When you head out with your dog, the right leash is crucial. A leash should be a communication tool between handler and dog. A good leash helps guide your dog, keeping them safe and preventing them from bolting should something startling cross your path.
"Guardians will want a six foot leash for walking," dog trainer Alison Buehler, CSAT, CPDT-KA, FDM told The Spruce Pets. "I like leashes that are strong and pliable, and leashes that can be adjusted or have several options for length or points of contact."
A shorter leash keeps your dog closer to you and is useful in crowded spaces, but it can also lead to more pulling when your dog is excited about exploring. Trainer Erin Gianella, KPA CTP, owner of Perfect Pals Dog Training, recommended having both a shorter leash and a longer, ten-footer available. The six-foot leash works better for busy areas, while the ten-foot leash can be used on more casual ambles or in parks. Many trainers also recommend having an even longer (15 to 30 foot) leash for decompression walks (long, relaxing walks in an open, uncrowded area).
To find the best dog leashes, we tested 27 highly-rated and bestselling leashes in real-world conditions, with volunteer dogs trying out each leash for an initial two-week trial. We evaluated a range of materials, sizes, and special features, like an additional handle closer to your dog for control, reflective accents, and loops for attaching a poop bag dispenser.
Our top choice is the Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash. The straightforward six foot leash is equipped with reflective stitching and two padded handles. With a 55-pound mixed breed dog named Lena, the additional neoprene lined “traffic handle” made it easier to keep Lena close when needed.
Best Overall
Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash
Two padded handles
Sturdy and durable nylon webbing
Reflective stitching
Easy to clean
Too heavy for very small dogs
Not chew proof
The Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash is a sturdy choice for everyday walks. The leash provides all the basics—six feet of length, padded handle, heavy-duty clasp—along with a nice extra touches, like the padded handle, reflective stitching, and the D-ring for a poop bag carrier.
In our real world testing trial, the leash outperformed all other contenders, earning the highest scores for ease of use, durability, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value. The Double Handle Dog Leash is made from durable nylon webbing that is reinforced with reflective thread throughout for added visibility in low light. In addition to the loop handle, there is a second padded handle, known as the traffic handle, about 18 inches from the leash connector that makes it easier to quickly pull your dog close and keep them nearby. This is particularly useful for dogs who encounter unknown dogs and people on their walks, venture into crowded areas, and for those who tend to have their attention captured by outdoor creatures (squirrels, skunks, birds, etc.).
The leash is rugged enough for use while hiking, comes in six colors (black, blue, pink, red, purple, teal, orange), and is also available in a shorter four-foot length for training. If you have a small dog, this leash is probably too thick and heavy, and while it is durable, the webbing will succumb to a chewer, so keep it out of reach when not in use.
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 1 x 72 inches; 1 x 48 inches | Color: Black, blue, pink, red, purple, teal, orange
Best Budget
PetSafe Nylon Leash
Lightweight and soft webbing
Five sizes (three widths and two lengths)
Leash clasp on a swivel
Not resistant to chewing
No D-ring connection for poop bag carrier
Many trainers suggest a lightweight, basic leash like this without any extras, which lets you take your dog out on walks without any added weight or complications. The leash is equipped with a single loop for your hand and at the opposite end there is a metal clasp on a swivel to prevent tangling while attached to your dog's collar or harness. The leash comes in two lengths, four or six feet, and three widths: 3/8ths, 3/4ths, or one inch. We tested the six foot version of the leash with a Havanese puppy, and aside from occasionally using the leash as a chew toy, the leash proved to be very beneficial for their daily activities.
This leash from PetSafe is reasonably priced and practical for almost any dog, but it does not have a D-ring for a poop bag carrier, a midway handle to help with control, or any reflective accents. PetSafe offers this leash in six vibrant colors (raspberry pink, red, royal blue, apple green, deep purple, and black) and the soft, polyester webbing is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 3/8 x 48 inches; 1 x 48 inches; 3/8 x 72 inches; 3/4 x 72 inches; 1 x 72 inches | Color: Black, raspberry pink, red, royal blue, apple green, deep purple
Best for Training
High Tail Hikes Custom Brass Leashes
Made from sturdy biothane
Easy to clean
Customizable length and handle
More expensive than other brands
Biothane (a coated polyester webbing which is also referred to as vegan leather) is the preferred material of most dog trainers we know, due to its durability and ease of cleaning. We like this High Tail Hikes leash because not only is it made from biothane, it’s also highly customizable, with options for length, width, handle, and clasps, plus lots of colors to choose from. I use this leash both as a dog trainer and a dog parent, with my most frequently used length being 20 feet. The 20 foot length is a great option for practicing recall. The biothane material is soft and comfortable to hold, and doesn’t leave me with any “burns” on my hand if a dog suddenly pulls. It’s easy to attach to your dog’s harness, and I like that it’s available in many high-visibility colors.
