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All dogs need to be trained to walk on a leash. Even if you don't take Fido for a stroll to the park every day, you'll still need to take him on a leash when visiting the vet, traveling, or hiking in public areas. Some dog leashes are fine for walking, but the best dog training leash is better designed for teaching your pup not to pull and walk on a leash calmly and gives you better control when training.
Why dog leash type is important
Several types of dog leashes exist, and some are better at certain tasks than others. First of all, I don't recommend retractable dog leashes for any pet owner; they are especially dangerous for younger dogs who are just learning to behave on a leash. Not only is a retractable dog leash dangerous for your pooch, but experts explain how it can pose a danger to you as a walker too. The main problem is that retractable dog leashes don't give the owner any control over the dog, which is a big risk.
Furthermore, a retractable dog leash allows your dog too much freedom. Your Fido will be able to pull out many feet of ribbon, which will allow him to get far away from you. Curious puppies may get the leash tangled around objects and injure themselves, and rambunctious dogs may even break the leash if they pull too much. A dog training leash will always be safer while allowing you control and some freedom for the pet.
Dog leash pulling is a real problem, and studies have shown how not training a dog and not using the right lead type can result in hazards. We'll discuss more about picking the right type of dog leash below and which options have been shown as safest for dogs and their owners. Here are our top picks for the best dog training leash out there:
| Dog Training Leash | Price | Quality | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Petcore Dog Leash 6ft Long – Traffic Padded Two Handle | $$ | A |  |
| Mendota Products Slip Lead | $$ | B+ | |
| Logical Leather 6-Foot Leash | $ | B |  |
| Downtown Pet Supply Dog Lead | $$ | B | |
| BAAPET Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle | $ | B- | |
| PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar | $ | B- | |
| Nylon Training Dog Leash for Obedience/ Recall Training | $$ | C |  |
* Click on the best dog training leash for more information, prices and details. Scroll below to read reviews.
How to choose the best dog training leash for YOU
Even when choosing between the best dog training leash options, you must pick the right type that will work specifically for your pup. Here are a few things to consider.
Length. A good training leash should be no more than 6 feet long. Experts have found that this length provides the best control for the owner while leaving enough freedom for the canine.
Features. A training leash must have a “traffic handle,” also known as the double handle, which is a small additional dog leash handle built into the side of the leash that allows you to pull your pet close and regain full control over him. Traffic handles are especially beneficial when you're walking your pet in a crowded area or if you have a dog that tries to jump on people when he greets them.
Materials. The best dog training leash may come in a variety of materials. You will be able to choose from rope, nylon, leather, and even leashes made from chains. Each material has its own pros and cons. Watch our video for a better explanation of this.
Other usual aspects, such as durability, comfort, and ergonomics, are also important, but they're self-explanatory, and we've considered those for this best dog training leash round-up as well. You'll notice that a few of the top options are leather dog leashes; the reason is that they are generally more durable and stronger (but expensive).
Training your dog using a leash is a simple process once you get the basics down. If you're struggling with the task of training your dog to walk on a leash, check out our brief video guide on this. Some dogs take to dog leash training very naturally. Unfortunately, other dogs can prove to be quite challenging when it comes to leash training.
If you're still having trouble after you've done the research, watched the videos above, and purchased the best dog training leash from this list, it may be time to reach out to a professional for help. A dog trainer will observe you with your dog and help you understand what is going wrong. Trainers are able to teach you how to communicate with your pet effectively so you both get the most out of your training experience.
What is the Best Dog Training Leash?
top 7 dog training leashes for puppies and adults
1
Pioneer Petcore Dog Leash 6ft Long – Traffic Padded Two Handle
The first best dog training leash on the list is the Pioneer Petcore Leather Dog Leash with the mentioned double handle (or traffic handle or dual handle). It's exactly 6’ long, 1″ wide, and 2.8mm thick, and uses stitching to create a loop for the handle and another to hold the metal clasp. Pioneer Petcore leash, however, is wider than most other training leashes for dogs at approximately 1” and has double handles. The usual handle on one end of the belt is there, but there’s another one just above the loop. The presence of a long handle and a low one offers appropriate control for different situations.
- Dog training leash reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
As mentioned, experts believe that the addition of a low double handle is an essential feature for any dog in training. While we have always used the technique of shortening the length of the leash when we want to put more rein on the dog, adding a low handle is a new trend that's proven to be effective. Instead of winding the leather around the hand to bring the dog nearer, it’s much simpler with the handle just above the loop featured on the Pioneer Petcore Leather Dog Leash with Dual Handle.
You may find the weight of this leather leash too heavy for your small puppies or too hard for your hand. Give the puppy time to grow and get used to the leash, and it will be the perfect weight in no time. Use your best dog training leash every day when you walk your pet, and before you know it, it will be softer and more pliant to your hand flicks.
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Most helpful review about this best dog training leash: “I bought on 6/29/22 it’s NOW 8/30/22 About two months !!! And the clip is coming undone and allowing my dog loose !!!
Update !!!!! 09/02/2022 I NEEDED TO MAKE A WARRANTY CLAIM AND IT WAS HANDLED QUICKLY AND PROFESSIONALLY.
2Mendota Products Slip Lead
The second best dog training leash is the Mendota Products Slip Lead. It's a different design, and this is a leash and collar in one, which is ideal for walking, correcting behavior, and training your dog when you need to handle him within arm’s length distance and do it safely. This slip lead is made of multi-filament polypropylene rope, which is hard-wearing and waterproof. Unlike new leather, this lead has that broken-in feel that will be gentle on your hand and around your dog’s neck. There are 28 color choices and two sizes available.
