The Best Dog Tie Out Cables

For some dogs, the call of the wild is too strong to resist. They can't help but yearn to roam, hunt, and frolic in the great outdoors, stimulated by the myriad of scents and sounds. While we applaud the spirit of these adventurous canines, we also want them to be safe. If your dog spends a lot of time outside but you don't have adequate fencing to keep them enclosed, you'll need a good tie-out cable. So how do you choose a good tie-out cable for your pooch? That's where we come in.

What to Look For

While you’re shopping for the right tie out cable, we suggest focusing on the size of your yard, the size of your dog, and the durability of the cable itself. If you have a large backyard and a big dog, we highly recommend the 50-foot reflective cable from XiaZ for its strength, durability, and weather resistance. It even comes in a 100-foot length for dogs who really need space to run. Meanwhile, if your dog is on the smaller side, or your yard doesn’t have much space, Petest’s 25-foot cable has you covered. Keep reading to learn more about these top-notch dog cables.

BV Pet Tie Out Cable for Dogs

Out of trouble and in the yard

This durable cable will keep your pets where they belong and out of harm's way.
Best Overall

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When it comes to outdoor cables for your dog, you want something that can withstand severe temperatures and conditions without rusting, fraying, or otherwise showing damage. This vinyl-covered steel cable can handle it all, even staying strong through 40 degrees below zero. The clips also remain rust-free and easy to open, with swivels that won’t get stuck over time. On top of all that, the ends of the cable are wrapped up in a protective case so they won’t break or wear down.

Pros:

  • Even over many seasons, cold and hot weather don’t break the vinyl coating or wear down the steel cable.
  • We found that the cable won’t snarl or tangle easily. When they do occur, knots are easy to remove.

Cons:

  • Dogs can still chew through the plastic coating if they gnaw on it for a while.

Petest Reflective Tie Out Cable for Dogs

Night vision activated

When you pull into your driveway at night, you'll be glad that this tie out cable reflects light, letting you know that your precious pup is nearby.
Best Reflective

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When you’re having a picnic in the park or visiting a friend’s house, you probably want to bring your dog. However, the idea of them running around loose might worry you or other people. That’s when you bust out this reflective tie-out cable. At 25 feet long, it’s got great coverage with almost 2,000 square feet of available space. But it’s not so long that it’s impossible to keep away from dog-shy guests. And for dogs who live outside, the cable’s reflective steel core makes it so you won’t accidentally trip on it when you go out at night.

Pros:

  • This cable withstands energetic pups who like to tug and explore. Even after heavy use, there are no kinks, tears, or weakened areas of the cable.
  • You can use this cable with large 250-pound dogs, but it’s still light enough for smaller dogs to wear.

Cons:

  • Because the cable is so strong, it can be a tripping hazard, so be careful if your dog likes to bolt quickly.

XiaZ Dog Runner Tie Out Cable

No fuss

When you want to give plenty of space to your dog, you'll need a strong, lengthy, and easy-to-install cable like this one.
Easiest Installation

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If you’ve got a hefty pup who needs plenty of space outside, you probably want to prevent them from running into the wild or loose in the neighborhood. For large dogs up to 250 pounds, this steel cable can keep them reined in at a maximum distance of 50 feet. We all know large dogs need plenty of outdoor space to let off steam and be happy — with this cable, they can enjoy that freedom without compromising the neighbors or local wildlife by escaping your property. And with lockable carabiners on either end, you know this leash won’t break off due to a bad clip.

Pros:

  • The thick cable resists tangles, so you don’t have to untangle knots all the time. It can also withstand a lot of chewing.
  • The steel cable’s reflectivity really comes into play at night when you’re driving. The metal stands out and shines, making it easy to see if Fido is in the way.

Cons:

  • Unfortunately, this cable doesn’t include swivels.

Amofy Dog Tie Out Cable, 2-Pack

Dynamic duo

If you have two dogs or like to have multiple options for leash lengths, this two-pack of tie-out cables can cover most of your needs.
Best For Multi-Dog Households

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Got a pair of energetic pooches that love to run amok outside? Then you might want to pick up this pair of tie-out cables. They’re sturdy and weatherproof, making them more than up to the task of leashing small- to medium-sized dogs. We especially like the bright, reflective colors that easily stand out. It makes it easy to spot the cable and avoid tripping on it. Plus, the vinyl coating resists rust and damage due to weather.

Pros:

  • They can be linked together for longer lengths if necessary. We love that they’re 10 feet long, though, because it means our fur babies can stay close by and won’t get into trouble.
  • We’ve discovered that these cables don’t develop kinks or curls, and they don’t get easily become snarled up or knotted.

Cons:

  • You may find that this length of the cable might not be long enough for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I install a tie-out cable?

If you have any trees in your yard, you can wrap the cable around the tree and then thread one end through the other. If there are no places to tie your cable, you can use a stake — just make sure it’s meant for dogs so you know it won’t come undone accidentally.

Are tie-out cables dangerous?

Tie-out cables are designed to be as safe as possible, however, they can still cause injury to people or pets. We recommend training and watching your dog when they first use the cable, so you can stomp out any bad habits before they set in.

About the Author

Dave's dog Fiona might be a tiny Yorkie, but she has a big personality. She's playful and kind of crazy, but she's sweet, shy, and protective, too. Dave has learned a lot from raising Fiona, and now he wants to share his knowledge of dog parenting with the rest of the world to help provide happy, healthy lifestyles for our furry friends.

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