This leash is available in lengths from 4 feet to 50 feet, with over 20 color options available (though color availability is subject to change). Choose from widths of 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, or 3/4 inch, depending on your dog’s size and your preferences.
Material: Biothane | Dimensions: Widths: 3/8, 1/2, or 3/4 inches; Lengths: 4 to 50 feet | Color: 20+ color options
Best Hands-Free
Kurgo Quantum 6-in-1 Dog Leash
Six adjustable styles include two hands-free options
Reflective trim throughout
Can be used to walk two dogs at one time
Carabiner hook has a bottle opener
Can be bulky as a short leash
Too heavy for smaller dogs
With an adjustable length ranging from 48 to 72 inches, the Quantum 6-in-1 Leash from Kurgo offers multiple configurations. You can go for a traditional walk with a six-foot leash, shorten the length for training, go hands-free by wrapping it around your waist, looping it over your shoulder, or double it up to walk two dogs at once. Plus, the handle is padded.
The leash is fashioned with a series of ladder-style loops that lay flat when not in use. A single steel carabiner—the key component to the Quantum's versatility—is easy to connect and adjust on the fly, and also has a bottle opener. We felt the hardware (bolt clip and carabiner) on this leash added a noticeable amount of weight which is likely too much for smaller dogs and seniors. We also found it to be bulky when used as a three-foot training leash.
The durable nylon leash features reflective trimming sewn into the webbing throughout, so there is added visibility no matter how the leash is being used. It can be washed with soap and water, and Kurgo includes a lifetime warranty with free repairs and/or replacement.
Material: Nylon webbing | Dimensions: 1 x 48–72 inches | Color: Coastal blue, barn red, grass green, raspberry, orange, barn red/blue
Best Shock-Absorbing
Zee.Dog Airleash
Very lightweight
Padded handle
Lockable carabiner with 360-degree swivel
Elastic webbing effectively absorbs impact
No additional handle
This leash makes sudden pulls significantly less jarring, especially if you have a hefty hound and/or a very determined dog at the other end of the leash.
The Airleash from Zee.Dog uses elastic webbing to absorb the impact from a dog pulling on their leash. Rather than a harsh jerk felt by the arm holding the leash, the experience when our dog tester—a large and lovely Golden Retriver—suddenly lunged forward felt more like a bounce with the Airleash.
The Airleash is made in a variety of colors and is fashioned with lightweight hardware, including an aluminum carabiner that is resistant to rust, can be locked in the closed position, and has 360-degree range of motion. The handle loop is padded and the leash comes in two lengths, 3.3 or 5 feet, but both have the same width that is a little under one inch. For use on runs with a dog, we recommend the shorter length. We felt the leash could benefit from an additional handle mid way down, but the sturdy leash does provide control and both lengths will keep your dog close by.
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 0.9 x 39.6 inches (3.3 feet); 0.9 x 60 inches (5 feet) | Color: Neon, violet, blue, carbon, kim, cali uno, crimson, classic, cali dos
Best Leather
Logical Leather Dog Leash
Durable yet soft leather
Able to withstand significant force
Water resistant and easy to clean
No ring attachment for poop bag carrier
Each Logical Leather Dog Leash is made from a single piece of full-grain leather that is reinforced with durable stitching. The leashes are naturally water resistant, easy to clean, and able to withstand significant force so it's unlikely to snap from a dog pulling.
Logical Leather offers this dog leash in three lengths: four, five, and six feet, and in a variety of colors, from neutrals like brown, tan, and black to more vibrant hues, like red, pink, and yellow. The leash has a loop handle that is comfortable to hold, but there is not traffic handle or ring to connect a poop bag carrier. You can pair this stylish leash with a leather collar.
