
Paws
- Attractive and sturdy
- Retractable
Cons
- May fray if chewed
- Limited colors available
(Information SourceAmazon)
9. Primal Pet Extra Long Leash (Price: $13.95)
This 8-foot, double-handled dog leash is PAWfect for walking and training high-spirited pooches. Primal Pet Gear has thoughtfully integrated comfort features into this practical leash. Two padded handles and visible/reflective stitching help you keep your dog safe morning, noon, and night. TopReviewPro.com says this leash is a great alternative when the standard 6-feet of freedom isn’t enough for your roaming Rover.
BestReviews.com notes the 1-foot handle helps you regain control of the situation should your walking tail-wagger become aggressive or over-excited. This is one of the more attractive offerings on our list and perfectly pairs a deep black strap with white accent stitching and red handle padding.
Paws
- Dual handles
- Reflective stitching for nighttime safety
Cons
- Extra length may get in the way when using as a close lead
- Handles may be small for large hands
(Information SourceAmazon)
10. Coastal Pet Remington Nylon Slip Leash (Price $10.37)
The only braided leash on our list, the Coastal Pet Remington Nylon Slip Leash is a wonderful addition to your pet gear line up. It’s strong, soft, and lightweight to go where you – and your pet – want to go. This no-nonsense leash features an interesting green and white checkered pattern and is accented in brown leather. BestReviews.com says this leash is great for gentle training and transferring your dog from one location to another.
A built-in collar makes this a convenient leash to have on hand when you have multiple pets to train. This simple leash is affordable and, as TopDogTips.com notes, it won’t hurt your pet’s neck when you need to exert gentle dominance during training.
Paws
- Unique braided design
- No collar required
Cons
- Cannot attach to pet’s current collar
- May be uncomfortable for large, aggressive pullers
(Information Source Amazon)
11. URPOWER Retractable Dog Leash (Price: $12.99)
No bones about it, the URPOWER retractable dog leash is a value for any dog owner or pet care pro. Its cute and stylish design makes it perfect for fashion-forward dogs. An ergonomic handle and one-button locking/braking mechanism make this 16-foot lead ideal for medium dogs. Built out of durable ABS plastic, the handle and case combination makes for easy storage. BuyTheBest10.com likes this best for dogs in the 60-pound range.
TopReviewPro.com says this leash continues to be strong and easy to use even in wet conditions, making this the perfect leash for the beach or lake.
Paws
- Retractable
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- 16-foot length may be too restrictive for some owners
- Small dogs may find leash too heavy to pull
(Information Source Amazon)