When you bring home a new puppy, there’s no end to the things you can’t wait to do with them. From snuggling on the couch to playing your first game of fetch, puppies offer literally endless opportunities for fun and excitement.
When it comes time to take your pup on their first walk, though, what type of leash will you use?
The task of buying a dog leash should be simple, but different styles come with different pros and cons. To help take the guesswork out of choosing a new leash (and so you can spend as much time as possible with your puppy), we’ve put together reviews of the best leash options for puppies money can buy.
Comparison of our Favorite Picks in 2022
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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The Pawsitive Co |
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Best Value
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BIG SMILE PAW |
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Premium Choice
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TRUE LOVE Reflective |
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iYoShop |
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Pettom Metal |
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The 10 Best Dog Leashes for Puppies
1. The Pawsitive Co Classic Puppy Leash – Best Overall
When it comes to picking the best puppy leash out there, The Pawsitive Co. Classic Puppy Leash is an easy top choice. This leash is available in multiple sizes and includes a clasp that fits almost all collars and harnesses. You can choose from five different colors to match your puppy’s other accessories.
This leash uses a nylon construction for added durability, so you can trust this leash with your puppy’s safety. Plus, with each purchase, The Pawsitive Co. donates food to a dog in need.
- Several sizes to choose from
- Multiple color options
- Each purchase supports a dog in need
- Durable construction
- Easy-to-use clasp fits most collars and harnesses
- No special features
2. BIG SMILE PAW Dog Leash – Best Value
Not all high-quality puppy leashes cost a fortune. For the best dog leashes for puppies for the money, your best option is the BIG SMILE PAW Reflective Dog Leash. This leash offers several unique features, including a padded handle and reflective detailing for added safety.
This leash is only available in one size — five feet long — and comes in three different colors. The 360-degree swivel clasp also helps keep your puppy from getting tangled as they learn to walk on a leash.
Despite the padding, some users do find the handle a bit uncomfortable. The reflective detailing, while a great feature, could also be brighter.
- Reflective detailing for nighttime walks
- Padded handle
- Swivel clasp easily attaches to most collars and harnesses
- Multiple color options
- Handle becomes uncomfortable with time
- Reflective detailing could be brighter
3. TRUE LOVE Reflective Puppy Leash – Premium Choice
If you and your puppy take walks in the early morning and evening, then a highly reflective leash is a necessity. The TRUE LOVE TLL2111 Reflective Puppy Leash is one of the best options out there for visibility and safety.
This leash comes in two sizes — each is just over 6.5 feet long, but the large size is slightly wider. You can also pick from one of five different colors, including several bright, high-visibility ones. The attached clasp is durable and attaches to almost any collar or harness.
Unfortunately, the clasp is fairly weak and can come undone while being used. If you’re looking for a leash that offers plenty of control over your new puppy, this may be too long.
- Highly reflective for safety
- Several high-visibility color options
- Comfortable handle
- Universal clasp
- Too long for more controlled training
- Clasp is weak
4. iYoShop Durable Puppy Leash
Sometimes, you find the perfect leash for your dog but it doesn’t meet your personal needs. If you find your puppy’s leash digs into your hands, then try on the iYoShop Durable Dog Leash for size. It’s available in several different sizes, with lengths of 5 or 6 feet, and a variety of colors.
This puppy leash features an ultra-cushioned handle for your comfort. Plus, the durable nylon rope construction offers you peace of mind with even the strongest and rowdiest pups. This leash is also weather-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about exposing it to rain or snow.
If there’s a weak point on this leash, it’s the metal clasp. While the rope lead is extremely tough, the metal clasp may break if pulled suddenly. Despite the cushioned handle, some puppy owners still find this leash uncomfortable.
- Expertly cushioned for your hands
- Durable nylon rope is nearly unbreakable
- Variety of sizes and colors
- Weather-resistant construction
- Weak metal clasp
- Handle is sometimes still uncomfortable
5. Pettom 00095 Metal Dog Leash
Puppies are notorious chewers. After all, they spend most of their younger months going through uncomfortable or even painful teething. If your puppy has already destroyed a cloth or rope leash, then it might be time to switch to a metal one like the Pettom 00095 Metal Dog Leash.