Material: Leather | Dimensions: 5/8 x 72 inches; 5/8 x 60 inches; 5/8 x 48 inches | Color: Brown, black, tan, red, pink, blue, green, gray, orange, yellow, purple
Best Rope
Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash
Lightweight and reflective
Locking carabiner
Two widths, 7mm ad 11mm
Comfortable handle
No secondary handle
The Knot-A-Leash from Ruffwear is made with kernmantle rope which is a type of rope construction that is optimized for strength, durability, and flexibility, and is commonly used for rock climbing. As a leash, the rope is lightweight, durable, and comes in two widths. The thinner version is 7-millimeters wide, and the heftier size is 11-millimeters thick making it appropriate for large or very strong dogs.
The Knot-A-Leash comes in an assortment of colors woven with reflective accents throughout. For connection to a collar or harness (check out our best overall choice for hiking harnesses, the Ruffwear Web Master Dog Harness) the leash is equipped with a sturdy locking carabiner for extra security. There is an additional loop near the main webbing handle where you can tie poop bags or other accessories, like treat pouches.
The Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash is only available in a five-foot length, placing it on the shorter side of the leash spectrum, but it's great for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping.
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 7 millimeters x 60 inches (small); 11 millimeters x 60 inches (large) | Color: Lichen green, aurora teal, red sumac, obsidian black, hibiscus pink, blue moon
Best Designs
Lucy & Co. Print Leash
Padded handle
Lockable carabiner
Matching poop bag carrier, harness, and collars
Only one length offered, five feet
Lucy & Co. Print Leashes are made in a variety colorful prints and patterns with new styles and seasonal editions released throughout the year. The leashes are made from durable nylon webbing along with a padded neoprene handle. There are two sizes to choose from, small or large, but both are five feet long. While testing with a 22-pound Chihuahua-mix, the small size provide sufficient length and never inconvenienced our canine participant. The small leash is slightly thinner and lighter in weight (0.6 inches and 3 ounces) than the large leash (1 inch wide and 5.5 ounces).
For safety, Lucy & Co. equips each leash with a lockable carabiner that is easy to attach to a d-ring on a dog's harness or collar. The brand also offers walking accessories—poop bag carriers, harnesses, and collars—along with dog apparel, like raincoats and reversible vests, to coordinate with the leash you select.
Material: Nylon, neoprene | Dimensions: 0.6 x 60 inches (small); 1 x 60 inches (large) | Color: Let's groove, cheery cherries, daisy delight, sugar sugar, have a nice day, looking sharp, shark attack, in the clouds, posy pink, cinnamon teddy bear, set sail, rosewater teddy, space doodle, lotto gelato, funny bunny
Best Personalized
GoTags Nylon Personalized Dog Leash
Space for up to 25 characters
Embroidery is durable and resilient
Can be used to communicate a dog's needs, such as in training, deaf, or shy
Personalization is included in price
Three widths
Only offered in one length, six feet
No adjustment points or connection point for poop bag carrier
The design is straightforward with a loop handle and a bolt snap for connection to collar or harness, but with GoTags you can non-verbally communicate your dog's needs—in training, deaf, do not pet, etc.—along with a name, social media handle, and/or phone number embroidered directly onto the sturdy Nylon Personalized Dog Leash. There is space for up to 25 characters, 14 colors of thread for the embroidery, and five colors (black, red, pink, orange, blue) of nylon webbing to choose from. Plus, the customization is included in the approachable price.
The leash is made in three sizes ranging in width from 3/8ths of a inch to one inch, but all have the same length of 72 inches (six feet). There are no adjustment points but the leash can be rolled up or tied in a knot should you find the need to temporarily shorten. There is also no D-ring for hanging a poop bag carrier.
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 3/8 x 72 inches (small); 5/8 x 72 inches (medium); 1 x 72 inches (large) | Color: Black, red, pink, orange, blue
Best Long
NIMBLE Waterproof Training Lead
Can assist with recall training
Dries very quickly and easy to clean
Five lengths, from 5 to 50 feet
360-degree buckle rotation
Longer length is not recommended for daily walks
The Nimble Waterproof Training Lead is made with coated nylon webbing so it repels water and easily wipes clean. The leash comes in five lengths, 5, 10, 16, 30, and 50 feet, and we tested the longest one with a 30 pound Corgi named Mango. The Nimble training lead was perfect for recall training with Mango, who was able to travel a significant distance away while still being securely tethered.
