Top Best Dog Leashes – MUST READ BEFORE BUYING
A dog leash,
also known as a dog tether, is a
rope, chain, or cord that is used to control or handle a dog. The best dog
leash will have a heavy duty construction, will be comfortable to use, and will
feature reflective threading, for night time safety.
The right dog leash can provide you with a safe and simple way to handle and
communicate with your dog. A good leash prevents your dog from chasing people
or lunging at strangers, and they prevent your dog from wandering off into
places that they shouldn’t be. Another great thing about having a dog leash is
being able to take your dog for a walk.
Most people don’t fully realize the benefits of going on a long walk with their
pets. Taking your dog for a walk not only provides it with physical
stimulation, but there is a mental side as well. The physical part of the
equation is a bit obvious, and comes in the form of exercise, but more subtly,
however, a little time outside to investigate the surroundings is extremely
healthy for a dog’s mind.
RETRACTABLE DOG LEASHES AND HOW THEY
WORK
A retractable
dog leash is a leash that has a cord that is wound into a spool. When your dog
pulls on the leash, it unravels and extends. In this way, the length of the
leash is continuously adjustable, to better fit your needs. This kind of leash
usually allows it’s length to be limited with the flip of a locking switch.
Retractable dog leashes are easy to use and convenient to store, but you may
want to keep an eye out for reliability. Some retractable dog leash
manufacturers don’t spend enough time to make sure that the retracting mechanism is robust enough for long term use.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A DOG LEASH
There is a lot you will want to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a
dog leash. If you’re worried about the leash getting dirty or picking up
smells, then you’ll need to choose one that is easily washable. If your dog
gets ahold of the leash, and it’s not made of a high quality material, you may
be buying a few more of them until they either grow out of the habit, or you
train them stop chewing on their leash.
If you are on the market for a leash that is both safe and effective to use both during the day and at night, then the best thing you can do is to get one that has reflective material woven into its cord or rope. The leash size and material should be chosen based on the size and weight of your dog. A small dog, such as a chihuahua, will be burdened by the weight of a thick leash that has a really heavy clasp. In contrast, a German shepherd could easily snap a leash that is too thin. You never want to buy more of anything that you have to, so don’t make the mistake of overbuying when it comes to getting a dog leash.
Continue reading this article to learn more about the different leash options out there, so that you can better decide which to invest in, for you and your dog.
The following are reviewed Top 10 Dog Leashes:
Table of Contents
1. PET&CUDDLE Retractable Dog Leash
The Pet
& Cuddle leash is a high quality retractable dog leash in a durable, pink
plastic casing. It’s perfect for small dogs up to 33 lbs, and like a lot of
other leashes reviewed in this article, extends to 16 FT. It features an extra
large, heavy-duty collar clip, and an easy to use one-touch luck and unlock
mechanism. The manufacturer donates 3% of their profits to the ‘Best Friends
Animal Society’, which is an organization committed to making sure stray
animals don’t get put to sleep.
The Pet & Cuddle leash provides control of your dog’s safety, allows enough
freedom for your dog to sniff out interesting smells, and explore the walking
area a bit.
PROS:
- Cute, pink design
- Durable casing
- Great quality
CONS:
- A bit heavy
2. BAAPET 5 FT Strong Dog Leash
This leash stands out on Amazon for several reasons. For one, it’s the top-selling standard dog leash, and two, it’s got 4.5 stars out of thousands and thousands of reviews. Plus, it’s got ‘Amazon Choice’ status. The BAAPET dog leash is composed of thick rock-climbing rope, with reflective threads so you can be easily seen at night. The handle features a pad that is designed to protect your hands from rope burn, which can be helpful if your K-9 friend is a feisty one.
The connection where the handle folds over onto itself very strongly bonded, and is a favorite among people who buy this leash. This is a great leash for just about any dog and any dog owner. Its versatile, reliable, and leaves very little to be desired. The handle has extra padding, to make sure you are comfortable walking your dog.
PROS:
- Reflective Thread
- Padded Handle
- Durable Construction
CONS:
- Non-retractable
- Doesn’t come in larger sizes
3. TUG 360° Tangle-Free, Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash
The TUG 360° is a very well designed retractable dog leash. It’s comfortable to hold, and feels very smooth in operation. The lock switch is very easy to maneuver, which can be helpful for those who have weak hands or arthritis. The TUG 360° allows the leash to be extended and retracted in a wide array of angles without getting tangled, which makes the walking process a lot easier.
There are three different sizes available, a small, medium, and large. Each leash is suitable for up to 35 lbs, 55 lbs, and 110 lbs, respectively. The grip is super comfortable, designed with long walks in mind. It features an ergonomic anti-slip handle, and the leash extends to a maximum of 16 ft.
PROS:
- 3 Sizes to choose from
- Extends up to 16 ft
- ‘Zero Tangle’ 360° design
CONS:
- Large size is a bit too large
- A bit too heavy
4. Ladoogo 2 Pack 5 FT Heavy Duty Dog Leash
The ‘Heavy
Duty Dog Leash’ by Ladoogo features a foam handle, highly reflective threads,
and sporty design. The comfortable foam handle helps maintain a firm grip
without burning your hands, even when your dog is pulling strongly. To achieve
the perfect balance between freedom and control, it’s length is specifically
set at 5 ft.
The great thing about this leash is that it includes 2 leashes, so if you have
more than one dog, or just want to have one of them put up as a spare, that’s a
great point to consider.
