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Best Dog Leashes 2024
Written by Adam Lee-Smith
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 11/10/2023, edited: 03/22/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Dog leashes come in all different sizes, materials, and styles, making it tricky to pick the right one for your pup. Whether you opt for a standard leash or a retractable one, you'll want to ensure it's safe, durable, and practical. Check reviews from other pet parents to ensure a leash is the right option.
You'll want to consider your pup's size and behavior, too. Are you currently training your dog? How big is your dog? Does your dog pull on their leash? These are all important questions when picking the best dog leash for your barking buddy.
If you've had problems in the past with leashes snapping or breaking, you're probably on the hunt for a high-quality alternative. We've selected five of the best dog leashes on the market in various styles to help you make the right decision. Scroll down for our picks for the best dog leashes!
Overview
Maxbone GO! With Ease Hands Free Leash
Combine style and convenience with the Maxbone GO! With Ease Hands Free Leash. Take your canine compadre on walks by wearing their leash around your waist or across your body. A hands-free dog leash ideal if you have multiple pups and struggle to juggle several leashes simultaneously.
Accessorize by adding the GO! With Ease Pouch to your hands-free leash for any little extras like poop bags and dog treats.
Worried about your hands-free lead getting loose? The Maxbone GO! With Ease Hands Free Leash is made from hard-wearing nylon webbing. Just clip the leash onto your pup's harness, and you're ready for a hands-free adventure!
- Available in eight colors
- Not recommended for dogs over 65 lbs
Maxbone GO! Leash
Why Wag! loves Maxbone GO! With Ease Hands Free Leash
- Stylish and durable hands-free dog leash
- Useable in three ways: around the waist, over the shoulder, or as a regular leash
- Leash length and hand-free attachment are adjustable
Concerns & Considerations
- Not recommended for large or giant breeds
- Some customers reported issues getting the sizing right
What pet parents say about Maxbone GO! With Ease Hands Free Leash
"I had a cheaper hands free leash for about a year that was falling apart and decided to upgrade to maxbone, so glad I did! This leash is the perfect length and I love that it’s adjustable if in a crowded place and shorter leash length is necessary. The strap for my waist is comfortable and easily adjusted. Love that you can also turn it into a regular leash if desired. Overall great find."
"Extremely practical, resistant and secure! They’re an extra safety attachment piece which I love !"
Read more reviews on Maxbone.
Product image sourced from the Maxbone website.
EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash
The EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash is one of the best dog leashes for large dogs and pups that pull. Using "Zero Shock Technology," this dog leash uses bungee-cord-like webbing to reduce the jolt of a dog suddenly pulling on their leash.
The EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash is super practical — it's waterproof and visible in low light. A D-ring on the leash's handle is excellent for attaching dog treats, poop bags, and all the essentials for a successful dog walk.
- Nine colors to choose from
- Available in two sizes
- The regular size is four feet long
Easy Zero Shock Dog Leash
Why Wag! loves the EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash
- Design reduces strain from strong pullers
- Made of neoprene which is waterproof and comfortable to handle
- Reflective seam means this leash is visible in low light
- Added D-ring for carrying dog walking supplies
Concerns & Considerations
- Pet parents said they wish the leash was longer
- Pet parents reported problems with the metal clasp
What pet parents say about the EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash
"If you're in any pain from dog walking this really helps. Having a 4' length instead of 6' also takes some of the inertia off the force of a dog that pulls or jerks. The elastic portion seems very strong. It really helps. As a senior, I would never use anything but this one again."
"This one is too short and the secondary handle too close to the collar. Ideally it should be placed a little further up on the leash so you don't have to bend over too far to utilize it. The longer version doesn't offer the secondary handle."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website.
Chai's Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Padded 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Leash
Chai's Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Padded 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Leash with its durable and comfortable design is paws down one of the best dog leashes available.
With a clasp made from zinc alloy, you can walk your woofer without worrying about your leash giving way. This leash's highly reflective material makes it pawfect for nighttime walks near busy roads. It's suitable for all dog sizes and hard pullers, with an ergonomic handle for ultimutt comfort.
- Available in seven colors
- Two width and two length options
Chai's Choice Reflective Leash
Why Wag! loves Chai's Choice Reflective Dog Leash
- High-quality standard dog leash with zinc alloy clasp
- 3M reflective material for low-light visibility
- Ergonomic handle for pet parent's comfort
- Suitable for all dog sizes
Concerns & Considerations
- No clip for waste bags or treats
- Some pet parents said they had issues with the clasp
What pet parents say about Chai's Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Padded 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Leash
"I bought this leash for my dog, Sunny, in purple. Since we live in the Southeast where it is hot and humid all summer long, I love the fact that this leash is reflective. It helps when we are out walking before dawn. The cushioned handle is a nice touch for dogs who pull more than they should."
