Best Dog Leashes of 2026
A professional dog trainer tested more than a dozen leashes across trails, training sessions, and daily walks. Here are the nine best.
April 30th, 2026
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A dog leash is what keeps you and your dog connected—literally. A good dog leash can make or break your dog’s safety, their training session, or an outdoor adventure. Choosing the right dog leash depends on the activity you’ll be using it for. There’s a different best leash for training, urban walks, backcountry hikes, and other activities.
As a professional dog trainer and longtime product tester in the dog gear category, I’ve tested a lot of leashes over the years. For this piece, I relied on my industry knowledge to put together a pool of high-quality leashes and then tested them across real-world walking conditions: urban sidewalks, trails, parks, during training sessions at the facility I work at, and in high-distraction environments.
I tested these leashes with a variety of dogs, including my two dogs: Miso, a 40 pound Border Collie Mix, and Dashi, a 42 pound Rough Collie. I also tried these leashes on a variety of larger and smaller dogs, including dogs who are strong pullers.
The best dog leashes meet at the intersection of durability, comfort, control, hardware quality, leash length, versatility, and safety features.
The best overall dog leash is the Mendota Pet Snap Leash, thanks to its durability, quality craftsmanship, comfort, and lightweight and simple design. This leash is one you’ll buy and use for life for basically all of your dog’s activities, though you may like it so much that you end up buying multiples. I have a few of these myself.
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Comparison table
| PRODUCT | TREELINE AWARD | MATERIAL | TYPE | LENGTH(S) | WIDTH(S) | WEIGHT RATING | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mendota Pet Snap Leash | Best Overall Read why |
Polyproplyene, leather | Rope | 6' | 3/8, 1/2" | <50, 50-250 lb | $18.99, 22.49 |
| PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash | Best Affordable Read why |
Nylon | Thin webbing | 4, 6' | 3/8, 3/4, 1" | <30, 30-75, >75 lb | $4.24 - 9.99 |
| Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Leash | Best Hands-Free Read why |
Stretch polyester | Stretchy webbing | 5.4-7, 7.3-11' | 1" | Not listed | $49.99 - 54.99 |
| Ruffwear Front Range Flex Leash | Best Lightweight Read why |
Stretch polyester | Stretchy webbing | 5' | 1" | Not listed | $34.99 |
| Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Leash | Best Retractable Read why |
Nylon | Retractable tape | 10, 16, 26' | 1/4, 5/8" | 26, 33, 55, 110 lb | $26.99 - 47.99 |
| Wilderdog Waterproof Leash | Best Waterproof Read why |
Coated polyester | Webbing | 6' | 1" | 2 kN | $29.00 |
| Non-stop dogwear Bungee Leash | Best Bungee Read why |
Polyester, rubber | Stretchy webbing | 6.5, 9.2' | 0.9" | Not listed | $59.99, 64.99 |
| Mendota Pet Slip Leash | Best Slip Lead Read why |
Polyproplyene, leather | Rope | 4, 6' | 3/8, 1/2" | <50, 50-250 lb | $20.99, 23.49 |
| Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Handle Leash | Best for Large Dogs Read why |
Nylon | Webbing | 6' | 1" | Not listed | $16.99 |
The winners
Best overall dog leash: Mendota Pet Snap Leash
Length: 6 feet
Material: Multi-filament polypropylene rope and leather splices
Width: ⅜ inch or ½ inch
Weight rating: ⅜ inch for dogs under 50 pounds, ½ inch for dogs 50 to 250 pounds
What we liked: Flexible; Comfortable to hold; Simple, secure hardware; Comes in a variety of colors; Lightweight; Easy to put in a pocket
What could be better: Wish it was fully waterproof
The Mendota Pet Snap Leash is easily my most versatile leash. It’s not only the best overall dog leash, it’s also the best dog training leash and best rope leash.
Dog sport and dog show exhibitors have been using Mendota Pet leashes for ages. They’re so common around this community that I find Mendota leashes all the time in the lost and found at the agility facility I work at. They’re well loved for a reason.
Mendota Pet Snap Leash
These leashes are lightweight, flexible, comfortable to hold for long walks, and can be easily scrunched up and put in your pocket when you’re not using them. It’s a no-frills type of leash that will last for your dog’s entire lifetime, if not multiple dogs’ entire lifetimes. After multiple years of use, my snap leash still doesn’t have any fraying or cosmetic damage (even though I have a dog who likes to use it as a tug toy).
