I did a lot of dog breed research before choosing my first dog. More than anything, I wanted a walking buddy! Mozzie (pronounced like Ozzy with an M in front) has been the best walking buddy I could ask for.
Even as a puppy, my little cockapoo walked a 5k with me. I tried to carry him part of the way to give his little legs a break, but he wanted to walk.
I got Mozzie a standard leash. The color has faded over the years, but the leash has lasted through over a decade of one or two walks per day.
There are so many options when it comes to shopping for a dog leash.
Besides, the leash length, there are different materials that can make the handle more comfortable for us pet parents.
There are even options for hands-free dog leashes.
Product
Details
Best For Daily Comfort
BAAPET Dog Leash
- Size: Medium
- Material: Nylon
The Upgraded Classic
Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash
- Size: Medium
- Material: Nylon
Best For Hiking
RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash
- Size: Large
- Material: Nylon
The Classic
PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
- Size: Medium
- Material: Nylon
Best Friendly Choice
Joytale Reflective Dog Leash
- Size: Large
- Material: Nylon
For Keeping Dog Close
Paw Lifestyles Heavy Duty Dog Leash
- Size: Large
- Material: Nylon
Best Bungee Leash
LEADSOM Dog Leash
- Size: Large
- Material: Nylon
Cutest Comfort Leash
MayPaw Heavy Duty Rope Dog Leash
- Size: Medium
- Material: Nylon
Most Versatile
Kurgo Dog Leash & Tie Out System
- Size: Medium
- Material: Nylon
Best Dog Leashes – Top 9 Picks
Let’s look at some of the best dog leashes available right now.
1. BAAPET Dog Leash
I have a version of this leash for my two dogs, and it is one of the best dog leashes I’ve ever used.
The foam handle provides a super comfortable grip, especially if my dogs decide to pull on the leash (a nylon leash can cut into your hand a bit if your dog pulls). This style of handle is super comfortable.
The clip can swivel 360 degrees, which means that the leash never gets twisted or tangled.
You can purchase this leash in a variety of colors, including a pretty sky-blue color.
Similar to reflective dog collars, it has reflective thread stitches throughout the leash for some extra nighttime visibility.
- Comes in lengths from 2 feet up to 6 feet long.
- Made of heavy-duty rock climbing rope.
Pros
- So affordable!
- This company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t like the leash.
Cons
- The foam handle may not last forever. Mine has broken in a few places, though I still use it, and it is still perfectly comfortable.
- The thick leash and larger hardware are probably a bit big for super-small dogs.
BAAPET Dog Leash
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2. Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash
This Max and Neo dog leash is well-built for strong dogs. The nylon webbing is 2mm thick.
I like that the leash has an extra metal D-ring attached near the handle so that you can clip on a dog poop bag holder or a treat pouch.
The inside of the handle is padded with neoprene to add more comfort for dog owners.
It comes in black as well as super bring and vibrant colors, including hot pink. You can choose from two lengths: four feet or six feet.
if you want to know more about the best chew-proof dog leash then check out this article.
Max and Neo test their leashes with rescue dogs to make sure that they can hold up against constant, heavy usage.
- Reflective threads have been added as a safety precaution for late-evening walks.
Pros
- Thousands of 5-star reviews attest to the durability and comfort of this leash — even for stronger dogs.
- You can purchase a matching dog collar if you want your doggo to have a matching set.
- This company donates a leash to an animal shelter for every leash that they sell.
Cons
- The neoprene padding doesn’t wrap around the exterior of the handle, so I wonder if it’s as comfortable as they say — though reviewers seem to love it.
Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash
The price of “Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash” varies, so check the latest price at
3. RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash
I live in Colorado and am surrounded by hiking trails and rock climbing, so this leash has stolen my heart.
It is a rope leash made out of rock climbing rope. It uses a locking carabiner to attach to your dog’s collar.
Every bit of this leash seems heavy-duty and durable.
The leash is 5 feet long and comes in some really unique and beautiful colors.
There are two sizes that feature different thicknesses of rope and different-sized carabiners for large breeds and smaller dogs. Both sizes are the same length.
