Dogs need regular exercise so it goes without saying that another essential item is a dog leash. Once again, this is a personal choice and there is a huge variety to choose from depending upon the purpose of its use. It may be necessary to have two or three different types of leads; for example, a longer nylon lead for general walking and a shorter lead for dog training, or there may be a reason to have a tie out lead if the dog needs to be tied up for a short while, or you might prefer to pay a little more for one lead which has multi-function purposes. 
Here are some things that are important to consider prior to purchasing a new lead:
1. Safety for yourself and the dog.
2. Comfort for holding.
3. How many dogs are you walking at any one time (you may have more than one dog)?
4. Size and breed of the dog you will be walking.
5. Quality of the different types of leads.
6. Are you looking for a designer leash? Muttropolis have a great collection of luxury leashes made from cotton, fabric and nylon, hemp, leather, micro-suede and rope.
As with dog collars, there are certain types of leads which are preferable and safer than others, so this aims to give you enough information so you are able to make an informed decision about which is the most appropriate type of lead for your dog and lifestyle. This site does not promote the use of extendable leads or chain leads and there is an explanation of the reasons for this at the bottom of this page.
Soft Leads
As there is such a wide variety of soft leads with different patterns, colors, sizes and designs for specific uses we have created a separate page for these – refer to our Soft Dog Leads page by clicking here. Certainly, if your dog is trained to walk without pulling then a soft lead is the ideal type of lead to be using. Puppies can easily be trained to walk nicely on a lead and certainly the soft puppy leads are the best to start off with. For information about introducing your puppy to walking on a lead please refer to our Puppy Training page.
Soft leads are easy to clip on and comfortable to hold in the hand and together with a soft collar they are non-threatening and non-harmful to your puppy or adult dog and therefore the aim should be to train your dog to walk without pulling, so this type of lead is the best first choice.
Discover the leashes for every occasion at Ezydog.com
Hands Free Leads
The hands-free leash is an excellent leash to have if you have a large and/or strong dog that has a tendency to pull or get reactive. They are also perfect for people with neck or shoulder weakness or for those who are walking with a stroller or pram. People who run or jog with their dog may find it easier using one of these types of leashes.
The hands-free leash clips to a belt which fits around your waist or hips and the dog leash clips on to the belt. By keeping the hands and arms free your body and weight more centralized, it means your balance will be a lot better and your core body strength is taking any pulling or jerking movements which could potentially throw you off balance. Having the leash clipped to the waist also allows your hands to be free for training, giving you the ability to teach more effectively while still having the dog under control.
Slip Leads
Slip leads are a collar and leash combined into one. They are very useful if you compete in dog competitions and sports or if you show your dog. The lead should fit through the “O” ring at the end to form the collar which is then slipped over the dog’s head. The collar then becomes tighter as the dog forges ahead however loosens when next to you. When competing in any dog sport that requires the dog to work off lead this is easily slipped over the head and the dog is then free to work. If you are interested in showing your dog, then special show leads allow the dog to run more freely next to you with minimal interfering with the natural conformation of the dog’s proportions and coat. They are also handy for putting your dog quickly on lead without having to fiddle around with clips. Another added benefit of these is that there no chance of clips and rings breaking.
……………………………………………………….
Dog Training Leads
These leads are specifically designed for assisting you to train your dog and they come in different forms however generally they are much shorter than a normal walking lead which means the handler doesn’t have to be fiddling about with holding the excess length. The short length means you are able to train your dog to walk at your side or in the heel position as opposed to being able to pull out in front. Some of the Multi-Function Leads can be used for shorter style training leads.
Looking at training or working your dog for outdoor sports and activities? Ruffwear have specialized leads for sled-pulling, tracking, cycling, and bush-walking. If you’re wanting to work with your dog as a team then these leashes here will be just what you need – find out more here.
Show Leads
If you have an interest in showing or working your dog in competitions then it might be beneficial to use a special training lead for the purpose of sport you intend to compete in. Show leads are lighter and finer than a normal walking lead and have special features for showing your dog to maximum potential and control.
Cherrybrook is the place to go if you are wanting to show your dog in competitions. They have the largest range of show leashes and collars – check them out here!
.