This leash has a simple, straightforward snap clasp that’s easy to clip and unclip with one hand, big enough to fit most collars and dog harnesses comfortably, and swivels to keep it from getting twisted on walks.
The Mendota Snap Leash comes in two thicknesses: ⅜ inch and ½ inch, with the ⅜-inch option best for dogs under 50 pounds, and the ½-inch option best for dogs 50 pounds and over.
It’s made of waterproof multi-filament polypropylene rope, and even when it gets wet, it tends to bead up and dry quickly.
At sub-$25, this leash is a buy-it-for-life type of investment, and one I’d gladly make multiple times if I had multiple dogs.
Best affordable dog leash: PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
Length: 4 feet or 6 feet
Material: Nylon
Width: ⅜ inch, ¾ inch, and 1 inch
Weight rating: ⅜ inch for dogs under 30 pounds, ¾ inch for dogs 30 to 75 pounds, 1 inch for dogs over 75 pounds
What we liked: Budget-friendly; Simple design; Comes in multiple colors
What could be better: Isn’t the most durable
The PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash is about the simplest, most frill-free leash you could possibly buy. It’s a flatweave nylon construction with a loop handle and a simple metal snap clip. I’m pretty sure this is the leash I bought my first dog back in 2006 at the local Petco. It’s the type of leash that gets the job done for a low price, but it’s not a buy-it-for-life type of investment.
PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
The PetSafe Nylon Dog leash comes in six colors, two lengths, and three different widths. The size you choose will depend on the size and weight of your dog, and the prices range from a little over $4 to $10, depending on the configuration you choose.
This leash isn’t the most comfortable to hold, as it doesn’t come pre-broken in like some options. It’s also not the most durable. In our durability tests, it frayed really easily, so if you have a dog who’s hard on their gear, this may not be the best option.
However, with most colors and lengths under $10 and a handful under $5, this leash is a good choice for small and medium dogs, or as a cheap backup option to keep in your car or by the door.
Best hands-free dog leash: Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash
Length: 5.5-7 feet or 7.3-11 feet
Material: 25 mm engineered webbing (81% polyester, 11% polyethylene, 8% elastane)
Width: 1 inch
Weight rating: Not listed
What we liked: Padded handle; Can be used as a handheld or a hands-free; Adjustable length; Traffic handle
What could be better: When waist-worn, it has a maximum size of about 46 inches; may be too bulky for some small dogs; some user reviews say that the bungee wears out over time with extremely strong pullers.
I think the best way to go hands-free with your dog leash is a bungee leash attached to a running belt, fanny pack, or waist strap on a daypack if you already use any of those items. The Ruffwear Roamer Bungee dog leash is a close second, and is more streamlined.
Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash
If you’re going hands-free with your leash for hiking with your dog, running, or other active endeavors, a bungee section is 100% a must-have. The bungee on this leash is smooth and responsive, absorbing impact from sudden pulls and directional changes.
I prefer Ruffwear’s Talon clip (the clip on this leash) to almost every other clip from the brand. It’s strong enough for a secure connection with your dog, but also truly easy to clip and unclip with one hand. If you need a true locking clip for a flight-risk dog, go for a different leash option.
I love that this leash can be worn around the waist or handheld, and I prefer the longer size for hiking, running, and long walks than the shorter option. Note that if you’re planning to use this leash as a hands-free leash, the actual length of the leash depends on what size you need the waist section to be. As you make the waist section larger, the leash portion decreases, and vice versa.
This hands-free dog leash doesn’t have any bulky clips, additional waist belts, or extras that you don’t need. It has a padded handle, is easy to adjust, and includes an additional traffic handle near the clip, in case you need your dog at close range outdoors, like in the event of a wildlife encounter.
Best lightweight dog leash: Ruffwear Front Range Flex Leash
Length: 5 feet
Material: 25mm 80% polyester, 20% nylon engineered knit
Width: 1 inch
Weight rating: Not listed
What we liked: Super lightweight; comfortable to hold; additional traffic handle
What could be better: Wish the leash clip opening was a little bigger
The Ruffwear Front Range Flex Leash is an even lighter version of Ruffwear’s bestselling Front Range Leash, and it’s a worthy upgrade if you value ultralight gear. This is the lightest leash we tested, but it’s still fairly durable and performed adequately in our durability testing with only minimal fabric pilling.
Ruffwear Front Range Flex Leash
The Front Range Flex leash is made of a knit webbing that’s inspired by athletic footwear. I find that this webbing has a bit of flex—not quite as much as a bungee leash, but enough to be responsive if you run with your dog or if your dog pulls ahead of you on walks. It comes with a pre-broken-in feel that’s comfortable to hold over long periods.