PROS:
- Comes in a 2-pack
- Foam padding handle
CONS:
- Depending on the dog, the cord may be easily chewed through
5. iYoShop Dual Dog Leash
The iYoShop Dog Leash is a strong weather resistant nylon leash, and a great alternative to cheap retractable dog leashes or rope slip leads. These leashes can be used for small, medium and big dogs, or a new puppy. It’s one size fits all! The iYoShop Dog Leash features a heavy duty design, made out of climbing rope and tightly woven nylon bungee extension cord. This makes the iYoShop dog leash durable, yet lightweight.
The iYoShop Dog Leash has a 360° swivel clasp that allows for automatic adjusting when dogs get tangled up. This removes limitations, and allows your dog to move from side to side without having to deal with tangles. This leash also features a shock absorbing bungee extension design to help absorb shock from quick movement when used with high energy dogs.
PROS:
- Foam padding handle
- Harness design
CONS:
- Not very long
6. Fida Retractable Dog Leash
The FIDA
retractable dog leash is a well designed leash made for dogs that weigh up to
110lbs. It features a retractable cord, which is reflective, and pulls out to
16 feet so your dog has plenty of freedom to move around. The leash comes in 5
attractive colors, and is made of a hard plastic casing. The handle is also
plastic, but has a soft-touch finish, for a comfortable grip.
The FIDA retractable dog leash is great leash for the price, and features a
very rigid and sturdy design. The harness strap is great for larger dogs, and
they will enjoy the fact that it does not pull on their necks when they are
pressing you to move forward a bit.
PROS:
- Easy to use locking button
- Soft-touch handle
CONS:
- Not the best construction quality
7. Bolux 5ft Dog Leash, Heavy Duty Rope Leash
The Bolux
5ft Dog Leash is an innovative heavy duty rope leash that features 2 padded
handles, so you have options as to how much control you want to have over your
pet. It’s got a 3M reflective coating for night time safety, and is perfect for
small and medium sized dogs.
The Bolux 5ft dog leash provides great control. It’s like two leashes built
into one! You can use the long leash for casual walks, and use the shorter
leash for busy sidewalks, bike paths and crowded areas. The Bolux 5ft dog leash
lets you choose how to handle your pet without having to deal with a
retractable cord.
PROS:
- Dual handle design
- 2 tone colors available
CONS:
- Non-retractable
8. PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
The PetSafe
nylon dog leash is a simple, traditional style leash made from a strong and
durable woven nylon. It features a
strong and easy to use collar hook, and is available in six different colors.
The PetSafe nylon leash is available in several lengths and widths, so you can
buy the size that suits your dog the best. This leash is simple and
lightweight, and is great for anyone who just needs a basic, dependable, dog
leash.
With it’s simple but useful dual handled design, the Petsafe nylon dog leash is
an excellent choice for someone who wants just the right amount of features,
but doesn’t need all the extra bells and whistles that other leashes offer.
PROS:
- Very Strong
- 6 color choices
CONS:
- Basic design, lacks features
- No padding on handle
9. Hi Kiss Training Leash
The Hi Kiss
Training Leash is a durable and long dog leash intended for training. Made of
strong , nylon, it will outlast a standard cotton leash. The stitching is
double-reinforced and the coller clip swivels to help prevent twisting. The Hi
Kiss training leash is excellent for medium and large sized dogs.
The Hi Kiss Training leash is long! This leash measures 3/4“ wide and is 30
feet long! It’s great for hiking, camping, training, hunting, backyard, beach,
recall training, outdoor play with tennis balls, and swimming!
PROS:
- Very long, at 30FT
- Simple, easy to use
CONS:
- Lacks features
- Gets easily tangled
10. TaoTronics Retractable Hands Free Dog Leash
The TaoTronics retractable dog leash is another innovative choice for pet owners. It features a waist strap, so you can enjoy a hands dog walking experience. The leash belt that lets you freely use your phone or perform other tasks without feeling restrained by the need to handle your dog. It’s got extra handles for extra control, allowing you to choose how to control your pet.
This TaoTronics leash sports a strong, dual bungee construction: it will absorb jerks and lunges by dogs up to 150lb. This helps to reduce back strain, and lowers the risk of getting hurt in the process of walking your dog.
PROS:
- Dual handles
- Waist strap
CONS:
- Bungie system can be a bit unwieldy
- Somewhat poor quality control
- Cheap buckle mechanism
SUMMARY
Getting the right dog leash is extremely important. The bond between you and your animal is one built on trust and control. With the wrong kind of leash, you or your dog can be made to feel very uncomfortable, thus discouraging one or both of you from going on walks.
Walking a dog is not only healthy for the animal, but it’s good for you too! Not just in the form of exercise, but it also brings you and your dog closer by forming a healthy social routine. It’s always good thing to get out of the house, and to break away from the usual mundane cycle of going to work or school, and then coming home again.
With so many dog leashes to choose from, it can be really hard to find the perfect leash that is best for not only you, but for your pet as well. This is why we put this article together, so that we can help. A dog leash literally connects you and your pet. The right leash establishes control and dominance, and shows your pet whos boss, without taking away too much of its freedom.
We hope that in reading this article, you will find a great leash so that you and your dog stay comfortable on your walks, and are encouraged to walk longer and more often. All of the dog leashes in this article are great for taking your dog out on a walk, whether it’s something you do several times a day, or just once a week.