Brace Leads (Or Couplers)
Brace leads or couplers are great if you are walking more than one dog. Instead of holding a separate lead for each dog and having the leads get tangled up a brace coupler is clipped on to the end of the lead and the two extensions attached to the collar of each dog. This allows you to walk comfortably holding just the one lead and having each dog with a separate extension. Most of the Multi-Function Leads below incorporate the brace lead as one of the functions.
The Ruffwear Double Track Coupler is a leash adapter that allows easy, tangle-free walking of two dogs. Wavelength™ stretch webbing absorbs shock, providing a comfortable experience for dogs and their humans. The swiveling Crux Clip™ provides strong and secure attachment to both dogs. Combine with most Ruffwear leashes for the ultimate multi-dog setup.
The Soft Touch Coupler from EzyDog is a blend of super soft, double density nylon which makes it both comfortable and outrageously strong. It is finished with reflective trim for night-time safety. One ‘strand’ of the coupler is adjustable from 35cm – 60cm, allowing you to set the length for each dog. The other end has a Traffic Control Handle situated near the dog’s collar for close control in built up areas.
Multi-Function Leads
Multi-function leads are great because they are adaptable for many different activities. One leash can be versatile and be used for many different situations. Check out these below:
Blue-9 Multi-function Leash from Karen Pryor’s www.clickertraining.com
Prepare for any situation with the Blue-9 Multi-Functional Leash! Easily switch from a regular 6 ft. leash, a shorter 3.5 ft. leash, shoulder leash, or double attachment for our bestselling Balance Harness.
Key Benefits: Regular 6 ft leash; doubled over 3.5 ft leash; over the shoulder/hands-free leash; double attachment for the Balance Harness.
Multi-Functional leads are great because they are adaptable for many different situations. The Vario 6 – Multi-function Dog Leash from EzyDog.com can work as either a double or single leash by converting from a 159 cm leash to a 100 cm traffic leash or even as a hands-free if you wish to run with your dog. Alternatively, it can be used as a long and short tether. The Vario 6 contains a special blend of super soft nylon webbing and then doubled up for extra strength. The snap clip is heavy duty and built to last. It is also has reflective trim for night-time safety.
There is even a LITE version of the Vario 6 Multi-function leash for dogs up to 12kg.
Bicycle Leashes
Bicycle leashes are specifically designed so that your dog can accompany you when you ride your bike however before purchase make sure that you research one that is going to be suitable for your needs. The multi-function leashes, as described above, can be used when bicycling as well as running or other activities – the best selection of Multi-Function Leashes are here at EzyDog.com or why not check out all their specialty leashes here!
Before going ahead and purchasing one you might want to consider the following:
Where are you going to be riding? Is it going to be on busy cycle ways where people are passing you constantly and near traffic? You may require a shorter length so the dog stays closer to your bike. Even two feet might be too wide a distance from the bike.
How fit is your dog? Make sure your dog is fit enough to keep up by building up the endurance gradually. Be mindful of the fact that dogs naturally run fast in short spurts and then rest. Give your dog regular breaks to stop, sniff and enjoy his run and always have a water bowl or container with you. Make sure if you are biking on bitumen or pavement or any other hard surface that this is not going to hurt the dog’s pads.
What size dog do you have? Ensure that the bicycle walker is going to fit your dog comfortably without choking him as you ride. Make sure he is able to keep up with you and get him used to it by practising in your yard or somewhere quiet first. Start off slowly and for short periods of time and build it up as he gets more used to it.
Is your dog a puller, easily distracted or reactive? You may want to think twice if your dog has any of these tendencies, ie. inclined to dart off after a bird, duck or squirrel. You don’t want him pulling you and the bike over. Or if he has a tendency to be reactive when people or other dogs get too close then it will be difficult to get enough space between you to diffuse the situation. Once again, you don’t want him pulling you and the bike over.
What sort of bike do you ride? It is important to get a good quality attachment that is secure and safe for your dog and going to fit well (without having to tighten bolts and parts on a regular basis) to your bike. Make sure it can be unattached easily, just in case there is an emergency and you need to get your dog released quickly. It is important to get a product that is going to be suitable for your bike.
And lastly, read reviews of the product you are considering to see if any of their comments may be a concern for you.
The Omnijore™ Joring System or the Omnijore Towline Leash from Ruffwear 
provides a fun and comfortable way for a dog and human to work as a team, with the dog pulling and the human skiing, skateboarding, or biking. The complete system includes a dog harness, human hip-belt, and towline. The components are designed to work together to maximize performance, comfort and fun, and are sized to comply with international joring regulations.
