The 3 Best Dog Leashes
Perhaps the most essential piece of equipment for a dog owner is the leash. Just showing a leash to your dog leads to barks of excitement, knowing that the best time of the day has arrived. That’s why there are as many different styles and functions of leashes as there are breeds of dog. Big dogs may need a multi-clip harness lead, while small dogs may need only the simplest hoop and lead. Some dogs can be trusted on a long leash, while others must be trained on a short one. Which is best for you and your pet? We went on a lot of walks to find out, and are now pleased to present you with the 3 best dog leashes.
Pet Parade No-Tangle Dual Dog Leash
No Kidding - No Tangle
Ask any dog owner who has two dogs at home what is the most difficult part of walking their pooches and they’ll tell you it’s all about the tangles. Keeping two leashes separate as two Huskies try to out-sniff each other is next to impossible. Enter Pet Parade’s No-Tangle Dual Dog Leash. With a nylon-polyester rope that can hold up to 500 pounds and a swivel-action joining-clip, you won’t suffer the crazy knots (and frustrated dogs) you get with two separate leashes. The ergonomic grip made of soft foam makes it a joy to handle, plus a shock-absorbing section of the leash reduces jerks and pulls.
Pros:
- 52 inches long
- Compatible with harnesses
- Sturdy clips
Cons:
- No variable length
- Too big for small puppies
ThunderLeash Dog Leash
The Thor Of Dog Leashes
Say goodbye to complex and expensive harnesses. ThunderLeash has created a clip-and-lead system that has proven to be effective against pulling in 80% of situations. Simply wrap the leash around your dog’s torso and into the clip, and the lead works to guide your pet’s motions – but don’t worry, there’s an instructional video that explains the whole process. The leash includes a padded handle for long, comfortable walks, and is adjustable for all sizes of dogs. It’s a great alternative to help train your dog not to take you for a walk.
Pros:
- Available in three colors
- Comes in two different sizes
- Very sturdy clip
Cons:
- Not a solution for multiple dogs
- Better on smaller breeds
Flexi Vario Retractable Dog Leash
Retractable Dog Not Included
If your dog is a runner, you’re going to want a retractable leash, and Flexi has the best one we’ve found. The leash glides smoothly through the mechanism so your dog can run to-and-fro as you walk. Inside, an integrated braking and recoil system allows owners to guide their pets, using a patented, one-hand, easy-to-operate control. The breaking button is positioned on the system ergonomically, integrating with a constant-lock lever, so stopping your dog quickly is never a problem. Additionally, an inner-spring system keeps a slight, constant pressure on the cable, ensuring smooth, in-and-out operation.
Pros:
- Available in 10-foot and 16-foot lengths
- Hand-made in Germany
- Attached LED light for night walks
Cons:
- Not all sizes available in all colors
- Longer leads unavailable for smaller dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there leashes that are better for harness-style collars than standard collars?
If you’re using a harness, chances are you’ve got a big dog or sled dog breed. We suggest using a heavy-duty lead with a sturdy, pivoting clip at the end. This kind of leash can attach to both the hoop-style clips and the large, center handle that typically comes with a harness collar. Remember, not all harnesses are designed for a universal attachment – some require a special or proprietary leash with multiple clips. We always recommend looking for the harness you want first, then purchasing the right leash to go with it.
My dog chews through all my leashes. What do I do?
Many of the retractable-style leads use a flexible metal cable wrapped in smooth rubber. This makes them easy to retract, but certainly difficult to chew. They’re also quite strong and can often be used with even the largest breeds. Cotton, nylon, polyester – three of the most popular materials for dog leashes – are all pretty chewable. We recommend purchasing an extra-thick leash if your dog is a chewer, so you at least stand a chance of catching your dog in the act before he chews all the way through.
How do I know which style of leash will work best for my dog?
You can ask him, but if he answers, you probably have bigger problems than the leash. Seriously though, this is one of the hardest parts about pet ownership: a lot of the products you’re going to try have to be tested through trial and error. Our recommendation is to only buy products that come with some kind of money-back guarantee or exchange policy. Be patient, knowing you may need to go through a few leashes (or dog bowls or collars or dry food brands) before finding the perfect one.
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