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10 Best Leashes for Dogs That Pull in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

leashes for dogs that pull It’s refreshing to go outside with your dog for a walk to enjoy the summer breeze and sunshine — unless you have a dog that constantly pulls on the leash, yanking you out of your reverie.

Your dog may be pulling for a variety of reasons. Going on walks is so exciting and fun, they can’t wait to get to the destination! They may feel like we’re the slow ones, and they just want to hurry us along. A common misconception is that dogs pull because they want to be dominant, but in reality, they are eager to explore.

There are leashes available to help with dogs that pull, so you can both enjoy your exercise time. Our reviews list goes over 10 of the best leashes for dogs that pull. The buyer’s guide at the end of the article will go over things to consider when buying a leash, as well as tips to keep the walking experience more positive.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024:

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
SparklyPets Rope Bungee Leash SparklyPets Rope Bungee Leash
  • Quality materials
  • Durable
  • Comfortable handle
  • Best Value
    Second place
    BAAPET 01 Strong Dog Leash BAAPET 01 Strong Dog Leash
  • Durable nylon
  • Heavy-duty clip
  • Padded handle
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    ThunderLeash No-Pull Dog Leash ThunderLeash No-Pull Dog Leash
  • Effective in reducing pulling
  • Two-in-one design
  • Easy to use
  • Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash
  • Flexible and lightweight
  • Comfortable handle
  • Variety of colors
  • Friends Forever Durable Dog Rope Leash Friends Forever Durable Dog Rope Leash
  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof
  • High pull-strength
  • The 10 Best Leashes for Dogs That Pull

    1. SparklyPets Rope Bungee Leash – Best Overall

    SparklyPets L004

    Check Price on Chewy

    The SparklyPets is the best dog leash for pullers since it is affordable and has quality features that make it perfect for stronger dogs. The leash is made from thick and durable nylon webbing, yet it is lightweight and comfortable to use. It has a strong metallic clip that attaches to your dogs’ collar, and we like that the handle is soft and comfortable to hold. The nylon has reflective stitches to help keep you and your pet safe at night, and the joint between the handle and the leash is bound with leather to increase durability.

    You can attach a shock-absorbing bungee to the leash to help offset pulling so you don’t feel like you are being dragged along by your dog, which eliminates stress to your arms and neck. The leash is also guaranteed for five years, and if you aren’t satisfied, the company will return your money. It also comes in four different colors, and there’s a bag to store the leash in.

    On the downside, the bungee is not very flexible when new and takes time to loosen up so it can absorb the shock from the pull.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Quality materials
    • Durable
    • Comfortable handle
    • Optional bungee
    • Five-year guarantee
    • Color options
    Cons
    • Bungee not flexible at first

    2. BAAPET 01 Strong Dog Leash – Best Value

    BAAPET 01

    The BAAPET is the best leash for dogs that pull for the money since it offers many great features at an affordable price. This five-foot leash is made from ½-inch-diameter nylon rope with reflective threads woven in. The heavy-duty clip is solid and large in size, making it more durable for larger breeds.

    One feature we like is the padded handle that protects your hand from rope burn. It is comfortable to hold and provides a steady grip for when your dog decides to pull even harder. The cover for the handle/leash joint is durable, strong, and stays in place. There are different color options for this leash too.

    It comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, so you can feel secure knowing that if you don’t like the leash, you can return it without any hassles. This leash does not come with a bungee and is a little heavier than the SparklyPets, which is why it did not reach the number-one spot on our list.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Durable nylon
    • Heavy-duty clip
    • Padded handle
    • Money-back guarantee
    • Color options
    Cons
    • No bungee

    3. ThunderLeash No-Pull Dog Leash – Premium Choice

    ThunderLeash

    Recommended by positive-based trainers, this leash is over 80% effective in preventing your dog from pulling. A great feature with the ThunderLeash is that it can be used as a harness and a leash. It’s also adjustable, so it will fit any breed of dog. We found that it is not difficult to turn it into a harness: Clip the leash to the collar and then wrap it around the torso of your dog, running it through the clip to hold it in place. You can then adjust the pressure of the leash with the two side clasps.

