Best Dog Leashes (Review) in 2021

The Harness Lead dog leash is easy to put on without having buckles or hardware to adjust. The comfortable material doesn’t rub or chafe against the skin and allows the dog to feel more at ease and relaxed while wearing it. Unfortunately, the length of it isn’t the same for all sizes, which can be a pain for those who purchase the smaller sizes.

The BAAPET dog leash makes it easy to control dogs because it offers more leverage without the fear of the dog breaking the material. It still offers a small amount of give, which allows it to work well when dogs decide to sniff or chase a shadow. The fragile plastic covers on each end can break easily if too much pressure is applied.

This TUG dog leash has a smooth operation with an easy-to-lock temporary lock. It works well for those with weak hands or arthritis because the features are simple to manipulate without applying too much pressure. The design of the leash is heavier and bulkier than similar brands, which can cause hand fatigue and soreness on long walks.

The PetSafe dog leash has a simple design and is available in six colors with a lightweight design to avoid hand fatigue. The long length and durable material gives dogs more freedom in where they move without allowing them to pull too easily. There can be too much space where you hold the leash, which may require looping it around the hand a few times for a secure grip.

15’ option available, as well as 20’, 30’, 50’, and 100’

Leash measures ¾” wide and constructed with durable nylon

Swivel-style bolt snap resists twisting, and a tangle-free design

Choose from eight bright colors, including rainbow pattern

Choose from multiple lead options, from 15’, 20’, 30’, or 100’

Swivel-style bolt snap resists twisting

Can be used well with smaller or medium sized dogs

Measures one inch wide; available in 20’, 30’, or 50’

Comes in two color options, black or orange

Made from high-quality nylon that’s durable and built to last

Six cool colors to choose from, with multiple lead lengths ranging from 6-20’

Soft foam handle means less stress on hands, and lead is ½” in diameter

Made from durable nylon material and features a solid metal clasp

The PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash has the thicker leash for your bigger breeds of dogs in case you want to prevent them from breaking it. Additionally, it’s comfortable to grasp making it nice to use on walks with your pet.

Checkout the BAAPET 5 FT Strong Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle, which features highly reflective threads made for walking your dog in the late evening. Also, a 360-degree swivel gives your dog a lot of freedom. Unfortunately, it has a chemical smell.

BAAPET is made from durable materials and has a comfortable grip. Unfortunately, this leash isn’t the best choice for every dog, as smaller pups tend to not get along with the hook. The plastic piece attached to the leash is also of dubious quality.

The ladoogo 2 Pack 5 FT Heavy Duty Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle has a nice length to keep a decent distance from your dog to explore the grass. Also, the rock climbing style rope is sturdy enough to handle and has a very familiar feel to most people. The main problem is the leash might only last for a month.

The Mycicy Rope Dog Leash is colorful and reflective to make it easier to walk your pet at night. Not to mention, the leash feels lightweight and it’s durable enough to handle the bigger breeds out there. The issue is the clip may wear out after it’s been in the rain a few times.

The leash is 6-feet long which is ideal and has an ultra-soft padded handle that provides extra grip and is comfortable enough even for long walks. However, it can’t be looped easily so you might face some trouble there.

The leash is wrapped with a waterproof transparent cover that makes it very easy to clean and maintain. Moreover, the handle has a hard plastic bushing inside for increased shock resistance. The only downside is that the handle might not be comfortable in your hand.

Several customers have praised the quality and strength of this leash, making it one of the most recommended options. The only issue is that the cord and the clasp are attached using a plastic connector that’s is chewable and this can be a problem.

This leash is made of chain links that makes it ultra strong and perfect for medium and large dogs. It’s also budget-friendly but can be a bit heavy compared to nylon and steel leashes. So, it might not be suitable for long walks.

While this leash may seem too lightweight at first glance, it is incredibly sturdy. We were able to walk even our largest dogs and have the leash hold up well to every pull and tug. However, we found that some of the shades are too light, making it stain easily in wet weather environments.

One of the first things we noticed is how incredibly nice this Shorven leash feels to the touch. It has a nice texture and is easy to grip. However, it also feels a little heavier than we’d like.

Justzon is lightweight and easy to use. Unfortunately, while this leash is advertised as being less prone to twisting, we did experience some tangles that took a considerable chunk of time to undo.

