Best dog leashes 2024: Keep your pooch safe and under control

Keep your pooch safe and under control when you’re out and about with one of the best dog leashes.

Dog leashes are generally pretty simple devices – it’s a length of material that keeps you and your dog attached – but you should still look for a quality product.

Some leashes have extra features, such as extendable and retractable cords, bungee-style cords for dogs that pull, hands-free leashes for joggers, or even dual-leash attachments to let you walk two dogs at once. Whatever you and your dog need, our best dog leash guide is here to help you make the right choice.

If your puppy is still learning their way, we’ve got some great advice on leash training your dog. You can also check out our best dog harnesses guide, as they can provide a great alternative to dog leashes.

The Quick List

• Back to the top ⤴

The best dog leashes we recommend in 2024

Best dog leash overall

If you have a strong and active dog or a four-legged friend who likes to pull on his lead, like our tester Sarah's dog Duke, then the Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash could be the best dog leash for you.

Along with praising the sleek and classic silver coloring, Sarah liked the fact that the leash material (which is crafted from real, dry-treated dynamic climbing rope and finished with custom-designed clamps and a stainless steel swivel clip) was soft and flexible to the touch, but extremely strong and sturdy. Duke is pretty muscular and Sarah has had issues in the past where her dog would pull too hard, causing the collar to snap from the leash or the leash/handle to break — but not anymore! Sarah refers to the quality-led Lifetime Leash as a total 'game changer'.

Our tester Sarah found that the leash didn't pick up dirt or was affected by the changes in weather. One of her biggest pet peeves about leashes is how quickly they get dirty, and we agree! But after several weeks of using this leash, Sarah is amazed that the product still looks brand new and doesn't have an unappealing aroma to it.

If we had to pick one negative, we'd say that the leash could be a bit too long for medium-sized dogs. "But that could also be a personal preference on my part," our tester says. Plus, we're happy to report that there are 5-foot-long leashes available, as well as an 8-foot-long option to choose from.

This leash isn't cheap at over $70, however, the fact it lasts for a lifetime makes the cost justifiable and we like that this means less waste.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best dog leash for strong dogs

If you want a strong, tough, durable dog leash that is built to last and can cope with dog breeds from 0-150lbs then you really need to be taking a look at this top-quality dog leash from iYoShop.

There’s no messing about here. This nylon rope–inspired dog leash is based on mountain climbing gear so you know it's going to be tough and long-lasting. The manufacturer claims it could be the only leash you’ll ever need. And they may well be right when it comes to straightforward everyday use.

So what do you get? The leash comes in three different sizes and a host of colors, so not only do you get a rugged leash, but six cool colors to choose from. The XS is the perfect choice for toy breeds with a maximum load of 8lbs and 5ft of lead.

The next size up (small) sticks with the length but ups the maximum load to 25lbs. Heading into the medium and large sizes you get a bit more variety. Keeping up the super strength theme is a one-inch thick lead with an impressive maximum load of 150lbs. That’s strong enough for large and extra-large breeds such as Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, and Great Danes. And you have the choice of a 4ft or 6ft lead length.

A super strong clasp ensures that your pet pooch isn’t going to break away and the sturdy stitching is neatly covered inside its own casing to add extra strength. A thick soft padded handle adds comfort and stops the leash from digging into your hand when your fur baby is pulling. And a Velcro attachable zipper pouch is perfect for storing keys and carrying poop bags when out and about.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best puppy training dog leash

If you’re looking to cut your puppy some slack without letting them off the leash entirely, then this puppy obedience recall training lead is your ideal teaching companion.

The long leash length lets your dog stretch their legs and run across great distances without you ever having to lose control of them. It’s a perfect tool for teaching your dog recalls, as it allows them to wander and feel free while ensuring that they can’t disobey commands and run off.

The leash is made from durable nylon with reinforced stitching and nickel-plated clip swivels to keep the cord from twisting or breaking, giving you peace of mind as you’re training your new best friend. There are a variety of length options, starting at 15 feet and climbing all the way up to 100 feet. There are a ton of color options to choose from too, so you’ll be able to customize your dog leash to suit you and your pup’s style.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best budget dog leash

This budget-busting dog leash brings with it all the basic features that you need in an everyday lead, but without having to spend big. A durable and functional dog leash, it is made from a strong high-quality, woven nylon material and boasts a nickel-coated clip and simple integrated handle that means it can take the strain without you having to worry about it breaking.

There are not a lot of frills with this lead - you get what you pay for - but what you do get works well. The leash is available in six different sizes ranging from extra small right through to large, making it an ideal choice for dogs up to 80 pounds. Ideal for Airedale Terriers, German Shepherds, Boxers, and similar breeds, but nothing larger than these.

Each size in the range is different so you will need to choose what suits your fur baby and your needs best. The XS and Small are both six feet in length, but the Small has a wider lead ⅝ inch lead, so you might want to go for the extra width and load to put less strain on the lead.

Going up the scale the Medium size has a three-quarter-inch wide lead, but comes in four and six-foot lengths. The six-foot works well for every day, while the four-foot is a good choice for close control when training.