The swiveling, lockable Crux Clip is strong and secure, but I find that the actual clip opening is sometimes a bit too small for easy on and off with thicker harness and collar D-rings.
Best retractable dog leash: Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash
Length: 10 feet, 16 feet, or 26 feet
Material: Nylon tape, plastic shell
Width: ¼ inch to ⅝ inch, depending on size
Weight rating: Three sizes: XS for dogs up to 26 pounds, S for dogs up to 33 pounds, M for dogs up to 55 pounds, L for dogs up to 110 pounds
What we liked: Gives dogs more freedom than a standard leash; less management than a long line; easy to decide how much leash you want to give your dog
What could be better: Releasing the brake can sometimes scare your dog; not a good leash choice for crowded spaces
I don’t always recommend retractable leashes, but I’m not a Flexi hater the way many dog trainers are. I’ll start with when not to use a retractable leash: in busy urban environments, in vet offices, in pet stores, or in any other space where you’ll be quite close to other people and dogs.
Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash
Retractable leashes are great tools that offer your dog freedom, but they can also offer less control, since they’re longer and require your attention to manage the length. I bought this Flexi leash when my collie was a puppy, and it was instrumental in teaching her recall. I also use it whenever one of my dogs is dealing with an injury to offer them controlled freedom during walks. It’s a great choice for decompression sniffy walks in areas where your dog can’t be off leash.
The Flexi Classic is my favorite retractable leash of several options I’ve tried over the years. It’s quiet and doesn’t rattle while you’re walking, and has a smooth retractable tape. The break is easy to use and in a comfortable position if you need to stop your dog while they’re walking. It also has a locking function to keep the leash at a certain length.
This is not a good leash option for dogs who pull, but it is a good choice for training puppies, working on recall, or offering your dog some freedom in larger, open spaces.
Best waterproof dog leash: Wilderdog Waterproof Leash
Length: 6 feet
Material: PVC coated polyester webbing
Width: 1 inch
Weight rating: Rated for 2 kN of force (about 450 pounds of pulling force)
What we liked: Waterproof and repels mud/dirt; easy to clean; easy on/off snap clip
What could be better: May be too thick/heavy for very small dogs; has a stiffer handfeel than fabric leashes
If you need a leash that can be easily wiped down or hosed off after a long day in the mud, go for the Wilderdog Waterproof Leash. This leash is waterproof and basically mudproof and dirtproof too—though any grime it accumulates can easily be cleaned off.
Wilderdog Waterproof Leash
It has a tested strength rate of up to 450 pounds of pulling force, so it’s good for most size dogs. However, it’s not the lightest, and the clip may be a bit bulky for very small dogs.
This is an ideal leash to use for days at the lake or beach, hiking, snowy weather, or any other outdoor activity where your dog (and their leash) might get dirty.
Taking your dog near a body of water? Check out our Best Dog Life Jackets guide.
Best bungee dog leash: Non-stop Dogwear Bungee Leash
Length: 6.5 feet or 9.2 feet
Material: Rubber core, polyester outer layer
Width: 0.9 inches
Weight rating: Not listed, but carabiner rated for 661.4 pounds
What we liked: Full-body bungee construction; secure twist-lock carabiner clip; comes in two lengths
What could be better: Pricey
The Non-stop Dogwear Bungee leash is not only the best bungee leash, it’s also the best leash for running with your dog, and the best dog bike leash. Unlike other leashes with sections of bungee, this leash is made entirely of a flexible bungee material, allowing your dog to pull to the max while still shock absorbing.
Non-stop Dogwear Bungee Leash
I regularly use this leash for hiking and backpacking with my dog, and it pairs well with my dogs’ hiking backpacks. This is also a favorite leash of canicross, bikejoring, and skijoring teams, and it’s easy to see why. During testing, the bungee on this leash felt the smoothest when dogs were pulling, and was clearly the best at shock absorption of the bungee options we tested. It’s gentle on your shoulders, arms, and back, and your dog’s body. Pulling causes stress to their bodies, as well as ours, so reducing as much impact as possible is best to preserve your pup’s physical soundness.
This leash features a rubber core designed to retain its elasticity over time, unlike other bungee leashes that can easily get stretched out. It’s covered in a durable polyester webbing material that held up well to our durability testing with minimal fraying or loose stitching.
