While you’ll find plenty of dog products on the market that are entirely optional, a quality dog leash is a must-have. Even if your dog walks perfectly off-leash, there are times you you need to put him on a leash for safety reasons. Not to mention that it’s a legal requirement to keep your dog on a leash in all but specified public spaces in many states.
We reviewed dozens of dog leashes to identify the best of the best. We focused on a range of features, including strength, length, material, comfort of use, and average customer reviews.
After some careful consideration, we chose the Leashboss 15 Foot Dog Leash as our number one. This high-quality leash is durable enough to last your dog’s lifetime and extremely comfortable to hold. What more could you want?
The 5 Top-Rated Dog Leashes
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Leashboss 15 Foot Dog Leash | 4.8 |
| Runner Up | Max and Neo Triple Handle Dog Leash | 4.8 |
| Best Budget Buy | Remington Coastal Pet Rope Leash | 4.7 |
| Best Double Leash | Mighty Paw BungeeX2 Double Dog Leash | 4.6 |
| Best Retractable Leash | Flexi Giant Tape Leash | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change.
Our Top Pick: Leashboss 15 Foot Dog Leash
Let’s talk about the Leashboss 15 Foot Dog Leash. This sturdy choice is crafted from one-inch wide nylon, which is strong enough to hold heavy dogs, even ones who pull a lot, and extremely durable. The super-soft padded handle is a huge plus for the walker.
The 15-foot length might seem a bit excessive for some, but it’s great for dogs who can’t be walked off-leash, or when walking in areas where a leash is required, as it gives your dog some freedom to explore at her own pace. What’s more, it features a strong D-ring right by the handle, so you can loop the leash through the ring on your dog’s collar or harness and attach the clip on the leash to the D-ring next to the handle, effectively halving the length of the leash. If you prefer, you can use the D-ring to hold poop bags so they’re there when you need them.
The Leashboss 15 Foot Dog Leash will set you back a little under $25, which makes it somewhat pricey for a leash. It’s definitely worth splashing out on, however!
Leashboss 15 Foot Dog Leash Key Features:
- Two color options
- Shorter 10-foot option also available
- Strong and well-constructed
Our Runner Up Pick: Max and Neo Triple Handle Dog Leash
Although it couldn’t quite beat our top pick, the Max and Neo Triple Handle Dog Leash comes in a very close second. This strong leash comes in four bold colors and features reflective stitching for nighttime visibility.
This leash measures 6 foot in total, with additional handles at 4 foot and 1.5 foot. The additional handles are great for times when you need to keep your dog close, such as when walking down a narrow sidewalk next to a busy road.
Made from a thick yet soft nylon webbing, this 1-inch wide leash is every bit as strong and durable as the top brands. Like our top pick, it features a D-ring next to the handle to attach poop bags to for easy access.
The Max and Neo Triple Handle Dog Leash costs $19, which is a reasonable price considering the quality.
Max and Neo Triple Handle Dog Leash Key Features:
- Soft padded neoprene handles
- Extra handles are useful for dogs who pull
- Money from every sale goes to dog rescue charities
Best Budget Pick: Remington Coastal Pet Rope Leash
If you’re searching for a quality dog leash on a budget, look no further than the Remington Coastal Pet Rope Leash. Retailing at less than $12, you won’t have to break open the piggy bank to afford one of these leashes. As long as you don’t mind using a leash that’s plain and simple, it will serve you well.
This is a basic 6 foot leash made from soft, strong braided nylon with a single loop handle at the end. The swivel snap help twists and tangles while walking.
Customers report that it’s well made, strong enough to hold large dogs, and is more resistant to chewing than many other leashes, which is great when walking playful puppies.
It’s available in just one color; a classic olive green that looks great with most collars or harnesses.
Remington Coastal Pet Rope Leash Key Features:
- 6 foot in length
- Braided rope construction
- Strong and durable
Best Double Dog Leash: Mighty Paw BungeeX2 Double Dog Leash
There are many awesome things about owning more than one dog, but trying to walk them on the leash at the same time isn’t one of them. Rather than attempting to hold a couple of leashes at once, try the Mighty Paw BungeeX2 Double Dog Leash.
