How to Find the Best Dog Leads for Your Pet

Dog Puppy Dog Lead Dog Health

Questions

  • How to Find the Right Lead for Your Dog
  • Our Best Retractable Dog Leads
  • Our Best Fixed & Slip Leads
  • Best Leads for Dogs That Pull
  • What About Training Leads? Which Are Best?
From energetic pups to well-trained older pooches, dog leads, collars and harnesses are a must-have accessory for every dog walk. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park to burn off extra energy or a Sunday morning hike, it can be tough to decide on the best dog lead for your furry companion.
There are so many options!

How to Find the Right Lead for Your Dog

The word ‘walkies’ is sure to get those tails wagging and paws prancing around as they struggle to contain their excitement. Yet for canine owners, there are a few things to pick up before you head for the door – their dog lead being the first!
When it comes to leads, it’s not a one-size-fits-all type of deal and there are a few things to consider when choosing the best dog lead. We’re not just talking about if the colour goes fabulously with their coat – though it’s a start!
Their breed type should be one of the main factors, along with the type of walk and if you plan on bringing them on your run – trust us, the type of lead you choose can dramatically affect the enjoyment of your next stroll/jog.

Our Best Retractable Dog Leads

Retractable dog leads are a great option for an array of walks and training purposes! For any adventurous pooches or those who like to briskly walk at their own pace, big or small, they’re perfect!
Finding the best retractable lead is largely down to their size. For smaller canines weighing up to 15kg, an extendable lead to 3 metres is a comfortable length. Medium-sized dogs up to 25kg - from Bulldogs to Border Collies - leads up to 5 metres are needed, and larger dogs need extendable leashes up to 8 metres to allow them to easily explore!
The ability to roam around freely isn’t the only advantage of extendable dog leads. They’re also:
  1. Designed to allow your furry companion to burn more calories, moving at their own pace rather than yours.

  2. Easier to use for dog owners compared to the traditional fixed leads.

For energetic and inexperienced puppies, however, a retractable dog lead is something they can work their way to up to. Of course, they would love to use the slack on their retractable lead to show their love to every passer-by, but they’ve got to learn the basics first. Check out our post on dog walking etiquette for more details.  
To help your walk run smoothly, we’ve selected the best retractable dog leads to help them run, stroll, or strut along their way:
  1. Flexi Classic Retractable Cord, available in both red & black – they’ll be the trendiest pup on the field!

  2. Doodlebone Rambler Retractable Dog Lead in Ruby or caol

  3. KONG Terrain Retractable Dog Lead in Black

  4. Ezydog Road Runner Lead Black Variable – a must-have when running together.

Our Best Fixed & Slip Leads

Combining reflective features with ease of movement, fixed and slip leads are great for gundogs, working dogs, training and moving your pooch around quickly.
Their naturally loose fitting allows owners or trainers to slip them on to create a sense of control, which is why they’re great for working dogs. We have an array of slip leads, or fixed leads for helping to move them around at your own pace. These are two of our favourites:
  1. Hem & Boo Slip Reflective Rope Dog Lead Neon – available in neon colours for those dark mornings or evenings.

  2. Doodlebone Originals Dog Lead in black– also available in other striking colours

Best Leads for Dogs That Pull

From becoming overly excited to wanting to explore the great outdoors, some over-exuberant pooches will naturally try to tug on their lead. As much as owners love their bundles of joy, it can be quite frustrating having them pulling or tugging – it’s not comfortable for them or you!
Whilst a leash alone can’t stop them pulling (only behaviour training can put a complete stop to it), the Ezydog Zero Shock Lead is one of the best leads for dogs that pull – absorbing their tugs, pulls and any resistance they may offer. They’re ideal for small and larger dogs alike and come in varying sizes to comfortably sit around their necks.
The trusty harness is another great alternative. The design lightly tightens around their body with any resistance they try to create - deterring them from pulling without causing any harm! This makes them the best leads for French bulldogs, as traditional collars can easily slip off their thicker, shorter necks.

What About Training Leads? Which Are Best?

Training any unruly pooch can be difficult at the best of times, but it’s particularly arduous if you’re not prepared with the right training lead. It’s essential to nip unwanted walking behaviour in the bud in their early days – preventing tugging, encouraging them to stay close, and so on.
The best dog training leads allow for the owners to be in charge – the long lead lengths allow freedom for their curious minds and control for you! There’s no perfect sizing – this will depend on your breed of dog - but having the flexibility with no room for tugging is essential when they’re in training.  
The Hem & Boo Padded Training Dog Lead is a fantastic all round training lead for each breed, from Chihuahuas to Rottweilers - they can easily be attached to their existing harness or dog collar.      
No two pooches are the same and this applies to dog leads too. So, whether you’re searching for a new lead or upgrading your old one, you’ll be sure to find the best dog lead for your pawsome next walk! Take a look at our dog and puppy range to find everything you need.