For running, skiing, and hiking, this leash is best paired with a running belt. I have both the Trail Light Belt and CaniX Belt from Non-stop Dogwear, and use them for hiking and running, respectively.
Best slip lead dog leash: Mendota Pet Slip Leash
Length: 4 feet or 6 feet
Material: Multi-filament polypropylene rope and leather splices
Width: ⅜ inch or ½ inch
Weight rating: ⅜ inch for dogs 50 pounds and under, ½ inch for dogs 50 to 250 pounds
What we liked: Flexible; Comfortable to hold; Simple, secure hardware; Comes in a variety of colors; Lightweight; easy to put in a pocket; easy to put over your dog’s head; doesn’t require a collar to use; stopper tab on collar end for sizing
What could be better: Doesn’t have a stopping point for tightening
The Mendota Pet Slip Leash is everything I love about the Mendota Pet Snap Leash, minus the snap part. This slip lead easily pulls over your dog’s head and can be adjusted for different head/neck sizes. It’s the easiest leash to grab when you need to take your dog out for a quick potty break or short walk and don’t want to put all their gear on them.
Mendota Pet Slip Leash
This is probably the leash I reach for most often. As a condo dweller with two dogs, every potty break becomes a walk, and sometimes, I just don’t want to put collars or harnesses on my dogs. This leash is lightweight and comfortable to hold, can be easily bunched up to fit in your pocket or a bag as a spare leash, and is quite durable despite its light weight. One of my Mendota slip leads is my dog’s favorite tug toy, and with three years of tugging, it shows no signs of damage.
The leather stopper on this leash is great for keeping the neck section at a specific size. This prevents your dog from backing out of it, and is a handy feature for those who use slip leads on dogs who are potential flight risks.
Photo credit: Adam Parma
Slip leads are easy to put on and take off, and a great option if you don’t want to always put a collar on your dog. However, they should not be used with dogs that pull so hard that they may damage their neck or trachea. Slip leads don’t have a “stopping point” on how tight they can go, so intense pullers could potentially hurt themselves on a slip lead. Though slip leads are often marketed for use with dogs that pull, I don’t find them the safest (or most effective) option.
Best dog leash for large dogs: Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Handle Dog Leash
Length: 6 feet
Material: Nylon webbing and neoprene lined handles
Width: 1 inch
Weight rating: Not listed
What we liked: Padded handles; traffic handle for close-range control; sturdy nylon construction; extra D-ring to clip on poop bags or a light; reflective
What could be better: Too heavy for small dogs
The Max and Neo Dog Gear Double Handle Reflective dog leash is a favorite for large dogs. It’s sturdy, has a traffic handle in addition to the normal handle, features reflective stitching, and both handles are padded with neoprene. Compared to our top pick, this leash comes somewhat stiff and needs to be broken in a bit, but the padding on the handles helps a lot with overall comfort.
Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Handle Dog Leash
Despite being a pick for large dogs, it’s not overbearingly heavy or bulky. It folds down to a decent size for travel, especially given its additional traffic handle. Traffic handles help keep your dog close to you in busy areas like urban downtowns, at busy trailheads on the weekends, or at the vet’s office. Having a traffic handle is also great for extra control over pups with strong prey drives or reactive dogs.
Many user reviews note that the traffic handle on this leash should be placed higher, but I find it depends on your dog's height. For most large-sized breeds weighing 50 pounds or more, the traffic handle is placed in an appropriate spot. For shorter, smaller breeds, the handle does feel like it’s too low on the leash.
Note that this leash isn’t the most lightweight, and the clip is fairly heavy, so it’s not a good choice for small breeds. It’s best suited for dogs around 50 pounds or larger, and the durability matches that. It features a heavy-duty clasp that’s strong and secure, and material that doesn’t easily fray.
If you’ll be walking your dog in the dark, check out our Best Light-up Dog Collars guide.
Other dog leashes we tested
Ruffwear Ridgeline Leash
Length: Adjustable between 4 feet and 6.5 feet
Material: Reflective silicone-dipped polyester webbing
Width: 1 inch
Weight rating: Not listed
What we liked: Can be handheld or worn around your waist as a hands-free leash; durable materials; adjustable length
What could be better: The swiveling, auto-locking Talon Clip is confusing to use
The Ruffwear Ridgeline Leash is almost the perfect hiking leash. It’s super durable, can be handheld or worn around your waist as a hands-free leash, and has a Fidlock magnetic buckle on the handle/waist section that’s easy to clip and unclip with one hand. The biggest downside is the new Talon Clip, which, though super strong and secure, is awkward to clip and unclip compared to Ruffwear’s other leash clips.
