If you’re a dog owner then you know the wonder of the W-A-L-K-I-E-S (don’t say it out loud, they’ll hear you) - dogs need walks for daily exercise and they’re a lovely way of getting out and about with your furry friend accompanying you via their dog lead.
Related: The best dog collars | The best dog beds on a budget
All dog owners need a good quality lead in order to enjoy walks, but everyone is different - and our dogs have individual needs. You want a lead that is durable for any type of walk, but is comfortable for your dog and in the hand.
Here at Whatsthebest, we love pups too and have found the best dog leads out there for any situation. We also have some great tips for how to optimise your dog leads for the best walk possible.
Related: Awesome dog agility equipment to keep your dog active
Do dogs have to be on a lead?
Dogs must be on a lead in public spaces like parks, roads, children’s play areas, beaches and sports pitches. It’s for their safety, as well as for public convenience. You can check your local council’s website for the laws and restrictions in your area.
There are dog-friendly spaces all over the UK, so your dog can have some freedom to run around off-lead. It’s worth checking out where they are for a nice day out for you and your pup.
Now that we know the basics, let's take a look at the best dog leads available. Keep reading for more FAQs about lead training and keeping your dog safe.
Best retractable lead
AmazonThis lead is ideal for walking in busy areas when you want to change the lead length quickly. It's strong and durable, so it can withstand quick length changes and any excited dog. It's a simple but fun design, comes in four colours, is easy to use and you'll have no issues clipping it on. You can also get an attachment that gives you easy access to poo bags
Best lead for dogs that pull
AmazonComing in multiple sizes and colours, this lead is great for dogs that can't help but pull during walks. It's tangle-free with an anti-slip handle, so you'll always be in control. Its quick-lock feature will make sure you can keep your dog where you need them to be.
Best training lead
Leads are beneficial for training your pooch, and this lead especially is a must-have. It's really strong and comes in different lengths for the different types of training you may want to do. This lead is perfect for heel, obedience and recall training.
Best for night-time walks
PetsAtHomewww.petsathome.com
Night-time walks are sometimes necessary, especially if you have a larger dog that needs more daily exercise or an active breed. This lead is visible in the dark and is made for larger dogs so it's really durable. It's also quite long, so your dog can have some after-hours freedom without you having to worry about their safety.
Best luxury lead
Barbourwww.barbour.com
Combining classic style with durability, this lead is able to put fashion and safety first. Walks can be trendy, too
Best slip-on lead
PetsAtHomewww.petsathome.com
Slip-on leads are great for rescue dogs who aren't used to regular leads, and it's a staple for a working dog. This lead puts comfort first and even though it comes in other colours, we just love this rainbow design.
Best for running
AmazonAre you and your dog running buddies? With a fully adjustable waistband for you and a bungee lead for them, you can go hands-free without sacrificing safety. It's secure, smooth and you even get a free poo bag pouch with it.
Best for puppies
AmazonWalks are a wonderful but overwhelming first-time experience for puppies - and probably for you, too. This lead is designed for closer control. with a short length and shock absorption. You'll have cushioned pulling and the padded handled will help you keep your grip. It comes in multiple colours, so you can get it to match your puppy's personality.
Best for nervous dogs
AmazonIf your fur baby is a little nervous, this lead is a simple but effective way to let other people and dog owners know not to come near. It will prevent unpleasant situations and make walks a much more fun experience for your dog. It's durable, too, so it really is a no worries option.
How do you lead train a dog?
Firstly, having the right lead is essential as it makes the foundations of efficient lead training. Secondly, remember to have patience. Your dog won’t get it straight away, so don’t worry too much. Remember, walks are supposed to be fun.
You can try walking your dog around in the garden first, just so they can get used to being on the lead. You can also work on important commands there, knowing they’re safe. Be aware of the possible obstacles in your area such as traffic, other dogs and local farm life. This will help you prepare for a great walk.
Teach commands such as ‘heel’ and ‘stay’ before the first proper walk. Using a reward and praise-based training method will work wonders. Then just keep repeating that training on your walks and they’ll nail it eventually.
How to stop dogs pulling on the lead?
Dogs seem to walk faster than us and some of them would leave us in the dust if they could. We want them to enjoy an active walk but if the lead's on, pulling doesn’t benefit them or us.
Like with all training, repetition will be your best friend in this situation. If the lead is loose as your walk, reward and praise them. If they pull, then delay the walk and give the ‘No’ command. They should pick it up pretty quickly.
Related: The best pet calming products.
How to hold a dog lead?
Again, picking the right lead is important. Your comfort is just as important as your dog’s, so consider what sort of handle will best suit you. Always have a firm grip when walking your dog and give yourself time to get used to a new lead.
In certain situations, you might want more control of your dog, so use your other hand to hold lower down the lead. This is an easy way to have extra control if you need it.
What should you consider when buying a lead?
When you buy a new lead, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly you need to consider what type of dog you have. Certain breeds need more exercise and will want to go further during a walk, so your lead might need extra durability and length. You might want a shorter lead for puppies or rescue dogs, so they feel more at ease being closer to you.
Your lead choice should also be affected by your dog's behaviour on walks. A lead with easy control is essential for safety during a stroll with your pup. Make sure the lead you buy will work with whatever collar or harness you have for your dog.
Eve Miller is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest with a love for writing, film, her dog and beauty. She also writes for Yours.co.uk.