The 5 Best Dog Leashes For Long And Enjoyable Walks With Your Pooch

The right dog leash can make the difference between a fun walk with your canine pal and a disaster. You might think, “It’s just a leash — how complicated could it be?” The thing is, there are many different kinds of dog leashes on the market. And to further complicate the matter, dogs come in all shapes and sizes. What works for one pup might not work for another. But to help you find the perfect leash for you, we’ve done the dirty work. We sifted through some of the most popular options on the market to separate the best from the rest, so read on to discover our favorite leashes.

Best Dog Leashes to Consider

As we see it, the three most important factors to consider when buying a dog leash are the material it’s made from, the length, and the quality of the clasp. It’s important to consider what kind of walks you and your dog will go on to decide which leash is right for you. For example, people walking their dogs in a sparsely populated rural area might choose a long leash that offers plenty of space for Fido to roam, while city-dwellers might not something short that offers plenty of control. For most people, there’s a happy medium between the two.

As for the leash material you should choose, this greatly depends on the environment in which you and your dog be walking. If you plan on hiking, walking in the rain, or otherwise being exposed to inclement weather, it would be wise to opt for something more weatherproof. If cost isn’t an issue, more premium materials would be reasonable, such as leather. If you plan to do a little bit of everything, versatile options like biothane might be good for you.

And as for the clasp, this one is pretty simple: a good-quality clasp will prevent the leash from breaking. Obviously, nobody wants to have to buy a new leash. But what’s more important is the safety of your pooch. If the clasp breaks at an inopportune moment, your dog could escape, so we think it’s important to pay attention to this.

J&J Dog Supplies Dog Leash

This leash from J&J Dog Supplies is great for pet owners looking for a leash that offers the same sleek looks and rugged durability as leather despite being vegan. Made from high-quality biothane material, this leash is both waterproof and smell-resistant, making it easy to clean and maintain. It offers a secure grip and feels comfortable in the hand — even when wet — and it’s resistant to abrasion, punctures, and cuts, making it ideal for even the most active and playful dogs. Plus, the leash features rust-resistant hardware and a convenient snap hook that allows for quick and easy attachment to your dog’s collar or harness.

• Available in a wide variety of gorgeous colors
• Also offered in multiple sizes
• Excellent price considering the quality

• We wish the hardware was a little more durable
• If your dog is an aggressive chewer, they might gnaw through this

Leatherberg Dog Leash

Leather leashes like this one from Leatherberg are popular amongst dog owners, and for good reason. Leather leashes age well, last a long time, and are comfortable to hold. Plus, they offer a slight amount of flex, so your dog can stray to the limit of the leash’s length without being yanked back once they reach the end of the rope. We love the color of this leash, and we also appreciate how well-made it is considering its relatively affordable price. All in all, if you’re looking for a no-frills leather leash that’ll last, we think this is a great bet.

• Available in either black or brown
• High-quality stitching
• Comes with a one-year money-back guarantee

• Not vegan
• Takes a little while to break in

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Leash

Though it’s easy to lose yourself in researching while you’re looking for a new product, sometimes the simple option will work just fine. That’s exactly the case with this no-frills leash from Ruffwear. Made of nylon, its a strong yet lightweight option with everything you’ll need to keep your pup safe and happy on walks. That includes a traffic handle, accessory loop, and a lockable clip. Plus, it’s offered in a cool assortment of colors, so you can choose the one you like best. If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to splurge on a fancy leash, we think this is the way to go.

• The unique design of the swiveling clip allows you to use it with just one hand
• Handle is padded for extra comfort
• Has a built-in accessory loop

• Not the most robust material, so it might not be ideal for large, aggressive pullers
• Also not great for dogs prone to chewing through leashes

Ruffwear Roamer Dog Leash

This popular leash from Ruffwear is the perfect accessory if you love to explore the great outdoors with your pooch. It’s designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, and it can be used in two ways: as a hand-held leash or as a waist-worn leash, depending on your preference. Crafted from high-quality materials, this bungee dog leash features a stretch webbing that absorbs shock and helps to minimize any jolting or pulling on your dog’s neck. It also has an adjustable padded handle that can be used as a hand-held leash or worn around the waist for hands-free convenience.

Aside from those features, we also appreciate that it has a traffic handle to help you keep your dog close when needed. The Talon Clip is strong and secure, too, so it won’t be slipping off your pup’s collar or harness any time soon.

• Offered in different lengths
• Bold and neutral colors available
• Traffic handle included

• A bit costly, but we think it’s worth it
• If your dog is aggressive, this leash might offer too much flex to control them

Hi Kiss Dog Leash

When it comes to training, you might want to buy a leash designed especially for the task. This lead from Hi Kiss is great for anyone who wants to work on agility, recall, and general training with their pooch. It’s also great for general outdoor adventures, such as hikes and long walks on the beach. The lead itself is made of reinforced nylon, and the nickel-plated D-clip swivels, which prevents it from snagging or tangling. In spite of the durable nylon and the high-quality hardware, the price here is mighty impressive. If you’re ready to train your pup, this is a great pick.

• Offered in an enormous range of colors
• Lengths range from 15 feet to a whopping 100 feet
• Will hold up to rain

• Your dog might chew through it over time, so it’s not great for tying
• We wish the clasp was a little bigger

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren’t there any retractable leashes on this list?

We didn’t include any retractable leashes on our list because we don’t think they belong in an overview of the best leashes considering their limitations. Retractable leashes don’t offer the same degree of control as other types of leashes. At the same time, they don’t offer the dog the same degree of freedom. With most leashes, the dog becomes accustomed to the length and comes to understand how much space they have to roam. But with retractable leashes, the dog may end up constantly confused and even frightened about when the length of the leash will run short. Therefore, using a retractable leash on walks is typically not recommended, except for situations like free roam walks in an open area with no other dogs around.

What are the advantages of different leash materials?

Leather: Once they’re broken in, leather leashes are very comfortable to hold, for starters. They also provide just enough give so that your dog can stretch the length of the rope a tiny bit while being cognizant of its limitation. Leather is also extremely durable, so leather leashes tend to look better and better as they age.

Biothane: In our opinion, biothane leashes are the most versatile. Like leather, they’re good-looking and durable, but they can also handle rain and mud very well. Plus, they’re pretty affordable.

Nylon: It’s pretty simple: nylon leashes are cheap, simple, and long-lasting. They don’t excel in any particular quality, but they’re easy to find in virtually any pet shop and they get the job done.

People seem to love leather leashes. Are there any drawbacks?

To state the obvious, leather is not vegan-friendly. For those of us who want to minimize or totally cut out our use of animal products, this is not an option. But aside from the ethical dilemma, leather isn’t a great option for wet weather, so consider that if you live in a rainy area.

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