Like every purchase for your pet, there is a lot to look for when buying a leash. The following points can help narrow your search.
Materials: Experts say that sturdy, flexible material is ideal when it comes to the best dog leashes. Williams says that leather, nylon, and biothane are classic leash materials choices.
Length: A leash that’s between 4 and 6 feet long allows you to comfortably walk with a loose lead while still keeping your dog close to you. Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, a veterinarian and the director of South Clinic at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, recommends using a long-line leash with dogs that are reliably trained and will come when called. He also says that using a long-line leash in a less busy area is a good idea. “I would use a long-line leash in areas where there are few other people or other animals so that there are no surprises,” he says via email.
Comfort: The best dog leashes are comfortable to hold: They won’t cause rope burn or excessive scratching on the skin if your pup pulls. But it’s also important to use a leash that allows your dog to be walked on a loose lead. Williams says that walking a pup on a loose leash is essential in teaching them to walk on a leash. “If the leash is always tight, it builds up anxiety and frustration in the dog,” she says. These feelings can lead to negative associations with leashes. Using positive reinforcement training techniques is one of the best ways to help your dog learn to walk on a loose leash, says Williams.
Attachment point: Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says that the attachment point of the leash — where one would connect the leash to the harness — should be able to withstand the force of the leash being pulled. He says it should be easy to unclip the leash as well. In our testing, we looked for attachment points that were C-clips or carabiners, which are sturdy and can be removed quickly. Anything else was rated lower.
Additional safety features: Reflective material and traffic handles are additional safety features that can help you keep a closer eye on your pup. Experts say these features are not necessary to have in the best dog leash, but they can be useful depending on the needs of the dog and the walker.
What to avoid
It’s important to keep an eye out for what makes a good leash, but there are also some elements that are smart to stay away from. “Generally speaking, the leash should be durable, comfortable, secure and easy to attach,” says Pavlovsky. If a leash lacks these features, it might not be a good choice. Here are a few more points to consider.
Weight: A leash that’s too heavy can be bothersome for your pup, especially if it is attached to a back-clip harness. Try opting for a leash that won’t be too noticeable to your dog.
Retractable or bungee leashes: These types of leashes are quite popular but are probably not the best option, according to our experts. Retractable and bungee leashes create consistent tension on the leash, which Anderson says isn’t good for a dog. Retractable leashes can also be dangerous, with some users suffering cuts, rope burns, and other injuries.
Waist-worn: This can be a fantastic option for walkers who feel confident in their ability to keep their balance should a pup pull. But Williams says that they aren’t always the best choice, especially for large dogs who may be strong enough to pull their owner along with them should they decide to take off. “The physical mobility of the owner is very important,” says Williams. “Some people might not be in the physical condition to use those, so everybody has to be smart about it.”