5 Best Leashes for Dogs Who Pull

Why does your dog pull on their leash, no matter how hard you try to keep a uniform pace? While no two dogs are the same, you can always make one general assumption: Your pup thinks you’re too slow — much too slow. Not only are they naturally faster, they also have a much different sense of time (dog years is an imperfect term, but there’s more than a little truth to it).

Your dog wants to be where they’re going ASAP, and they’re either convinced you’re keeping them from something interesting, or overwhelmed by stimuli and trying to get away. So, they try to pick up your pace by means of a little tug. If you’ve got the wrong equipment, all that tugging could result in serious injury to your dog, from whiplash to tracheal trauma.

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Luckily, there are some good general practices to help get your dog to stop pulling. One of them is to stop every time they pull. After much standing around, it’ll become clear to your pup that pulling on the leash ultimately slows things down even more. Dog trainer Robert Haussmann also reminds frustrated pet parents to always reward good leash behavior, so keep those treats on hand.

Perhaps the most important factor in discouraging your dog from pulling on the leash, however, is the leash itself. The right equipment will go a long way in keeping your dog comfortable as you work together to improve leash behavior.

VCA Animal hospitals recommends finding a leash that feels comfortable in your hand for extended periods, with a length of between six and 10 feet when fully extended, and an option for a longer lead for wider exploration. It’s also important to avoid retractable leashes. They might seem more convenient, but they can also result in friction burns for your dog. With all these factors in mind, we’ve compiled our favorite leashes for tug-training, no matter what kind of dog you’re walking.

Types of leashes for dogs who pull

A lot of pull-training leashes are specifically designed to have two separate lengths, one very short for immediate control and the other with a wider radius. Some achieve this with a short grip at the base of the leash. Double-handled leashes achieve the same effect with a second loop and require a little more dexterity on the part of the operator. Bungee leashes are also popular but are to be used with caution, as they can lead to a false sense of security and actually encourage your dog to pull.

While we’ve stuck largely to traditional types in this list, there are also “hands-free” leashes that combine the elasticity of a bungee leash with the convenience of going around your waist or chest. Finally, rope and slip leashes offer unprecedented feel for dog and dog walker and are favored by serious trainers. But if you opt for that kind of leash, make sure you have already established a strong training relationship with your dog first.

Key features to consider in a dog leash for dogs who pull

The first thing you’ll have to consider is the size of your dog. If it’s a big or giant breed, you’ll probably want to start off with a harness as you get used to walking them. A harness will reduce the likelihood of injury to the dog’s neck and throat, as well as the likelihood that your Bull Mastiff will sprain your shoulder.

One of the most common features to look for in a leash for your dog that pulls is a traffic handle. These allow the dog walker to immediately shorten the lead in crowded areas or after a sudden stimulus causes a jolt. Other features that will make your leash training experience more enjoyable are reflective material, comfortable material for your hand and your pup’s fur and the amount of give your leash has. 

Best overall leashes for dogs who pull

While every individual dog and every individual pet parent will have their own opinions about exactly what’s comfortable and convenient, the leashes in the five categories that follow cast a wide net in terms of material, style, and weight. Whether you’re walking a Dachshund or a Great Dane, there’s a leash on this list that’ll help you and your dog have better, safer walks.

Best heavy-duty harness

We begin with the heavy artillery. If your dog is a big breed, or if you’re a serious dog trainer, or both, this is the category you’ll want to concern yourself with. Think of the harness-style rigs you see on service dogs, or Police K-9s. Even the strongest working breeds can be discouraged from tugging on these. Paired with a sturdy lead, our pick will keep your arms safely in their sockets regardless of how hard you might be tugged around, while also protecting your pup from injury.

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness

$55

Available in sizes to fit the smallest and largest puppy pals alike, Ruffwear’s harness is soft to the touch but tough as nails. Foam pads keep your dog comfortable, while dual-leash hooks mean you can adjust leash length and type to fit your own comfort level as well. Its four size adjustment points let you fine-tune the fit to maximize comfort, and its reflective material makes night walks just a little safer. If you’re walking a working breed or a little guy with a ton of strength, Ruffwear’s harness will fit you (and your canine companion) just fine.

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$55 at Amazon

Best bungee leash with shock absorption

These leashes are for dogs who are making strides with pulling and are ready for a bit more freedom. If you use a bungee leash right away, it can actually encourage pulling if you’re not careful. But good leash behavior deserves a reward, and a little more roaming room is certainly a reasonable treat. A bungee leash is also good for dog walkers who don’t have trouble keeping up with their pups at higher speeds.

EzyDog Zero Shock-Absorbing Dog Leash

$33

It might look small, but EzyDog’s Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash packs a remarkable amount of versatility into that petite package. “Soft Touch” webbing throughout the length of the leash makes sudden movements less jarring for both dog and human. The entire leash is threaded with reflective fabric for night walks. A secondary short handle EzyDog called the “traffic control” handle allows you to take tight control in sudden situations. The main handle even has a convenient clip for your keys and other accessories. When your dog’s ready for a bungee leash, this is the one we’d recommend.

$33 at Chewy

Best double handle leash

Ideal for larger breeds but useful for all dogs, a double-handle leash offers hardware to support two different lengths of lead, one for exploring larger spaces and one for tighter control on crowded sidewalks or pathways. If you’re doing other kinds of training alongside leash training, the control length also allows easier practice of basic cues, like sit and heel. It’s also easy to let your dog know if they’re pulling too much by simply shortening the length and stopping your walk for a bit.