The Large ups the lead width to one inch so it can take a bigger load, and again it comes in both four and six-foot lengths, so you can choose which works best for you. But at this price point, you can afford to invest in both.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best retractable dog leash

Want to give your pet pooch more fun and freedom when out on a walk, but also want to keep control at the same time? Then a retractable leash is a great choice. Even if your pet pooch disappears out of sight you still have them on the leash. You can stop them going any further and slowly reel them back in when needed.

The Tug 360° Tangle-Free Heavy-Duty Retractable Leash is made for most dog breeds. It comes in four different sizes ranging from Tiny through to Large. The extra small is the perfect choice for breeds under 26 pounds like Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, and Chihuahuas.

But being smaller in size it only has a ten-foot leash. The three other size options all come with a longer 16-foot leash. The small is suitable for breeds up to 35 pounds and the medium is for dogs under 55 pounds. The large accommodates dogs up to 110 pounds making a good choice for German Shepherds and similar, but no good for Great Danes and other extra large breeds.

While the strong nylon leash can cope with the strain of whatever breed you buy it for, it's not heavy-duty enough to cope with a lot of chewing. But hopefully, your pet pooch will be enjoying its newfound freedom too much to want to chew.

Keeping the leash – and your dog – under control is a tough ABS casing that comes with an anti-slip comfort handle to give plenty of grip. While a strong Japanese steel coil makes sure that you get reliable refraction via the easy-to-use lock and brake system.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best bungee dog leash

Do you have a dog that likes to pull? Is your pet pooch always straining at the leash? Do you think you are hurting your fur baby’s neck? If this sounds like you then this heavy-duty bungee style leash is one for you. Its anti-shock elastic design means that it optimizes comfort and safety for both you and your dog. Every time your pooch pulls it lessens the strain on their neck, and it lessens the impact on your arm and back.

Made from heavy-duty high-quality nylon, the leash is available in two different sizes and nine different colors. The shorter 4.5ft leash has a variable length from 106cm to 137cm and is a good choice for small and medium breeds. The longer 6ft leash takes over where the smaller left off and expands from 137cm through to 185cm making it the better choice for large medium breeds and large breeds.

The nine available colors don't stretch to both sets of leashes. The six-foot option is available in all colors but the shorter leash is only available in five different colors with one camo option.

To help keep control of your pet pooch when out walking or training the leash incorporates two padded handles for ease and comfort. The top handle is for everyday use while the bottom handle allows you to take almost complete control when in busy areas or near other dogs. If out at night reflective stitching helps you get seen.

A metal 360-degree rotating clasp attaches the leash to your dog's collar and not only eases the strain on the leash but also stops it from twisting and getting tangled around their neck.

A smart addition is the inclusion of a seat belt buckle which fits into most cars. Not only does this keep them safe and secure when traveling, but it also means you don’t have the hassle of purchasing a separate safety leash just for your vehicle.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best double dog leash

Have you got two dogs but want to keep them on a single leash when you are out for a walk? Then this specially designed dual dog lead could be just what you need. You can say goodbye to tangled leads and having both hands occupied when out with two of your fur friends. This Takes Two leash turns your everyday single leash into a Y-shaped, dual dog leash with a tangle-free swivel joint that’s perfect for two of your pet pooches. If you are feeling brave – and have more than two dogs – you could double up and take four dogs for a walk with just two leashes.

A single steel ring takes the strain with two adjustable straps attached to the ring. This means that you can add any single leash you already own and just clip each ‘mini’ leash onto your dog's collar.

They are both made from strong durable nylon with some heavy stitching to take the strain. Both are adjustable via a plastic buckle that is functional rather than fantastic. But this does mean you can adjust independently to get the perfect fit for both dogs on the leash. At its shortest, the leash is around five inches but can be stretched out to around 8 inches.

It does work with two dogs of contrasting sizes, It doesn’t have the strength or length for large dogs. But it does make a good choice for medium dogs and smaller dogs.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best hands-free dog leash

If you like to go hiking, running, and jogging and want to take your fur baby with you this hands-free leash could provide the perfect companion for you and your dog. Specifically tailored for medium to large dogs the adjustable waistband will fit around the midriff of most pet owners. Its smallest waist size kicks off at 28 inches, but it does expand to a maximum waist size of 47 inches. That’s most dog walkers, runners, and joggers covered.

A snap-in buckle makes it quick and easy to attach around the waist while two stainless clasps sit above the buckle ready to attach to the lead. The double clasps equally balance the waistband so it doesn’t dig into one side and they are strong enough to keep your pet pooch under control.

A shock absorbing bungee style leash attaches to the waistband and your dog’s collar using secure easy-to-operate dog clips. The lead helps reduce pull shock - when your dog unexpectedly tries to run off - and means less stress on their neck.

To make sure that you can take control of your furbaby when needed the lead comes with two easy grip control handles - one at each end of the lead. You can use the one nearest your fur baby’s neck for complete control and the other handle as you would a normal lead.

