Whether you’ve just brought home a rambunctious rescue or a new playful puppy, a sturdy, safe leash is a necessity. At first glance, the sheer number of leads and harnesses on the market can be overwhelming. Narrow down your options by taking your pet’s size and temperament into account when choosing the best leash for your dog.

What is the best type of leash for a dog?

Standard Leashes

Standard leads offer a range of options for dog owners. Single handle leashes are the mainstay for neighborhood walks, while dual-handle designs give you more control on crowded sidewalks. Length varies from 18-inch walking leads to 25-foot training tools to accommodate your needs. Standard leads are also available in several durable materials, such as:

Nylon

Easy to clean and comfortable to hold or loop around your hand, a flat nylon leash is the go-to for many dog owners. They’re great for car trips and short walks, and you can often find leads with reflective strips for nighttime strolls with your pup.

However, puppies and older dogs that love to chew can gnaw through a nylon leash in no time. Thin nylon leads can also cause a nasty rope burn if you get a loop tangled around your ankle right before your pup spots a squirrel, but choosing a wider leash may help prevent such injuries.

Leather

Leather is a great material for a standard leash. It’s a little tougher to clean than nylon, and you’ll want to look for one that’s weather-resistant, but leather leads hold up well over time and easily withstand the efforts of most chew-happy hounds.

If you have a puppy or a small breed dog, a leather lead might be a bit too heavy. Test and compare a few brands in a shop before you buy. High-quality leather also tends to be a bit pricier than nylon or rope, but it’s worth the investment.

Rope

Leashes made from cotton, hemp, or polypropylene fibers are a good middle ground between nylon and leather standard leashes. Synthetic materials are waterproof, but they don’t offer the same amount of stretch as natural fibers. Cotton and hemp, on the other hand, do absorb water, which can make them soggy and heavy if you and your pup get caught in a rainstorm.

Rope leads are ideal for chewers, large dogs, and pullers. Soft cotton and hemp leashes prevent chafing on long hikes and can withstand the occasional accidental chewing session. If you’re training a rescue that’s committed to pulling your arm out of socket on a walk, the flexible give of these leashes helps relieve shoulder strain due to enthusiastic pups.

Retractable Leashes

There’s a fair bit of controversy surrounding the use of retractable leads. Still, it’s easy to see the appeal of a leash that lets you customize its length at the touch of a button. Unfortunately, numerous reports of serious injuries, cuts, and even amputations provide plenty of reasons to be concerned. Lacerations and burns can occur when owners instinctively grab the cord to control their dog. Bystanders may also end up in harm’s way if they get tangled in one of these whip-thin leads.

Pets are also at risk for injury with retractable leashes, and faulty mechanisms or clips can have devastating results. While some pet experts do use them for recall training, retractable leashes aren’t the best tool for general use or daily walks.

Harnesses

Standard flat collars are a convenient way to display registration and ID tags. When walking your dog, however, harnesses offer greater control, discourage pulling, and challenge even the most dedicated canine escape artists. They’re safer for your dog, too. Attaching a leash to a collar alone can cause neck or throat damage if your pup lunges or meets an abrupt stop at the end of the lead.

From lightweight, breathable mesh vests to heavy-duty padded harnesses with handles, there’s a model available for every breed, size, and personality. Look for designs with multiple adjustment points for a customized fit, and consider harnesses with both front and back D-rings for leash training as well as quick release clips for pet car seats or seatbelts.

A New Leash on Life

While leashes are simply part of dog ownership, choosing the best lead for your dog takes a little research and consideration. Your dog’s size, temperament, and training all play a part in selecting a leash and harness that will keep your precious pup safe while walking, hiking, or taking a trip in the car.