The Best Dog Leash Review (Updated 2023)

Selecting the best dog leash for your pet and your needs is a little tricky.

You may actually need to purchase more than one dog leash, depending on where you will be using it and how well your dog is trained.

There are many different types of leashes for dogs, and they all have different uses.

You’ll also have to take your dog’s size into consideration when making your dog leash purchase.

*Scroll down to watch our detailed VIDEO REVIEW of the #1 best leash for dogs.

I chose the BonaFido Retractable Leash as my number one pick for the best dog leash ranking.

Why? See my reasons below in the BonaFido dog leash review.

In short, this is a very durable, high-quality retractable leash.

It’s simple to use, and the one-button brake and lock combination is a nice feature.

Compare the TOP 10 Best Dog Leash Brands reviewed in this article:

*Please click on the dog leash brand for more product details and prices. Alternatively, scroll down to read reviews of each product. 

I’ve spent numerous hours researching different types and brands of the best dog leashes to find the options that are the most versatile, most durable, and most comfortable for the dog and the dog walker.

This research was performed online through many different websites, and I’ve gathered information from dog leash manufacturers, consumers, and experts in the pet industry.

There are thousands of dog leashes on the market, and they all offer their own pros and cons.

Most people think that all standard leashes for dogs are the same, all retractable dog leashes are the same, and all training leads are the same, but that generalization isn’t true.

Dog leashes are made from different materials, meaning some are not as strong as others. The best dog leash would have additional features, and offer added benefits to dog owners.

Why Trust My Review?

Think about all the aspects of walking your dog.

You'll need the best dog leash that will meet your and your pup's needs and be comfortable for your Fido.

The last thing you want is a doggy leash that makes your hand ache after a 15-minute walk or somehow hurts your dog.

My knowledge of dog leashes is limited. I certainly wouldn’t call myself an expert in the field.

However, I have been a dog owner my entire life and have had experiences with almost every type of dog leash on the market.

My experience as a content writer and editor for Top Dog Tips has also taught me a lot about the many different dog leash options on the market and how to tell the difference between a well-made dog leash and one that simply looks impressive.

One thing I am an expert at is research.

My job as a freelance writer has led me through countless hours of research, and I am skilled at finding reliable sources.

I may not be an expert on the best dog leashes, but I know how to research and find the answers to the most common consumer questions.

I’ve sifted through numerous articles to find information from pet product experts, and I’ve used that research to create this list.

How I chose these best dog leashes

There are thousands of dog leashes on the market, and it definitely wasn’t easy to narrow it down to the top ten best dog leashes.

If you immediately disregard all the cheap dog leashes that aren’t durable or well-made, hundreds of great leashes are still available.

There were a lot of factors that I had to evaluate when searching for the best dog leash.

Initially, I looked at how well the leash did its job. Every leash on this list will serve its purpose.

They are all durable leashes that will keep your pet close to you when needed.

Some of them have additional benefits, and some are much simpler designs, but they all get the job done.

Ultimately, the best dog leashes provide safety for your pet, and I wouldn’t put a leash on this list if it didn’t.

The best dog leashes are the ones that are comfortable for the dog and the dog walker.

You should be able to walk your pet for hours without your hand getting fatigued or the leash feeling uncomfortable.

If you’ve got a dog that pulls on its leash, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting burned or injured from that.

I knew that the leashes that made this list had to be beneficial to the dog as well as his owner.

How I researched and evaluated each dog leash

My research was done online through manufacturers' websites, consumer reviews, and articles and blogs from experts in the pet industry.

I began by looking for the qualities that professional dog walkers looked for in a leash.

I mean, they do this professionally, right?

So, wouldn’t a dog walker know the best qualities to look for in a dog leash?

Then, I began the search for the best dog leashes.

Once I found some that met the guidelines I was looking for, I started reading about the companies that created them, the materials they were made of, and how versatile they were.

It’s my goal to recommend leashes that will work well and last a long time.

Dog products are expensive, and I want you to get your money’s worth out of these recommendations.

Finally, I went to the consumer reviews. I wanted to see just what pet parents thought of these dog leashes.

Do they work as well as the manufacturer claims? Are they as durable as they claim to be?

Unfortunately, it happens quite often that you purchase something that is supposed to support 50 pounds, and it ends up buckling under the weight of something that only weighs 30 pounds.

I needed to make sure that these leashes for dogs were every bit as good as they seemed to be, and the only way to do that was to seek the advice of dog owners who had tried them out with their pets.

