The best dog leashes, tested and reviewed

Taking your dog on regular walks is not only fun but also an important way to keep them active and healthy, and one of the best dog leashes makes all the difference. A high-quality leash helps keep your dog safe and secure, and in most places, walking them on a leash is required by law.

To find the best options, we spoke with veterinarians, animal behavior experts, and a dog trainer about what makes a great leash. Using their criteria, I tested over 20 leashes. The best overall is the Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash, which has all of the key qualities of a great leash. I also recommend other excellent leashes that may be better suited for specific needs.

All of the leashes in this guide can be paired with one of the best no-pull dog harnesses for safe, comfortable walks. While the best dog collars are useful for hanging your dog's ID tags, veterinarians don't recommend attaching a leash directly to a collar, since this can put harmful strain on your dog's neck.

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Our top picks for the best dog leashes

Best overall: Max and Neo 6' x 1" Double Handle Heavy Duty Reflective Leash - See at Chewy

Best rope: SassyWoof Dog Rope Leash - See at Chewy

Best hands-free: Ruffwear Crag Reflective Leash - See at Chewy

Best padded handle: Frisco Rope Dog Leash - See at Chewy

Best long-lead: Mendota Long Snap Leash - See at Amazon

Best multi-function: Found My Animal Adjustable Leash - See at Chewy

Best reflective: Chai's Choice Padded 3M Reflective Outdoor Adventure Dog Leash - See at Chewy

Best overall

The Max and Neo Reflective Leash offers everything you'd want in a leash, and then some. Its lightweight nylon material didn't bother my dog during walks, and the reflective strips lining the leash helped keep us visible to oncoming traffic.

What really sets this leash apart are its thoughtful extras. A built-in traffic handle adds an extra layer of safety, giving you more control if your dog strays too far or if a situation requires quick restraint. A small D-ring near the main handle provides a convenient spot to attach a poop bag holder. Both the traffic handle and the primary handle are lightly padded, offering enough cushioning to prevent rope burn if your dog pulls or makes a sudden move.

The leash is machine-washable, but I found stains were easier to remove by hand. While it stands up well to dirt and grime, it's not the best option for heavy leash chewers. When I simulated chewing, it showed damage quickly, but this was the case with most nylon leashes I tested.

Best rope

First and foremost, I like the SassyWoof Rope Leash because of its comfort. Made entirely from cotton, it feels soft on my hand. It's also substantially lighter than the other rope leashes I tested, including my top pick for the best multi-function leash, which is also a rope design. Its light weight and slim profile are especially well-suited for small and medium-sized dogs.

Another highlight is the variety of colors available. SassyWoof offers dozens of options, including bright multi-colored designs and softer pastels. The handle also includes a convenient ring for attaching accessories like a poop bag holder or collapsible water bowl.

The leash performed reliably on city sidewalk strolls,but it's less ideal for parks or open areas where you may want to give your dog more room to roam. At 5 feet, it's a good length for small pups but a bit short for larger dogs. It also lacks extra features found on some of my other picks for the best dog leashes, like multiple D-rings and reflective detailing.

Best hands-free

I sought a waist-worn leash with a comfortable waistband, strong lead, and easy-to-maneuver hardware designed specifically for hands-free walking. The Ruffwear Crag Reflective Leash delivered on all three.

The section that wraps around the waist is padded and adjustable, and it's easy to convert into a handheld leash by shortening the straps. While some other leashes I tested had this feature, the transition between waist-worn and handheld wasn't nearly as seamless.

Another aspect I appreciate was the absence of a bungee. Dr. Katherine Anderson, a veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, advises against bungee leashes. Like a retractable leash, a bungee creates constant tension on the lead, making loose-leash walking difficult. It can also be dangerous, as I found while testing the EzyDog Leash. The bungee often threw me off balance, and if I wasn't watching my dog closely, I wouldn't notice she was pulling until the bungee snapped, which would drag me in whatever direction she was pulling.

However, even the best dog leashes aren't perfect, and the Crag has some flaws. While it's durable, it's not resistant to staining. The clip attachment is also an unusual U-shape, which is less intuitive than a traditional C-clip. The attachment was also quite heavy, enough that my dog was slightly bothered by it at first.

