What Is the Best Dog Training Leash? All You Need To Know

Do you walk your dog, or does your dog walk you?

Walking your dog is an important part of your pet’s care, and should be a simple and enjoyable task for both of you. However, many people find that their dog pulls too much or that they don’t have enough control, which causes some people to omit walks from their daily routine.

By walking your dog with a dog training leash, you’ll have better control and can properly train your pet to walk alongside you. While training your dog is most effective when they’re a puppy, with the right type of dog training leash you can train older and more stubborn dogs too.

Keep reading our page to learn about the best types of dog training leashes, and what the most important features are in a good dog leash.

Why Dog Training Leash Types Matter

There are many types of dog leashes, but they’re not all created equal. Many people purchase a leash based on the appearance and cost, but if you’re looking to properly train your dog to walk, you’ll want one that’s designed for training.

Dog training leashes are designed to give you more control over your dog while walking. This will prevent your dog from pulling, wandering too far, and getting entangled.

What to Look For in a Dog Leash

Before we get into the different types of dog leashes and which ones are best for training, it's important to know what to look for in a dog leash. Here are some of the important aspects to consider when purchasing a dog training leash.

Length

The length of your dog’s leash determines how much freedom you want them to have. It's also important to note that the longer the length, the less control you have.

People who live in busy areas or encounter other dogs frequently on their walks may want a shorter length to keep their pup close.

Materials

What is your dog’s leash made out of? Some materials are more durable than others, and if you've got a strong dog you'll want a stronger leash. If your dog is destructive and likes to chew its leash, you’ll also want a material that will withstand their teeth.

Leashes made of chain, nylon, and paracord are the most durable options, while leashes made of rope and leather may be easier for your pup to destroy.

Features

Some dog leashes have additional features to make your life easier. Many dog training leashes have an extra handle about halfway down the leash so you can pull your dog closer and have better control.

If you walk your dog when it’s dark out, it’s worth finding a leash with reflective strips so you and your pup can be seen by passing vehicles. If you have a dog that pulls, some leashes have bungee material in them to help shock absorption.

Dog Leash Clip

Another thing to consider when you’re picking out your dog’s leash is the type of dog leash clip at the end. You want a leash with a strong clip that can withstand your dog’s pulling, and you’ll want to make sure it won’t rust if it gets wet.

The most common dog leash clip types are the bolt snap clip and the trigger snap clip. The bolt snap uses a spring-loaded trigger to open and close the clasp, but eventually, that can weaken and may break. The trigger snap clip also has a spring-loaded trigger but it has a wider clasp that’s more reliable.

Types of Dog Leashes

Now that you understand the features to look for in a dog training leash, it’s time to learn about the different types of leashes. We’ve made a list of the types of dog leashes and their differences, and which ones are most popular for training.

Standard Dog Leash

Standard dog leashes are the typical nylon or rope leashes with a handle and about three to six feet in length. These are an ideal type of dog training leash, especially for puppies, because they give you a good amount of control. However, these leashes may be harder to use for large dogs who like to pull.

Slip Lead

Slip leads are different from standard leashes, in which they have a loop that slips over your dog’s neck so you don’t need a collar. These leashes are commonly used at veterinary offices because of their ease of use and the level of control they offer the walker.

Slip leads are popular for training because they tighten if your dog pulls, which causes discomfort.

Retractable Dog Leash

While retractable dog leashes are popular, they are not ideal for dog training at all. These leashes have a retractable cord that can be pulled out to varying lengths, giving your dog much more freedom to explore. Retractable leashes have a button that will lock the leash at its length, so you can prevent your pup's furry companion from going any further.

The reason that we don’t recommend retractable leashes for training your dog is that they offer little control to owners, risk entanglement, and encourage dogs to pull. Don’t use a retractable leash unless your dog is trained and well-behaved during walks.

Adjustable Leash

Adjustable leashes are an ideal choice for owners who can’t decide between a standard leash or a retractable leash. Adjustable leashes are designed like a standard leash but can be adjusted to give your dog more or less freedom while walking.

Adjustable leashes are preferred over retractable leashes because they still give you control and minimize pulling. Once you feel like your dog is calm and you’re in control, you can adjust the length so your pup has more room to explore.

Martingale Leash

Martingale leashes are a combination of a standard leash with a special training collar, called a martingale collar. The martingale collar is popular for training because it slightly tightens around your dog’s neck when they begin to pull too hard, causing discomfort but not choking them.

These leashes and collars are especially popular for specific breeds, such as greyhounds and whippets. Many owners will get this leash and use it until their dog stops pulling, and then will revert back to a standard leash.

Chain Leash

Chain leashes are another popular type of dog training leash because they’re extremely durable, and can’t be chewed through. If you decide to go with a chain leash, be sure to get one that won’t rust if it gets wet.

Even though chain leashes are virtually indestructible, try not to let your dog chew on one because it can damage their teeth.

Training Your Dog for Walks

Training your dog is an important part of bonding and will make taking care of your pet much easier for the years to come. It's essential that you have a good dog training leash to maintain control over your dog and keep everyone safe.

Hopefully, our guide taught you everything you needed to know about picking out the perfect dog training leash for your pup. Now that you have an idea of what you're looking for, take a look at our selection of leashes and you'll be sure to find something that meets you and your dog's needs.