Adityna Double Handle Leather Dog Leash

$29

$27

Don’t let the intricately braided leather and brass touches fool you: This leash is far more than a fashion statement. A classic design that fits smaller breeds as well as it does larger working breeds makes this the perfect training leash no matter what. This leash’s six-foot length is great for regular walks. Plus, it has a a control setting for training and traffic. It’s also been tested by 500 large and medium dogs.

$27 at Amazon

Best rope leash

Combining the durability of climbing-grade materials with comfort in your hand and for your canine companion, a good rope leash is the classic choice here. A good one will last a dog’s age (pun intended) and stand up to the elements as well as usual wear and tear. They’re also compact when put away; they don’t require any intricate harnesses or carabiners; and they have a classic, minimal look.

Knot-a-Leash™ Rope Dog Leash

$44

The rope leash is beyond classic. It’s been helping dog parents leash train since before pugs had flat faces. However, this version from Ruffwear is furnished with modern materials and conveniences to make it easy to train your dog not to tug.

A tri-action, auto-locking carabiner, and climbing-grade materials make sure you’re connected to your pup in all the ways that matter without any unnecessary irritation. The is a generous, five-foot long leash and can even be matched to a collar designed by Ruffwear.

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$44 at Ruffwear

Best slip leash for training dogs who pull

The minimalistic design of a slip leash means that you have more control over your dog’s direction and range when you use them. These are especially useful for training because your inputs can be immediately, safely, and intensely felt by your dog at all times. Plus, your dog has more of an opportunity to use their body language (without pulling) to show you what they want to do. They’re not for beginners, but they make for excellent teamwork.

Mendota Products Large Slip Solid Rope Dog Leash

$23

A British-style collar/leash combo that allows for incredible control and communication between dog and walker, Mendota’s slip leash gets the final word in simplicity and effectiveness. It fits around almost any dog’s neck with ease and comfort and is suitable for dogs up to 250 pounds. It’s perfect for regular walks, leash training, general training, and looking good while you do it all. Professional trainers tend to favor these styles, and it’s easy to see why: The comfort of the material, durability after use, weight and compatibility (it fits easily in your coat pocket when not in use) are everything you want in a quality leash.

$23 at Chewy

Training tips to reduce pulling 

A good first step to solving the pulling problem is to try to identify the reason your dog is pulling. Are they scared? Excited? Playful? A little of all three? Are they responding to a certain smell in a certain place? Sussing out these details will go a long way toward understanding and eventually changing the behavior.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re reacting to their pulling in the right ways. Don’t pull back, but don’t follow their tugging, either. Simply stop walking and don’t start again until you have a slack leash to work with. Dogs have a hard-wired oppositional response, meaning if they feel pressure from one direction, they’re likely to push or pull back. Too much physical response from your end could quickly make the problem worse.

You should also keep leash training sessions short and reward good behavior enthusiastically. Puppies and untrained dogs have short attention spans, so the longer you try to work on leash training, the more likely it is that one of you will get frustrated and pull, or pull back. Stay calm and keep those first sessions quick.

Bottom line

It’s likely that no matter what kind of breed you bring into your life, they’ll pull on that leash at some point. Doing so can cause stress on the dog walker’s arms and legs, and more importantly could seriously injure the dog. Whiplash and tracheal injuries are common for dogs who pull, as are sprains and strains from all the resistance in the leash as they tug. To make sure your dog’s walks are safe and beneficial, training your pup to stop pulling is imperative. While there are a number of training tricks to achieve this, the equipment you use is just as important. 

Leashes these days come in a number of shapes and styles specifically designed to discourage pulling. Harnesses, “traffic” handles, and old-school slip leashes are some of the best tools for leash training, with varying degrees of expertise needed to properly utilize each one.

Slip leashes, for example, require a close relationship between dog and walker to be used effectively but are immensely easy to put on. Harnesses are easier for novices to use but can be a little involved to fit on a dog. Which one you ultimately choose for your dog will depend on your dog’s size and training level, as well as your own comfort level as a trainer.

References

• “Controlling Pulling on Walks | VCA Animal Hospitals.” Vcahospitals.com, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/controlling-pulling-on-walks.

• “Could Pulling on the Leash Hurt Your Dog? | PetSafe®.” Petsafe.com, 2016, www.petsafe.com/blog/could-pulling-on-the-leash-hurt-your-dog/. Accessed 9 Sept. 2025.

• Fuhrer, Anita. “Top Features of a High-Quality Adjustable Rope Leash.” HUND Denmark , 22 Feb. 2024, hunddenmark.com/blogs/news/top-features-of-a-high-quality-adjustable-rope-leash?srsltid=AfmBOorgjWCj9gzxH5ffJIiJOb7liXiLs52TIzwZ5gqgmkPv8ehbgM-t. Accessed 9 Sept. 2025.

• Johnson, Robert. “The Best Leashes for Dogs That Pull.” Rocky Mountain Dog, 27 Sept. 2024, rockymountaindog.com/blogs/news/the-best-leashes-for-dogs-that-pull. Accessed 9 Sept. 2025.

• ‌‌Wilmot, Lauren. “Benefits of a Dual-Handle Dog Leash.” Leashrr 2.0, 21 Dec. 2024, leashrr.com/dual-handed-dog-leaash/. Accessed 9 Sept. 2025.