Best padded handle

For walkers who want extra hand support, the Frisco Rope Dog Leash is a standout choice. Its generously padded handle prevented rope burn and discomfort in all of my pull tests, and unlike some other heavily padded leashes, the handle's width makes it comfortable for most hand sizes.

Durability was another strong point. The rope-style design, inspired by mountain climbing gear, made the leash difficult to puncture or cut. In fact, it was the most durable padded-handle leash I tested, outperforming the popular Baapet Dog Leash with Padded Handle, which broke during my very first pull test.

The trade-offs are similar to those of other thickly padded handle leashes. The bulkier handle isn't easy to tuck into a small purse or pocket, and the leash lacks extra attachment points for carrying walking essentials like a poop bag holder.

Best long-line

Using a long-line leash is a great way to work on recall or give your dog more freedom to roam. The Mendota Long Snap Leash with its 15-foot lead is well-suited for the job. It's lightweight, easy to roll and extend for quick control, stain-resistant, and equipped with straightforward hardware.

I rated the Mendota highly for its simplicity. Many other long-line leashes attempt to do too much, with multiple adjustment points or extra hardware that makes them less portable.

But my favorite feature is the stain-resistant polypropylene rope. Just keep in mind that while the brand says it's machine washable, it tangled around the agitator in my top-load washer because of its length. Rinsing it under the faucet is a much easier cleaning method.

That said, the material does have drawbacks. It frayed quickly after a single puncture, making it a poor choice for heavy chewers. It also lacks extra D-rings for attaching accessories.

Best multi-function

Because multi-function leashes are designed for versatility, the best ones need to adjust easily to different situations, whether worn around the waist, carried by hand, used as a double clip, or slung over the shoulder.

I liked the Found My Animal Adjustable Leash because it performed well in every setup. Its rope material was strong and held up against my dog's pulling, while the carabiner attachment points added both durability and security. Each carabiner features a roller screw covering the clasp for extra protection.

The downside of these sturdy attachments is that they add bulk, making the leash difficult to tuck into a purse or pocket. It's better suited to a larger bag for transport. The leash is also on the heavier side. My 50-pound dog managed fine, but I noticed the weight more when wearing it over my shoulder or around my waist.

Best reflective

Reflective leashes increase your and your dog's visibility during nighttime walks, which is especially helpful when crossing streets or walking near traffic. My top pick, the Chai's Choice Padded 3M Reflective Outdoor Adventure Dog Leash, has two reflective stripes woven along its edges, making it easy to see in low light.

It performed well during the day, too. It's bright enough to stand out without being blinding in direct sunlight. By comparison, the Orvis Reflective Leash didn't make the cut because its reflective strip was too bright during daytime use.

Lightweight materials also make the Chai's Choice leash one of the most comfortable I tested. It was easy to hold and didn't bother my dog when it was clipped to her harness. The handle also has a bit of extra padding to prevent rope burn. I noticed a clear difference in comfort between the padded handle and the regular mesh portion of the leash.

What I didn't like about this leash was cleaning it. The nylon mesh material was difficult to wash, and stains remained visible even after both machine washing and hand scrubbing.

What to look for in a dog leash

Like any purchase you make for your pet, there are several factors to consider when choosing a leash. The points below can help you narrow your search.

Materials: Dog trainers recommend sturdy, flexible materials for durability and comfort. Nylon, leather, and biothane are classic choices, says Laurie Williams, a professional dog trainer.

Length: A leash between 4 and 6 feet long allows for comfortable walking with a loose lead while still keeping your dog close to you. Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, a veterinarian and chief of staff for the Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic at the Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends using a long-line leash with dogs that are reliably trained and will come when called. He adds that long lines are best used in quiet areas with few people or animals. "I would use a long-line leash in areas where there are few other people or other animals so that there are no surprises," he says.

Comfort: The best dog leashes feel comfortable to hold and do not cause rope burn or skin irritation if your dog pulls. Just as important, it should support loose-leash walking. Williams says that if a leash is always tight, it can build anxiety and frustration, leading to negative associations with walks. She emphasizes using positive reinforcement training techniques as one of the best ways to teach dogs to walk calmly on a loose lead.