This biothane leash from Viper proved to be quite sturdy when walking larger dogs. It’s also easy to hold and clean; for the latter task, all you need is to wipe it down. However, this leash also has a heavy feel that can make it feel clumsy to use at times.

Our testing team found the length of this leash to be pretty satisfying. It offers a lot of control, especially when working with dogs who tend to be more nervous or stubborn during walks. The handle is comfortable and makes using the leash even easier. However, the hook is on the flimsier end may come off, especially if your dog is prone to pulling.

This leash is fairly sturdy. The padded handle makes it comfortable to use. We also appreciated the utility hook sitting close to the handle, as it allowed us to attach small extra essentials for our test walks. However, it isn’t very reflective, making it not as safe if you plan to use this leash for evening or nighttime walks.

This PetSafe leash is a great choice if you regularly have to walk a small dog. It’s durable enough to resist their tugging, as long as your pup isn’t a chewer and offers plenty of control. Be warned that this leash isn’t quite sturdy enough to handle walking a large dog.

This is another pick that’s ideal for smaller dogs. It’s sturdy enough for their walking needs and generally holds up to pulling. However, the texture of the leash may cause rope burn if your dog is especially prone to tugging.

The rope-like construction of this leash is its most attractive feature. It not only makes the leash easy to hold, but it also makes it incredibly sturdy and perfect for use with large or strong dogs. However, the leash may actually be a bit too short for some larger dogs.

We immediately noticed how high-quality this Bolux leash is the moment we unboxed it. We can tell it was constructed for long-term use thanks to its hefty fabric and visible sewing quality. However, we can’t recommend the waste bags this leash comes with because they’re very flimsy and may lead to more mess.

We found the leash holds up well during most walking scenarios, even when used with the most pull-happy dogs. It’s a great choice for small and medium pups. However, it isn’t as comfortable as other options; our hands hurt after trying to walk our more pull-prone dogs.

Our testers found this leash from Primal was the perfect length for daily walks, especially if you plan to attach it to a frontal harness. It’s sturdy, holds up to the elements, and is a great choice for dogs of most sizes. However, larger dogs may be prone to accidentally getting caught in the lower handle.

We found this leash to be quite efficient; the length and built-in stretchiness allow dogs a bit of freedom to roam. It’s also fairly comfortable to grip. However, the hook isn’t as sturdy as we like, and we worry about its ability to hold up over time.

We felt superhuman while using this dog leash! Even our strongest, heaviest, most pull-happy dogs were no match for us thanks to the way the leash is constructed. We also enjoy the pure convenience of it because it frees our hands up during walking. It even seems to be chew-resistant. However, the position of the straps on the body isn’t entirely comfortable.

This leash proved to be extremely sturdy. The leather it’s made from is of good quality and has a pleasant feel. The hook is equally durable. We were able to walk our largest dogs with no problems. However, it seems to be a little longer than advertised.

The DogGear team loves leather leashes because they are so classic and durable. This is a nice-looking and reasonably priced option that many dog owners love. On the downside, it might stretch a bit, and some owners find the clasp hard to work.

More durable than most other fabric leashes, the Max and Neo is also more comfortable in your hand than most other comparable options. Plus, the company donates a leash for every purchase, and as an added bonus, the leash has a lifetime warranty. One known issue is that the sides of the leash itself can be pretty sharp and cut you if you don’t grab by the handle.

The DogGear team is impressed with the sturdiness of the leash, especially at the price point, and some of our experts even find that their dog pulls less on this leash. On the downside, the levers to operate the clasps on some leashes have broken.

Heavy chewers will go through lighter materials like they’re chew toys, which means that things like nylon might not be an option if your dog is a chewer. The leather material of this leash is extremely durable and stylish, plus it’s gentler on the hands, but it only stays that way if it’s properly maintained. This leash takes more care than nearly any other, and can easy crack or become stained if it’s ignored.

This Primal Pet leash is just a standard nylon leash, but one that makes it simple to keep your dog under control. It’s quite durable, and even has reflective coating all along the side, to keep you and your dog safe on night walks. The only issues our team found were a couple of structural problems that may or may not be individual issues.