    The leash is 6 feet in length and made of durable nylon with reflective stitching and a padded handle. The handle is not as comfortable as the previous two leashes, however. This leash is also pricey, which makes it drop down to the third spot on our review list. We do like how soft and pliable the leash is, allowing you to wrap it easily around your dog.

    It comes in different colors and sizes, and the metal clip can rotate 360 degrees, which prevents the leash from becoming tangled.

    Pros
    • Effective in reducing pulling
    • Two-in-one design
    • Easy to use
    • Durable material
    • Padded handle
    • Soft and pliable
    • Color options
    Cons
    • Pricey

    See: Leashes for biking with your dog


    4. Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Dog Leash

    Max and Neo

    The Max and Neo leash is made from heavy-duty 1-inch-wide nylon that will hold up to large breeds that have a strong pull. Even though it is made of quality materials, it is flexible and lightweight, making it comfortable to use. The handle is padded with neoprene, and the swivel clip is made of durable gunmetal that will hold up to constant pressure.

    It comes in a variety of colors and lengths to suit your style, and for each leash purchased, the company donates a leash to a dog rescue. It also has reflective stitching on both sides of the leash and a metal D-ring near the handle that will conveniently hold your doggie bags.

    On the downside, this leash is not immune to a dog that likes to chew, so you will need to keep this lease out of reach when you are not present. But on the upside, these leashes are designed and manufactured in Arizona.

    Pros
    • 1-inch width
    • Flexible and lightweight
    • Comfortable handle
    • Variety of colors
    • Reflective stitching
    • D-ring near handle
    Cons
    • Cannot withstand chewing

    5. Friends Forever Durable Dog Rope Leash

    Friends Forever

    This leash is made from mountain climbing rope, which makes it lightweight and waterproof. It’s also machine washable. The leash is 6 feet in length and has been tested up to 1,000 pounds of pull strength. Each leash has reflective thread woven into the rope to help keep you and your companion safe during evening walks.

    It can function as a collar and leash — also known as a slip leash. These make it so your dog can’t back out of it or scratch it off, and they are also fast to apply and remove. Unfortunately, the material does not have a great deal of traction, so it doesn’t always remain in the proper place on the dog’s neck the way that a slip leash should.

    This leash is comfortable to hold and flexible. It has leather stoppers to keep the ring from sliding, but the handle doesn’t offer extra padding or grip for your hand. This leash is offered at an affordable price and comes in a multitude of colors.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Waterproof
    • High pull-strength
    • Reflective thread
    • Can be used as a slip leash
    • Affordable
    • Comfortable
    Cons
    • Handle not padded
    • Slides out of place

    6. Paw Lifestyles Dog Leash

    Paw Lifestyles

    The Paw Lifestyles leash is made of nylon and is 3mm thick and 1-inch wide, which adds extra strength and durability for the dogs that are tough pullers. This leash works well for medium- to large-sized dogs and has reinforced reflective threading, a heavy-duty clip, and a D-ring near the handle that you can clip a doggie bag to.

    We like that the handle is padded with neoprene for extra comfort and protection. The company is based out of the U.S.A. and offers a 100% money-back guarantee. Even though it is heavy-duty, it is not completely chew-proof, though the nylon is weather-resistant, lightweight, and flexible.

    Unfortunately, the Paw Lifestyles leash is heavy, and the handle is somewhat small and may not work well for people with large hands or who are wearing bulky gloves. That said, it is affordable and made of high-quality materials.