Attachment point: Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and professor of clinical small animal behavior and welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says that the leash's attachment point — where one would connect the leash to the harness — should be strong enough to withstand pulling and easy to unclip. In my testing, C-clips and carabiners proved both sturdy and quick to remove, while other types scored lower.

Additional safety features: Reflective material and traffic handles aren't essential but can be useful, depending on your dog's needs and where you walk. These features make it easier to keep your dog visible and under control.

What to avoid

While it's important to know what makes a great leash, there are also features best avoided. "Generally speaking, the leash should be durable, comfortable, secure, and easy to attach," Pavlovsky says. If a leash lacks these qualities, it might not be a good choice. Here are a few more points to consider.

Weight: A leash that's too heavy can be uncomfortable for your dog, especially when used with a back-clip harness. A lightweight option is often better.

Retractable or bungee leashes: Though popular, these leashes create constant tension, which Anderson says isn't good for dogs. Retractable leashes also pose risks for handlers, with users reporting rope burns, cuts, and other injuries.

Waist-worn: These can be convenient for walkers confident in their balance, but Williams says they aren't ideal for everyone. Large, strong dogs may pull hard enough to drag their owners, making this style risky in those situations. The physical mobility of the owner is very important," says Williams. "Some people might not be in the physical condition to use those, so everybody has to be smart about it."

How we tested the best dog leashes

I consulted four experts to learn what matters most in a leash. including qualities like durable materials and the ideal length. Guided by their advice, I tested 20 leashes in real-world conditions.

For two weeks, I tested the leashes with Lyla, my 50-pound pit mix. Each leash was used for at least 15 minutes and up to an hour in different situations: daytime street walks, nighttime park strolls, and evening walks in high-traffic areas.

In addition, I also evaluated each leash on the following criteria:

Materials and durability: I recorded the materials used and how they performed in pull and chewing tests. To evaluate the material's strength, another person yanked the leash multiple times while it was attached to my waist or held in my hand. I also performed a mallet test on the attachment point and fabric. Finally, I tried to puncture and cut the leashes with dull scissors to simulate chewing.

Safety: Durability is an important factor in evaluating safety. After cutting and puncturing the leashes, I repeated the pull test to see if they still held up. I also checked for problems attaching and detaching the leash from a harness.

Comfort: During the pull test, I looked for rope burn or skin irritation and noted how comfortable each leash felt in my hand. I also observed whether Lyla appeared bothered by heavy hardware or other design features during walks.

Weight and width: I measured the width of each leash to further identify those that felt too narrow or too wide, and weighed them to assess how they may feel to hold during walks.

Care: I smeared a 2-inch section of each leash with dirt and mud, allowed them to dry, and then washed them by hand with soap and water. I noted which leashes retained stains and which ones cleaned up easily.

Versatility: I assessed how many ways each leash could be used and which environments it was best suited for.

As secondary factors, I also considered each leash's color options, length, portability, and any additional attachments.

Dog leash FAQs

What is the best dog leash to use?

The best leash depends on the needs of both the dog and the owner. In general, look for a strong clip, a comfortable handle, and durable materials.

What leash is safest?

According to dog trainer Williams, the safest leash is one that's comfortable for both you and your dog. While length and functionality matter, comfort helps prevent negative experiences for both you and your dog. Avoid leashes that can cause abrasions on your hands, and look for secure, sturdy attachment points.

What leash should I use for training?

Williams recommends a standard 4- to 6-foot leash for leash training. A long-line leash works well for recall practice, but it should only be used in uncrowded areas.

How do I leash train a dog?

A leash is an essential safety tool, but not all dogs instinctively know how to walk with one. Williams says training should always be positive. "You don't want your puppy to right away form a negative association with the leash," she says. A good starting point is to practice indoors. Before attaching a leash to your dog, feed your dog their breakfast as they walk through the house. This allows a dog to associate walking with you as something positive and enjoyable. Williams says to add the leash only later when your dog is comfortable walking along with you. This gradual approach reduces the risk of your dog forming negative associations.

Why are retractable leashes bad?

"Retractable leashes offer very little control of the dog and may cause serious injuries if people's fingers/arms/legs get caught in the leash and the leash is snapped taut by the dog," veterinarian Pavlovsky says. They can also be difficult to manage with bigger or stronger dogs, particularly in situations where quick recall is needed.

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