You can purchase this leash in several different lengths, from 4 to 6 feet long, and in either red or black. While the leash’s length is entirely metal, the handle is webbed nylon and foam.
Depending on your puppy’s size, this leash might be too heavy for them to use comfortably. The handle is also uncomfortable, especially if your dog tends to pull on their leash.
- Prevents chewing through leashes
- Available in multiple lengths
- Nylon and foam handle for comfort
- Some users still think the handle is uncomfortable
- Not good for dogs who pull
- Too heavy for smaller puppies
6. Pawtitas Solid Puppy Leash
For some puppies, especially those of smaller breeds, traditional leashes are just too thick and heavy. If this is the case for your new pup, then consider the Pawtitas Solid Puppy Leash. This six-foot-long leash is available in two different widths and a wide range of color options.
Each of these leashes is made with a single strip of nylon for ultimate strength and durability. The nickel hardware is also designed with longevity in mind. If you like your puppy’s accessories to match, then you can pick up a coordinating collar or harness, as well.
While this leash is designed for smaller dogs, it’s still too heavy for many puppies. It is also far from chew-proof. If you order a matching collar or harness, the colors might not be exactly the same.
- Comes in different widths and colors
- Durable nylon and nickel construction
- Matching collars and harnesses are available
- Too heavy for many puppies
- Easy to chew through
- Coordinating products might be slightly different colors
- You’ll need a new collar to go with your new leash: Stylish Collars for Dogs
7. PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash for Puppies
The PetSafe LSH-3/4-X-6-BLK Nylon Dog Leash is a classic option for starting out your puppy’s leash training. You can choose from a range of different widths in either a 4-foot and 6-foot length. You can also select from six color options.
This lead is made of nylon and features an easy-attach metal clasp. The size and weight of this leash make it a good starter option for smaller dogs and puppies.
Unfortunately, the colors advertised for this leash don’t seem to be accurate to real life. Also, the handle is uncomfortable to hold, especially if your dog tends to pull.
- Simple and durable design
- Various lengths, widths, and colors
- Easy-to-use metal clasp
- Handle is uncomfortable
- Nylon may fray with use
- Colors are inaccurate
8. BAAPET Strong Dog Leash
Puppy owners who prefer thick, rope-style leashes will enjoy the BAAPET Strong Dog Leash. This 5-foot leash comes in a wide range of colors to suit any style or existing accessories. It’s also equipped with reflective detailing for visibility at night.
The length of this leash is perfect for most puppy training situations and the heavy-duty metal clip is strong and reliable. It also features a heavily padded handle for comfort on long walks.
Aside from the cushioned handle, this leash is difficult to grab and hold. There are also plastic covers on each end of the leash that protect the tied ends, but these covers easily slide out of place and expose these knots to chewing.
- Good, thick leash for all dog sizes
- Reflective detailing for added safety
- Padded handle
- Leash’s length is difficult to grab when needed
- Plastic covers slide around
- Knots are easily exposed and chewed on
9. Bolux DC004-BGr Dog Leash
Unlike many other puppy leashes, the Bolux DC004-BGr Dog Leash offers complete control of your dog at any distance. With two padded handles, one at the end and one near the clasp, you can easily rein in your puppy when they get too excited or curious for their own good.
This leash features reflective detailing for morning and evening walks and is designed to be extra strong and durable. This lead is 5 feet long and is available in a variety of bright colors.
While the nylon construction of this leash is reliable and strong, the metal clasp leaves something to be desired. The padding on the handles can also leave friction burns if your puppy pulls on their leash. The material also tends to fray quickly with use.
- Dual-handle leash design
- Reflective detailing for visibility
- Durable nylon construction
- Nyon frays quickly
- Padded handles leave friction burns
- Metal clasp is weak and unreliable
- Too heavy for some dogs
- Harnesses are a great alternative to a collar – Pick out one for your pup here!
