The 8 best dog leashes of 2023

Pros: Reflective, includes traffic handle, padded handles, extra D-ring for attaching poop bag holders and other accessories

Cons: Only comes in four colors, not ideal for leash chewers

The Max and Neo Reflective Leash has all of the features we look for in a standard 6-foot leash and more. The leash's lightweight nylon material didn't bother our test dog during walks, and the reflective strips lining the leash made us visible to oncoming traffic. 

But this leash snagged the best overall spot with a few extra features. There is a traffic handle at the base of the leash for added safety. If a pup strays too far, it's easy to pull them in with the traffic handle, and it provides more control over a dog in case of immediate danger. Plus, both the traffic and primary handles have just enough padding to stifle any would-be rope burn if a dog pulls or darts. 

We also liked the small but sturdy D-ring near the primary handle. It was more than capable of holding our poop bag holder and silicone water bowl. The leash itself is very portable. It has a lightweight standard C-clip attachment point, and the whole thing easily rolls up to fit in a standard-size purse or pant pocket. 

While this leash can be put through the washing machine, stains were easiest to remove by handwashing it. Although it will certainly hold up to dirt and grime, it may not be the best choice for heavy leash chewers. When we simulated chewing, it was damaged quickly. However, this was the case with most of the nylon leashes we tested.

Pros: Lightweight, reflective, comfortable

Cons: Difficult to wash

Reflective leashes are a great way to increase your and your dog's visibility during nighttime walks, a big bonus while crossing the street or walking near traffic. Our top pick, Chai's Choice Padded 3M Reflective Outdoor Adventure Dog Leash, has two reflective stripes woven into its edges, which make it easy to see in low light. 

The leash was great during the day too. It stood out but wasn't too blinding in bright sunlight. We also tested the Orvis Reflective 6' Leash, but it didn't make the cut because its reflective strip was too bright during daytime walks. 

Thanks to its lightweight materials, this leash was one of the most comfortable products we tested. It was easy to hold and didn't bother our tester dog when it was clipped to her harness. The handle also has a bit of extra padding to prevent rope burn. The handle also has a bit of extra padding to prevent rope burn. There was a noticeable difference in comfort between the padding and the regular mesh portion of the leash.

What we didn't like about this leash was how difficult it was to clean the nylon mesh material. Even after putting the leash through the washing machine and cleaning it by hand, stains were still visible.

Pros: Sturdy, comfortable to hold, strong but lightweight

Cons: Not very versatile

Rope leashes can be a nice option for pet parents looking to introduce a sturdier leash on walks. The SassyWoof Rope Leash is the best dog rope leash because it is strong, comfortable, and comes in a variety of fun colors. 

We like this leash first and foremost because of its comfort. The entire leash is made of 100% cotton, so it is soft on the skin. It was also significantly lighter than the other rope leashes we tried, including our top pick for the best multi-function leash, which is also a rope leash. Our tester pup didn't notice when the SassyWoof leash grazed her back on our walks. In addition to its light weight, the leash's low profile makes it ideal for small and medium-sized dogs. 

We also liked the wide range of color options SassyWoof offers: There are more than 50 bright colors to choose from. There's also a ring attached to the handle that's ideal for attaching a poop bag holder or water bowl. 

The leash performed well on city sidewalk strolls, but it might not be the best option for exercising pups in parks and areas where you'd like to give them more freedom to explore. At 5 feet long, it's a good size for small dogs but a little short for larger animals. It also lacks extra features like multiple D-rings and reflective strips.

Pros: Versatile, comfortable around the waist and hand, portable 

Cons: Unusual and bulky hardware

Walking your dog with a waist-worn leash can be tricky if you don't have the right gear. We looked for a leash with a comfortable waistband, strong lead, and easy-to-maneuver hardware designed for waist-walking. The Ruffwear Crag Reflective Leash pulled ahead of the competition because it checked off all three boxes. 

The section of the leash that wrapped around the waist was padded and adjustable, so we could loosen or tighten it without worrying about comfort. The waist strap was easy to convert into a handheld leash by shortening the straps. Some of the other leashes we tested had this feature, but the transition between waist-worn and handheld wasn't as seamless. 

Another aspect of this leash that we liked was the lack of a bungee. Dr. Kate Anderson, a veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends staying away from bungee leashes when possible. A bungee, like a retractable leash, creates constant tension on the lead, making loose-leash walking difficult. It can also be dangerous, as we learned when testing the EzyDog Leash. We'd often fall off of our feet using this bungee leash. If we weren't watching our dog at all times, we wouldn't notice that she was pulling until the bungee snapped, which would drag us in whatever direction she was pulling. On the other hand, the Crag Reflective Leash lacked the bungee, which made it a safe and easy choice on walks. 

However, no leash is perfect, and this one has some flaws. While it's durable, the leash was not resistant to staining, even after it was hand-washed. We found the clip attachment to be an unusual U-shaped design, which was less intuitive than a traditional C-clip. The clip attachment was also quite heavy, and our tester dog was somewhat bothered by it. But she did get used to it after a few walks.

