10 Best Leashes for Dogs That Pull
As a dog owner, you may be worried about proper nutrition, bad behaviors, and pet insurance. However, little is more worrying or frustrating than an excited pup pulling on the leash during a walk.
Whether your dog is prone to sudden bursts of energy or constantly wants to show you around, leash pulling is a common problem for many pet owners. Unfortunately, it’s also a problem for your pet, as the tension can injure the dog’s neck, lead to chafing, restrict blood flow, and damage their organs or appendages.
One of the best measures to reduce pulling is buying a leash designed for pesky pullers. To help you select the right model for you and your canine, we researched the best leashes for dogs that pull. Keep reading to learn about each product and what to look for in a quality leash.
Top 10 Leashes for Dogs That Pull
- 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Nylon Dog Harness & Leash: Best Overall
- EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash: Best High-End Option
- Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Leash: Best Value Option
- Halti Nylon Training Dog Lead: Best for Versatility
- Leashboss Padded Handle Short Dog Leash: Best Short Leash
- Mendota Products Large Snap Solid Rope Dog Leash: Best Heavy Duty Leash
- Mighty Paw Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash: Best for Multiple Dogs
- Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Padded Dog Leash: Best for Comfort
- Four Paws Cotton Web Training Dog Lead: Best for Training
- PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar: Best Alternative for Large Dogs
2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Nylon Dog Harness & Leash: Best Overall
This combo of a leash and no-pull dog harness has a patented design that discourages your dog’s instinct to resist the pressure of a traditional collar or harness. Instead, the leash hooks to two points of contact, one on your dog’s chest and one on its back, helping to reduce twists and pulls. It makes it an excellent choice for owners who have tried a variety of correction devices with little or no success.
In addition to its corrective design, this no-pull dog leash and harness come in many different colors and are made with stainless steel hardware for added durability. They’re also designed to be adjustable and fit dogs of all sizes.
Color Choices
- Black
- Royal blue
- Brown
- Rose pink
- Purple
- Raspberry
- Red
- Turquoise
- Teal
- Burgundy
- Hot pink
- Navy
- Neon green
- Neon orange
Good For:
- Extra-small dogs
- Small dogs
- Medium dogs
- Large dogs
- Extra-large dogs
- Extra-extra-small dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
Ange on Chewy says:
“My 95-pound shepherd mix has always been a pain to walk. He’s pulled while walking since we started leash training him at 8 weeks old. No amount of training, treats, or any of the various leashes and harnesses we could find helped. Once we got this harness, however, it was like walking a new dog. He’s no longer tugging my arm off. I cannot recommend this harness enough.”
Most Helpful Critical Review
Tippy on Chewy says:
“Unfortunately, I just can’t get a good fit for my 65 [pound] dog with this harness. I’ve tried two harnesses so far. Otherwise, I believe it would go far in helping to guide my dog as it is designed to do. The second (size small) leash fits my 30lb dog rather well, and she is walking better without pulling as much.”
EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash: Best High-End Option
One of the main issues with a pulling dog is the stress on the owner’s arms. Sudden jerks and pulls can place damaging strain on both dog and owner. This leash from EzyDog helps combat this issue with its shock-absorbing bungee, which has soft-touch nylon webbing for cushioning jolts and pulls.
This bungee leash is great for owners who don’t mind spending a little extra for quality and comfort. The no-pull leash includes a neoprene handle for comfort and a sturdy handle at the end for better control. Additionally, this product comes with an accessory D-ring and reflective stitching for higher visibility at night.
Color Choices
- Black
- Blue
- Bubble gum
- Orange
- Red
- Green camo
- Pink camo
Good For:
- Extra-small dogs
- Small dogs
- Medium dogs
- Large dogs
- Extra-large dogs
- Extra-extra-small dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
SchnauzerMomma on Chewy says:
“I’ve gone through multiple leashes, but this one is incredibly well made. It does exactly what it is advertised to do. And has the lower leash handle you can use to keep [your] pup close in areas of high traffic.”
Most Helpful Critical Review
Melinda on Chewy says:
“Seems to be good quality materials and construction, but it didn’t deter my dog from pulling whatsoever. It simply made it feel like I had less control over him. He also hates it and will jump and fight and try to bite it, which has never been a problem with our other leashes. Unfortunately, I’ll probably be returning this.”
Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Leash: Best Value Option
The Frisco Solid Nylon Leash is a budget-friendly pick for dogs who are tough on leashes. This leash is sure to stand up to the wear and tear of an active pooch, with widths of up to 1 inch and the protection of a proprietary seal.
It uses a convenient bolt snap coated in durable nickel and has a looped handle at the end for added comfort and control. The leash is also available in various colors and sizes, giving customers of almost any breed a variety of style options.
Color Choices
- Black
- Red
- Pink
- Blue
Good For:
- Extra-small dogs
- Small dogs
- Medium dogs
- Large dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
Bold12003 on Chewy says:
“So many leashes out there are not what they used to be. Small and thin. I needed strong, solid training leashes, and these were just what I was hoping for. The buckle is solid and strong, very heavy duty. The full 1-inch thick lead is impressive, and the webbing is thick enough to withstand years of use. I am looking forward to putting these to use, but already know they were what I wanted.”
Most Helpful Critical Review
ChloeGirl on Chewy says:
“The leash is great, no frills. My one complaint is that the metal hasp is heavy, especially when using a gentle lead or front clasp harness, it hangs heavy and annoys me and the doggo.”
Halti Nylon Training Dog Lead: Best for Versatility
This multi-functional dog training lead is terrific for owners looking to keep one leash throughout each stage of their pup’s development. The leash comes with eight available uses, including hands-free training, tethering, and long-lead dog walking. In addition, its double-ended design lets owners walk two dogs at once or attach to multiple touch points on a single harness lead.
Unlike other leashes, this model only comes in black. However, it is available in multiple widths to help owners of dogs, both big and small.
Color Choices
- Black
Good For:
- Small dogs
- Medium dogs
- Large dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
Marjorie on Chewy says:
“I use this size lead for my shelties and have a bigger one for my mixed breed. I love that you can change the length, hook it around your middle, or link two together with it. It’s pretty sturdy. I’ve had them for several years and finally had the hook come off one after 5 years or more, so they are pretty durable.”
Most Helpful Critical Review
MickeyScuba on Chewy says:
“The concept of the leash is good with the different functions. However, I do not care for the material as there’s too much elasticity to it. If you have a dog that doesn’t pull, then it’s fine.”
Leashboss Padded Handle Short Dog Leash: Best Short Leash
Leashboss believes the best leash is the one that keeps your furry friend right by your side. To that end, they’ve crafted a high-quality leash available in short, 1- or 1.5-foot lengths. They’ve also designed the end of the leash with a thick neoprene-padded handle for added comfort and control.
This leash is specially designed with medium and large breeds in mind, keeping your strong dog by your side in crowded areas and high-stress situations. It also comes with a heavy-duty swivel clasp that allows your dog to turn without twisting or spraining your wrist. The leash also has all-metal hardware to withstand years of use.
Color Choices
- Black
Good For:
- Medium dogs
- Large dogs
- Extra-large dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
River on Chewy says:
“I have a husky who likes to pull and try to lead, so I use this leash with a front clip harness, and now she can’t pull or try to lead me. It’s very nice for teaching her to walk beside me and not ahead of me, and I feel like I have more control over her in tight, crowded situations.”
Most Helpful Critical Review
Claudia on Chewy says:
“I have [two] medium-sized dogs, and it’s just slightly too short for comfort. I wish there was a 2 ft leash…that would probably be perfect. It’s really nicely padded on the handle, though.”
Mendota Products Large Snap Solid Rope Dog Leash: Best Heavy Duty Leash
Made with long-lasting waterproof polypropylene rope, the Mendota leash is best for owners who love to walk, rain or shine. The half-inch rope leash is capped with heavy-duty metal hardware that secures to your dog’s collar to give you reliable control. The leash also comes in multiple lengths and colors to suit your needs.
