12 Best Dog Leashes – 2024

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Looking for the best dog leash for your pup? A solid dog leash or harness is as essential as those daily walks you need them for. Different dogs require different types of leashes though, and the amount of available leash and harness options out there can be overwhelming, to say the least.

We compiled a list of some of the best leashes and harnesses for your dog, whether they’re a puller, a chewer, a rugged outdoors pup, or a night owl. Some parents prefer to use a leash alone, while others would rather have their dog fitted with a leash attaching harness.

Some things to think about when shopping for a dog leash or harness:

• Length: Some dogs are fine with more roaming freedom, but many parents prefer to keep their pups closer and under control. Several of the leashes listed here let you operate with different lengths depending on the amount of control you want.
• Configuration: Depending on where you’re walking and how your dog handles walks, you’ll want either a leash you can hold firmly in your hand or a leash that lets you keep your hands free. A few of these leashes offer a combination of configurations with optional handles and additional clips.
• Material: Check to see whether the leash is designed for appearance or functionality. Stronger, larger dogs will need more durable leashes, and some materials deter chewers as well.
• Walking Environment: If you’re walking in public or crowded areas, you may want a leash that lets you keep tighter control. Some leashes can be re-configured from more casual walking to public walking. Some leashes are better for hikes and outdoor experiences, while others may be just right for a city or suburban environment.

The following leashes and harnesses are great options for specific types of dogs and environments. If you’re looking for a collar too, check out the 10 Best Dog Collars.

Best Personalized Harness

The Coastal Pet Comfort Soft Adjustable Mesh Dog Harness offers an ideal blend of comfort and control, making it a great choice for everyday walks. The breathable mesh material ensures your dog stays cool, while the adjustable design provides a custom fit. Plus, you can personalize the harness with your pet’s name or contact details, adding a thoughtful touch. Coastal Pet also offers matching personalized leashes and collars, allowing you to complete your pet’s look with style and safety.

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Best Lifetime Leash

If you’re looking for a leash that will last a lifetime, the Lifetime Leash by Atlas Pet Company is an excellent choice. The company promises that the leash is “guaranteed for life, even if your pup destroys it.” It’s made with durable materials like dry-treated dynamic climbing rope and custom-designed clamps. It also has a strong stainless steel clip that has one-handed removal for easy use. This leash is available in two lengths and seven colors, and it’s perfect for any type of adventure.

Best Leash And Harness Set

This stylish, yet sturdy, Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Set includes a matching harness, leash, and poop bag. The ring in front of the chest reduces pulling, the one on their mid-back is for everyday use, and the lower-back ring is for running/hiking. Plus, the heavy duty, triple stitched military grade nylon exterior is extremely durable while the soft neoprene interior padding is comfortable for your canine. This three way adjustable harness can withstand the strongest of dogs and is suitable for dogs weighing 40-150 lbs.

Best Bag/Leash Combo Set

The Springer Walk Bag + Dog Leash Set features an adjustable leash made of durable, waterproof, and odor-resistant PolyFlex material with a neoprene handle and a bag made of neoprene and mesh. This combo’s innovative design provides easy access to essentials like phones, keys, and cards, along with dog-specific needs such as a poop bag dispenser and a mesh treat pocket. The fold-out bag also offers a perfect spot to stuff a tennis ball for a quick game of fetch while out and about. Available in four colors.

Best Leash For Pullers

Both the bungee action and the dual handle design make the OneTigris Training Nylon Bungee Dog Leash an excellent choice for dogs who like to pull on walks. Its design prevents discomfort in your hands/arms or on your dog’s neck. The dual handles let you change how much control you have.

Related: Best GPS Tracking Collars for Dogs

Best Leash For Chewers

Yep, sometimes dogs (especially puppies) like to use their leash as a chew toy. The Mighty Paw Chew-Proof Dog Leash will make that a lot more difficult for them. It’s made of durable, steel braided cable, and the handle is soft for your holding comfort.

Best Reflective Leash/Harness

The Headlight Harness LED Light Dog Harness features multiple bright and reflective components to make those nighttime walks safer. There’s a reflective trim and a bright LED light in the center of the chest.

RELATED: The Leash Matters – When To Use What Type

Best Rope Leash

Also available at Petco

The Found My Animal Adjustable Rope Dog Leash is 7 feet long, and the O-rings let you change the leash configuration from hands-free to palm-held to around the wrist. This leash is made of extremely strong rope that can withstand hundreds of pounds of force.