Ruffwear Ridgeline Leash
Length: 6 feet or 8 feet
Material: Nylon
Width: 1 inch
Weight rating: Appropriate for dogs up to 154 pounds
What we liked: Very strong and durable; padded handles
What could be better: Heavy and bulky; feels like overkill for most dogs
The Primal Pet Gear Dog Leash is really similar to the Max and Neo Dog Gear Double Dog Leash. This leash is just heavier and more bulky than the Max and Neo versions, but it’s also sturdier and more durable. This leash is too big and heavy for most medium and small breeds, and I think it’s overkill for even most large dogs, but it could be a good option if you have a very large, strong dog and need a heavy-duty leash.
Primal Pet Gear Dog Leash
Length: 6 feet
Material: Tightly woven, lightweight polyester webbing
Width: 1 inch
Weight rating: Rated for 3 kN of force (about 674 pounds of pulling force)
What we liked: Durable hardwear; rated for specific pulling force; comes in 18 different colors/patterns
What could be better: Not as light as Ruffwear’s Front Range Flex Leash
The Wilderdog Ultralight Leash is objectively a great leash, especially for those who prefer locking carabiners on their dog’s leashes. It’s lightweight, comfortable to hold, and has durable hardware. However, the Ruffwear Front Range Flex Leash wins in the race for the lightest leash at 2.5 oz compared to the Wilderdog’s 3.75.
Wilderdog Ultralight Leash
Types of dog leashes explained
Standard flat leashes: Your standard pet store dog leash. These leashes normally have a loop handle, a leash body, and a clip to connect your dog's leash. A standard flat leash can be used in almost any scenario with almost any dog.
Retractable leashes: Retractable leashes can give your dog a little extra freedom (like on sniffy walks) without having to manage a long line. They’re not appropriate for tight areas where your dog may come across other people or dogs in tight proximity.
Hands-free leashes: Can often be worn at the waist or across the body. These are great options for hiking as they free up your hands for trekking poles, grabbing water bottles, and more.
Rope leashes: They often strike a balance between durability and comfort. Many are made of climbing rope, but most have a little give to absorb some shock when your dog pulls. Rope leashes often come pre-broken in, so they’re not stiff and are comfortable to hold for long walks, hikes, or runs.
Slip leads: A leash that doubles as a collar and harness in one. These leashes simply slip over your dog’s head, and tightness can usually be adjusted via a leather or plastic stopper. These types of leashes tighten when your dog pulls on them, so they’re not the best option for extremely strong pullers.
Bungee leashes: Bungee leashes can help absorb shock from dogs that pull and are especially helpful for hiking, biking, running, and skiing with dogs. Bungee leashes can be made completely of bungee or have bungee sections built in.
What to look for in a dog leash
Durability
Choose a leash that's durable enough for your dog’s size. Small dogs won’t require thick, heavy-duty leashes in the same way that large dogs do. Regardless of size and strength, look for options with quality stitching and reliable hardware.
Length
Opt for a leash length that’s suitable for your intended purpose. Daily walks, outings, and basic training will require a 4–6-foot leash. If you’re working on recall or wanting to give your dog an unstructured sniff walk, long lines or retractable leashes are more appropriate choices.
Comfort
You’re the one at the other end of the leash, so choose a leash that’s comfortable for you to hold. Look for features like padded handles and flexible, pre-broken-in fabric for the best ergonomics.
Control
Some leashes offer multiple traffic handles, multiple clips, or shorter lengths to offer more control. If you have a very strong dog or a dog who isn’t friendly with other dogs or people, these extra features can help you keep your dog close to you. A shorter length, like 4-6 feet, may also be a better option if you need more control.
Safety
Features like reflective webbing or stitching, strong clips, and locking systems can help keep your dog safe while you’re out and about with them.
Shock absorption
If you need a leash for running, biking, or hiking with your dog, one with a bungee section is a good idea. Bungee sections reduce the impact of pulling, making it feel smoother on your end, even if your dog is sprinting full speed ahead.
Dog size compatibility
Ensure you choose a leash that’s appropriate for (and, ideally, tested for) your dog’s size and weight. A large, strong breed like an Alaskan Malamute will likely need a thicker, stronger leash, while small breeds like mini Poodles will be fine with a thinner option.
Care and maintenance of dog leashes
Clean your dog’s leash when it’s dirty, wiping mud and dirt off with a wet cloth.
