The Best Training Leashes
When it comes time to teach your pup to walk well on a leash, a quality training product will go a long way. Even though practice and proper technique are required, a training leash can bring benefits such as sturdy control, reduced tension when pulls occur, and more. There are many different versions available, though, so it's important to choose the type that will work best for you and your pet.
What to Look For
To help you discover the perfect product, we’ve gathered and reviewed the very best training leashes on the market today. We asked many questions during our search — How will these leashes last as time goes on? Do they fit dogs of all sizes? Do they come with features that will make walks easier for pups who pull more than average? We were immediately impressed by the length and strength of the Hi Kiss. However, if you want supreme ease of use and versatility, we recommend going with SparklyPets. We can’t wait for you to find your ideal fit from the list below.
Hi Kiss Dog Obedience Lead
Freedom to frolic
This training leash is perfect for teaching your pup a variety of tricks. It’s extra long, giving them the space they need to explore while keeping them at a safe distance and within your control at all times. It’s also made of durable nylon with reinforced stitching to extend its lifetime, so you can trust it will last far longer than the average cotton leash. The bolt snap on the end also swivels to help reduce leash twisting, keeping you and your pup comfortable throughout your session.
Pros:
- We noticed that this isn’t just great for training; it also works well for games like fetch. Plus, the longer leash sizes can extend your throwing range.
- The strong material held up with even our largest and most rambunctious dogs.
Cons:
- The lighter colors get dirty fairly quickly since the extra length drags on the ground, but plenty of dark shades are available if you want to avoid this issue.
SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash
No hands, no worries
Training a dog takes a significant amount of effort. If you feel like you can cut down on the difficulty at least a little bit by moving to a hands-free leash, this version from Sparkly Pets may be worth a try. It’s perfect for walking, jogging, hiking, and more. It has reinforced stainless steel clasps for added strength when you’re moving fast, and it has shock-absorbing bungee in the center to help reduce the amount of pull felt by you and your pup. The waistband adjusts from 28 to 47 inches to fit almost all body types, and the entire leash turns into a standard hands-on version in case you want to use a classic-style leash.
Pros:
- We loved that this has a handle halfway down the leash, so we could grab on for extra control whenever it became necessary.
- We also felt that it lasted longer than most training leashes, as it was still in perfect condition after months of daily use.
Cons:
- This doesn’t come in multiple lengths, a feature that some dog owners prefer for training mode.
Lynxking Slip Rope Dog Leash
Sturdy strands
This training leash is perfect for teaching dogs to walk with their owners. It’s made with a durable, rope-like design and it has a slip-style opening to keep pups from pulling. It’s made of soft material to keep you and your pet comfortable and has a small amount of stretch to lessen the load while pull attempts occur. It’s also adjustable and can fit any neck size, so you don’t need to worry about taking measurements before you make your purchase.
Pros:
- Even though this is a slip leash, dogs stay comfortable, and it doesn’t cut into their neck.
- We liked that the entire piece is lightweight, so it’s not such a burden to carry around when your dog is done using it.
Cons:
- This isn’t the best choice for super chewers, but as long as you keep it up when it’s not in use, it will last a long time.
Leadsom Heavy Duty Bungee Leash
Stretchy and secure
This training leash is designed to keep both you and your pup comfortable. It’s bungee style, so you won’t feel the small tugs and turns your dog decides to take. It has a sturdy, padded handle that makes holding on an easy job, and its metal rotating carabiner is strong enough to take on any type of action. Various bright colors are available to choose from, and each version has reflective stitching to keep you and your pet safe at any time of day.
Pros:
- The top of the leash has a car seat attachment, which is both helpful for drivers and safe for dogs.
- The waste bag attachment is a nice addition, too, as it kept us from having to hold onto the germy objects until we found the closest trash can.
Cons:
- This is designed for medium dogs, and though we had success with our big pets, it might not work as well for your largest pups.
The Paw Lifestyles Dual Handle Dog Leash
Not going anywhere
If your dog is particularly difficult to handle, you might benefit from a leash with an extra control handle at its base. Paw Lifestyles’ leash has both a standard handle and a spare for close-action needs. Both handles are padded for your comfort. The entire piece is designed to be thicker than the average lead for added strength, and the metal rings and the clips are built to last.
Pros:
- We love that the threading is thick, durable, and reflective to help keep us and our pups safe in the dark.
- We also appreciated the versatility. The leash works well with collars, back-attaching harnesses, and front-clip harnesses, and we’re able to use both handles with every setup type, too.
Cons:
- Some people with smaller hands may find the leash to be a little too thick for their liking.
What features are best for dogs that pull?
Any of these training leashes can be used with dogs who haven’t yet learned to walk with their owner. You may want to try a slip lead or bungee version to make practice sessions easier for you and your pup.
How can I make sure the leash I choose is the right size for my dog?
Most of the products on the list above work well with dogs of all sizes. However, you may want to check the product specifications if your pet is much larger than average.
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