The Best Light Up Dog Leashes are Great for Night Time

The best light-up dog leash is one that turns on automatically when you need it. A flashlight or strobe light is a bad idea because they are only dim enough to be distracting. 

The best kind of light up leash should be bright enough so you can see where you’re walking your dog, but the brightness shouldn t overpower your walks or alerts your surroundings. And of course, it needs to work. We've made our best dog walker light ups list to help you find the best lights for your beloved canine companions.

TIPS

The following are some tips that you may find useful while searching for the best light up leash for your pooch. Consider where and how you will be using the leash.

If you plan to use the leashed dog outdoors, it will need to be able to withstand strong UV and laser light. A lightweight leash is your best bet.

Larger dogs require longer leashing distances. It is also important to consider how the light will affect the area where you want to place the dog leash and the night vision of the device. Look for a leash with built-in night lights.

These light ups are also great for illuminating a large area at the same time as your leash so your dog can see you and your surroundings. Be sure that the beam of light from your device is not blocked by obstacles or tall grass.

Some light-up leasles include built in GPS systems. This is a useful feature for tracking your canine companion. The directional LED lights from some leases can be adjusted to follow your pet's path.

CONSIDERATIONS

The most important feature we look for in dog leash is the color. There are several different colors to choose from, so you can pick one that blends with your dog’s coloring and personality.

Gray is a classic choice for both dogs and people.

Black is another popular option that works well for many dogs. Since the majority of people use their leashed dogs for walks and for running, black is usually the best option for dogs that need to be kept visible.

While it is true that a darker leash will help your pooch see you more clearly, it might make him less inclined to alert you when he spots a squirrel or a stray dog in the path.

White is also an effective option, but on occasion, this could make your four-legged friend wary of approaching people or other animals.

A bright yellow leash can make any dog seem friendly, even if he‘s already wary. Some people prefer to have only one color of leash on their dog, because they find it easier to tell one leash from another. But for people who are looking for a color combination that will blend with their dogs colors, a solid color can work well.

Most dogs need at least two leashing options for security: leash loops and leash (all-terrain alert dog harness). Leashes that only have loops are too loose for most dogs, and they can be hard for them to adjust to, particularly for long walks. Leash options that have leaks (also called harnesses), are better suited for longer walks with more people and dogs.

Leak-proofing is an important safety feature. Your dog should never be allowed to walk around outside with a leash that has a lot of water or slime on it.

PRICES

Light-up dog leash prices vary based on how many light-emitting diodes they have and how much they cost. Most light up leashing costs between $7 and $15.

Inexpensive

The most basic lighted dog walkers cost between a few hundred and a couple thousand dollars. They often only have one or two light emitting diode lights and have a shorter leash length. These cost around $700 to $900.

Mid-range

Most mid-priced lighting up dogs walk like a traditional leashed dog and cost anywhere between about $800 to over $2,000. Some of these models have four or more light emitters, as well as a longer leash that can accommodate larger dogs.

Expensive

High-end light active leash walker costs anywhere from $3,500 to well over a $5,0000, depending on the number of light sources. Their design features a long leash and multiple light emitter lights, making them ideal for active canines.

FEATURES

Before deciding which light-ups are best for your canine friend, you must first consider a few key features to ensure that you pick the right ones for the job.

Material 

Dogs and their coats need protection from the harsh sun, so you want a material that's durable and comfortable to wear. The material also needs to allow for easy and secure removal, as well as providing some sun-protection and UV protection.

Soft

Soft materials are ideal for dogs because they are gentle on the skin. They also don't irritate your dog's eyes, ears, or nose, and the fabric won't get damaged if your pup gets into some mischief while wearing it. However, soft materials aren't always as effective as other materials when it comes to creating a light display.

Mesh

A good dog leash will have mesh panels that enable your pooch to see and move freely. These panels should also be large enough to cover all of your pet’s extremities, which will make it easier for them to fully experience the light show.

Retractable

Dogs that need to get away from a busy city environment may want to opt for retractable leashed models, in which case, make sure that the leash has a decent and strong hook mechanism. This will allow you to easily pull your furry friend out of the dark when you need him to. Many retractables have a strap for added security.

Handle

The handle is one of those features that almost every leash for a dog comes with, regardless of whether you buy a retractible or non-retractible leash. Your dog can rest a good portion of its upper body against the handle, giving it a lot of support. While you can use your hand to keep your hands free, many dog owners prefer to use the better grip because it provides a better hold and prevents your buddy from escaping.

Size 

When searching for an appropriate dog light, size is a must-have feature. You want your light to be as comfortable as possible for it to work well. For example, a large leash won‘t be comfortable for most dogs, unless it is designed with comfort in mind.

If you're searching online for recommendations, it might be worth your while to consider some of these sizes, especially if you already own a certain size.

Color 

If your best friend gets lost in the rain or during a thunderstorm, the last thing you re going to want is for him or her to find their way home by sitting on a muddy, drenched leash that isn't suited to the weather conditions. As a rule, most leash companies offer a color range for their products, from light tan to full-on forest green. A product s color is not a guarantee that it will work in your environment, however.

Ease of use 

The best light up leashing for dog is the easiest to operate and understand. It should offer ease of pulling, easy release, adjustable length, hook system, small size, retractability, features such as a small holder for treats, etc.

ABOUT

Light-up Dog Leashes

The History Lighting was invented in the 1960s by the General Electric Company as a way to power lamps in offices, factories, and homes. In the 1970s, the company began working on a program that would eventually become the SmartLight project.

The company was eager to see if their technology could be adapted to dogs, so they hired an expert to create a leash with electrodes on the ends that were small enough to attach to the dog’s collar. These electrodes are wired into the light-emitting diode (LED).

You place the leash on your dog, hold the electrodes, press a button, when the leashed device emits a light, you see the LED light flash. It‘s a fascinating and somewhat scary concept, but it‒s also a hugely effective way of keeping your pooch safe.

The SmartDog Leash  is a full-size, adjustable light leash that plugs into your phone via USB. There are three different colors you can choose from to match your other household devices.

What's more, because the cables are battery-powered, they can last for up to 60 hours before needing to be charged. They're also water-resistant and dustproof.

We originally wrote this guide in partnership with Big Dog Best Therapy Dog Training, Inc. (BDTTI). We are dedicated to helping pet owners improve the quality of their pets  lives with training and testing products.

For more information about our testing process and how we came to select our favorite products, please read our confirming analysis.