The Best Puppy Leashes (Plus Trainer-Approved Tips for Leash Training)
Editor's note: This article was originally published on Drew & Jonathan, where our founder Shelby Semel was interviewed as an expert source. We're resharing an adapted version here for our community.
If you've ever felt like walking your new puppy is less of a peaceful stroll and more of a tug-of-war, you are not alone. Here's the truth we tell every new puppy parent: walking politely on a leash isn't something dogs are born knowing how to do. As Shelby Semel puts it, "Walking nicely on a leash is not natural to a dog." It's a skill you teach — and the right leash makes teaching it a whole lot easier. (If pulling is your main battle, our guide to loose leash walking without losing your shoulder goes even deeper.)
Below, we'll walk you through what actually matters when choosing a puppy leash, share our favorite picks at every price point, and give you the training foundation to set you and your pup up for success.
Why the Right Leash Matters
A leash is more than a way to keep your puppy close — it's a communication tool between the two of you. The wrong one can make walks frustrating for both of you; the right one gives you control without discomfort and helps your puppy learn what you're asking.
One thing we feel strongly about: skip the aversive equipment. Fellow trainer Jenny Efimova cautions against prong collars, choke chains, and e-collars, which work by making pulling uncomfortable rather than teaching your dog what to do instead. They may suppress the behavior in the moment, but they don't build the calm, confident walker you're after — and they can damage the trust between you and your pup. (This is the heart of our positive reinforcement approach.)
How to Leash Train Your Puppy
Great leash manners are built in small, patient steps. Here's the approach we recommend:
Start indoors. Before you ever hit the sidewalk, pair the leash with good things. Clip it on inside and reward your puppy with treats for calm, happy behavior.
Teach your foundation cues. Simple, consistent words like "Let's go," "Heel," and "Wait" give your puppy a vocabulary to follow.
Be a tree. The moment the leash goes tight, stop moving. When it loosens, you move again. This teaches your puppy that pulling gets them nowhere — literally.
Head outside gradually. Start with short, manageable outings and build up. The world is a lot of stimulation for a little dog, which is why early socialization matters so much.
Let them sniff. Sniffing isn't a distraction — it's enrichment, and it's a wonderful reward and calming tool. A slow, sniff-filled walk is a win.
Watch their stress. Keep an eye on how your puppy is coping and adjust. A stressed puppy can't learn.
A quick reframe that helps so many owners: for a young puppy, a relaxed 20-minute sniffing walk does more for their development than a forced brisk march around the block. Pausing, exploring, and zigzagging are all completely normal puppy behavior — and if your pup is especially bouncy, our tips for training a hyperactive puppy will help. Once the basics click, you can start building distance with a long line; here's how we build a bulletproof recall.
Our Favorite Puppy Leashes
Here are ten leashes we love, from splurge-worthy sets to budget heroes. There's something here for every dog, every walk, and every wallet.
The Coordinated Splurge — Active Adventure Walk Set by Foggy Dog ($132.00): A convertible leash that switches to hands-free, plus matching accessories for the owner who likes a put-together look.
Best Budget Pick — Joytale Reflective Dog Leash ($7.99, Amazon): Proof that you don't have to spend much for a great leash. Multiple widths and lengths, a padded handle, and reflective stitching for evening walks.
Best Hands-Free — Hands-Free Rope Leash by Wild One ($48.00): Adjustable to several wear styles and rated for dogs up to 80 pounds — ideal for runners and multitaskers.
Best Retractable — Flexi Classic Retractable ($11.99, Chewy): Available from 10 to 26 feet with a reliable quick-stop mechanism to give your pup freedom while keeping you in control.
Best for Wet Weather — Waterproof Dog Leash by Wild One ($48.00): A flex-poly coating and weather-resistant hardware make rainy-day and beach walks no problem.
Best Rope Leash on a Budget — Taglory Rope Leash ($8.99, Amazon): Sturdy nylon, a cushioned handle, and multiple sizes at a price that's hard to beat.
Most Comfortable Handle — CHAI'S CHOICE Padded Leash ($19.95, Chewy): An ergonomic, padded handle and reflective material built to last.
Best for Night Walks — Nite Ize NiteDog LED ($30.99, Petco): A rechargeable fiberoptic leash with up to six hours of illumination so you and your pup stay visible after dark.
Best for Bigger Pups — Ocean Marine Rope Leash by Foggy Dog ($62.00): Double-braided nylon rated for dogs up to 100 pounds, so it grows with your puppy.
Best Hands-Free with Storage — iYoShop Hands-Free Leash with Pouch ($21.99, Amazon): More than 30 designs, built-in bungee shock absorbers, and a waist fit from 27 to 48 inches — treats and poop bags included in the plan.
A Few Last Tips From Us
Keep high-value treats in your pocket to redirect your puppy before unwanted behavior takes hold, rather than after. And remember that your energy travels right down the leash. Puppies are remarkably tuned in to how we're feeling, so a relaxed handler with a loose leash makes for a relaxed, teachable puppy. Take a breath, keep it fun, and celebrate the small wins. (Walking with a dog who lunges or barks at everything? Start with our guide to the leash-reactive dog.)
Ready for Real Progress?
Every puppy learns at their own pace, and sometimes a little professional guidance makes all the difference. If you'd like hands-on help building great leash manners — or working through any puppy challenge — book a consultation with one of our professional trainers. We'd love to help you and your pup enjoy every walk together.