Pros
- There is an extra loop sewn in near the handle where you can store your dog poop bags or clip on a treat bag. I wish every leash would have this!
- The rope on these rope leashes has reflective thread stitched throughout it for better visibility.
Cons
- The handle has tubular webbing which is supposed to make it more comfortable to hold, but it is not padded in any way.
RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash
The price of “RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash” varies, so check the latest price at
4. PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
This PetSafe leash is your classic nylon leash.
It is sturdy, lightweight, washable, and will likely last you many years of daily use.
You can choose from various widths and lengths based on the size of your dog.
Larger dogs will need a wider leash with larger hardware. You can get leashes small enough for cats as well, with a width of just 3/8 inch.
It comes in seven colors and two lengths.
Pros
- You can purchase a matching collar or harness for your pup (I always love a matching set!)
- PetSafe is a well-respected maker of leashes, collars, and harnesses. This particular leash has great reviews.
Cons
- There is no padding in the handle. If your dog pulls or goes for long walks, you might wish for a bit more comfort.
PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
The price of “PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Joytale Reflective Dog Leash
Joytale is known for making great reflective leashes and collars.
This reflective leash comes in several lengths: four, five, and six feet. You can get it in narrow or standard width, depending on the size of your pup.
You might have a hard time choosing a color because there are a lot of beautiful options.
It has a padded handle interior to protect for hand from rope burn. It also has a spare D-ring near the handle for attaching accessories like a poop bag dispenser.
- There are two rows of reflective stitching on both sides of the leash so that you and your dog will be easily seen in low-lighting situations.
Pros
- You can choose any combination of length, width, and color to suit your needs.
- The metal clasp can spin 360 degrees to keep the leash from twisting and tangling.
- This leash is extremely affordable and has some great safety and comfort features.
Cons
- Honestly, for the affordable price, it’s hard to find anything to complain about with this one.
Joytale Reflective Dog Leash
The price of “Joytale Reflective Dog Leash” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Paw Lifestyles Heavy Duty Dog Leash
This leash has two padded handles: One at the end of the leash like normal, and another further down, closer to your dog.
This second handle is called a traffic handle. It’s so that you can keep your dog extra close if you are crossing a street or walking through a crowd.
Both handles are padded with colored neoprene. This makes for a very striking look. The leashes are all black, but the interior neoprene padding gives a flash of color.
The leash is made of extra thick nylon webbing — 3mm thick! The leash is 1 inch wide and 7 feet long.
- Reflective threading will give you nighttime visibility.
Pros
- Most leashes don’t come in 7-foot lengths, so this is nice if you want to give your dog more freedom to roam.
- The company provides a 100% money-back guarantee.
Cons
- These leashes are not for little dogs. The nylon leash is too thick, the hardware is too heavy, and the traffic handle will be too low to the ground to comfortably use.
Paw Lifestyles Heavy Duty Dog Leash
The price of “Paw Lifestyles Heavy Duty Dog Leash” varies, so check the latest price at
7. LEADSOM Dog Leash
I have a bungee leash for my dogs, and after getting used to it, I really enjoy it!
This bungee leash stretches from 4 feet to 6 feet. This helps your dog have a bit of extra freedom without the leash getting tangled under their feet when they’re close to you.
Note: if your dog is an extreme puller or is in training, this might not be the best leash for you because they have to pull to the end of the bungee to feel a tug on the leash.
These leashes have some nice features, like a traffic handle for when you need better control over your pup. It also has a different style of padded handle.
There is a carabiner for attaching the leash to your dog’s collar. There is also a metal D-ring for attaching accessories.
Pros
- If you have a hyper dog, the bungee in this leash can help absorb some of the shock and force of your dog running around.
- There is reflective threading on three sides of this leash to keep your dog safe in the dark.
Cons
- This leash was made specifically for medium-sized dogs. If you have a big dog or an extra-little dog, this might not work best for you.
LEADSOM Dog Leash
The price of “LEADSOM Dog Leash” varies, so check the latest price at
8. MayPaw Heavy Duty Rope Dog Leash
This is a rope leash with a fully padded foam handle to keep your hands comfortable on everyday walks. I have this kind of padding on my daily leash, and it’s the best!
