When your dog pulls on the leash during walks it can be frustrating for both you and your dog, not to mention painful if you have a strong dog! With the right equipment (like a good leash) combined with training, you can get things back under control again. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying relaxing walks with your best pal. Let’s take a look at 5 of the best dog leashes for pullers, comparing strength, durability, and control.
The Best Dog Leashes for Pullers2023 Review
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The Best Dog Leashes for Pullers
Editor's Choice
Halti Nylon Training Dog Lead- Best for training
- 8 ways to use the leash
- Provides excellent control
Runner Up
Harness Lead Polyester No Pull Dog Harness- Best harness and leash in 1
- Tightens when dog pulls
- Provides gentle, efficient corrections
Also Good
Remington Rope Dog Slip Lead- Best slip lead
- Braided nylon for strength and durability
- Provides gentle corrections
More Detailed No-Pull Dog Leash Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Halti Nylon Training Dog Lead review
Features
- Best for training
- 8 ways to use the leash
- Provides excellent control
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re on the hunt for the best leash for pulling dogs the Halti Nylon Training Dog Lead should be at the top of your list. It’s both strong and durable, made from strong nylon. This leash has 8 functions, allowing flexible control for all stages of training.
You can change the length of the leash to suit your purposes. With 2 clips on either end of the leash, you can attach it to both a collar and headcollar, or a collar and harness for the ultimate in control. This leash is excellent for training your dog to walk at heel.
I personally use this leash with my springer spaniel on almost every walk and find it gives me the control I need and vastly reduces pulling. During training, I find the ability to attach the leash to both a harness and headcollar at the same is excellent for gentle corrections. I also feel that it takes some of the pressure off my dog’s neck and throat when she does pull, as her weight is divided between the harness and collar equally.
Pros
- Owners liked the multiple ways this leash could be used, feeling it was useful in many situations
- Sturdy and durable, with owners feeling the lead was strong enough for their dog and was long-lasting
- Many found this lead particularly useful during training and for reducing pulling, even with large breed dogs like Rottweilers and German Shepherds
- Comfortable to hold and doesn’t cause rope burn if your dog does pull suddenly
- Provides more control and allows for efficient corrections on walks, even with reactive dogs
- Many owners said this was their go-to leash and that they would repurchase it when needed and would recommend it to other owners
- Many found that this leash made walks safer and more pleasant, especially when combined with the Halti Headcollar
Cons
- Leash isn’t waterproof and can take a while to dry when it gets wet due to the type of material
- Some owners found it hard to figure out the different ways they could use lead, wishing clearer instructions were provided
- Some felt that the material wasn’t as sturdy as they expected, leading them to feel it wouldn’t last long
- Not designed to stand up to chewing, with some owners finding their dog could destroy the lead when left unsupervised
- Some owners found that the clips on the lead were prone to breakage
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Harness Lead Polyester No Pull Dog Harness review
Features
- Best harness and leash in 1
- Tightens when dog pulls
- Provides gentle, efficient corrections
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Harness Lead Polyester No Pull Dog Harness is 1 of the best no pull dog leashes, combining a leash and harness in 1. It’s made from strong, durable polyester, designed to hold a tensile strength of up to 3,700lb. The leash straps onto your dog in a harness shape and gently tightens when they pull, making for easy, gentle corrections and reducing pulling.
Removable rubber stops allow you to fit the leash around your dog’s body and prevent it slipping off. I also found that these rubber stops prevent your dog from wriggling out of the leash if they’re feeling mischievous. I found that this leash reduced pulling and was comfortable for my dog.
Pros
- Many found that this harness reduced or stopped their dog pulling, making walks pleasant again
- Harness aspect of the lead prevents dogs escaping, even those who are usually escape artists
- Owners generally found this leash and harness easy to navigate and fit to their dog
- Many felt this leash gave them more control and aided with corrections during training
- Several stated that this leash is durable and well-made, standing up to regular long hikes as well as everyday use
- Doesn’t tighten around the dog’s throat as with a slip leash, which some owners preferred and felt was more comfortable for their dog
- Some stated that they felt the lead was comfortable for their dog and didn’t rub even when they pulled
Cons
- Some owners found that this leash didn’t reduce or stop their dog pulling
- Some found the handle of the leash was uncomfortable, particularly those with strong dogs who pull
- Can be difficult to put on at first, with some owners saying it required practice
- Those with puppies or smaller breeds sometimes found that this leash was too heavy and big for their dog
- Some owners found that this leash was too harsh on their dog’s skin
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Remington Rope Dog Slip Lead review
Features
- Best slip lead
- Braided nylon for strength and durability
- Provides gentle corrections
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you need the best dog collar and leash for pullers, the Remington Rope Dog Slip Lead is a fantastic choice. Made from braided nylon rope, this leash is both durable and strong. It simply slips over your dog’s head, providing a collar and leash in 1.
