Leash Guide

Welcome to your all-inclusive guide to pet leashes, where we will dive into the many different types of leashes and when they may be good fit for you and your pet.

Fixed-Length Leashes

Let's start with traditional leashes, such as the one featured in the banner above.  Traditional leashes are commonly constructed with rope or leather materials, can be round or flat, offering high tensile strength but low flexibility. Often times, you might even find leashes strengthened with chain link, such as the Benepaw 63" Chain Link Reinforced Dog Leash, which is great for chewers.  The most common fixed-length leashes, with one clip and one handle, are best used for training and activities where limited roam is desired.  These are usually also the most affordable leashes on the market, and we would recommend everyone start off with a basic fixed-length leash with any new pet, such as the GOTCHA™ 5' Reflective Rope Leash.

Variable-Length Leashes

The less obvious variable-length option on the market are bungee leashes, such as leash featured in the DIDOG Tactical Dog Collar Bungee Leash Set.  Bungee leashes are usually constructed with flexible webbing near the clip, which will flex and rebound when your pet pulls or lunges.  Bungee leashes and extensions are designed to absorb shock, putting less stress on the leash and your arm.

Next we have retractable leashes, which by far offer the highest level of convenience to your daily adventures - but may not always be recommended for your pet. If your pet habitually pulls and lunges, or chews on the leash, some training would be advised before using a retractable leash.  Cats who enjoy walks are great fits for retractable leashes.  When it comes to retractable leashes, quality is immediately noticeable.  We would advise always ensuring the weight limit matches your pet, and we would recommend sticking with tangle-free retractable leashes with shock-resistant casings (ABS) - like the TUG All-In-One 16' Retractable Dog Leash. Lastly, we'll note again - please do NOT use a retractable leash if you have a large untrained dog, someone may get hurt.

Specialty Leashes (Active, Multiple Pets)

For unique needs such as exercising or multiple pet homes, there are products available for you too!  Active leashes are generally hands-free, like the PETLOVEY Hands-Free Active Bungee Dog Leash, designed to attach to the waist and often constructed partially of flexible bungee webbing to absorb shock and prevent injury.  Leashes for 2 or more pets can be found in classic fixed-length form (like the BENEPAW 5' Double Bungee Dog Leash) or even retractable (like the PETOPIA 9' All-In-One Retractable Dual Dog Leash ), however this is best recommended for familiar pets with similar walk habits.

That's all for this post, thank you for reading!  Please leave a comment and share your thoughts, your input is of tremendous value to us.