This durable leash can withstand curious chewers and daily walks, and we really like the color options. It’s even machine washable! On the downside, there have been reports of faulty clasps.

The leather leash is as stylish as it is durable. It will last a long time without needing replaced. Leather is also easier to hold in the hand without it digging into the skin. The only downside is that leather needs more maintenance.

If you want the ease of use and durability of a leather leash, but don’t want to bother with the maintenance that leather requires, you might like this braided leash from BAAPET. The biggest pro of this leash is durability through simplicity. Some team members notice that it smells and that the rubber on the handle has fallen off.

We love that this leash gives control over our dogs, and that it doesn’t cut into our hands like nylon leashes might. On the downside, continual wear and tear might cause the leash to stretch and snap.

Simple coiling system for storage. Assembled by hand in California. Five-year warranty.

Five size options. Eight color options. Swivel-style bolt snap prevents twisting. Made from long-lasting nylon.

Five sizes available. Five different color options. Made from high-quality nylon.

Many size options available from 5-foot to 30-foot. Six colors. Solid metal clasp for easy attachment to collars. Padded foam handle.

Mendota Products Dog Slip Lead is soft on the hands so you don’t have to break it in. The leash is adjustable to fit your dog’s neck comfortably. The oil-tanned leather snap allows you to adjust the diameter. The color might stain a light-colored dog’s fur. The leather piece that tightens might not stay in place.

Signature K9 Braided Leather Leash is stylish and sophisticated looking. The beveled edges offer maximum comfort. The brass bolt snap is easy to take on and off. This collar works great for larger, stronger dogs. The leash might be too stiff. It might be too heavy for smaller dogs.

Adjustable Hands Free Dog Leash provides an adjustable length from 22” to 40”. With a quick-release mechanism, you can quickly detach this leash from your waist in case of an emergency. There’s a collar attachment and two belt attachments. The clip that attaches to the collar can be difficult to unlock. This leash isn’t durable and can tear easily.

Country Brook Design – Vibrant 25 Color Selection – 1 Inch Nylon Dog Leash has a soft handle that’s comfortable for you and your fur baby. The heavy snap hook stays securely in place. This leash may not work well for larger dogs. The color can fade quickly.

This rope leash is strong and made to last, even for dogs who like to chew their leash. We love that the reflective threads make this leash easier to see at night (helping to keep you and your dog safe). The padded handle makes this a more comfortable option to hold if your dog pulls. We did notice some threads coming undone in some leashes, but this doesn’t affect the overall quality!

This Primal Pet leash is just a standard nylon leash, but one that makes it simple to keep your dog under control. It’s quite durable, and even has reflective coating all along the side, to keep you and your dog safe on night walks. The only issues our team found were a couple of structural problems that may or may not be individual issues.

This durable leash can withstand curious chewers and daily walks, and we really like the color options. It’s even machine washable! On the downside, there have been reports of faulty clasps.

This option also comes with a handy pouch for storing a phone or similar – so you really can be hands-free! We love that this hands-free leash lets distracted dogs “orbit” us while on the go. The reflective material is a bonus for people who walk at night! On the downside, some leashes respond poorly to tugging and have been known to snap.

This is a nylon leash that stands up to puppy wear and tear! It comes in four different widths so if you are in love with one for your puppy, you can get another for when your pup is fully grown. Also holds up well to pulling! A downside is that the leash clasp can seem too big for the leash or opened unexpectedly.

This leash is loved by professional trainers because of the excellent quality leather. It doesn’t hurt your skin, and it is difficult to chew through. However, the leather is stiff and can be difficult to handle for the first several uses. It does soften over time, but keep in mind that it needs to be stored and cleaned properly to ensure it doesn’t wear out.

The clip on this leash is rust-proof and the handle is softly padded to provide a comfortable grip. DogGear experts love the amount of freedom that the leash gives their small dogs. It’s very light and soft and comes in six colors. The downside is that the material is chewable and prone to tearing.

This leash is easily attaches to collars. The leather is durable, and it doesn’t hurt your hands. It’s sturdy, so your dog will feel the quick corrections. However, it’s better handled by people with smaller hands.

