Do you have a hard time walking your dog? Does your dog walk you instead of the other way around? If your dog is a strong puller when you go for walks, a leash for dogs that pull may help to diminish the feeling your dog is going to pull your arm out of its socket.
What Kind Of Leash Is Best For A Dog Who Pulls?
The answer to this question is more of a personal preference. When looking for a leash for a dog that pulls, you want one that will be able to give you the most control over your dog on your walks.
This could be a leash with multiple handles so you can bring them closer to you when necessary or a leash that is very short so you have complete control on your walks.
What Is The Best Leash Length For Dogs That Pull?
When walking a dog that pulls, a shorter leash length will give you more control of your dog. Generally leashes 6 ft. or less should do that for you. You may want to start with a very short leash as you are training your dog, and move to a longer one as they become accustomed to your walks.
How Do I Get A Dog To Stop Pulling On The Leash?
To get a dog to stop pulling on the leash, you will need to train them. Have treats if they are food motivated (or a toy if they are not) by your side as you complete the training.
Assuming your dog is already comfortable walking with a leash, if your dog starts to pull, there are two things you can try.
First, stand still. When your dog realizes they can’t go any farther, they should walk back over to your side. When they do, reward them.
Another option is to turn and walk in the opposite direction. This will show your dog you are in charge of the walk.
Don’t tug or pull your dog when trying to get them not to pull.
Reward them whenever they come and walk by your side.
If your dog still pulls, a no pull harness or a head collar may help in addition to the leash.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Leash For Dogs That Pull?
There are several factors you may want to consider when looking for a leash.
- Length. As stated above, you may want to start with a very short leash to have better control over your dog. Some are as short as 1 ft. in length. Don’t go longer than a 6 ft. leash. Eventually, you will want to be able to walk them with a loose leash, but you still want to be able to have control when needed.
- Material. Choose a leash made of strong, durable material, like nylon.
- Handle. Your leash should have a padded handle. If your dog is a puller, having extra padding will be more comfortable for you when you are training them.
- Clasp. Having a metal clasp will last longer than a plastic one. If your dog pulls and the clasp is made of weak material, it is likely to break when your dog pulls.
- D Ring. This can come in handy if you want to clip poop bags or a flashlight to your leash.
- Reflective Stitching. Helps your dog to be seen in low light conditions.
Other Features To Consider When Choosing A Leash For Dogs That Pull
Does your dog lunge at other dogs or animals? Or do you want to keep them close if there are other people walking by? You may want to get a leash with multiple handles so you can bring your dog close to you to avoid a confrontation.
Will you be using the same leash in different destinations? Choosing a leash with a seatbelt attachment may help keep your dog more secure in the car.
Best Leash For Dogs That Pull
These are some of the top rated leashes for dogs that pull, according to users. Each style has helped owners be able to gain better control of their dogs on walks. Product information is according to the manufacturer. Any additional pros or cons according to users will be noted.
Best Two Handled Leash For Dogs That Pull
A two handled leash is also known as a leash with a traffic handle. It is one long leash with a second handle about a foot from the attachment clip. This allows you to be able to bring your dog closer to you when needed on your walk (other dogs or people walking by).
Max and Neo Double Handle Traffic Dog Leash
- Available in 7 colors.
- Comes in 2 sizes: 4 ft. and 6 ft.
- Made of nylon.
- 2 padded neoprene handles.
- One handle is located 18 inches from the clasp.
- D ring.
- Metal clasp.
- Reflective Stitching.
- A leash is donated to a dog rescue for every leash you buy.
Pros/Cons:
- Comfortable.
- Sturdy.
Best Multiple Handle Leash For Dogs That Pull
This leash is good to keep your dog at multiple lengths from you when walking. You can keep them on the longest length while you walk, but still have the ability to rein them in closer if needed.
Chai’s Choice Trail Runner Dog Leash
- Available in 5 colors.
- Comes in 2 sizes: medium and large.
- Contains 5 handles.
- 4.5 ft. Long
- Made of canvas.
- Neoprene padded top handle.
- Nylon webbing with 3M reflective stitching.
