The Best Short Dog Leashes to Control Your Pup
Whether you're training a recently adopted pup or your dog's simply too aggressive to be left on its own, consider getting a short leash for them. The shorter length will offer you greater control over their movements and will also offer your dog less wiggle room to get into trouble, protecting it from unexpected encounters with strangers and other dogs.
Generally speaking, a dog leash is termed as being short when it's four feet or less. The exact length you should go for will ultimately depend on your dog's strength and temperament levels.
Speaking of temper, you're bound to lose it when navigating the market for a new short dog leash with so many seemingly similar options available. So, to help you make better sense of things, let's take you through our favorite short dog leashes of 2024 and teach you all about them!
Buying Guide: Short Dog Leashes
Just like any piece of dog equipment, the market for short dog leashes is extremely saturated. Thankfully, we’ve put together this handy buyer’s guide to help you pick a good-quality leash from the not-so-great ones.
When to Use a Short Dog Leash
While training
If you’ve recently adopted a dog and are looking to train it, a short leash will be your best friend. The shorter length will mean you’ll be in close contact with your ball of fur, meaning you can easily introduce rewards and physical contact into the training regime. This length will also offer you more control when the limited mobility starts to stress your doggo out.
When your dog’s aggressive
The need for superior control will extend into your pooch’s adulthood if they grow into an aggressive dog who’s always pulling at the leash. This short length will also prevent them from projecting their aggressive behavior onto passersby when taking a walk.
How We Shortlisted Our Favorite Short Dog Leashes
Material
As far as construction went, we ensured all our shortlisted dog leashes were stitched from nylon. Equal parts low maintenance and durable, dog leashes made from this material offer a great bang for your buck.
Handle
Rope burns can quickly take the fun out of dog walks. So, we’ve ensured to only select dog leashes that came with an ergonomic handle. We preferred ones that came with some sort of padding to enhance the comfort aspect. As far as safety went, we kept a keen eye out for dog leashes whose handles offered some sort of an anti-slip element.
What Should I Think About When Getting a Short Leash for My Dog?
Durability
First things first, you must think about the durability and strength of a dog leash before pulling the trigger on its purchase. This is doubly important if your dog’s particularly pull-friendly or packs a lot of strength. You can get a good idea of the level of tension a leash can withstand by going through some customer testimonials.
Length
The exact “shortness” of a short dog leash will vary from product to product. The general rule of thumb is to inversely relate the leash length to your dog’s aggressiveness and strength levels. So, the more unpredictable and aggressive your pooch is, the shorter its leash should be and vice versa.
Additional Buying Tips
Visibility
If your four-legged friend enjoys night walks, consider getting a leash with a reflective element for safety purposes, which would enhance its visibility in low-light conditions. As a result, you can safely walk through roads since passing vehicles will be able to spot you easily.
Aesthetics
While you should always keep the durability and practicality of your dog’s leash as a priority, it won’t hurt to keep the aesthetics at a close second. So, we recommend opting for short dog leashes that come in a multitude of shades and designs. You can then buy one to pair the leash with your dog’s other equipment. If you’re in the mood to turn some heads, you can also match your outfit to this shade when taking your pal out for a walk.
Comparing the Top Short Dog Leash of 2024
Leash Boss Short Dog Leash
– Best OverallThe first spot on our list is taken by this short dog leash by Leashboss, which is made using reflective nylon for higher visibility. It features reinforced stitching to ensure durability so it can sustain more strain. Furthermore, it utilizes an O-ring that allows you to strap multiple items to it while walking your furry friend.
This short dog leash is washable with warm water and soap, making it easy to clean. It can even be used two ways or as a leash extender if you want. The swivel clip is rotatable, so you don’t have to worry about the leash getting entangled. Overall, the sturdy build quality and easy washability have made this leash the best on our list.
- Comes in 12-inch, 18-inch and 24-inch sizes
- Sleek black color
- Features a neoprene cushion
Cymiler Short Dog Leash
– Package DealThis short dog leash by Cymiler comes in strap and rope variations to pick from. Both design variations provide a strong grip to keep your enthusiastic pup in check when you go out on a walk. The swivel clip at the end of the strap can also rotate, reducing the chances of entanglement.
Best of all, this short dog leash is made using quality nylon, providing great durability. It also utilizes highly reflective material so it can be seen in the dark, making your pup more visible during night walks. Additionally, it is compatible with both dog collars and dog harnesses. Meanwhile, the strap leash variations feature a three-layer nylon design, ensuring this leash can sustain much more strain.
- Package includes three leash sizes
- Comes in multiple color options
- Boasts thick padding around the handle
Vivaglory Short Dog Leash
– Comfiest HandleNext, we have this short dog leash by Vivaglory, which features a heavy-duty clasp that won’t break even under high strain. The clasp is also rotatable, so it doesn’t get entangled when your dog suddenly decides to do some zoomies. Even more, this leash is made using tightly webbed and highly durable nylon.
This short dog leash also boasts a double-layer structure to further ensure its sturdiness, making it perfect for dog training. There is also reflective threading throughout the strap to make it more visible at night. Best of all, this option can be used with dogs of all sizes to keep them at “heel” during a walk.
- Available in 12-inch, 18-inch and 30-inch sizes
- Comes in five colors
- Neoprene padding on the handle for comfort
C&Xanadu Short Dog Leash
– Sturdiest BuildThis short dog leash by C&Xanadu is made using a double-layered nylon strap and a sturdy metal clip. It’s this heavy-duty build that makes it ideal for small to large dogs. The leash also features double-sided reflective stripes stitched into the strap, which are very visible in the dark to help keep your furry friend safe.
Additionally, this pick is quite easy on the eyes, thanks to its sleek black color. Meanwhile, the loop-type design makes it much easier to handle your pup by freeing up your hands. The hook at the end of the strap can also rotate freely, preventing the leash from twisting and trapping your canine friend. It even comes with a one-year warranty, which goes to show how much trust the manufacturer has in this short dog leash.
- 12 inches long from top to bottom
- Stylish black color with white stitching
- Boasts soft cushion padding inside the handle
Mycicy Short Dog Leash
– Most Beautiful DesignMycicy has brought us this rope short dog leash with a beautiful design. It has a 1/2 inch diameter providing a good grip and a sturdy build. Furthermore, it boasts a heavy-duty swivel that’s capable of handling the strain of medium to large dogs without a sweat.
Additionally, this short dog leash is portable as you can easily carry it in your pocket or purse once folded down. It is also ideal for training your pup because it enables closer contact with your dog during use. And for added utility, the loop-shaped handle is very easy to use since you can put it around your wrist to provide an even better grip, all while keeping your hands free.
- 18 inches long from handle to hook
- Comes in six color options
- Thick padding for an ergonomic grip
People Also Asked
A: Short dog leashes are essential for pups who are in training. This is because the shorter length ensures you're always in close contact with your pooch and can easily guide them. You should also opt for a short leash if your doggo is especially pull-friendly, overly aggressive with strangers or too unpredictable.
A: While the exact length will vary from dog to dog, most short dog leashes cap at four feet. Anything longer can't really be termed as "short" in the dog equipment world.
A: A tab leash is even smaller than a short dog leash. It's almost like a handle for you to control and maneuver your doggo. Tab leashes are mostly used by owners of K9s and working dogs.