Most puppies can’t bite through this leash and it’s overall very sturdy. The leather is water resistant and doesn’t stain easily, which is great for all puppy parents. The downside is that the stitching has come undone on some of these leashes.

The DogGear team trusts Blueberry Pet. The nylon fabric feels soft, but durable. Like many nylon leashes, the leash may hurt your hand if your puppy pulls on it too much. Also, some of the clasps have been known to unclip easily.

This leash is strong but soft and gentle for everyday use. This leash looks great, is tough and the leather lasts. This leash simply feels sturdy in your hand. The only con is if your puppy chews it up you will want to buy another one!

This is an excellent leash often used by law enforcement and the military for dog training activities. It’s 4 feet long to keep your puppy close to you when you are training or on walks. This leash is hard to chew and very durable. It is a bit stiff when it first arrives, so it will require some wear and tear to break it in. We have seen instances where the color of the leash wears out easily.

The Blueberry classic is made of nylon fabric, and it’s easy to wash. It has a big, sturdy clasp to attach to the collar. Our team likes the durability that this dog leash provides. The colors are bright and don’t wear when the leash is washed. However, it may become a challenge to hold on to your dog since the clasp has been known to be faulty. And, there’s no extra padding, so the fabric may hurt your hand if your puppy pulls too much.

The six foot leash is available in ¾” or ⅜” options
Six fun colors to choose from
Basic option that doesn’t skip out on quality

Seven nice colors to choose from
Also available in 4’ options
The six foot option is available in 1” or ⅝” width.
Made with heavy duty nylon, a comfortable handle, and reflective stitching to increase visibility on night walks

Three cool colors to choose from, including pink, black, and green
Comfortable padded handle feels nice in your hands while out on long walks
Made of strong high density nylon rope and very durable metal clasp for durability, with luminous reflective stitching to increase visibility on walks

Heavy duty premium slip rope that’s built to last
Can be used with both small and large breeds of dogs
Six cool colors to choose from, which are all 6’ in length and ½” thick

PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash is built with a metal clasp for easy connection to your dog’s harness or collar. Even with a sturdy clip, this small dog leash is lightweight, which is helpful to you and your dog. If your dog walks and then suddenly runs, this leash may be tough on your hand.

Fida Retractable Dog Leash has 16 ft. of durable nylon tape with a rust-resistant swivel hook. The dog leash tape is covered with a white reflective fabric that will increase security and visibility. The inlet for the tape prevents it from twisting. The locking mechanism may suddenly lock and unlock.

BAAPET Strong Dog Leash is made with durable, ⅓ inch rock climbing rope and an effective clip hook. It measures 5 feet in length so it’s ideal for running or training. Though this leash has reflective threads, they aren’t sufficiently reflective.

Vivaglory Dog Leash has a 360-degree rotating swivel clasp that prevents unnecessary twisting or tangling. The clasp is long and heavy-duty. While this leash is sturdy, it may be thinner than expected.

The harness feels soft and flexible for dogs’ comfort. The colors stay vivid even after washing. The head opening of the harness may leave a gap on some dogs, allowing them to chew on it. The sizing chart may be off and the harnesses run small.

The harness is lightly padded for added comfort. Reflected strips are sewn into the harness for safer night walks. Getting the harness on and tightened appropriately can take a few tries. Some dogs can work themselves back out of the harness.

The matching woven leash attaches to a D-ring on the harness with a swivel clip. The set is available in multiple sizes and colors. On some small dogs, the front of the harness leaves a gap at the chest where puppies can get their jaws into. Some puppies may still be able to escape from the harness.

The contrast stitching on the harness is reflective to aid in increasing your dog’s visibility during night walks. The leash clips to a ring on the back of the harness to prevent pulling at your pup’s neck. The flannelette fabric can feel unpleasant if it gets wet during the walk. The sizing runs large.

The DogGear team loves leather leashes because they are so classic and durable. This is a nice-looking and reasonably priced option that many dog owners love. On the downside, it might stretch a bit, and some owners find the clasp hard to work.

More durable than most other fabric leashes, the Max and Neo is also more comfortable in your hand than most other comparable options. Plus, the company donates a leash for every purchase, and as an added bonus, the leash has a lifetime warranty. One known issue is that the sides of the leash itself can be pretty sharp and cut you if you don’t grab by the handle.