- Dog training leash reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
If you’ve been disregarding this lead for its simplicity, then perhaps you’ve also been missing possibly the best leash for dogs that pull aggressively on their leash. The Mendota Products Slip Lead is perfect for excited dogs that can’t go for a walk without bolting away. It effectively restrains the dog without hurting it.
We find the diameter of this lead larger than usual, and that would feel more solid yet gentler on the dog’s neck. The leather slider is a thoughtful detail. If you work in a shelter, this will be perfect for rescuing dogs that would likely have no collar. Nothing could possibly work better than this slip-style collar and leash in such situations.
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3Leather Training Leash by Logical Leather
The Leather Training Leash by Logical Leather is our third-best dog training leash on the list. It is made of genuine full-grain leather by North American leather craftsmen. Each Logical Leather training leash is crafted from a single piece of leather. The finished product is 6’ long, 5/8” wide, and 1/8” thick and tested to withstand 245 pounds of force. This is a professional-grade leash used by police and military personnel in handling their canines. It has a solid brass clasp on one end for fastening to the dog’s collar.
- Dog training leash reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
If you have used leather leashes before, you’ll find this best dog training leash softer and more comfortable for the hand. It could be the 5/8-inch width that makes it pliant to a flip of the wrist, but it could also be the kind of leather treatment done to it. What’s certain is that the Leather Training Leash by Logical Leather will become softer each day you use it.
We won’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to leash because it’s friendly to the hand and responsive to soft flicks and slight tugs. This very durable leather will last you a lifetime, and we’re happy to note that if the clasp breaks, the stitching fails, or whatever happens that makes you unhappy about the leash, you may have it refunded or replaced.
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4Downtown Pet Supply Dog Lead
The fourth spot for the best dog training leash is a budget option from Downtown Pet Supply. The company is a well-known manufacturer of dog leashes for pet owners. They are much longer than the standard-length leather leashes, and that’s because this dog training leash is typically used for recall training. It varies in length from 15’ to 50’ and is offered in five colors. This lead is made of heavy-duty 100% cotton web and is 5/8” wide. On one end is the handle, while on the other is a swivel-style bolt.
- Dog training leash reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
You’ll find this leash light, long, and sturdy. The 5/8-inch width offers enough control even for large dogs. The cotton webbing has a little give, which makes the Downtown Pet Supply Dog Lead gentler on your hands. Tangling would be a common concern for longer leads, but the swivel bolt is quite effective at preventing that.
Your dogs will most likely do better with this best dog training leash since it allows them greater freedom to move and explore. The leash doesn’t have so much drag, so they’ll like that, too. On your part, reinforcing recall would be less of a strain, knowing that you can make him heed your call with a slight tug. The bright colors make it easier to follow your dog with your eyes, even at a distance. It works both ways, so nothing could be better.
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5BAAPET Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle
The fifth-best dog training leash from BAAPET is made of 100% nylon, the same rope material used in mountain climbing. It comes in 2″, 4″, 5″ and 6″ lengths and has different color choices. The rope is 1/2-inch thick and lightweight and has flexible weaving to allow it to have a little stretch. It helps absorb the impact when an untrained dog suddenly jerks away. On one end is a padded handle, and on the other end is a heavy-duty metal hook.
- Dog training leash reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Aside from the rope and handle, which are remarkably thick and lightweight, the hook would immediately impress you. The BAAPET Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle has a good weight and obviously durable, yet it’s very easy to clip on the dog’s collar using only one hand.
However, we’re not quite sure how the loop that holds the clip is secured since a leather band is wrapped around it. That can be a source of concern. The glow-in-the-dark feature is a nice foresight and adds value to the leash. It increases and extends the usefulness of the leash long after you have trained your puppy.
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6PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
For pet owners looking for something a little different, this sixth-best dog training leash definitely offers other features than those mentioned above. The head collar from PetSafe would be just the right thing for dogs that are a bit of a handful. It is made of nylon straps with a neoprene nose loop. This head collar is available in five sizes, starting from petite for 5-lb dogs to extra-large for dogs heavier than 130 lb. There are eight bright colors for you to choose from. Unlike the other products on this list, the PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar is a head collar that you will need to use with a compatible leash.
- Dog training leash reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
This works by allowing you to give the dog a gentle tug. The slight pressure on the neck and nose directs your dog’s attention toward you and away from whatever it is that excites him or her. The material used in the strap is supple, not stiff, so the PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar will not be painful. But it will be firm enough to communicate the desired behavior you want from your dog.
Your strength will be no match to the strength of an active dog your size. If you have control of the dog’s head, you have a better chance. This shouldn’t take the role of daily leashes, of course. As soon as you have trained your dog, or he or she shows better compliance, then you may use this less often. The nose loop may leave a mark that goes away after a while.
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7Nylon Training Dog Leash for Obedience/ Recall Training
Finally, the last best dog training leash incorporates the concept that we have seen in our leather leash option in the first place, except that this is made of nylon material and is much less sturdy or durable. This Nylon Training Dog Leash has two leash handles – the usual handle and the low/double/dual handle 1’ from the hook. The handles are padded inside for a gentle yet sure grip. The leash is 8’ long with a sturdy metal clip for hooking on the dog’s collar or harness.
- Dog training leash reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
The long handle allows for a freer rein on the dog, while the short handle allows you that instant control when you need it. The Nylon Training Dog Leash gives you two functions in one leash, and that’s its obvious advantage over other choices of similar material.
The training leash for dogs is light and long and is actually ideal if you’re walking several dogs at a time. The short handles free you from having to wind the leash several times if you need it shorter, and that’s quite impossible to do with two or more dogs in tow. You’d have to contend with extra feet of leash hanging when you pull the dog closer, but that’s a fair trade-off.
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