Color Choices
- Black
- Blue
- Red
- Hunter green
- Orange
- Tan
- White
- Hot pink
- Kelly green
- Purple
- Dark brown
Good For:
- Medium dogs
- Large dogs
- Extra-large dogs
- Extra-extra-large dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
Sadie on Chewy says:
“I am an old-school dog trainer who only used leather leashes. My 80-pound Bernedoodle puppy, however, can be rough on the hands with a new leather leash until it softens up. This leash is heavy duty and comes out of the package soft and handler hand friendly. Great alternative.”
Most Helpful Critical Review
Amanda on Chewy says:
“I bought this leash in white for my golden retriever/chow mix for our wedding photos. The leash is beautiful, but I don’t recommend it for big dogs. It was a bit flimsy and weak, and my girl was one squirrel away from breaking the leash. [It] looked perfect for the photos but won’t be able to use it again on my big dog.”
Mighty Paw Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash: Best for Multiple Dogs
If you have multiple pullers, this double dog leash attachment from Mighty Paw can help you maintain control over both of your pups at once. The leash attachment is 2 feet long and has a swivel design to avoid messy tangles.
The leash also comes with simple buckle adjustments to suit your needs and hooks to nearly any standard leash. Additionally, reflective threading runs throughout the waterproof nylon and is designed to hold two dogs up to 100 pounds in combined weight. Unlike many competitors, this leash only comes in one design.
Color Choices
- Black
Good For:
- Medium dogs
- Large dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
Kelly on Chewy says:
“I bought this for my 1-year-old beagle and 13-week-old lab. It is now so easy to go on walks with both of them. The lab gets so excited and jumps all over the place, so I love that it’s like a swivel and does not get tangled!”
Most Helpful Critical Review
Nicholas on Chewy says:
“This was much too large for my Havanese and Terrier. This double dog leash is meant for larger breeds such as Labs or Shepherds. I donated it to an animal shelter. I’ll reorder a smaller size. Other than the size, it worked out great.”
Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Padded Dog Leash: Best for Comfort
Comfort is a significant concern when dealing with a dog who pulls. This leash from Pawtitas ensures you remain in control while avoiding leash burn with a padded handle and reinforced nylon body.
It also features a sewn-on reflective strip that makes daytime and nighttime walking safer.As a bonus, this leash comes in various widths to suit your dog’s size and is available in many unique colors, such as purple orchid.
Color Choices
- Green
- Orange
- Purple orchid
- Pink
- Blue
- Red
- Teal
- Black
- Purple
Good For:
- Small dogs
- Medium dogs
- Large dogs
- Extra-large dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
Treats on Chewy says:
“I am enjoying this leash. It seems strong and just the length I was hoping for. The color choices are great, I got the gray & light violet one, and it’s really nice. the clip works easily & remains secure on my girl’s collar.”
Most Helpful Critical Review
Kathyrn on Chewy says:
“I like the length and lightweight feel of this leash. The reflective stripe is nice for late walks. I wish the handle was smaller. I have to wrap it around my hand twice in order to feel secure. I’m a small person, so perhaps it’s [for] a larger hand.”
Four Paws Cotton Web Training Dog Lead: Best for Training
If you’re interested in training your pup to be off-leash, you may consider putting them on leash first. The Four Paws Cotton Web Training Dog Lead helps you train your pup with durable cotton leashes available in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-foot sizes.
This extra length gives your dog room to move and practice its recalls while keeping you in control if they can’t fight the urge to bolt after a squirrel or cat. It also has a built-in swivel clip that helps increase the range of motion and durability.
Color Choices
- Black
Good For:
- Extra-small dogs
- Small dogs
- Medium dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
TeddyMom on Chewy says:
“I purchased this leash to replace a previous one that had frayed over the years. It’s a lighter weight than the one I had before, but it seems like it will hold up. The ten-foot length is nice for walks around the neighborhood because it allows him a little more freedom to explore while still staying controllable.”
Most Helpful Critical Review
Tina on Chewy says:
“[I] do like the length of the 20-foot leash. [With] the thin width [it] being on the lighter side, you have to watch [to] not [get] [it] tangled up and risk tripping.”
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar: Best Alternative for Large Dogs
Trying to contain your labrador or German shepherd isn’t as easy as holding on a little tighter. That’s where PetSafe’s Gentle Leader Padded No-Pull Dog Headcollar comes in.