The longer lengths are not recommended for daily walks or any situation that might be dangerous for your dog to distance themself from you, so you'll still need another leash. The leash does have a clip with 360-degree rotation and comes in ten vibrant colors.
Material: Coated nylon | Dimensions: Width: 1/2 inch; Lengths: 5 to 50 feet | Color: Brandy red, candy red, emerald green, black, purple, blue, lavender, pink, yellow, orange
Best Retractable
Flexi Neon Retractable Dog Leash
Easy to operate with one hand
Tape instead of cord
Eye-catching reflective neon colors
Durable and lightweight
Safety issues with all retractable leashes
Accessory for holding poop bags sold separately
Most dog trainers, including Buehler, do not recommend using a retractable leash because the cord can get wrapped around your dog and yourself, potentially injuring limbs and hands. Also, retractable leashes often have a hard plastic handle which may startle your dog if dropped. But if a retractable leash best matches your and your dog's specific needs, then the Flexi New Neon Retractable Tape Dog Leash is your best option.
This leash has an ergonomic handle with a large button to let the length out and a smaller button to lock the length in place. We found it easy to operate with one hand and the tape is smooth yet durable. It was able to withstand slight chewing from a Golden Retriever who is currently in the habit of reaching for their leash while on walks yet it showed no signs of wear after our testing trial.
Flexi has been designing and manufacturing retractable leashes for dogs since the 1970s and their innovative designs prioritize safety for both humans and hounds. The New Neon Retractable Tape Dog Leash comes in four sizes, x-small, small, medium, and large. X-small is designed for dogs up to 26 pounds and offers 10 feet of length while the other three sizes, with large suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds, all have a maximum length of 16 feet. The leashes are made in five vibrant neon colors—yellow, pink, blue, green, orange—with reflective accents for better visibility. Flexi offers a multi-box for carrying treats or dog poop bags that attaches seamlessly to the handle, but that accessory is sold separately.
Before using this retractable leash, we strongly recommend reading through Flexi's safety instructions for proper use to keep you and your dog safe and prevent injury.
Material: Nylon and plastic | Dimensions: 120 inches; 192 inches | Colors: Neon yellow, neon pink, neon blue, neon orange, neon green
Final Verdict
The durable nylon Max and Neo Double Handle Heavy Duty Reflective Leash is a great overall choice with reflective stitching, a second handle, and a D-ring to hang poop bags and gadgets. For help with training, the High Tail Hikes Custom Brass Leash was our top pick, with its comfortable and durable Biothane, easy-to-attach clasps, and many length options.
What to Look for in a Dog Leash
When you head out with your dog, the right leash should act more like a communication tool than a restraint. When choosing a leash, consider your dog’s temperament and size, your own physical capabilities and restrictions, and the activity for which you plan to use the leash
Activity
The leash you use for daily walks will likely be different from the leash you use when you take your dog hiking. "Most leash laws require or refer to a 6-foot leash length,” Alison Buehler shared with The Spruce Pets. "There are 4-foot leashes for dogs who need to be kept closer for safety, and longer lengths for recall exercises or hiking.”
Daily Walks: For most dogs, a six-foot leash is suitable. If your dog is very small, you can look for a thinner leash that will weigh less than a thicker version with the same length.
Hiking or nature walks For outdoor adventures like hiking or decompression walks, a leash should be durable, designed to withstand the elements, and easy to clean. You can go longer in length to let your dog more freely explore nature — for relaxing walks in nature, consider a 15 or 20 foot long line.
For hiking, a leash with a handle mid way is ideal for situations in which you may need to bring your dog closer. You should also pair the leash with a harness for hiking that is equipped with a handle on the back in case you need it. Our favorite is the Ruffwear Web Master Dog Harness.
Crowded Areas: A six foot leash (or even a four foot leash) with a second handle positioned closer to the leash connector will give you the ability to keep your dog close in crowded areas. This will also give you more control anytime your dog needs to be reigned in.