My Ultimate Review of The Best Dog Leash

Top Choice: BonaFido Retractable Dog Leash

You may be surprised by my choice of the best dog leash. Retractable dog leashes usually aren’t the first choice for most pet product experts.

However, if you are aware of the dangers of these best retractable dog leashes and you are sure to train your dog properly before allowing him to walk on a retractable leash, they can be a great product that both you and your dog will enjoy.

The BonaFido Retractable Dog Leash is built for small to medium dogs weighing less than 44 pounds.

As you can see in the video demonstration, I used this retractable dog leash for our small puppy (about 28 pounds) and our large boxer (about 58 pounds).

We use it frequently for our boxer, who is outside the weight limit, but since she is very well-trained and does not pull on the dog leash, we haven’t had any trouble.

I wouldn’t recommend using any product for anything other than the manufacturer’s specifications, but if you have a small or medium-sized dog and a larger dog that is just outside the weight limit for this dog leash, you could get away with using the same leash for both dogs.

You could also purchase a dog leash coupler if you have two small dogs that weigh less than 44 pounds together.

Retractable dog leads can extend upwards of 25 feet.

I don’t think my dogs need quite that much space.

The BonaFido Retractable Dog Leash extends up to 16 feet, which is still too long in some situations.

The nice thing about the best retractable dog leash is that you can lock it to keep your dog close when needed, but when he has the space to move about freely, you can allow him to extend it farther away.

I know there are a lot of people in the pet industry who think retractable leashes are dangerous, but as long as your dog is properly trained and you use the leash responsibly, they can be a great tool.

Sixteen feet is a long distance if your dog needs your help.

For example, what if another dog came running over and attacked your pet?

If he was 16 feet away, there wouldn’t be much that you could do to help him.

However, if your dog was only a few feet away, you could reach down and pick him up or help protect him from the other dog.

BonaFido Retractable dog Leash has a one-button brake and a lock system that works effortlessly.

The braking mechanism is the benefit of all the best retractable dog leashes.

When you want your dog to stay close to you, all you need to do is push the brake button, and your pet will not be able to pull the leash any farther.

If you want to lock this dog leash, you simply slide the same button forward, and it will lock the brakes, so you don’t have to continue holding the button.

The BonaFido Retractable Leash’s durable design, comfortable grip, and convenient one-button brake/lock feature make it my number-one pick.

As with any dog product, if you use it responsibly, you and your pet will both enjoy the freedom and safety that it provides.

You won’t need to buy multiple leashes for dogs because the BonaFido Retractable Dog Leash can be short when you need it or long if your dog has room to explore.

Runner-up: Flexi Explore Retractable Dog Leash

BonaFido leash unavailable or out of stock?

In case BonaFido Retractable Dog Leash is unavailable, I would recommend taking a look at its similar counterpart – Flexi Explore Retractable Dog Leash.

This retractable dog leash from Flexi has almost all of the same features as BonaFido and appears extremely popular among many pet parents looking for the best retractable dog leash.

It's a tried and proven affordable product that will help dog owners handle most canines (at least up to 110 pounds).

Best Dog Leash for Walking Two Dogs

While searching for the best dog leash, I knew that retractable dog leashes aren’t for everyone.

My second choice is a standard leash for dogs with a bit of a twist. The SparklyPets Double Dog Leash is a standard dog leash that can be used to walk two medium or large dogs with ease.

This handle can adjust from 21 to 25 inches. The two dog leashes that attach to the dogs’ collars are each secured individually to a D-ring with a strong metal clasp.

So, essentially, each dog has its own leash adjustable to suit its height. This way, the pooches aren’t pulling on each other if they are different sizes.

Its tangle-free design means you can walk both your canines simultaneously without worrying about getting them tied up in a knot.

This dog leash is reinforced with bungee parts to protect your wrists from hard pullers.

It is built to withstand the weight of the largest dogs, but it can also be used for small breeds.

I haven’t even told you the greatest feature of this dog leash yet! If you walk your dog at night, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The SparklyPets Double Dog Leash is sewn with reflective strips to increase your pet's visibility and safety when walking at night or in the early morning.

Using this, I can easily walk our small puppy and our large boxer at the same time without worrying about one of them being pulled on because of the other dog’s height.

This is the most convenient dog leash for walking two dogs at once that I could find on the market. It makes it simple to walk two dogs at the same time with just one hand.

Best Dog Leash for Hands-Free Walking

If you like to get active with your dog but you want both of your hands to be free, this third-best dog leash is for you!

Most joggers like to keep their hands free while running, and a leash like the Hands Free Dog Training Leash gives you that option.