The leash tightens when your dog pulls, allowing for quick and easy corrections. This leash is recommended by trainers to reduce pulling and aid during training. I found this leash was very strong, easy to use, and looked very smart on my dog.
Pros
- Many owners found that this leash made a big difference with reducing pulling on walks and gave them extra control during training, even when walking big breed dogs
- Owners felt that the lead was easy to use and slip onto their dog
- Prevents dog’s escaping their collar, even those who are escape artists, making walks safer
- Well-made and durable, with many saying the rope was thick, strong, and great quality
- Some stated they found the leash comfortable and easy to hold on walks
- Many owners felt that the leash looked very smart and stylish on their dog
- Long-lasting, with many saying it stood up to months or years of wear, even those who use the leash at work to walk multiple dogs per day
Cons
- Some owners felt that this lead wasn’t as high-quality as they expected, particularly when compared with others they had tried
- Some found that when they first used the leash before their dog got used it, their dog would make a coughing sound when they pulled forward which they found concerning
- Not designed to stand up to power chewers, with some owners finding their dog could destroy the leash when left unsupervised
- At first, the leash can be stiff, which makes the sliding motion less smooth as the leash tightens and adjusts
- Some found that this leash was too chunky and large for their small breed dog
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash review
Features
- Best 2-handled leash
- Padded handles provide control
- Durable, strong, and reflective
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash is 1 of the best dog leashes for powerful pullers, made from heavy-duty, nylon webbing. This lead is strong and durable enough even for big breeds who are pullers. 2 padded handles are placed at different points on the leash to allow for extra control and use during training.
I found that when I needed to correct my dog I could use the handle closest to my dog to move them closer to me and redirect their attention. I felt the leash was sturdy and comfortable to use. The reflective aspect of the leash provides an added bonus, making it perfect for walks in low light or the dark.
Pros
- Second handle provides extra control, making walks safer and corrections more efficient
- Many owners said that this was the best leash they had owned and that they would recommend it to other owners
- Some said that the cushioned handles were comfortable to hold during walks and didn’t hurt even if their dog pulled
- Reflective stitching makes night-time walks safer, with owners feeling it was an added bonus
- Many said they felt the leash was high-quality, very durable, and strong even for big breeds
- Owners liked that the company donated a leash to a dog rescue for every leash bought
Cons
- Some owners found that this leash was too heavy for their small or medium breed dog, feeling it would be better suited to large breeds
- Some found that the clasp stopped working after a period of regular use
- Not designed to stand up to chewing, with some owners finding their dog could chew through the leash
- Some found that when grabbing the leash outside of the handles, the material was harsh and hurt their hands
- Some felt that this leash wasn’t as good quality as they were expecting, stating they had better experiences with other leashes
Ann-Marie Sharpe
EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash review
Features
- Best shock absorbing leash
- Shock absorbing centre reduces impact
- Provides control and durability
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash is a fantastic choice, made from strong and durable nylon with a neoprene handle. This leash has a shock-absorbing middle to reduce the impact for both dog and owner when your dog pulls. I found that this feature reduced pressure on my dog’s neck and my shoulder if my dog did get excited and pulled.
The leash is available in 2 lengths to suit your needs, with the longer length featuring a second handle close to your dog to provide extra control. I found this extra handle useful during training, particularly when around distractions. I also found the reflective aspect of this leash made it safer for night-time walks.
Pros
- Owners generally found this leash helped to reduce pulling and reduced the impact of pulling when it did occur
- Handle is comfortable and easy to hold, with the additional handle on the longer leash being helpful for control
- Some owners said that the leash was great value and was worth the price
- Shock absorbing aspect of the leash makes walks more pleasant for dog and owner, with even owners of strong big breeds saying they were impressed with the absorption when their dog pulled
- Many stated they felt the leash was strong and durable, feeling it would stand up to wear
Cons
- Some owners found this leash didn’t help them to reduce pulling on walks
- Some found that the clasp on the leash broke after a period of use, with some finding their dog got loose on a walk posing a safety hazard
- Some felt the leash was too big and bulky for their small breed dog
- Shock absorber can make corrections more difficult for some during training, with some owners feeling they had less control as a result
- Some felt this leash wasn’t good value for money
Things to Look for in a Dog Leash for Pullers
When you’re looking for the best dog leash for pulling, you should take the following factors into account to help you make the best choice:
Strength and Durability
You need the leash you choose to be particularly strong and durable to stand up to pulling, especially if you have a larger, powerful breed. Pulling puts more strain on the leash which, over time, will cause it to wear quicker. Choosing a strong, durable leash will ensure your leash lasts longer and stands up to your dog’s pulling as you work on correcting the behavior.