If you don’t fancy running or jogging you can just use the lead for an everyday walk. Reflective strips make sure you get seen at night and a handy storage bag for the waistband is included if you decide you don't want to stay hands-free when you're out and about.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best all-in-one dog leash

Sick of having to grab all the accessories that go along with taking your dog for a walk? Then you should check out the Stitchleash, which promises to be an all-in-one dog leash.

At its core, the Stitchleash is a retractable leash made from nylon reflective tape to keep you and your dog visible and safe during night-time walks. It has a stylish grip handle with an embossed puppy paw logo on the side and features a one-touch lock-and-unlock button for ease of use.

So far, so standard, but what sets the Stitchleash apart is the versatile series of hooks that hang underneath, which can be used to carry all kinds of accessories. It comes with a dirty poop bag holder and a waste bag dispenser included, but you can also use it to carry keys, water bowls, hand sanitizer, and dog toys.

There are two size options to choose from: small/medium which is for dogs up to 50lbs, and large/extra large which can handle canines up to 110lbs. Color options are a little limited, with only black or white on offer, but we think both variants look great.

• Back to the top ⤴

How to choose the best dog leash 

There are a host of different dog leash types out there, so you need to pick one that best suits your breed. A standard six-foot lead is a good choice for everyday use and training. These are typically made from nylon and leather and are strong enough for most breeds.

If you want to give your pet pooch a bit more freedom you can try a retractable leash. You can choose how far your dog can go before stopping them. These are better suited to smaller dogs.

Bungee-type leads allow for a lead to stretch and retract meaning that there will be less stress on your dog's neck. Other leads include the double if you have two dogs you want to walk on one lead to help keep them under control. A hands-free option is a good option if you like to run and not have to worry about keeping hold of your fur baby.

Width and load 

The width of the leash typically equates to how strong it is and what sort of load the lead can withstand. A thinner leash is much less likely to be able to take the strain that a thicker leash can. If you have a larger breed of dog it makes sense to have a thicker lead that can withstand the load of a heavy dog. But if you have a smaller dog look for a thinner lead that is not too heavy for their size.

Length of leash 

A shorter leash gives pet owners more control over their pet pooch. A three to six-foot lead is ideal for everyday use and training. Obviously, the smaller length is ideal for a smaller dog while the longer length is better for a bigger dog for most occasions.

But if you are training your dog to walk by your side and/or out in a busy street, you might want a shorter three or four-foot lead so you keep control. Alternatively, you can wrap a six-foot lead around your hand to whatever length you want.

• Back to the top ⤴

Are rope dog leashes better?

Rope leashes are a great option for some dogs and owners because they offer a chunky, textured surface to grip and can be thrown in the washing machine and washed clean. When buying a rope leash make sure to run it through your hands to ensure the material won't irritate your palms if your dog pulls.

They might not be suitable for dogs that like to chew their leash, as they can fray if they aren't coated. They also aren't good for wet weather or dogs who like to swim as they can absorb water and get weighed down. Heavy-duty rope leashes tend to be able to take a lot of strain, so can be a good choice if you have a larger breed or a dog that pulls.

Often you will find slip leashes are made from rope or cord of some description, so if that is your leash of choice take into consideration the factors mentioned above before buying.

What is the best type of leash for a dog that pulls?

If your pup likes to pull on their leash, you might be concerned about the strain that this puts on their neck. So, we spoke to our expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan about the best types of dog leash for pulling dogs.

“You should definitely avoid retractable leashes, bungee leashes, or a leash that attaches to a belt worn around your waist. None of these will give you good control of your pet and could be dangerous in the wrong situation. Slip leashes that tighten as your dog pulls are not recommended as these can put too much strain on your dog’s neck.” explains Dr MacMillan.

Now that’s all the leash types you shouldn’t buy covered, so what should you buy? MacMillan has you covered there too.

“The only sort of leash that stands out are those with a clip at both ends. These double-ended leashes can attach to the back ring and front ring of your dog’s harness,” says MacMillan. “This type of training leash stops dogs from being able to pull against you as effectively, with the front clip turning their body slightly as they lean. Two points of contact give you better control and gentle steering.” If you like the idea of a harness, we’ve rounded up the best dog harnesses for pulling.

Beyond that, she recommends something “sturdy and made from strong materials like leather or neoprene.” That includes the leash, and the clips that attach to your dog’s harness or collar. Whatever leash you get will need to withstand a lot of strain from your dog pulling on it, after all.

“A comfortable padded handle can be a bonus for owners..” continues MacMillan. You’ll be attached to the leash as often as your dog, so it needs to be comfortable for you too.

Finally, MacMillan states that it’s important to remember that no leash or harness will stop your dog from pulling completely.

“Only consistent positive reinforcement training will tackle your dog’s behavior. If you are struggling to get your pet to walk to heel then reach out to a dog trainer, or perhaps a qualified pet behaviourist, for help.”

• Back to the top ⤴

Dr. Rebecca MacMillan

Rebecca is a vet surgeon who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!