You’d think picking a dog leash would be straightforward enough; after all, they all do the same thing, right? Yes and no. While leashes are all designed to give you control and keep your dog secure when out and about, they’re not all built the same.

While some are designed for small, light dogs, others are better suited to larger, more powerful dogs. While some are short in length, others are retractable or are designed to be long enough to use for recall training. In addition, handle types vary, and some leashes come with extra features like grip pads or poop bag holders.

In short, different leashes suit different types of dogs and different kinds of situations, so it’s important to carefully weigh up which type would be best for your dog. Here are the best dog leashes on the market based on user reviews.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Dog Leashes

1. Doggy Tales Braided Rope Dog Leash (5-ft) – Best Overall

We’ve chosen the Doggy Tales braided rope dog leash as our best overall dog leash. As dog parents ourselves, we appreciate a leash that’s made of strong material as this provides extra reassurance, and this one is made of rock-climbing rope—you can’t get much tougher than that! It’s also reflective for night walks, and the handle is designed to give you a good grip.

Many customers have attested to the quality and durability of this product, two crucial characteristics to consider when selecting a leash. One customer mentioned that the non-slip handle offers extra comfort when walking dogs with a tendency to pull. However, some have mentioned that the rubber sheaths on the leash itself come loose easily.

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2. Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Leash– Best Value

We think the Frisco solid nylon dog leash is the best value for the money option thanks to its low price and largely excellent reviews. There are various width and length options available, with each one corresponding to a different size and weight of dog. For example, the 6-ft leash with a width of 3/8 inches is recommended for extra small dogs up to 15 pounds in weight.

Several customers have commented that they’re happy with the strong material and clasp and have praised how Frisco’s lengths and widths cater to a wide range of dogs from small to large. There’s no padding on the handle, though, so this may be uncomfortable for those with dogs that pull.

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3. Ruff ‘N Ruffus Tangle-free Retractable Dog Leash– Premium Choice

The Ruff ‘N Ruffus tangle-free retractable leash is accompanied by a range of handy accessories, including a poop bag dispenser, mini-LED light, and a collapsible travel bowl. This makes it an option worth considering for those who spend a lot of time outdoors with their dog. It can retract to 16 feet, but its lock and reel-back features give you extra control. The leash is recommended for dogs up to 110 pounds.

Most customers love how sturdy this leash is and the comfort of the anti-slip handle and appreciate the useful extras. However, it’s essential to be careful when using retractable leashes, especially if your dog is powerful or has a tendency to bolt as you could get pulled over or your dog could hurt their neck. These kinds of leashes are best for dogs on harnesses (to avoid neck injuries) and have impeccable leash manners.

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4. Li’l Pals Microfiber Dog Leash – Best for Puppies

Some bigger leashes are too heavy for puppies and small breeds, so if you’ve got a little pooch on your hands, something like this Li’l Pals microfiber leash could be ideal. It’s made of lightweight material that comes in three color options and was designed specifically for extra small dogs with a width of 3/8 inches.

The alligator snap is designed for easy clipping, and one customer mentioned that it’s lightweight, which prevents strain on the collar. There aren’t many reviews for this product, but all are positive in nature. However, this kind of leash is not suitable for larger, stronger dogs.

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5. Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Dog Leash

The Chai’s Choice leash is made of soft mesh to help prevent you from hurting your hand when walking your dog. In addition, it has been tested on large dogs and dogs that pull, so this could be an ideal choice if your dog matches one of those descriptions. The leash is also reflective, which is useful for those who walk their dogs at night or early in the morning.

Customer reviews are glowing for the most part, with particular praise for the thickness of the leash and its durable quality. On the other hand, some describe it as too heavy for smaller, lighter dogs and puppies.

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6. Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash

I have used this Flexi model—which is made in Germany—myself with my Poodle-terrier cross and find it to be a high-quality, lightweight, and durable leash. The leash itself is made of nylon tape and the handle is shaped to fit your hand and provide a good grip. The lock feature is easy to use, and you’ll find the button on top of the leash handle.