Reflective Leads
Reflective leads are great if you are going to be walking or biking your dog in dim light or dark, either before sunrise or after sunset. This allows you and your dog to be seen by motorists, cyclists and other walkers.
Some of the Multi-Function Leashes have a reflective thread through them however the following are the best we can find:
Nite Beams LED Rechargeable Dual Dog Leash from Chewy.com
Light up your nightly walks wherever you go with the Nite Beams LED Rechargeable Dual Dog Leash. You can take two of your favorite pals along with you with its dual-pup design, and be sure you will always be safely visible every step of the way, thanks to the powerful LED lights that run the length of the leash. In fact, they are so powerful that their light can be seen from up to a quarter mile away, providing safety and visibility on even the darkest streets, for motorists and pedestrians alike. Designed with a no-tangle swivel feature, this leash takes the pressure off you and your pals and prevents your pups from getting all tangled up. Use it in any weather, choose from a variety of vibrant colors and light up the night with your furry friends!
Chewy.com has a great range of other reflective leashes which can be viewed here!
Alternatively, you can find more reflective leashes and collars here at Cherrybrook.com!
Tethers or Tie-Outs
A tether or tie-out lead is one that is longer in length and which you can use to tie the dog to a pole, tree or whatever is secure so that he won’t run off. Tethers can be used for indoor potty or toilet training as an alternative to using a crate. These types of leads are generally made of metal cable so that the dog is not able to chew through it should he be left alone and they are available in different lengths and strengths. If you know that your dog will not chew through a lead then some of the multi-function leads listed above can be used for tying the dog up however if you have a strong chewer then it might be wiser to look at getting the metal cable leads.
You can find a great range of tether and tie-out products and accessories at Chewy.com!
Otherwise, check out the Tether and Tie-Out Leashes and products from Amazon.com here!
Extendable Leads
As stated above, this website does not promote the use of extendable leads because of the potential dangers that can occur around them. Here’s some of the reasons why:
1. People think that because the leads are retractable they will be able to quickly pull their dogs in closer to them if the situation arises. The problem arises that as the dog pulls the lead can be extended fully. In order for the lead to be retracted there needs to be some slack. If the dog is pulling then there will be no slack to reel it in. It then requires the handler to run closer to the dog in order to get that extra slack to wind it in. This requires some quick maneuvering of the hand to unlock and lock continuously in order to get the dog closer. The locks can also pop and fail if a dog lunges too hard against the lead.
2. If a dangerous situation occurs while the dog is fully extended on one of these leads it will require a very quick response from the handler in order to get the dog back. More often than not, human responses are not quick enough to avoid such situations.
3. The further the dog is walking in front and the lead is extended the less control the handler has. If the dog has full extension then this could mean that he has six feet of distance between them. Some potentially dangerous situations could be that the dog darts onto the road in front of an oncoming car or there could be another dog approaching and the potential for a fight. Something could spook the dog and it could lunge and pull the handler over. The handler’s reaction and response time is going to be too slow to avoid these dangers.
4. These plastic handles are not as secure to hold on to as a fabric or softer type handle. If the dog suddenly lunges or pulls and takes the handler unawares then the lead has been dropped and the dog escapes or the jolt could damage the handlers fingers, hand or arms if the pull is strong enough. Even little dogs are capable of pulling strong enough to injure the handler.
5. The cable or cord can be a huge problem also in that it can cause bad friction burns and deep slashes to the skin. There have been many, many instances where the cord has gotten caught around the legs or arms of a person and cause serious injury, some as bad as requiring amputation of fingers through dogs running and playing. The other danger is not only to the handler but to others who may be passing by. Cords are not always clearly visible and if they cut across the path of a runner or cyclist then this will result in a nasty accident.
Extendable leads may be appropriate in certain circumstances however if you are going to use one make sure that you have good control of your dog without the use of a lead, ie. train the dog to walk without pulling and make sure the dog will come to you when called. For general walking where there is traffic, people, bicycles and cars, then these types of leads are not recommended to the general pet owner.
Chain Leads
We also do not promote the use of chain leads. These are less common nowadays anyway, however it is worthy to mention these. The problem with chain leads is they are very hard on the hands and cannot be handled as comfortably as the fabric or softer leads. It is easier for the chain lead to slip through the hands which results in the dog escaping and therefore the handler has less control of the dog.