Ensure you hang your dog’s leash to dry after walking in wet weather. Leaving a wet dog leash crumpled up or in a bag can invite mold or mildew.
Check your dog’s leash frequently for loose stitching or broken hardware. Both of these can cause a leash to fail, posing a safety hazard for your dog.
Replace your dog’s leash if the hardware is broken, if the stitching around the hardware or handle is damaged, or if it’s frayed or torn enough that it may rip.
FAQ
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Usually, the best leash length for walking a dog is six feet. This gives your dog enough freedom to sniff and potty while keeping them close enough for control.
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Retractable leashes are safe when sized and used properly. Retractable leashes should always be purchased with your dog’s weight in mind and used carefully, especially in crowded environments. Don’t allow your dog to pull to the end of their retractable leash around other dogs or people they don’t know. Ensure you safely retract the leash without tangling your dog.
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The best leash for training a dog depends on what you’re training. Loose leash walking and heelwork should be taught on a four to six-foot nylon, biothane, or rope leash. Introduction to recall can be taught on a 10 to15-foot training leash, and longer distance recall can be taught on a 20 to 30-foot long line.
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Rope leashes are often stronger than nylon leashes and are more ergonomic. These leashes are often made of climbing-grade rope and can be more durable and comfortable to hold.
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There’s no leash that will stop your dog from pulling. However, dogs who pull can be taught to pull on command on a shock-absorbing bungee leash, giving them an outlet for their pulling instinct. These dogs should also be taught loose leash walking skills on a static four- to six-foot nylon or rope leash.
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Large, strong dogs require thicker, stronger, and heavier leashes than small dogs. For very strong pullers, look for a leash with a pull rating of 1,000+ pounds for extra peace of mind.
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Hands-free dog leashes are safe for running if they’re secured properly to your dog and to you, and if your dog is properly leash trained. A big, strong dog who isn’t trained to walk nicely on a leash may be able to pull you over when attached to a hands-free leash.
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A slip lead is a leash that slips over your dog’s head and acts as a collar and leash in one. A slip lead should be used when convenience is key and getting a leash on and off your dog is most important. Slip leashes are also commonly used for dogs who are flight risks.
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Bungee leashes will not help reduce pulling. However, bungee leashes may reduce the amount of force on the person walking the dog, as they are shock absorbing.
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Training leash lengths depend on what skill you’re working on training with your dog. Loose leash walking and heelwork shouldbe taught on a four- to six-foot leash. Introduction to recall can be taught on a 10 to15- foot training leash, and longer distance recall can be taught on a 20 to 30-foot long line.
How we researched and tested
Walk testing with different dog sizes and energy levels: We used each leash with a variety of dogs of different sizes and with different pulling preferences.
Durability checks on stitching, webbing, and clips: We evaluated the durability of stitching, webbing, and hardware over multiple weeks of use. We also performed a lab-style durability test on the stitching and webbing to see how strong each of these components was.
Comfort testing during longer walks and runs: We used each of these leashes on multi-mile walks, runs, and/or hikes with dogs.
Pull-force evaluation: We did a lab-style strength test on leashes and hardware to evaluate strength and quality.
Usability testing: We evaluated how easy it was to clip and unclip each leash to a variety of dog collars and harnesses, and tested adjustability and additional features, such as convertible hands-free leashes where applicable.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Jae Thomas has tested nearly every dog leash on the market—multiple times. As a long-time gear reviewer in the pet space and as a professional dog trainer, Jae has an eye for dog leashes that sit at the intersection of safety, convenience, and price point.
Jae has tested leashes with a huge variety of breeds, including working Malamutes bred for pulling when she worked as a kennel assistant at a Malamute kennel.
Jae Thomas is an e-commerce journalist, editor, and dog trainer based in Colorado. She graduated from the New York University journalism program in 2020, and has written and edited commerce content for publications like Mashable, Apartment Therapy, Bon Appetít, Whole Dog Journal, Chewy, CNN Underscored, and more.
Jae is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and teaches agility, rally, and other dog sports at Canine Athletics Training Center in Boulder County. Jae uses her background in dog sports and behavior to test outdoor-focused dog gear focused on fit, comfort, safety, and functionality for dogs and their owners.
Jae shares her life with two dogs: mixed breed Miso, and Rough Collie, Dashi. Jae competes in conformation, agility, rally, herding, barn hunt, scent work, and other sports with her dogs and is a pro at traveling, camping, hiking, and adventuring with canine companions in tow.
