Best Dog Leash Reviews 2018

Dog leashes vary a lot from the type to the size, to the materials and what comes with it. It all affects the price of the leash you’re looking to buy, which can range anywhere between $10 and say $100. That’s how big of a difference there is. And while $10 may seem like not very much, there are cheap dog leashes which are even less than that, but trust us when we say that they aren’t worth it. It’s best to stick with our range and choose one that works for you and your dog.

As far as features go, there are quite a few when it comes to a dog leash. That’s really the beauty of them, you’ve got so many options, even if it’s also a major hindrance because it makes it sort of difficult to pick the right one when so many seem so good.

When you’re looking get a new dog leash, you want to look out for:

• Strength – dogs are very active and when you’re walking or running, they can sometimes literally drag you so you want a leash that’s strong and can hold up when this happens.
• Durability – when you buy anything, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth so look to get a leash that will do just that.
• Length – some leashes are retractable and some are standard with one fixed length; only you know which length is best but it’s safe to say get a shorter leash for less trained dogs and more obedient ones can work well with longer ones.
• Width – the width of the leash goes with the size of the dog. If your dog is big, you need a wider leash but if he’s a cute little dumpling then a thinner leash will work just fine.
• Clip – no matter if the leash is made from some revolutionary reinforced steel, if the clip isn’t good then it’s irrelevant. Get a leash with a secure clip that will hold and keep your leash connected to your dog.
• Comfort – dogs have feelings, we all know this, so it’s important that your dog is comfortable with the leash you’ve got for him/her. It’ll save you both a lot of trouble down the road.
• Decorations – it may be best to avoid these as they can be taken off your dog and cause choking, which is the last thing anyone wants.

As we’ve mentioned before, dog leashes vary a lot and one of the reasons for this is that there are several different types of dog leashes out there.

Each type of leash carries with it its own benefit over the others and while none are inherently better than the other, ultimately the type you choose is up to you.

Here are the different types of dog leashes:

• Standard - this is the most common type of dog leash and is great for basic training and everyday use. They usually measure anywhere between 4 and 8 feet. These types of leashes are great for training puppies
• Retractable - these types of leashes work like tape measures. You can control the length of and most times the leash itself, or what’s known as the tape, is made from nylon. These can measure up to 26 feet and have a plastic casing. They’re recommended for dogs that are well-trained and know how to walk using a standard leash.
• Handsfree/waist - these leashes come with a waist belt that you can attach them to so you don’t have to hold the actual leash. These are great for running or hiking and typically use a nylon band for the leash itself. These leashes are also adjustable and can be used without the waist belt too.
• Martingale leads - these have the collar and leash as one unit and is ideal for smaller breeds. This is because the collar part of the leash can slip over the dog’s head when the owner pulls the lead. Even though larger ones are made for bigger dogs, it’s recommended that martingale leads are used for smaller breeds.

But the type of leash isn’t the only thing that matters and differs among dog leashes. There are also different materials which are used as well.

Chain leashes are often used for larger dogs, however they aren’t as popular now as they once were. In fact, many experts advise not to use them because they can actually harm dogs more than anything else.

Nylon is a commonly used material which is inexpensive, strong and doesn’t constrict when it becomes wet. The only disadvantage is that it can wear on your hand and cut into the dog’s neck, but manufacturers often make amendments to the leashes design to prevent this.

Cloth is another material used for dog leashes, but again they aren’t as popular now as they used to be. This is because, while they’re soft and cost about the same as nylon, they fray much more easily which reduces longevity. So, most dog owners just stick to nylon.

Leather leashes are a costlier option but definitely a worthwhile investment. Leather’s durable, strong, and practically impervious to chewing, which will surely happen. Leather also doesn’t fray and with different manufacturers adding cool designs and colors, leather leashes are more popular now than ever. Plus, treated leather is much softer on both skin and fur, which is always appreciated by your pup.

Reflective dog leashes are best for nighttime walks and runs. They use materials that reflect in the dark and are embedded into another material such as leather or nylon.

The performance of your leash is dependent on how you use it. For example, if you use a retractable leash for a dog that isn’t fully trained, then it won’t perform as well as a standard leash which is built for dogs that are still being trained.

The materials also play a huge role in this as well. The leather leashes are undoubtedly the best option; however, for many dog owners, they are too costly. In which case, nylon is a great alternative. Cloth leashes are fading in popularity along with chain leashes, and for good reason too. Reflective leashes are also great for nighttime walks even though they work well for daytime walks as well.

Ultimately the performance of your dog leash is dependent on you and your dog, but there’s a leash out there that’s just the right fit for you, your dog and whatever you two enjoy doing.