Shock Absorbance
When your dog pulls, especially if they lunge forward suddenly, it can put pressure on them and be painful for you. The last thing you want is an injury to you or your best pal. If your dog is prone to lunging forward, a leash with shock absorbance may be best.
This feature reduces the impact while you train your dog to stop pulling. It’s important to note that some people find a leash with shock absorbance doesn’t work for them during training, as it gives the dog extra room to move around. Think about what will work best for your needs.
Control
You need the most control possible to help you get that pulling under control. Look for leashes with features that help to give you that control, such as extra handles, the ability to shorten the leash, and slip leads which allow for gentle correction.
High-Quality Materials
Choosing a leash made from high-quality materials will ensure your pup is getting the best, as well as making the leash more likely to last longer and be comfortable for your pooch.
Leash Length
Consider how long you want the leash to be. In general, leashes that are shorter tend to be better for dogs who pull as it helps you to control them more efficiently. However, some people find that giving their dog a bit more freedom works for them.
Take your time to figure out what will work best for you and your dog. If in doubt, a leash that allows you to alter the length might be best for you.
Why Do Dogs Pull On Their Leash?
There are lots of reasons your dog might pull on their leash, but in essence, they all stem from 1 thing: your dog thinks that this is how they can move forward and get where they want to go. This might be due to lack of leash training, meaning your dog hasn’t been shown how to walk properly on their leash and therefore doesn’t know the rules. It’s our job to teach our dogs how to walk properly on their leash.
Sometimes we accidentally ‘reward’ our dogs pulling, for example by allowing them to move forward, meet other dogs, get to where they want to go (for example the park), or by giving them treats at the wrong time. When we do this, we’re essentially teaching our dogs that it’s ok to pull.
Some dogs are more prone to pulling due to their breed or their high energy levels. Thankfully, no matter what the cause of their pulling, the right equipment and training can help you get things back under control. You can reduce pulling and enjoy your walks together again.
Other Useful Equipment
As well as leashes, there are also harnesses and collars which can help you reduce pulling. Headcollars allow you to lead your dog by the nose, giving you more control and helping you to redirect your dog’s attention when needed. Martingale collars tighten gently when your dog pulls forward, enabling quick corrections.
Some harnesses allow you to lead your dog from the front or side, aiding in redirecting your dog’s attention and reducing pulling. No pull harnesses will often tighten gently around your dog’s body when they pull, helping you to correct the behavior. Often people (myself included) find using a collar and a harness at the same time with a double-ended leash helps to give them the control they need.
Leash Training
The right equipment can be very helpful in tackling pulling, but it must be paired with leash training to get the best results. If you’re unsure how to leash train your pup, there are lots of great guides and videos online to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance from your vet or seek help from a dog trainer, or by attending training classes with your dog.
Fundamentally, leash training involves teaching your dog that when they pull, they don’t move forward. When the leash is loose and they aren’t pulling, they move forward. Here are some simple tips to help you get started:
- Always have treats at hand to reward good behavior as soon as it occurs (treat training pouches can be extremely useful for this)
- Walk slowly and calmly
- If your dog walks with a loose leash, use lots of verbal praise and give them a treat
- If your dog pulls on the leash, stop, and bring them back to your side
- Continue these steps and be consistent in order to get the best results. It takes time and a lot of patience.
Dog Leash for Pullers FAQ
Why is leash pulling bad?
If your dog is pulling on the leash it means you’re not in control of the situation. It can also be painful for you, especially if you have a big dog, and can damage your dog’s neck if they’re constantly putting pressure on that area. Pulling on the leash can also be confusing and frustrating for your dog because they look to you for guidance and rules.
Does pulling on the leash hurt your dog?
Yes, pulling can hurt your dog especially if they’re on a collar or headcollar. Over time, pulling restricts blood flow to the area and can damage your dog’s neck and throat.
Conclusion
While pulling can be very frustrating, with the right equipment and training you can make walks pleasant again. You’ll be enjoying outdoor adventures with your best pal in no time!
The Best Dog Leashes for Pullers
Editor's Choice
Halti Nylon Training Dog Lead- Best for training
- 8 ways to use the leash
- Provides excellent control
Runner Up
Harness Lead Polyester No Pull Dog Harness- Best harness and leash in 1
- Tightens when dog pulls
- Provides gentle, efficient corrections
Also Good
Remington Rope Dog Slip Lead- Best slip lead
- Braided nylon for strength and durability
- Provides gentle corrections