Recall Training: For recall exercises, Buehler recommends a leash length of at least 15 to 20 feet. Its main purpose is for the facilitation of recall training exercises. In a wide open space, you can keep your dog securely tethered to you while you practice training your dog to come when you say their recall cue.
Leash Styles
Standard: The most common type of leash and one that is recommended for all dog parents to have in their rotation. It has a loop handle and can be made of webbing, leather, or cotton. It easily connects to your dog's collar or harness.
Hands-Free: A hands-free leash is designed to be worn around the waist, crossbody, or over one shoulder to keep both of your human hands free. It's not recommended for use with a puppy, a dog that pulls on their leash, or with a reactive dog.
Communication: A leash with a descriptor boldly embroidered—such as “in training” “deaf” “needs space” or “nervous” —is an easy way to communicate to others what your dog needs.
Long Leash/Long Line: From 10 to 50 feet, a long leash is ideal for recall training. In a wide open space, you can allow your dog to explore with lots of freedom, while still remaining tethered to you.
Retractable Leash: This type of leash, characterized by a handle with a button to let out and bring in a lead, has been known to cause lacerations to dog limbs and human hands. They also give significantly less control to the handler than standard leashes. However, some people who are disabled or have specific physical limitations may find them useful.
- We do have a retractable leash on our list of favorites: the Flexi New Neon Retractable Dog Leash, but many trainers, including Buehler, do not recommend this style of leash because the retracting of the cord poses a potential danger to both dogs and humans. Flexi, based in Germany, has been optimizing retractable leads for dogs since the 1970s and put their retractable leashes through rigorous testing to prevent injury.
Slip Lead: This type of leash should only be used as a *temporary solution* to rescue a stray, or in an emergency. This is a leash with a loop on one end and a ring on the other so it can be looped around itself removing the need for a collar or harness attachment. It is not comfortable for the dog or the human.
Hardware Connector
The clip or clasp hardware on a leash (the part that will connect the leash to your dog's collar or harness) should be durable and sturdy. Many are made our of nickel, aluminum, or steel that has been treated to with stand the elements and resist rust.
- Bolt Clip: This type of clip has a button that pulls down a bar. Upon release of the button, the bar is released and the leash is attached. The Max and Neo Nylon Reflective leash and the Kurgo Quantum 6-in-1 leash are equipped with a bolt clip.
- Carabiner: This type of clip has a bar that is pushed in allowing the hook to grab the d-ring on a dog's collar or harness. Once you let go the bar springs back to a closed position. With some leashes, like the Airleash from Zee.Dog, there is a shaft that can be moved over the moveable bar to lock the carabiner in a closed position.
- Trigger Snap: This type of closer has a protruding handle that when pushed down will open up the clasp for connection to a collar or harness.
Material
- Nylon: Flat nylon webbing is commonly used for dog leashes. The material is durable, lightweight, easy to clean, and dries quickly.
- PVC/Biothane/TPU: These thermoplastic coatings are applied to webbing to create dog accessories that are flexible, waterproof, and very strong. You might experience a slight plastic smell with some products.
- Leather: Derived from animal skins or hides, leather leashes are strong, flexible, and durable. Leather can often be embossed or stamped as a method to personalize the leash.
- Cotton: Cotton fabric covering webbing or reinforced with interfacing can be used to create a leash. This fabrication is more delicate than others and often used for leashes that will be used for a special occasion, like a dog birthday party or a wedding.
- Nylon Rope: Inspired by the ropes used on boats, nylon rope leashes are durable and, while not entirely chew-proof, can withstand some chomping from a canine.
Standout Features
- Second Handle: In addition to the primary handle or loop, the additional handle, also referred to as the traffic handle, is closer to the leash connection point. It's purpose is to give a human more control should they need to pull their dog in closer.
- Poop Bag Carrier Connection: This is usually a D-ring or an O-ring positioned close to the primary handle. It can be used to connect a poop bag carrier, but some also use it for carrying a collapsible bowl.
- Illumination: Reflective strips, stitching, and LED lights can be incorporated into the construction of a leash for extra visibility in low light. If you often take your dog for a walk while it is still dark outside having reflective accessories for both of you is highly recommended.
How We Tested Dog Leashes
We selected 27 of the latest dog leashes available and sent each one to a real home with a real dog for real-world testing. Each of our canines, along with their respective human, were assigned a leash that would serve their needs.