"I’ve had several dogs and tons of leash’s over the years and this one is hands down THE BEST EVER!!!! The whole leash is padded as well as the handle so it’s easy on the hands and does not slip out of your hands. The quality is the best ever!! As far as we’re concerned- this is the ONLY one to buy!! LOVE IT!!!!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website.
Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash
While we don't recommend retractable dog leashes for everyday walkies, the Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash is among the best of its kind on the market. With a maximum leash length of 26 feet, the Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash gives your fur-baby loads of freedom, making it great for hiking.
Flexi is one of the most innovative retractable leash manufacturers, with unique features like the leash slot, which prevents tangling, and a short-stop brake system that makes braking less abrupt.
Each Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash is manufactured by hand and goes through dozens of quality checks to ensure your pup gets the best pawssible product!
- Available in five sizes
- Available in four colors
Flexi Classic Retractable Leash
Why Wag! loves the Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash
- Retractable leash with a unique braking system and ergonomic handle
- Safety collar attachment helps prevent injury
- Made by hand with intensive quality checks
Concerns & Considerations
- Retractable leashes are widely considered unsuitable for everyday walks
- Some pet parents reports issues with the leash snapping
What pet parents say about the Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash
"I and my 70 lb. Pittie love this lead. He loves the freedom to wander loosely, and I love the control when necessary. I can quickly and easily reel Bruce in when I spot other dogs approaching, and can control him if they are aggressive. If they are playful, or once they've passed, I simply let him resume with slack."
"I love this brand of leash. It is not heavy and the tape does not have a hard time retracting. I also love the push button stop. The only thing is on the XS size, the opening is small. So if you have a hard time gripping or hand issues that would be a thing to consider."
Read more reviews on Petco.
Product image sourced from the Petco website.
Mendota Products Large Slip Solid Rope Dog Leash
Recommended by dog trainer and behavior expert Robert Cabral, the Mendota Products Large Slip Solid Rope Dog Leash is a premium British-style slip leash.
It's made of leather and braided rope, meaning it's hard-wearing and able to support all sizes and breeds. Waterproof and machine-washable, this slip leash is super practical.
Simple yet elegant, the Mendota Products Large Slip Solid Rope Dog Leash is ideal if you're in a pinch and need to secure your pup without your regular dog leash.
- 11 colors to choose from
- Available in two sizes
- The regular length leash is six feet
Mendota Slip Leash
Why Wag! loves the Mendota Products Large Slip Solid Rope Dog Leash
- Hard-wearing, high-quality slip leash
- Recommended by expert dog trainer Robert Cabral
- Waterproof and machine washable
- Malleable material means more comfort and easy storage
Concerns & Considerations
- Some concerns from pet parents that it doesn't support large and giant breeds
- Some pet parents say the leash didn't prevent pulling
What pet parents say about the Mendota Products Large Slip Solid Rope Dog Leash
"This leash is everything I hoped. My dog is a Shepherd mixed weighing 66lbs. This leash is well made and feels sturdy. It does a good job of correcting and leash pulling my dog does. However my dog isn't normally a heavy puller so I cannot speak for those that are. I may need to buy a few more of these never know when a collar issue may arise and a slip leash is handy to have."
"In the few months we have had this it has gone through the wringer. It has held up to several washes/drying which was a relief. We ordered pink and I love the color. It is helping our foster who pulls, but isn’t the end solution for pulling."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website.
Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash
Dual-handle leashes provide you with more control of your pup while crossing roads, walking with a busy city, and jogging. Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash features two neoprene-padded handles to help prevent your dog from pulling without hurting your hands.
It’s reflective and made from nylon to ensure it’s long-lasting and visible in low light. An additional D-ring for hooking on your poop bags and treats frees up extra pocket space.
- Comes in three sizes
- Available in two colors
- Four to six feet in length
Prima Pets Reflective Leash
Why Wag! Loves the Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash
- Dual handle system for extra security
- Nylon with neoprene handles for comfort for easy handling and durability
- Suitable for all sizes
- Reflective stitching for walking in low light
Concerns & Considerations
Some pet parents thought the second handle could’ve been better placed
What pet parents say about the Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash
“Love this leash! It seems durable and it's just the right length (our dog is a 60 lb pitbull, FWIW). The double handles are perfect and the short-length one is exactly where I want it. Love that it's reflective, too.”
“Great leash for a puller! The shorter handle is handy to rein them in on sidewalks, etc. without fumbling to fold or wrap up a longer leash. Nicely made and thick to help resist a chewer.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website.
FAQ
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