This leash is recommended by veterinarians and has a unique design that loops over your dog’s muzzle, forcing it back by your side when it decides to pull. Additionally, it has a quick-snap neck strap that easily slips over your dog before your walks and provides comfort for your dog’s head. While this collar is beneficial for medium and large breeds, it comes in various sizes to suit almost any dog.
Color Choices
- Black
- Deep purple
- Fawn
- Raspberry
- Red
- Royal blue
- Silver
- Apple green
Good For:
- Extra-small dogs
- Small dogs
- Medium dogs
- Large dogs
- Extra-large dogs
- Extra-extra-small dogs
Most Helpful Positive Review
Kylee on Chewy says:
“I have a 70-pound lab that likes to think he’s a horse. I have tried every harness out there, and none of them stopped his pulling. This no-pull harness is a 10/10 for me. He didn’t like having it over his nose at first, but we give him a treat every time he puts it on, and he has really warmed up to it. The best part is he doesn’t pull anymore! I can’t recommend this enough if you have a dog that pulls!”
Most Helpful Critical Review
Carlton on Chewy says:
“I really like the Gentle Leader, because it has worked with my Pit puppy, but it broke after just [a] month of use.”
What to Look for When Buying a Leash for Dogs That Pull
Before purchasing a leash for your puller, it’s essential to learn more about the factors that affect a model’s handling and user experience. Here are a few factors to consider before getting a leash for your dog:
Material
Dog leashes are available in various materials, with the most popular being nylon, cotton, and leather.
- Nylon: Nylon has a solid construction that’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it a good choice for dog owners looking to balance affordability and durability, which is more chew-proof than other materials.
- Leather: Leather is a go-to for many pup parents who want a durable and stylish leash. However, leather models are typically more expensive than cotton or nylon models.
- Cotton: Cotton is popular for its affordability and lightweight design, though many paw parents forgo this material because of its low durability.
Length
While a 6-foot leash is most common, shorter or longer leads are available for various scenarios. For example, if you want maximum control over your dog, look into a 1- or 1.5-foot leash. Conversely, if you’re training your puller to be an off-leash dog, there are options for long leads that reach lengths up to 30 feet.
Design
It’s important to like the style of the leash you purchase. Many manufacturers offer their leashes in fun colors, such as bright pink or blue, allowing you to match your furry friend’s leash to its personality.
Apart from color, leashes also have unique features such as padded loops and additional control handles. These features may seem small, but they help add control and comfort to your walks.
Additional Features
Other leash features can help make dog walking safer or more accessible. For example, some models have reflective threading that increases visibility at night, a beneficial feature for dog owners in large cities who may need to cross the street or stand near traffic at night. Other common features include attached swivel clips, which help the leash material rotate with your moving pet.
Our Recommendation
Unlike other pet products, it’s crucial to understand that more than one dog leash might be “right” for your pup. A dog’s habits and behaviors change over time, and this will affect which leash is best for helping your furry friend.
For example, when your dog is first learning to walk by your side, you may want a shorter leash for more control or a padded handle and leash for extra comfort. As your dog matures, you may want to invest in a heavy-duty leash that’ll withstand its active behavior or switch to a leash with multiple clips for walking your growing dog family.
Regardless of your need, all the Chewy leashes listed in this article are quality selections that can help you manage your pup’s daily desire to explore.
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Our Rating Methodology
To help pet parents find the best pet products, we have thoroughly researched and evaluated hundreds of pet products, weighing the factors below into our evaluation process:
- Customer ratings: We selected products with a high volume of customer ratings across sites like Chewy and Google and a high average rating from verified customers.
- Reviews: We analyzed at least 100 customer reviews for each pet product, factoring pet owners’ positive feedback and common complaints into our rankings.
- Brand reputation: We also weighed each brand’s reputation in the pet industry based on customer reviews and external research.
- Features: We compared each product against competitors, comparing its basic and unique features, variety of options, and other factors specific to the type of product being reviewed.
After putting products through our rigorous review process, we follow up with experts and brand representatives when necessary, compile our research, and present you with a user-friendly, informative article featuring our top recommendations.
We regularly update our data points across the categories above to account for changes to customer experience, product availability, and quality to help you make the most informed purchase possible for your pet.
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