Whether you want to take your dog on a walk, a run, or a fun training adventure, a good leash is key. It’s the way you communicate with your pet and keep them from taking off after a squirrel or some other fascinating distraction.
Leashes come in different lengths, widths, and materials. There are plenty of recyclable and sustainable options, but nylon leashes can also be incredibly durable. Unless your dog is a chewer and destroys it, a good leash can last forever.
Here are our eco-friendly and durable picks for your buddy. Some are specifically for training or for walking two pups at once. One can be used in an impressive six configurations. They’re all popular with dog owners and we’ve personally tried many of them and can vouch for their hardiness and comfort.
What are you waiting for? Want to go for a WALK? Here are the best dog leashes:
This double-handled leash with reflective stitching is an excellent everyday option, making it our top overall choice. The padded handle is comfortable for even the longest walks and the extra handle is great for when you need to keep your dog a little closer to your side. There’s a helpful D-ring at the top that you can use to clip on keys, your poop bags, or a small light.
Best Overall
Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash
The leash washes well, is long-lasting yet flexible, and comes in seven colors. Plus, for every product you buy, they donate one to one of the 3,500 rescues around the country they support.
Price at time of publish: $17
If you’re looking for something that’s basic and natural, Wigglywoos offers this sturdy hemp rope leash. It’s made from 0.4 inch three-strand hemp rope with no dyes or chemicals. Although hemp rope feels soft, it’s strong and long-lasting.
Best Natural Materials
WigglywoosPet Just Hemp Rope Dog Leash
Each leash is slightly different because they’re individually made. They are finished with a decorative hemp whipping twine in one of nine colors including dusty pink, slate, and red. The leash comes in four lengths ranging from 3 to 6 feet and is also available in a thicker 0.5-inch rope.
You want your hands free when running, so you need a leash that can be worn around your waist. Ruffwear has two really good options. The Flat Out leash is lightweight with a swiveling talon clip for easy movement for your dog. You can clip the leash around your waist or turn it into a padded handle for walks. It can also transform into a short tether when you momentarily need to secure your pet to a tree or a post. The leash is 6 feet long and comes in nine colors and designs.
Best for Running
Ruffwear Flat Out Dog Leash
Ruffwear also has a Roamer leash that is very similar but has a bungee built into the length of the leash. It allows for more exploring and less tugging for your canine sport companion.
Price at time of publish: $35
This leash does it all. It converts six different ways, depending on where you place the carabiner. You can loop it around your waist for running, over your shoulder for hands-free walking, turn it into a double-dog leash, a tether to hitch your dog, or it becomes a basic 6-foot or 3-foot standard leash.
Best Hands-Free
Kurgo Quantum 6-In-1 Dog Leash
The reflective leash has a padded handle that moves depending on the configuration. The leash adjusts from 48 to 72 inches and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It’s available in six bright colors.
Price at time of publish: $30
Made out of recycled plastic bottles, this leash from LupinePet’s eco line has a comfortable padded handle and is available in six colors, three widths, and three lengths. You’ll find one for the tiniest puppy and there’s sure to be an earthy hue to match your pet’s favorite color scheme.
Best Recycled
LupinePet Eco Recycled Dog Leash
This small company is based in Conway, New Hampshire, where it has all on-site manufacturing. Everything is made by hand in the same building, a company spokesperson tells Treehugger. They make only what they need and have very little wasted material. Like their collars, leashes have an “even if chewed” lifetime guarantee.
Price at time of publish: $20
This durable leash is made from recycled climbing rope. It keeps the material out of a landfill and repurposes it for your daily walks. Climbing rope is strong and comfortable and we think it looks pretty cool too.
Best Rope
Mountain Dog Original Clip Leash
All Mountain Dog products are made by hand and are intended to last a lifetime. Packaging contains recycled material and as an extra nod to minimalism and sustainability, there’s not even a product label.
Price at time of publish: $20 for 1ft Traffic Lead
Good Dog Company leashes and collars are made of 55% hemp and 45% certified organic cotton. The fabric is softer than nylon, yet very durable. The softness is key if you happen to grab the leash on occasion. You won’t get that nasty leash burn.
Best Sustainable
The Good Dog Company Hemp Dog Leash
The products are machine-washable. They have heavy-duty stitching on the edges to help prevent fraying. They come in a rainbow of nine earthy colors ranging from marigold to avocado, that match the collars. The collars and leashes won’t get smelly, even if they get wet.
Price at time of publish: $28
If you have a new puppy or a new dog, it’s always a good idea to work on recall. One way to do that is to put your dog on a long training lead and reward them when they run back as you call their name. These long leashes can be heavy and unwieldy and difficult to store, but they’re a super training tool.
Best for Training
Leashboss Long Dog Training Leash
This 15-foot version from Leashboss is the length that many trainers recommend. It comes with a handy strap to keep the leash from unfurling when you’re not using it. It’s also handy for hiking when you’d like your dog to have freedom without the dangers of actually being off-leash.
Price at time of publish: $24
Trying to take two dogs for a walk at the same time can be part gymnastics and part ballet. Logistics are so much easier with a dedicated double-dog leash like this one. You hold a leash with a padded handle that connects to a split attachment with two bungees, one for each dog.
Best for 2 Dogs
Mighty Paw BungeeX2 Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash
There’s also a swivel attachment that prevents tangling and reflective thread to help with visibility. There are three sizes depending on the weights of your walking companions. The double-dog design reduces stress on your wrist and shoulders.
Price at time of publish: $19
Most dog trainers aren’t fans of retractable leashes because it can be hard to control your pet in an emergency or you may find yourself painfully reaching for the cord to pull your dog to you. But if you love retractable leashes, this is from the German company that invented them. It has several safety precautions including an attached safety collar to prevent the leash from snapping back in case your dog’s collar breaks.
Best Retractable
Flexi Neon Nylon Tape Reflective Retractable Dog Leash
The leash has a one-handed breaking system, smooth-rolling neon tape for easy visibility, and an ergonomic handle. The appeal of the Flexi is that it gives your dog freedom to roam but you can bring them back in closely when you need more control. Just be sure to keep your hands away from the tape and never let it wrap around any part of your body.
Why Trust Treehugger
The proud mom of a rescue dog, Mary Jo DiLonardo has fostered more than 30 dogs and puppies. She’s walked a lot of puppies and dogs during that time so she relies on sturdy yet comfortable leashes.
Our top pick is the Max and Neo Double Handle Heavy Duty Dog Leash because it’s rugged, has two handles, and the company will donate an item to a rescue with every purchase. For a sustainable choice, check out the Wigglywoos Just Hemp Rope Dog Leash. It’s made from strong yet soft hemp rope with no dyes or chemicals.
For more than 25 years, Mary Jo has covered a wide range of topics focused on nature, pets, science, and anything that helps make the world a better place. She has spent six years with Treehugger, formerly under the Mother Nature Network brand.