The rope is made out of nylon which is known for being durable, lightweight, and washable.
The leash attaches to your dog’s collar via a basic metal clip that can swivel 360 degrees.
The options for these leashes are truly impressive. There are far more than seven colors and patterns to choose from. And let me tell you, they’re cute.
You can also choose from multiple rope thicknesses and lengths — up to a 15 feet leash, which is rare.
Pros
- These leashes are quite affordable.
- There are options for dogs of all sizes, including smaller dogs.
Cons
- If I could make one improvement to this leash, it would be to add an extra D-ring near the handle for attaching poop bags to the dog’s leash.
MayPaw Heavy Duty Rope Dog Leash
The price of “MayPaw Heavy Duty Rope Dog Leash” varies, so check the latest price at
9. Kurgo Dog Leash & Tie Out System
The Kurgo leash is a 6-in-1 dog leash. It can transform from a 3-foot-long leash for training into an over-the-shoulder or belt leash for hands-free walking. You can use it as a mini tie-out, two separate leashes, or just as a normal 6-foot leash.
I love how this can so easily transform from a basic leash into a hands-free leash. This would be perfect for a runner or for when I take my dogs on hikes.
There is padding around the inside of the handle to prevent rope burn that you can get from a nylon leash.
There is also a lot of reflective material sewn into the leash for visibility on those early morning runs.
It comes in seven color options and is a one-size-fits-most-dogs situation.
Pros
- This dog leash is so unique with all of the things it can do! It could easily replace a few separate doggy accessories, which makes it worth the price.
Cons
- A few reviewers mentioned minor quality issues with this dog leash, but most said that it wasn’t a deal breaker.
Kurgo Dog Leash & Tie Out System
The price of “Kurgo Dog Leash & Tie Out System” varies, so check the latest price at
What to Consider Before Purchasing a Dog Leash
Let’s see what it takes to make the best leash.
Material
All of the leashes on this list are made mostly out of nylon. This is because nylon is a fabulous material for leashes!
You can easily wash a nylon leash. The material is light but strong. Plus, it’s affordable.
On rare occasions, dogs can have an allergy to nylon, in which case you might want to try a natural material, like a leather leash.
Length
Choosing the length of leash that you want depends on how close you want to keep your dog to you while you’re out walking.
Dog trainers usually recommend a 5 or 6-foot leash so that you have more control over your dog and they can’t get too far away from you.
Some leashes include a traffic handle, which is an extra handle up closer to their collar so that you can keep them extra close while navigating a crowd or to keep them out of trouble.
You can also look for a leash that allows for hands-free walking. Pet owners who go for runs or hikes with their dogs, particularly like this kind of style.
It’s important to choose a hand-free leash that is long enough (but this really depends on the height of the dog and the height of the dog owner).
Width
The width of the leash you choose will depend on your dog’s size.
A smaller dog will require a skinnier leash with smaller (less heavy) hardware. Choosing a leash that is too thick for a little dog will put heavy hardware hanging around their neck, which isn’t good for them.
Alternatively, if you have a big dog, you’ll want a thicker leash with bigger hardware that can withstand a little more wear and tear.
In general, a small dog should have a leash that is 1/2 inch thick or less. A large dog should have a leash that is closer to 1 inch.
What About a Retractable Leash?
Most dog trainers and veterinarians do not recommend the use of retractable leashes. They can allow your dog to get a little too far away from you, which can lead to dicey situations.
Another major concern is the thin leash material. It can easily get tangled around human and dog legs. Burns and even cuts are super common injuries reported when using a retractable leash.
Lastly, with these kinds of leashes, your dog can run at full speed for a good distance and then suddenly be stopped short when they reach the end of the leash. This can lead to minor or severe damage to your dog’s neck.
Conclusion
There are so many great options out there, and they really take into account the comfort of the pet owner and a dog’s safety.
I hope this article has helped you pick out the best dog leash for your fur baby. I would personally be happy with any of the ones on this list.