The DogGear team is impressed with the sturdiness of the leash, especially at the price point, and some of our experts even find that their dog pulls less on this leash. On the downside, the levers to operate the clasps on some leashes have broken.

We love that this leash is soft and sturdy, able to withstand chewers and pullers alike. In some cases, the outer lining of the rope bunched up, but this doesn’t effect the overall quality of the leash.

The Blazin waterproof dog leash’s control is located near the handle and is easy to operate. It quickly charges with a USB micro and is ready to use after a few hours. However, the leash is on the heavy side and can lead to hand fatigue on longer walks.

The NIMBLE dog leash is a good length and can provide dogs with freedom without allowing them to wander off too far. Its thick material is easy to clean and it doesn’t twist too much when it’s in use. Unfortunately, the leash can become frayed if dogs chew on it.

The Primal Pet Gear Dog Leash includes padded grips that prevent strain to the hands while walking one’s dog. It offers extra security and grip to ensure the owner is in complete control of the pet to prevent tugging or pulling. A minor drawback is how the material tends to fray after several months.

The BAAPET Strong Dog Leash is comfortable to hold and has just the right amount of tension. The padded handle prevents strain on the hands in addition to offering added grip. We did find the snap-on plastic covers on each end can slip off as well as suffer some damage due to their low-quality construction.

The Logical Leather Dog Leash is wide enough to be strong but still narrow enough to be comfortable and flexible in the hands. The leash is also pliant enough to help send messages to one’s dog without causing them to feel controlled. However, the leather may not hold up as well for larger 50 to 80-pound dogs due to how hard they can pull.

The Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash is glow-in-the-dark and includes a padded handle with soft fabric for maximum comfort. The hardware is high-quality and doesn’t easily fall apart. During our tests, we did find the thick clasp makes the leash heavier on the dog.

This is another great option due to its comfortable grip and overall durability.
We love the colors and that the reflective strips help make walking at night safer. If your dog tends to chew on their leash, this one is quite easy to chew through.

The DogGear team loves leather leashes because they are so classic and durable. This is a nice-looking and reasonably priced option that many dog owners love. On the downside, it might stretch a bit, and some owners find the clasp hard to work.

We highly recommend this slip leash, as its durability and quality are excellent! Because this is a slip lead that does not attach to a collar, it might not be the best choice for dogs who tend to pull.

We love the dual handle construction and the D-ring for storage. The handle that’s located closest to the clasp for training and the one farther away for casual walks. Users also love the comfort grip handles. On the downside, some users have reported that it can disconnect from the collar.

The TUG dog leash’s large handle makes it easy to grip comfortably without one’s fingers becoming cramped, even while wearing gloves. The large brake button is easy to use and is in a convenient location to make it more accessible. The stitching on the base of the clip can come undone over time.

The Mycicy Rope Dog Leash is made of mountain climbing rope, which prevents it from fraying or tearing if chewed. It’s easy to hold and prevents dogs from walking too far ahead. The clasp on the leash can be difficult to open.

This is another great option due to its comfortable grip and overall durability.
We love the colors and that the reflective strips help make walking at night safer. If your dog tends to chew on their leash, this one is quite easy to chew through.

The DogGear team loves that this leash is the perfect length for maintaining control of excitable dogs, and that it holds up very well to lots of use and consistent chewing. The downside is that there are a few instances where the leash has unexpectedly come apart.

This leash is heavy-duty and durable, and works even with heavier dogs who don’t have good leash manners. It does tend to stretch out if the dog pulls a lot, though.

This leash has a perfect length and we really like how easy it is to use and
how comfortable the handle is. On the downside, the dual safe hook has broken in some instances.

We highly recommend this slip leash, as its durability and quality are excellent! Because this is a slip lead that does not attach to a collar, it might not be the best choice for dogs who tend to pull.

We like that the clasp is very strong and trustworthy (even with big
dogs) and really appreciate the rounded handle. The leash is also very durable, staying in like-new condition even after months of use and miles of walking. The downside is that the handle has started to come apart in some instances.

The BAAPET leash is a favorite of many DogGear experts and is perfect for training and to control pulling. The colorful and reflective rope makes this leash easy to find before walks. It might stretch over time.