Most user reviews are excellent, and the leash’s lightweight design and the control it offers have been well received. Some describe the handle as too small, however, so this may cause discomfort for some, though I personally didn’t experience any issues with that.

In addition, as with all retractables, use with caution if your dog is strong or their leash behavior is below par. One mistake I made when using the Flexi was to let it tie in a knot, which caused it to fray, so be sure to always untangle any knots!

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7. Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash

 

Even when your dog is leashed, crossing the road with them can be stressful. If your dog is difficult to control, you might want to consider a leash with two handles like this reflective one by Max and Neo Dog Gear. There’s the regular handle (neoprene padded) for general walks, but an extra handle closer to the clasp for you to hold onto and keep your dog close, making it ideal for crossing the road or obedience training your dog.

Customers like the extra control this leash gives (especially when walking excitable dogs), the comfort of the handle, and how well it works for training. On the other hand, some say it’s not suitable for smaller dogs because it’s too heavy and you may not be able to reach the loop closest to the clasp if your dog is short.

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8. PetSafe Cotton Dog Training Lead

If you’re training your dog in recall and heeling, using a long leash like this cotton PetSafe dog training lead can give you and your dog the freedom to practice but with the reassurance that you still have control. There are a few different lengths available ranging from 15 to 30 feet, but the width is 5/8 inches for all lengths. It’s designed to be used with dogs of all sizes.

Several customers have said that they like how lightweight this leash is and the extra freedom it offers, particularly for training and for dogs that can’t be unleashed. However, these kinds of leashes aren’t suitable for walking in the street or use with collars, as this can be dangerous for the dog. Only attach this kind of leash to a harness. It’s also essential to be ready to avoid being pulled over if your dog suddenly bolts.

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9. Frisco Traffic Leash with Dual Padded Handles & Poop Bag Dispenser

If you’re looking for a leash with double handles but want to save some money, Frisco’s reflective traffic leash may be a good call. Frisco is known for its affordable but often highly-reviewed products, and this leash is no exception. Its dual handles give you better control when crossing the road, training your dog, or simply whenever you need to keep them closer to you when out walking in general. The poop bag dispenser is a handy extra.

Many customers have given this leash the thumbs-up for training purposes, walking dogs with a tendency to pull, and navigating busy areas. That said, as with other leashes in this style, you may not be able to easily reach the second handle on smaller dogs.

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10. Frisco Fashion Leash, Tropical Floral

For those who’d prefer something a little jazzier than the standard solid-colored leash, we think this tropical floral Frisco leash—which comes in three width options—is cute and cheery. The gold clasp blends nicely with the colors on the leash material, and it comes with a D-ring for a poop bag dispenser (not provided). This inexpensive leash would be ideal for taking your pup on their daily walks in style.

Most customers love the cute, pretty design and describe it as sturdy and high-quality. The only issue is that, as is the case with similar leashes, the lack of a padded handle may make this leash unsuitable for dogs who pull as you could end up with a sore hand.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Leash

Given that different leashes are suited to different situations (daily walks, training, etc.) and different types of dogs, you may need to purchase a few leashes to cater to various needs. Here are some extra tips for choosing the right leash for you and your dog:

Conclusion

Let’s go over our top picks again briefly before you click away. We chose the sturdy Doggy Tales braided rope leash with a padded handle as our best overall pick for its comfort and durability. Our best value pick is the cheap and simple but highly-reviewed Frisco dog leash, and the Ruff ‘N Ruffus tangle-free retractable leash with all its handy extras is our premium choice.

To make our selections, we thought about how different types of leashes suit different dogs (strength, size, etc.) and what they’re intended for, whether that be just walking, training, or offering extra freedom. We also based our choices on which products have received mostly positive customer reviews for their quality and value.

• Also see: Are Shock Collars Illegal? Legality & Ethics Explained

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Featured Image Credit: Vera Reva, Shutterstock