The puppy leash works like a belt that wraps around your waist to keep your dog securely attached to you at all times.

I know you’re probably thinking you could just loop your dog’s leash through the belt you already use, but it’s not quite the same.

One of the dangers of being attached to a dog is that if your pooch decides to take off chasing something or gets into an altercation with another animal, you’re being dragged right after him.

I love that this Hands-Free Dog Training Leash comes in one size and is fully adjustable.

This leash will fit virtually any waist size, so every member of your house can use it without having to buy multiple products.

You can also adjust the length of the dog leash to keep your canine close or give him a bit more space.

This versatile leash could be used for walking, jogging, running, biking, or even while hiking with your puppies. It’s extremely versatile!

This leash is equipped with a quick release safety buckle that allows you to disconnect from your dog quickly in the event of an emergency.

The Hands-Free Dog Training Leash is made with industrial-strength nylon-like material and solid hardware that is guaranteed not to break.

In fact, this dog leash comes with a 100% money-back lifetime guarantee if you ever have any trouble with it. That shows me that they stand behind this leash 100%, and they are proud of the product they make.

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers can say the same.

This leash was aptly named for its ability to help dog owners who are in the process of training their pets.

It’s challenging to hold a leash and try to train your dog at the same time, but untrained dogs often lose focus and will wander away if they aren’t tethered.

This Hands-Free Dog Training Leash is the perfect solution. You can keep your pup attached to you, and your hands will still be free for training and treating your dog.

Best Dog Leash for Training

Speaking of training dog leashes, they are an essential tool when caring for your canine.

Dog obedience training would be impossible without a good dog training leash, and this Training Dog Leash from PetSafe is a great choice.

It is only 4 feet long, so it keeps your dog close to your side.

It is made from strong natural cotton, and its 2-ply construction ensures the leash’s durability. It is recommended for dogs up to 110 pounds.

Many untrained dogs will chew on their leashes, and since this one is made from natural cotton, it is non-toxic.

Some nylon leashes are made and treated with chemicals that could be dangerous if ingested.

Being made of cotton also means the Training Dog Leash can be easily washed by hand with warm, soapy water and left to air dry.

Puppies and dogs that have not been previously trained are known for pulling on a leash, which can injure the dog walker’s arms, shoulder, back, and hands.

This dog training leash has a soft and comfortable micro-fleece handle that will ensure your hands do not get burned or torn up if your pet constantly pulls on his leash.

It's important that any best dog leash is always safe for the dog walker to use.

Training leashes are great for keeping your dog by your side when you are trying to teach him commands.

They are also useful when teaching your dog manners for walking on a leash.

With a short dog training lead like this one, your pet won’t be able to chase things, jump on people, or wander off and find trouble.

Best Double Handle Dog Leash

Double-handled dog leashes are great. If you’ve never seen or used one, they are a standard dog leash with a traditional handle and another handle added just a few inches from the point where the leash attaches to the dog’s collar.

If you’ve ever tried to hold a standard leash close to your dog’s collar and gotten burned as he pulled and it slipped through your hand, you’ll understand the importance of dog leads like this.

The Primal Pet Gear Dual Handle Dog Leash is not only perfect for keeping your dog close in dangerous situations, but it is also well-made and extremely durable.

It is an 8-foot leash with a second handle positioned 1 foot from the clip.

If your dog becomes dominant or aggressive on a leash, you can use a dual-handle leash to control him.

You can use the long leash for casual walks through the park and the shorter leash when you’re in crowds of people or close to traffic.

This fifth-best dog leash has padding on both handles, so you won’t have to worry about your dog pulling on the leash and injuring your hand.

Primal Pet Gear Dual Handle Dog Leash has been designed for medium and large breeds of dogs, but numerous pet parents said it also worked well for their small breeds.

It is made from top-quality, durable nylon and comes with a 5-year replacement warranty.

When you’re shopping for dog products, it is best to look for versatile equipment that will save you from buying multiple products.

This leash is one of those rare finds. You will be able to use this dog leash throughout the entire life of your pet.

You can use it to train puppies or adult dogs that are new to your family, and you’ll still be using it years later to walk your senior friend.

These best dog leashes are just the beginning of my list. There are a lot of other top-quality leashes on the market, including this one from Plutus Pet.

The Plutus Pet Double-Sided Nylon Dog Leash has a padded handle for comfort and is made with reflective stitching for optimum nighttime visibility.

Unlike poor-quality nylon dog leashes that fray and wear out quickly, this alternative to my pick of the best dog leash is made with high-quality nylon to last a long time.