- Aluminum alloy carabiner.
Pros/Cons:
- Comfortable handle.
Best Multifunctional Leash For Dogs That Pull
This style leash is good if you have multiple dogs. It is also good to train with your dog not to pull, as you can use this in different lengths. This leash can also be used to tether your dog if you tend to take them along to various places around town. This is also a good option if you are looking for a hands free leash for dogs that pull.
Halti Nylon Training Dog Lead
- Available in 2 colors: Black and Red.
- Comes in two sizes: small and large.
- Controls, guides, and tethers.
- 6.56 ft. Long.
- Has 6 functions:
- Can walk 2 dogs on the same lead.
- Short lead.
- Medium lead.
- Long lead.
- Hands free.
- Tether.
Pros/Cons:
- Good tethering leash.
- Gives good control.
- Easy on your hands.
Best Leather Leash For Dogs That Pull
Some people just like leather. The look, the feel, the smell. The leather itself is strong and the handles are braided instead of sewn to avoid ripping.
Wellbro Luxury Genuine Leather Double Handle Dog Leash
- Brown leather.
- For medium and large breeds.
- 6 ft. Long.
- Braided by each of the handles.
- Metal clasp made of copper alloy that rotates 360 degrees.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy on the hands.
- Can be heavy for small dogs.
- Have to maintain the leather.
Best Adjustable Leash For Dogs That Pull
This leash can be adjusted in size from a short 3 ft. to a longer 5ft. for more or less control when walking your dog.
Black Rhino Adjustable Dog Leash
- Available in 5 colors.
- Adjusts from 3 ft. to 5 ft.
- Reflective stitching.
- Neoprene padded handle.
- Metal ring.
- For medium and large dogs.
Pros/Cons:
- Strong.
- Easy to adjust.
- Handle is comfortable.
Best Leash For Dogs That Pull With A Seatbelt
This leash has a buckle attachment to allow you to seatbelt your dog into the car to keep them safer on your travels.
PoyPet 2 in 1 Dog Leash
- Available in 6 colors.
- 2 padded handles.
- D ring.
- Seat belt buckle.
- 360 degree swivel hook.
- 5 ft. Long.
- Seat belt buckle size: 1.57” long x 0.8” wide.
Pros/Cons:
- Sturdy.
- Comfortable handles.
- Seat belt buckle may not work in all cars. Check before you buy.
Best Bungee Style Leash For Dogs That Pull
A bungee style dog leash will lessen the force you feel on your body when your dog pulls.
OutdoorMaster Bungee Dog Leash
- Available in 4 colors.
- 2 grip handles.
- Metal clasp.
- Stretches from 36.5” to 48” in length.
- EVA Padding on both handles.
- Made of nylon.
Pros/Cons:
- Reduces impact when the dog pulls.
- Not enough padding on the handles.
Best Short Leash For Dogs That Pull
This leash will give you the most control over your dog and comes in as short as 1 ft. This is good to train with your dog, but is also short enough that you can leave it attached to your dog for use with a longer leash to gain control when needed.
Vivaglory Short Dog Leash
- Available in 6 colors.
- Comes in 3 sizes: 12”, 18”, and 30”.
- Neoprene padded handle.
- 360 degree swivel clasp.
- Reflective stitching.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to control dog.
Best All In One Leash For Dogs That Pull
An all in one leash is a combination of a leash and harness all on one lead. As your dog pulls, it creates a pressure by their torso that signals to them to stop. The idea is eventually, your dog will learn not to pull so they avoid the pressure caused by the leash.
Harness Lead Polyester No Pull Dog Harness
- 2 sizes.
- Double braided nylon leash.
- Movable rubber stops to adjust the harness.
- Machine washable.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- May be hard to figure out how to use it.
- Dogs no longer pull on walks.
- Gives more control over your dog when walking.
Getting your dog to walk on a leash without pulling can be difficult for some dogs. They may give into their hunting instincts and chase animals such as rabbits and squirrels (like my dog). A leash for dogs that pull can give you more control when walking with your dog, especially if they get distracted on your walk.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.