    Pros
    • Extra thick
    • Strong and durable
    • Quality materials
    • D-ring near handle
    • Padded handle
    • Money-back guarantee
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Small handle
    • Heavy

    7. Mighty Paw Dual Bungee Dog Leash

    Mighty Paw

    The Mighty Paw offers a unique feature within its design: There are two handles on the leash, one at the end and the other near the clip-on that you can grab when more control is needed, such as when passing another dog or crossing a busy street.

    This leash is also a bungee design, so it will absorb the pull and keep stress away from your neck and the arm holding the leash. Both handles are comfy since they are lined with neoprene, and are big enough to fit large or gloved hands. The Mighty Paw is made from nylon and has reinforced reflective stitching on both sides of the leash to offer increased safety when it is dark.

    The leash is 36 inches in length and stretches to 56 inches with the bungee. It is recommended to only use with dogs that weigh between 30 to 100 pounds. The company is family owned and operates out of Rochester, New York. This leash is only offered in two different colors and is heavier than some of the others previously mentioned on our list.

    Pros
    • Two padded handles
    • Reinforced reflective stitching
    • Bungee design
    • Family-owned company
    • Large handle
    Cons
    • Heavy
    • Not for small dogs

    8. Black Rhino Dog Leash

    Black Rhino

    The Black Rhino leash is 6 feet long and is best suited for medium to large dogs, though some owners have used it with their smaller dogs with no issues. This leash has two neoprene-padded handles, with one being 1 foot away from the collar to offer better control when teaching your dog to heel or walk beside you.

    Another nice feature of this leash is the detachable poop bag pouch near the end handle. The leash itself is made from nylon and has reflective stitching. We also found that it is comfortable and flexible. It comes in a variety of colors, and you can even separately purchase a collar that matches.

    The durable metal clasp rotates 360 degrees to prevent the leash from twisting. The end handle is on the smaller side and the reflective stitching isn’t that noticeable, but the company does offer a money-back guarantee.

    Pros
    • Two padded handles
    • Detachable poop bag
    • Reflective stitching
    • Durable nylon
    • Comfortable
    • Money-back guarantee
    Cons
    • Small end handle
    • Reflective stitching unnoticeable

    9. Leashboss Lea-5091 Dog Leash

    Leashboss Lea-5091

    This dual-handle design can take time to get used to, since the lower handle is large and somewhat heavy when not using. Both handles are padded and comfortable, and their Y-shaped design may be easier for some to grip.

    The leash is 5 feet in length, and the lower handle is 18 inches from the leash clasp. This heavy-duty leash works best with large dogs since it is heavier. Assembled in the U.S.A., the Leashboss is made from durable nylon that is 1 inch wide.

    We like that it comes with a five-year manufacturer warranty that protects against defects and even chewed leashes. On the downside, the lower handle tends to flop around and hit the dog on the back when walking, and the handles are large and cumbersome for people with small hands.

    Pros
    • Dual-padded Y-handles
    • Heavy duty
    • Great for large dogs
    • Five-year warranty
    Cons
    • Large handles
    • Lower handle heavy
    • Not suited for small dogs

    10. MayPaw Rope Dog Leash

    MayPaw

    Last on the list is the MayPaw rope leash, made of ½-inch round nylon. Made for medium- to large-sized dogs, this leash is 6 feet in length and has a 360-degree swivel clip on the end to prevent the rope from twisting during your walks.

    The handle is padded, though somewhat large in circumference for smaller hands to grip comfortably, and it’s not very soft. There is a multitude of colors to choose from to match your preferences. The rubber pieces that cover the connections are attached securely but appear to be somewhat loose.

    Unfortunately, the rope portion of the leash is poor quality, and we found that some users have had issues with the rope beginning to fray within a short period of time. This leash would work best for dogs that don’t pull too hard when walking.