The handle is padded with soft, odor-resistant neoprene. It is lightweight and super comfortable.

Consumers noted how this dog leash has a much more comfortable handle than other similar products.

The snap hook on this leash is also made with nickel-plated steel, so it won’t wear out or break.

This leash from Plutus Pet is also equipped with a D-ring on the handle so you can easily attach car keys, waste bags, or anything else you may need on your walk.

This leash is suitable for dogs from 25 to 150 pounds. It may be a little too heavy to use with very small breeds.

If you’re not completely satisfied after your purchase, FuzzBunz does offer a 100% money-back guarantee, so you won’t be out of the cost of the leash.

The company does specifically state that this dog leash is not suited for dogs that like to chew, so it may not be a good choice for puppies or dogs who are not yet leash-trained.

Loops 2 Double Handle Nylon Leash

It’s hard to find products that are made in the United States, but the Loops 2 Double Handle Nylon Leash falls into that category.

This two-handled leash offers your pet 6 feet of space and allows you to pull your dog in close when needed easily and comfortably.

The extra handle is sewn into the base of the doggy lead, so it isn’t just hanging down when not in use.

This is another one of my alternatives for the best dog leash that is suited for all-size dogs.

You could purchase this leash to train your puppy, and you’ll be able to use it throughout the life of your pet, even when he's senior.

Versatile leashes like this will save you a lot of money in the long run. Instead of buying multiple leashes as your dog grows, you can save money and just buy one.

Durable Nylon Dog Training Leash

Maybe you’re not looking for anything fancy, and you simply want a standard leash with no bells or whistles.

Of course, I had to include one of these types of leashes when ranking for the best dog leash.

This 6-foot Durable Dog Training Leash is the perfect standard leash for train walking your dog and gives you absolute control over your pet.

It’s made with double layers, so it is tougher than most other standard leashes but still lightweight. But it’s also equipped with a soft handle that will protect you if your dog pulls or jumps.

PetsLovers says that the materials that this leash is made of are eco-friendly, which is a nice bonus.

It’s recommended for dogs under 100 pounds and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer.

When reading customer reviews on this dog leash from other pet parents, it’s hard to find an unhappy customer.

Dog owners have been extremely pleased with the durability of this leash.

Coastal Pet Remington Rope Slip Leash

The last item on my list of the best dog leashes is the Coastal Pet Remington Rope Slip Leash.

Slip leashes are dog collars and leashes-in-one that slip over the dog’s head.

These types of dog collars are most often used for dog agility training and training sports dogs.

Some dog owners also use them for basic obedience. One of their most common uses is to teach dogs not to pull while walking.

This slip leash from Coastal Pet Remington is made with soft, braided nylon material, so it is comfortable around your pet’s neck.

It has a leather slide that allows it to adjust to any neck size. This leash is 6 feet long.

The rope itself is about 0.5 inches thick, but there is no hook on the end of this lead. Note that it cannot be used as a traditional leash for dogs.

Many pet parents also noted that the soft material of this slip lead makes it easy to fold up and store in a pocket.

This would be a really great leash to take if you travel a lot or just to keep in your pocket when you take your dog somewhere and let him run off-leash.

It’s always smart to have a leash with you, and this one folds up into a small size for easy storage.

What You Should Know Before Buying

There are many different things to consider when purchasing a dog leash.

The most important variable is when and what you’ll be using it for.

Are you getting a puppy? You’ll definitely need a dog leash for training, but you’ll also need a leash to walk your dog.

You can buy two separate leashes – a training and a standard leash – or you could buy one leash that can do both jobs.

Consider what your needs are before making a purchase.

You’ll also want to consider your dog’s needs.

You want to be sure to buy something that will be comfortable for him but also something that will hold up to the wear and tear your dog will be inflicting on the product.

The best dog leash may not be the best bet for you specifically.

Does your puppy chew? Does he pull? How big is he, or how big will he be when fully grown?

If you have a wild dog that pulls and chews, you’re going to want to be sure to buy a dog leash that will stand up to the abuse.

You also need to be sure that you buy a leash that is suited for your dog’s size.

You don’t want to buy a leash that only supports 40 pounds if your fully grown Labrador will weigh 80 pounds.

Think about the length of the leash that you’ll require as well.

If you live in a busy city, you’ll probably want a shorter lead because you’ll be walking your pet in crowded areas and in places where there is a lot of traffic.