The leash comes in two parts. The part that you hold onto looks like a stand leash, albeit a short one. This part clips onto a splitter with two separate leash parts, one to clip attach to each dog’s harness or collar. Thanks to the swivel leash attachment, your pooches won’t get all tangled up, even if they’re running around in circles.
If your dogs pull on the leash, this is a great option for you. The bungee design absorbs much of the force, which saves your arms and shoulders.
The Mighty Paw BungeeX2 Double Dog Leash comes in three size options, for dogs of different weights, costing between $21 and $24.
Mighty Paw BungeeX2 Double Dog Leash Key Features:
- Available with or without the handle
- Durable construction
- Reflecting stitching
Best Retractable Dog Leash: Flexi Giant Tape Leash
Retractable dog leashes are perfect for on-leash walks, as your dog can roam much further than she could on a standard leash, but you have the option to lock it to a shorter length when necessary. Some retractable leashes have a very thin tape and don’t feel secure enough to walk big dogs. The Flexi Giant Tape Leash, however, is a robust option strong enough to walk all but the very largest dogs.
Extending up to 26 feet, this retractable leash lets your dog explore a wide area, even when it’s not possible to let her run free. It has a smooth mechanism and is easy to lock when you need to keep your dog close.
The handle is ergonomically designed to be comfortable to hold, even on extra-long walks.
With a price tag of around $44, it isn’t exactly cheap, but buyers say it’s well worth the extra money.
Flexi Giant Tape Leash Key Features:
- Comes with safety collar
- Handmade in Germany
- Suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds
Who Should Buy a Dog Leash
Do you have a dog? If so, you should buy a dog leash! A leash is what keeps your dog safely by your side in areas where there are hazards, such as traffic. What’s more, keeping your dog away from other people and dogs (unless you’ve checked they’re happy for your canine companion to approach) is an important part of responsible dog ownership, and a leash makes this much easier.
Also, we mentioned above, in some cities or states, it’s a legal requirement to keep your dog on the leash in all public spaces, except for those designated for off-leash use. So, you could be hit with a hefty fine if you don’t have a leash for your four-legged friend. We also cover the best retractable dog leashes in another post, as well as the best dog collars. For added peace of mind, some dog parents use a GPS dog tracker to quickly locate their pup should he get lost.
Important Features to Consider
A dog leash should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a leash for your dog:
- Length. The most common leash length is 6 foot. This is a happy medium between longer and shorter options, as it gives your dog some space to roam, but isn’t so long that it’s hard to keep your dog close without lots of excess leash getting in the way. If you usually walk your dog on busy city streets, a shorter 4 foot option is preferable, as it’s easier to keep your pooch close. Long 10 or 15 foot leashed are best suited to walking in parks or on hiking trails.
- Standard versus retractable. Most people walk their dogs on standard fixed-length leashes. However, you can also buy retractable leashes that adjust in length. While you can fix them to a set length for walking on sidewalks or busy areas, at other times your dog can roam further from your side. Retractable leashes are ideal when your dog often stays on the leash for his whole walk, but if you only walk him on-leash for the 10 minutes it takes to get to the dog park or off-leash hiking trail, a standard leash is probably a better choice.
- Width. The wider the leash, the stronger it is, so make sure you choose a leash wide enough for the size of your dog. A half-inch leash might be fine for walking small dogs, but look for an option of at least an inch wide from medium or large pooches.
- Reflective strips. If you walk your dog after dark, reflective strips or stitching are a great way to increase your visibility. That said, they’re not a must-have, as you can buy other reflective or flashing devices to attach to your dog’s leash for walking at night.
- Color. It won’t change the way the leash performs, but many people like to choose a leash that matches their dog’s collar or harness.
- Comfort. Some leashes are uncomfortable to hold onto, especially if your dog is a puller. Leashes made from soft materials or with padded handles are more comfortable to hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dogs need a leash?
Without a leash, a dog can roam anywhere, which isn’t safe for your dog or the people around you. A leash stops your dog from running into the road, eating scraps off the sidewalk, and approaching dogs or people who don’t wish to be approached.