    Pros
    • Good for medium to large dogs
    • Swivel clip
    • Variety of colors
    Cons
    • Poor quality rope
    • Uncomfortable grip
    • Not ideal for small hands
    • Not for hard pullers
    • Rubber covers not secure

    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Leashes for Dogs That Pull

    There are certain considerations to keep in mind when looking to purchase a leash for your dog that likes to pull. You have to determine what is suitable and comfortable for both you and your dog. Knowing what features you like and don’t like will get you started on the path to finding the best leash.

    Material

    You want a leash that is sturdy enough to handle hard pulling, especially if you have a larger dog. Even small dogs can wreak havoc on a cheaply made leash. Nylon is a durable material and can be different thicknesses or braided into a rope. Not all nylon is created equally either.

    A leash made from quality materials will last longer and hold up to more abuse, especially if your dog likes to chew. Not many leashes are 100% chew-proof, but they should hold up to daily wear-and-tear without fraying and remain strong so you don’t have to worry about anything snapping when you are on your daily walks. Clips should rotate freely, so your leash doesn’t become tangled, and be made of durable metal for extra strength.

    Length of the leash

    Some people don’t mind walking far behind their pet, but this encourages the dog to continue to pull. You want your dog to be able to move easily, but they shouldn’t have free reign whenever they please. A good rule of thumb is making the length easy for you to handle while still keeping control of your dog.

    Design

    Most leashes will have one handle on the end, but certain ones will have two handles for extra control. These should be comfortable to hold and ideally, padded to prevent rope burns. Not all padding is comfortable, though typically, neoprene provides a certain amount of comfort and remains durable as well.

    Certain handles may be too small or too big for your hand. Keep in mind that if you will be using the leash during the winter, your gloves should be able to hold the handle well enough to get a good grip. Also, you want a handle that is not too large in diameter so you can hold it securely if your dog happens to lunge.

    A bungee may be an option with the leash. This type of design will help absorb some of the stress to your arm and neck when your dog decides to pull or lunge. Having a detachable bungee is a great feature that provides more training options. Most bungees are more suitable for larger dogs, since the action can be too strong for smaller breeds.

    Dog Leash for Training

    Cost

    Most leashes are affordable while still being a quality product. Budgets are different for everyone, and what may be affordable for you could be expensive for someone else. But if you can find a leash within your budget that has all the features you desire, then it’s a win-win situation.

    Other features

    Most leashes will have a reflective thread incorporated into the leash. Some are better than others, which increases visibility. This is important if you will be walking your dog when it isn’t completely light outside, such as early morning or later in the evening. Some leashes will have reflective properties on one side only, while others have it on both sides.

    Companies that offer a money-back guarantee can help ease some of the anxiety of purchasing a leash that you aren’t sure is the best fit. This way, if the leash is defective or doesn’t work well, you can send it back without any issues.

    Tips to train your dog not to pull:

    • Once you have found the perfect leash, it is time to begin training your dog to not pull.
    • If your dog starts to get too excited before the leash is even attached, try calming techniques and wait until you have their full attention.
    • Start with shorter walks and offer positive reinforcement for good behavior, such as giving your dog a treat when they are walking by your side.
    • Keep the leash short so you have control.
    • Walk every day. Also, try exercising your dog before going on a walk, such as by playing a game of fetch. This may help expend some of their energy so they can focus more on you and your commands when on a walk.
    • Treat every walk as a training session.

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    Final Verdict

    To help keep your canine companion’s excitement at bay, you can use leashes specially made for dogs that pull. Our top pick is the SparklyPets heavy-duty rope that includes an attachable bungee for shock absorption, as well as many durable features. The best value is the BAAPET 5-foot leash that works well for medium- to large-sized dogs and has great construction at an affordable price. For our premium choice, the ThunderLeash may be pricier but is recommended by positive-based trainers and is over 80% effective at helping your dog to not pull.

    Our reviews list of the best leashes for dogs that pull was put together to help you find the best leash so both you and your dog can have an enjoyable walk. We hope you can determine which leash is the best for your current situation so you have a leash that will last for many years to come.

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