Pros: Stain resistant, easy to let out and roll back in, lightweight material

Cons: Susceptible to chewing

Working with a long-line leash can be a smart way to teach recall or give your dog a bit more space to roam on walks. The Mendota Long Snap Leash 15-foot long leash is a good way to accomplish this and more. We found it was stain-resistant, easy to roll in and extend out for quick control, made of lightweight material, and had simple hardware. 

A problem we found with other long-line leashes was that they often attempted too much, whether they offered many different points of adjustment or had special hardware that impeded portability. We gave the Mendota high ratings for its simplicity. This reminded us of one of the best standard dog leashes that simply got a growth spurt. 

By far, our favorite aspect of this leash was its stain-resistant polypropylene rope. While the brand says this leash is machine washable, it got tangled around the agitator of our top-load washing machine due to its long length. We found it was more convenient to rinse it under the faucet.

This material does have some downsides. It's incredibly susceptible to chewing and frayed after one puncture. It also lacks additional D-rings to attach handy items like poop bag holders.

Pros: Resistant to damage, sturdy, additional traffic handle, competitive price point 

Cons: Stiff leather takes time to break in

Leather leashes are a favorite of dog trainers and veterinarians. They are usually sturdy, reliable, and easy to use. The Soft Touch Collars Braided Leather Dog Leash with Traffic Handle is no different. 

We liked this leash for many reasons, but it stood out to us for its resistance to damage. During our chew test, the leash held up better than the other leashes we tested for this guide. We could not cut it, and our puncturing attempts only resulted in a few minor scratches.

We also liked the comfort that this leash provided during walks. Its 6-foot length was easy to maneuver when our tester pup suddenly decided to cross paths to sniff out a mischievous squirrel. There are also two points of control on this leash: one at the primary handle and another near the clip attachment. 

The leather is soft on the skin, and we didn't have to worry about any potential cuts or burns from this leash. This is a bonus of using leather leashes, but this softness won't last forever. Professional dog trainer Laurie Williams says that while leather leashes are good options for dog walkers, they require upkeep to maintain their quality over time. This upkeep can include conditioning the leather. 

Because the leash is made of leather, it took us time to break it in. At the conclusion of our two-week testing, the leash was still inflexible and difficult to roll up for transport. However, working to lessen its stiffness may be worth the time for those who want a quality product at a competitive price point.

Pros: Unique carabiner safety attachment, multiple adjustable attachment points 

Cons: Not very portable, heavy

Because they are intended to have many uses, a good multi-function leash needs to be adjustable to suit a wearer's needs, like serving as a waist-worn or handheld leash depending on the situation. The Found My Animal Adjustable Leash fits that criteria and more. 

We liked this leash because its usefulness did not lessen with each adjustment: It worked well handheld or waist-worn, as a double clip leash or slung over the shoulder. The rope material was strong and held up to our tester pup's pulling. 

This leash was on the heavier side — although not as heavy as our runner-up pick, the Fenrir Ragnar Dog Training Leash. Our 50-pound test dog did not have much of a problem with it, but we found that the weight of the leash was noticeable when worn over the shoulder or around the waist. 

The weight was mostly due to the carabiner attachment points, which was something we liked about the leash. The carabiner attachment points also had roller screws that covered the clasp for extra security. These attachment points, as sturdy as they are, do make it tricky to fit the leash into a purse or pocket. It would be best to transport it in a large bag.

Pros: Durable, chew-resistant 

Cons: Not very versatile

For walkers wanting more hand support in their leash, the Frisco Rope Dog Leash fits the bill. It featured an extra padded handle that prevented rope burn and discomfort in all of our pull tests. The handle is wide enough to fit most hand sizes comfortably, which was something that other heavily padded leashes struggled to do. 

Aside from the padded handle, the leash was very durable. It was difficult to puncture and cut this leash, likely due to its rope-like design that is meant to imitate mountain climbing gear, according to the brand. This leash was the most durable padded handle leash, easily beating out the popular Baapet Dog Leash with Padded Handle, which broke on our first pull test. 

Like other heavily padded handle leashes, the handle made it hard to tuck away in a small purse or pocket. It also lacks additional attachment points for carrying walk essentials.

Like every purchase for your pet, there is a lot to look for when buying a leash. The following points can help narrow your search. 

Materials: Experts say that sturdy, flexible material is ideal when it comes to the best dog leashes. Williams says that leather, nylon, and biothane are classic leash materials choices. 

Length: A leash that's between 4 and 6 feet long allows you to comfortably walk with a loose lead while still keeping your dog close to you. Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, a veterinarian and the director of South Clinic at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, recommends using a long-line leash with dogs that are reliably trained and will come when called. He also says that using a long-line leash in a less busy area is a good idea. "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 via email.

Comfort: The best dog leashes are comfortable to hold: They won't cause rope burn or excessive scratching on the skin if your pup pulls. But it's also important to use a leash that allows your dog to be walked on a loose lead. Williams says that walking a pup on a loose leash is essential in teaching them to walk on a leash. "If the leash is always tight, it builds up anxiety and frustration in the dog," she says. These feelings can lead to negative associations with leashes. Using positive reinforcement training techniques is one of the best ways to help your dog learn to walk on a loose leash, says Williams.