Is it illegal to walk my dog without a lead?
This depends on where you live. If you’re in the United States, it varies by state and by city, so check your local leash laws to find your legal obligations. Almost everywhere requires dogs to be under control by law, so unless your pooch is extremely well-behaved when off the lead, it’s best to use one on sidewalks or other areas with lots of people around.
Why does my dog always pull on the leash?
In simple terms, dogs pull on the leash because they’re excited to be outside and exploring new places. They want to get to where they want to go more quickly. When you allow dogs to pull on the leash, this reinforces the behavior so they keep on doing it.
How do you train a dog to walk on a leash without pulling?
The best way to teach your dog not to pull on the leash is to make sure pulling on the leash has the opposite effect from the effect your dog desires. Your dog is pulling to get somewhere faster, so every time she pulls, stand completely still and wait for the leash to relax (by your dog stepping back or turning to look at you) before you get going again. When your dog is walking nicely next to you with a loose leash, give her a treat to reinforce this behavior. It might be a slow method and you probably won’t get far on your walks until your pooch has mastered it, but it does work!
Other Dog Leashes We Reviewed
We looked at 22 other dog leashes. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best dog leashes list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your furry friend. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Retractable Dog Leashes
- Double Dog Leashes
- Rope Dog Leashes
- Heavy Duty Dog Leashes
- Other Dog Leashes
Retractable Dog Leashes
Key Features:
- Neon tape for better visibility
- Three size options
- Quick stop braking system
Cost: $15 to $25
Key Features:
- Tangle-free design
- Easy to lock and release
- Extends to 10 feet
Cost: $15
Key Features:
- Retracts quickly and smoothly
- Durable casing with comfortable ergonomic grip
- Durable enough for daily use
Cost: $16
Key Features:
- Easy to use brake and lock system
- Reflective stitching on the tape
- Extends to 16 feet
Cost: $20
Key Features:
- 16-foot tape
- Small, medium, and large size options available
- Comfortable anti-slip handle
Cost: $18 to $24
Double Dog Leashes
Key Features:
- Four color options
- Medium and large sizes
- Durable nylon construction
Cost: $16 to $17
Key Features:
- 50 inches long
- Tangle free design
- Rugged construction
Cost: $14
Key Features:
- Two well-padded handles
- Adjustable length for each lead
- Reflective stitching
Cost: $17 to $20
Key Features:
- Tangle-free design
- Reflective for better nighttime visibility
- Small and large sizes
Cost: $13
Rope Dog Leashes
Key features
- Handmade
- Easy to clean
- Eye-catching leather trim
Key Features:
- Padded foam handle
- 5 foot long
- A range of color options
Cost: $10 to $11
Key Features:
- Measures 6 foot
- Comfortable padded handle
- Attaches to collar or harness with carabiner clip
Cost: $11
Key Features:
- Choose from five colors
- Reflective
- 6 foot in length
Cost: $10
Key Features:
- Comes in 4 foot 6 foot lengths
- Seven colors available
- Soft, comfortable handle
Cost: $10 to $14
Heavy Duty Dog Leashes
Key Features:
- Solid brass hardware
- Neoprene padded handle
- Colorfast webbing
Cost: $28
Key Features:
- Click and lock hook stays securely attached to harness or collar
- Reflective strips are great for night use
- Three different widths available
Cost: $15 to $17
Key Features:
- Padded handle
- Reflective stitching
- Measures 6 feet long
Cost: $12
Key Features:
- Double handle design
- 7 feet long
- Twice as thick and strong as standard leashes
Cost: $14
Key Features:
- Double handle design
- Measures 6 feet
- 12 color options
Cost: $23
Other Dog Leashes
Key Features:
- 6 foot long and 1 inch wide
- Comes in pink or purple
- Made from natural fibers
Cost: $13
Key Features:
- Soft padded handle
- Sturdy reverse gate clip
- American made
Cost: $12 to $19
Key Features:
- Comes with adjustable waist strap
- Bungee design prevents jolts and shocks
- Small dog, large dog, and two dog options
Cost: $25 to $38