Over the course of two week, our participants incorporated the leash into their routine gathering insights about their experience with the leash, how it impacted their dog's behavior, and how it was used, which included daily walks, recall training, no-pull training, hiking, and jogging. We also asked our real world testers to take photos of the leash in use. At the end of our testing trail, they shared their feedback on their assigned leash within the following categories: Ease of Use, Quality, Durability, Ease of Cleaning, and Value.
Equipped with this first-hand information, we ranked and categorized our top picks to simplify your search for the ideal dog leash (or leashes) to suit your dog's needs, habits, and preferences.
-
How do you stop your dog from biting their leash?
Dogs sometimes bite and chew on their leash as a way to play or when they’re overstimulated. We spoke with Marissa Sunny, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and senior dog lifesaving specialist for the Best Friends Animal Society, for tips on how to stop biting or chewing behavior.
“If your dog is an avid leash biter, I would recommend to first work on teaching them that biting the leash means we don't go for a walk,” Sunny told The Spruce Pets. “Start inside in a secure area, put the leash on the dog, and start to walk towards the door. As soon as your dog bites the leash, drop the leash and walk away. This will indicate to the dog that they won't get to go for a walk if they continue to bite the leash.”
Another option is choosing a leash that isn’t fun or easy to chew like one made of chain or coated wire, Sunny says. She also suggests covering the leash in something that tastes bad, like apple cider vinegar.
Biting the leash can also mean the collar or harness is uncomfortable, certified dog trainer Erin Gianella says.
“I would first make sure the leash is not too heavy for the dog and the harness and the collar are fitting correctly. You should be able to fit two fingers under the collar and harness and it still be a little snug,” Gianella told The Spruce Pets.
If your dog is chewing on the leash out of excitement or frustration when you’re walking, she suggests rewarding the good behavior and not the unwanted activity.
“You can mark and reinforce them for attention on you, being by your side, sniffing, or doing anything else other than chewing on the leash,” she says. “The more they are reinforced for everything but chewing on the leash, the less you'll see it.” -
Can dogs hurt themselves by pulling on the leash?
Yes, they can, both dog trainers we consulted told The Spruce Pets.
“This is why I always recommend a well-fitted harness. If a dog pulls on leash and is only wearing a collar, they can do a lot of damage to the neck or spine,” Gianella says. “I also like to do a lot of training where I am reinforcing them when there is a loose leash, when there is no tension on the leash or when they are by my side.”
Many trainers will recommend using front-clip harnesses that will turn dogs around when they pull on the leash. Sunny likes “Y-shaped" harnesses that don't inhibit the dog's range of motion.
“Dogs can hurt themselves pulling on a leash and this can happen even more easily when they are pulling while being walked on a slip collar, flat collar, or a slip lead,” Sunny says. “Constant pressure on a dog's neck can be painful and dangerous and could even potentially lead to a collapsed trachea.”
-
How do I clean a dog leash?
If your pooch's leash is dirty with slobber, mud, grass, or even feces—it happens—then it needs to be cleaned. Leashes can become very dirty and covered with germs, so an occasional cleaning will help prevent odor.
If the leash is leather, mix a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap into a bowl of water, and then use an old toothbrush to scrub the cleaning mixture into the leash, focusing on any especially dirty spots. Let the leash air dry.
For leashes made of nylon or rope, soak the leash in a bowl of hot water mixed with a bit of liquid dishwashing soap. Use an old toothbrush to remove any hardened grime. Rinse the leash and then let it air dry.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This roundup was updated by Allegra Ringo, a writer for The Spruce Pets. Allegra has completed over 300 hours of supervised dog training and is in the process of becoming a certified (CPDT-KA) trainer. She has tried many different leashes, both with training clients and her own dog, and she is particularly enthusiastic about long lines.
For this story, we consulted with several dog trainers, including Alison Buehler, CSAT, CPDT-KA, FCM, and Erin Gianella, KPA CPT, owner of Perfect Pals Dog Training in Denver, and Marissa Sunny, CPDT-KA, senior dog lifesaving specialist for Best Friends Animal Society.
A previous version of this story was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, who has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered more than three dozen dogs and puppies, so she’s tried lots of different leashes.