If you and your Fido make it off the city streets and into the woods most of the time, you may want to consider our pick for the best retractable dog leash that will give him some more freedom when it is appropriate.

Need help with teaching a dog to walk on a leash?

Not every dog will be easy to walk on a leash, and some pet parents struggle with teaching their Fidos how to behave when it public.

In the video and written guide below, I provide you with plenty of advice and actionable tips on how to teach a dog to walk on a leash.

For more, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

FULL GUIDE: How To Train A Dog To Walk On A Leash

Can a good dog leash improve my dog’s health?

They certainly can!

Exercise is one of the most important factors in your pet’s health, and using a dog leash is the safest way to get your dog the exercise that he needs.

Using a leash to walk, jog, run, hike, or bike with your dog is a great way to get you and him off the couch and moving.

Fresh air and exercise can do wonders for your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Not only that, but regular walks will improve dog owner's health as well, as multiple studies have already shown.

Getting a comfortable dog leash will increase the chance of regular walks for most.

Now, the dog leash itself obviously won’t directly improve your pet’s health, but using it to get him up and moving will.

A good quality leash will be comfortable for you, making it more enjoyable to take your pet for a walk.

Not getting enough exercise can have some seriously detrimental effects on your beloved pet, and it can even take years off his life.

Invest in a leash and get out and walk with your dog; you’ll both be healthier and happier if you do!

Who should buy dog leashes?

Every pet owner with a canine needs a good dog leash, and that's what this best dog leash review is for.

Even if you only use a leash when you take your Fido to the vet or while traveling, you’re still going to need one.

If you want to make your job as a pet parent a little easier, it is wise to purchase a dog leash as soon as you bring a new dog home.

This way, you can immediately start leash training your puppy.

If you train your dog when he’s young or new to your house, he will understand what is expected of him while walking on a leash, and it won’t be a struggle each time you attach him to one.

Dog leashes are the most commonly used dog product, and they are truly a necessity if you are raising a dog.

No matter your pet’s age, size, activity level, or breed, he needs one of these best dog leashes!

You should never take your dog in public without one.

Even if you’re going to a dog park where your pet can run off-leash, it’s still important to take a leash with you and keep it in your pocket.

In an emergency, the best dog leash is the only thing that will keep your dog by your side without any doubt.

Even the most well-trained pet may run away when scared or hurt.

It is always best to keep your dog on a leash, even if you’ve done extensive recall training and are sure he won’t run away.

It’s not just your dog that you need to be aware of.

Other dogs in the area may not be as well-behaved as your Fido.

What to look forward to

As we know, the pet industry is always changing, and new training methods are being released all the time.

As researchers and experts in the field study the newest leash models, they may be deemed unsafe, or they may discover a new type of dog leash that works better than the rest.

Right now, there are many available options, and we will certainly see that list grow in the future.

A new leash is often developed when a new training method is developed. The leash tends to be designed for the exact training purpose.

Some dog leashes catch on and can be used in everyday life with dogs.

Others simply serve one purpose and quickly disappear from store shelves.

Best Dog Leashes: Before You Go…

Keep your needs in mind when shopping for the best dog leash on the market.

Think about what your needs are now and what type of leash you’ll need in the future.

If possible, try to purchase one leash that can do every job.

You’ll save yourself a little money and the hassle of having to shop for multiple best dog leashes.

The leashes on this list aren’t the cheapest you can find, but they are the best quality.

When you shop for any product, price should never be the deciding factor.

Spending a little extra now will save you from having to replace broken items in the future.

As you can see, many of these leashes come with a guarantee from the manufacturer.

Buying products with guarantees is a great choice because it shows you that the manufacturer stands behind the products that they make, and if they aren’t as great as they say they are, you can return them without losing your money.

Today, more than ever, everyone needs to be concerned with their budget, and dogs aren’t cheap animals to care for. Spending some time on research will pay off in the end.

These aren’t the only best dog leashes out there. I encourage you to do your own research and find a quality product that will meet your needs and fit your budget.

Sources and further reading on dog leashes

• Is Your Dog’s Collar Dangerous
• The Physical and Psychological Dangers of Jerking on the Leash
• Collars vs. Harnesses: Which is Best?
• How to Choose a Dog Leash
• The Right (and the Dangerous) Way to Use a Retractable Dog Leash
• How to Give Your Dog a Good Leash on Life

Related Articles:

• 8 Types of Dog Leashes and How to Choose the Right One
• Top 5 Best Hands-Free Dog Leashes
• How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

Photos of BonaFido Dog Leash and the video review by Samantha Randall. All rights to the content are reserved. 

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