Is there a difference between dog training leashes and normal leashes?
- Are longer than regular dog leashes – they can be from 1.5m and up
- Have rings and clips to adjust them at different lengths
- They allow for two points of contact on the dog – having one clip on the front and one of the back of the harness allows for good balance on the dog. There’s a good reason as to why this is important; behaviorist Sarah Fisher talks about it in her article.
- Can be attached to your waist for hands free walking – look mum, no hands!
- Are able to be attached round a chair leg for teaching puppy settle training
What to look for when choosing a dog training leash
- Comfortable to hold – if it feels rough, you are NOT going to want to use it on your dog. Unless you want second degree friction burns on your hands.
- A good length that can be adjusted by clips and rings.
- Has a narrow width and isn’t too heavy on your puppy.
- Good quality and secure – you won’t want to get a heart attack from a snapped lead or a faulty clip!
- Easy to clean. Or you’ll end up with muddy stripes everywhere.
Best dog training leashes
1. Halti Training Leash For Dogs, Double Ended Dog Training Leash
– Best puppy leash 2021
– Best puppy leash 2021
Price: £6.39
What makes it special:
- Available in two widths – we recommend the narrow for puppies and small dogs.
- Two triggers clips for two points of contact.
- Soft and comfortable in your hand.
- Available in black and red. I’d personally go for red, just saying.
- Inexpensive – love it when things don’t empty my wallet.
2. Julius K9 Supergrip Double Leash
Price: £18.99
What makes it special:
- Colorful training leashes – available in pink, blue, red, black.
- Non-slip material provides a great grip.
- Comfortable to hold.
- Two trigger points for two points of contact.
- Easy to clean.
- Available in various widths – we recommend the 14mm for small dogs and puppies.
3. Meg Heath Multi Length Leash Small Dogs & Puppies
– Best leash for small breeds
– Best leash for small breeds
Price: £15.99
What makes it special:
- 19mm wide – perfect for puppies
- Available in blue and pink – they say ‘boy’ and ‘girl’ colors which is a bit cringe in my opinion, but the leashes are still nice, if you can look past that!
- Small clips – nice and lightweight.
4. Tuff Stuff Double Hook Leash
– Most durable leash
– Most durable leash
Price: £12.00
What makes it special:
- Trigger clips at each end for two points of contact.
- Made from cushion web or soft tactile webbing.
- Available in many different colors and personalized embroidery available
5. Wolters Double-Ended Training Leashes
– Best for Chewers
– Best for Chewers
Price: £21.00
What makes it special:
- 3 different adjustable lengths.
- 3 widths available – we recommend narrow for puppies.
- Soft and comfortable in your hand.
- Available in 13 colors – loving the colors. Really cheers up a cloudy day to be honest.
- Matching collars and harnesses available.
6. Flexi Neon Tape Leash
– Best Retractable Leash
– Best Retractable LeashSo, here’s the deal. In my experience, retractable leashes can teach a puppy to pull as they get used to the feeling of tension on their harness – which in the long run, is something we don’t want to happen. On the other hand, retractable leashes are very useful in some circumstances like these ones:
- Going to the park and letting your puppy sniff around freely while still being safely on the leash. Let’s let them sniff the chips dropped on the floor but not actually get to them, shall we?
- Having a dog on the leash in areas where it says they must be kept on one – got to respect the rules.
- When they’re in post recovery from surgery so they have the freedom to look around but are still under control.
What makes it special:
- Retractable leash extends to 5 meters.
- Reflective neon can be seen at night.
- Should be used with a harness for safety – never a collar!
- Tape is safer to use than cord – the cord will give you a mighty burn if run against your leg. The tape is stronger too, so less chance of leash snapping.
- The ergonomic handle (fancy name isn’t it?) is much comfier to hold than other retractable leashes.
- Quick stop braking system – got to stop them from getting into people’s private picnics. You’re probably not invited to those, sorry.
- Multi-box to store poo bags and treats can be attached to leash as an optional accessory – super handy.
7. Hand-Made Claytons Leather Police (Training) Dog Leash Bleed Knot and Stitched
Price: £40.95
What makes it special:
- Clips at both ends to provide two points of contact
- Adjustable length to suit your needs
- Available in black or brown leather
- Brass or Nickel fittings
- Comes in 3 widths – we recommend the ⅜ for a puppy or small dog so it’s not too heavy
- Can be worn hands free, around your waist or across your body
- Leather is naturally oiled so very comfortable in your hand
- Made locally in the UK
- Great price for a handmade leather dog training leash
- Matching collar available
8. Houndability Houndagrip Super Grip Dog Training Leash
Price: £17.50
What makes it special:
- Double ended leash allows for two points of connection
- Adjustable length to suit your needs
- Available in 8 colors
- 20mm wide is great for puppies
- Rubber based material provides a great non slip grip, even when wet
- Soft and comfortable to hold
- Custom made to order in the UK
9. Dogs and Horses Rolled Leather Multi-Purpose Adjustable Lead
Price: £110
What makes it special:
- 10mm round leather dog training leash
- Leash is made from ultra-strong yacht cord with soft leather bonded over the top
- Available in a variety of different colored leathers
- Brass or Silver Fittings
- Can be adjusted to different lengths to suit your activities
- Can be worn hands free
- Matching collars, harnesses and accessories available
10. Kurgo 6-in-1 Quantum Dog Leash, Hands Free Dog Leash, Adjustable Waist Belt
Yep, this one has a flashy name, but it’s with good reason – there are literally six different ways you can use it. Besides this handy detail, one of our other favorite things about this training leash is the reflective strips on it, making you and your dog visible and safe on dark evenings! Oh, and can’t forget about the padded handle. It’s a minor thing, but makes a big difference.
Price: £26.94
What makes it special:
- 6-in-1 dog training leash allows for a variety of different adjustment
- Can be worn hands free and converted into a running belt
- Padded handle for comfort
- Reflective material
- Lifetime Warranty
Dog training leads FAQs
We recommend you use a 2-meter training leash, attached to a harness. They’ll give your puppy enough freedom to learn, while still under control – you’ll be able to keep them away from traffic without a problem.
Shock collars are a big no-no. They’re never ethical, nor offer a humane way to teach loose lead walking, so we’re always going to recommend normal collars. You know, those that don’t choke dogs and rather let them breathe.
Check the ZigZag app for the ultimate guide on how to train your dog with positive reinforcement.
Good question. You’ll be happy to hear that you can start leash-training your puppy as soon as you bring them home! By teaching them that close following brings them rewards, they’ll pick up on it in no time. Ok, fine it might take them a couple of weeks. But the earlier you start, the better!
You’ll have to start small. Think baby steps. At first, you’ll start helping them create associations with being next to you when walking. Then, you can add the harness and leash once they get the hang of things. Eventually, treats will go a long way when you can take them out to more distracting environments! They’ll literally become a part of your body. You’ll have them attached to you at all times.
PRO TIP: Keep in mind that teaching them about treats is important before you even go so far as putting a leash or harness on them or taking them out for walks…treats are going to be your foundation for any kind of good training by the way.