Attachment point: Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says that the attachment point of the leash — where one would connect the leash to the harness — should be able to withstand the force of the leash being pulled. He says it should be easy to unclip the leash as well. In our testing, we looked for attachment points that were C-clips or carabiners, which are sturdy and can be removed quickly. Anything else was rated lower. 

Additional safety features: Reflective material and traffic handles are additional safety features that can help you keep a closer eye on your pup. Experts say these features are not necessary to have in the best dog leash, but they can be useful depending on the needs of the dog and the walker. 

What to avoid

It's important to keep an eye out for what makes a good leash, but there are also some elements that are smart to stay away from. "Generally speaking, the leash should be durable, comfortable, secure and easy to attach," says Pavlovsky. If a leash lacks these features, it might not be a good choice. Here are a few more points to consider. 

Weight: A leash that's too heavy can be bothersome for your pup, especially if it is attached to a back-clip harness. Try opting for a leash that won't be too noticeable to your dog. 

Retractable or bungee leashes: These types of leashes are quite popular but are probably not the best option, according to our experts. Retractable and bungee leashes create consistent tension on the leash, which Anderson says isn't good for a dog. Retractable leashes can also be dangerous, with some users suffering cuts, rope burns, and other injuries. 

Waist-worn: This can be a fantastic option for walkers who feel confident in their ability to keep their balance should a pup pull. But Williams says that they aren't always the best choice, especially for large dogs who may be strong enough to pull their owner along with them should they decide to take off. "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."

We consulted four experts who shared what is important to look for in a leash, such as quality materials and ideal length. We then tested 20 leashes based on their guidance. Our experts include Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine; Laurie Williams, a fear-free certified professional dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement tactics to help dogs and their owners; Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, a veterinarian and the director of South Clinic at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; and Dr. Kate Anderson, a veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

For two weeks, we tested the leashes with a 50-pound pit mix named Lyla. We tested each leash for at least 15 minutes and up to an hour in a variety of different environments, including daytime street walking, nighttime walks in a park, and evening walking in a high-traffic area. 

In addition to walk-testing the leashes, we also assessed each leash on the following criteria: 

Materials and durability: We noted the material of each leash and how it held up to a pull test where we had a 180-pound man pull the leash multiple times as hard as he could while it was attached to our author's waist or held in their hand. For reference, our author weighs 130 pounds and can easily be pulled off their feet. We also performed a mallet test where we smashed each leash's attachment point and fabric. Finally, we punctured and cut each leash to the best of our ability using dull scissors to imitate heavy chewers. 

Safety: When evaluating safety, it's important to consider the durability of a leash. Once the leashes were damaged after cutting and puncturing them, we repeated the pull test to see if the leashes would still hold up. We also looked for any problems attaching and detaching the leash to a dog's harness.

Comfort: We tested for rope burn and excessive scratching via the same pull test we used to evaluate durability. We also noted how comfortable the leashes were to hold and whether or not Lyla noticed them or appeared bothered by things like heavy hardware during walks. 

Weight and width: We measured the width of all the leashes and noted which ones were too thin or too wide. We also measured the weight of each leash and how it felt to hold during walks. 

Care: A combination of dirt and mud was smeared onto a 2-inch section of each leash. The leash was then left to dry before it was hand-washed with soap and water. We noted which leashes retained stains and which ones could be easily cleaned. 

Versatility: We looked at how many ways each leash could be used and in what type of environments it would be best suited for. 

Finally, we evaluated the color options, length, portability, and any additional attachments of each leash as secondary criteria.

What leash is safest? 

The safest leash is one that is comfortable, says Williams. While it's important to keep in mind aspects like length and functionality, the best dog leash will be comfortable for you and your pup. We also recommend avoiding leashes that may cause abrasions to the hands and opting for leashes that have solid and secure attachment points. 

What leash should I use for training?

A standard 4 to 6-foot leash is usually a good option for leash training, says Williams. For practicing recall, a long line can be used, but it's best to practice in an area that is not crowded. 

How do I leash train a dog? 

A leash is a vital safety tool to have for your pup, but not all dogs know how to walk on a leash. When starting to train a dog to walk with you, Williams emphasizes that it should be positive. "You don't want your puppy to right away form a negative association with the leash," says Williams. She says that starting leash training in the house can help owners who don't know where to begin. Before attaching a leash to their dog, they can start by feeding the dog their breakfast as they walk through the house. This allows a dog to associate walking with their owner with something positive, such as eating a meal. Williams says to add the leash only later when the dog is comfortable walking along with their owner. This can help mitigate the chance of a dog having negative associations with a leash they may not have been prepared for. 

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," says Pavlovsky in an email. He says it can also be difficult to use with bigger or stronger dogs, especially if there is a situation where quick recall is required. 

What is the best dog leash to use?

The best dog leash will vary based on the individual needs of the dog and their owner, but key features include a strong clasp, comfortable handle, and durable material. Many of the best cute dog leashes meet these criteria while staying stylish.