10. Vivaglory Dog Leash
If you like the idea of a two-handled leash, then the Vivaglory Dog Leash is another worthwhile option to consider. This leash comes in multiples thicknesses and length options from 3 feet to 6 feet. You can choose from five colors when purchasing this leash.
The dual handles are padded and the metal clasp offers 360 degrees of movement to prevent tangling and pulling. The double-layer nylon also features reflective detailing for extra safety,
If your puppy loves to chew, then keep in mind that this leash is extremely easy to chew through. Also, the metal clasp opens easily, even when the leash is being used. Some users also felt the lower handle was too far down the leash.
- Two padded handles for control
- Wide range of length options
- Reflective detailing
- Not at all chew-proof
- Weak metal clasp opens during use
- Lower handle is too far down
- Too heavy for smaller puppies
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Leashes for Puppies
Introducing your puppy to the wonderful world of walking is an exciting time for both of you. You want to give your dog the most stress-free experience possible, and choosing the right leash can play a large role in that.
Here’s what to consider when shopping for your dog’s first leash:
Length
Because your puppy is small, you might automatically find yourself reaching for a shorter leash. However, this isn’t necessarily the right choice.
Short leashes have a time and place when it comes to training, but so do long ones. When your puppy takes its first few walks, it’s going to want to spend most of their time sniffing and exploring. If you want to discourage bad habits like pulling, then you’ll need to invest in a longer lead.
Shorter leashes are best when working on actual leash training, such as teaching your puppy to focus on you during their walk and not pull. Remember, though, that long leashes can always be held at a shorter length as needed.
Weight
Even the largest breeds start pretty small as puppies. The last thing you want to do when teaching your dog to walk with you is to weigh them down with a heavy leash.
When buying a new puppy leash, check the overall weight of the lead and the attachment point. If the clasp is excessively large and heavy, it could frighten or annoy your puppy.
Material
Leashes come in all different materials, and each serves its own purpose. While cloth and rope leashes are more comfortable and lightweight, chain leashes are the ultimate solution for heavy chewers.
Generally, it’s best to start out with a traditional nylon or rope leash. If your puppy starts to chew it, though, switch to a leash that’s metal or another chew-proof material. Even the smallest amount of chewing damage can weaken the leash and put your pup at risk.
Conclusion
According to our reviews of the best dog leashes for puppies, the best puppy leash for your new best friend is The Pawsitive Co. Classic Puppy Leash. This leash comes in a variety of sizes and colors and features a durable design. The greatest thing about this leash though is that the company donates to pups in need.
If you want to spend as little as possible while testing out different leashes for your puppy, try out the BIG SMILE PAW Reflective Dog Leash. This leash provides additional safety thanks to the reflective detailing and has a padded handle for your own comfort. Plus, the clasp works with almost any harness or collar.
Or, if you’re looking to spend a little more for higher quality, the TRUE LOVE TLL2111 Reflective Puppy Leash wins our vote. This leash is 6.5 feet long and extremely reflective. It also has a comfortable handle to prevent pain on long walks.
Again, bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time. But you need to invest in some necessities before you can enjoy everything a puppy has to offer. We hope our reviews have helped you narrow down the best leash for your new pal.
What type of leash do you prefer to train with? Have you tried any of the leashes on our list? Let us know in the comments!
Contents
- Comparison of our Favorite Picks in 2022
- The 10 Best Dog Leashes for Puppies
- 1. The Pawsitive Co Classic Puppy Leash – Best Overall
- 2. BIG SMILE PAW Dog Leash – Best Value
- 3. TRUE LOVE Reflective Puppy Leash – Premium Choice
- 4. iYoShop Durable Puppy Leash
- 5. Pettom 00095 Metal Dog Leash
- 6. Pawtitas Solid Puppy Leash
- 7. PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash for Puppies
- 8. BAAPET Strong Dog Leash
- 9. Bolux DC004-BGr Dog Leash
- 10. Vivaglory Dog Leash
- Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Leashes for Puppies
- Conclusion