Best Leather Leash

A leather leash looks a lot more stylish than the typical nylon or rope kinds. The Soft Touch Collars Leather Braided Traffic Handle Dog Leash is also durable and easy to control your dog with.

Best Hands-Free Leash

When you walk your trained dog in safe, familiar environments, sometimes you just don’t need to hold on to their leash. With an included belt for you, the Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash lets you stick with your dog while using your hands for other things. It also has two control handles if you need to suddenly reign the pup in.

RELATED: 15 Reasons To Keep Your Dog On Leash (Even When It’s Legal Not To)

Best Retractable Leash

Retractable leashes offer a certain kind of freedom for your dog on walks. The TUG Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash features a simple button-touch lock and brake system, so you can let your dog use the full 16 feet or reel them in to a much closer distance.

The main concern with retractable leashes is the tangling aspect, and they tend to be more flimsy than, say, a rope or leather leash. Typically, retractable leashes tend to be the least recommended type.

Related: Why You May Want To Re-Consider Using A Retractable Leash

Best Dual Leash

If you need to walk two dogs at the same time, why not do it with one leash? The Pet Fit For Life Dual Dog Leash is a bungee leash with two separate tethers. The double-ringed swivel keeps the tethers from tangling. This particular product also comes with a travel bowl.

Best Long Leash

The Mendota Products Pro-Trainer Check Cord Rope Dog Lead is a great long leash option for dogs that can safely spread out from their people on walks. It’s 30 feet of durable rope with UV protection to prevent fading, and it’s even machine washable.

Most Secure Harness

Without a proper, secure fit, a dog can easily slip out of its harness. The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness has 5 points of adjustment to keep your dog safe, secure, and comfortable. It also works great as a seatbelt in the car when attached with a separate tether. Remember: the harness is not a leash substitute. It’s more of a collar substitute.

Best Materials for a Dog Leash

When it comes to choosing the right leash for your canine companion, the material plays a crucial role. The material can impact durability, comfort, flexibility, and even the aesthetic appeal of the leash. Here, we delve into some of the best materials commonly used in crafting quality dog leashes.

1. Nylon Dog Leashes

Nylon is a popular choice for dog leashes due to its durability and affordability. This synthetic fabric is incredibly resilient, able to withstand heavy pulls, biting, and harsh weather conditions, making it perfect for energetic dogs who love to play outdoors. Moreover, nylon leashes come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing for personalization and easy visibility.

2. Leather Dog Leashes

Leather leashes are the epitome of classic style and durability. They’re a bit pricier than their nylon counterparts, but their longevity and strength make the investment worthwhile. Leather leashes soften over time, providing a comfortable grip that’s gentle on the hands, even during long walks or intense training sessions.

3. Chain Dog Leashes

Chain leashes can be a good option for dogs that have a tendency to chew on their leashes. Chains can’t be easily chewed through, making them an ideal option for these persistent pups. However, they can be heavier and harder to grip, so they may not be the best option for small dogs or for prolonged use.

4. Rope Dog Leashes

Rope leashes have a rustic, rugged appeal and are often made with climbing-grade ropes, making them extraordinarily durable and resistant to wear and tear. They’re also lightweight, flexible, and comfortable to hold, which is ideal for long walks or hiking.

5. Biothane Dog Leashes

Biothane is a synthetic material that combines the durability of nylon with the softness and luxury feel of leather. It’s waterproof, easy to clean, and resistant to odors, making it an increasingly popular choice for dog leashes.

Each of these materials has its pros and cons, and the choice often depends on your dog’s breed, size, and behavior, as well as your budget and personal preference. The key is to find a balance between durability, comfort, style, and price that best suits you and your furry friend.

Conclusion: Best Leashes for Dogs

In conclusion, choosing the right leash material, whether it’s durable nylon, classic leather, sturdy chain, rugged rope, or versatile Biothane, greatly contributes to your pet’s safety and comfort during walks. Keep in mind your dog’s habits, your routine, and personal preferences to find the perfect fit. The right leash is more than a mere tether—it’s a tool that fosters connection, ensures safety, and enhances the joy of shared adventures with your canine companion.

Looking for a good collar next? Try these GPS/Tracking Collars, or check out this helpful guide to dog collars for advice. Or see our guide to the best harnesses to stop your dog from pulling.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.