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| © iStock The right leash can make walking -- or running with -- your pup a lot easier. |
Get a new leash on life.
Americans are spending more on their
pets than ever before, according to a March 2019 report from the
American Pet Products Association (APPA). With people shelling out
upwards of $72 billion on their four-legged friends in 2018, up 4% from
the previous year, APPA predicts that in this year alone we’ll spend
more than $16 billion on pet supplies such as beds, collars, leashes,
toys and other gear.
When it comes to leashes, the market is
saturated with countless options with features like reflectiveness,
adjustability, harnesses, multi-dog capabilities and even designer
branding. With so many choices, figuring out which leash is the most
suitable for you and your canine can be bewildering. That’s why
MarketWatch asked vets and dog experts for their top picks.
Best retractable leash:MigooPet Heavy Duty Retractable Leash, about $16
Outfitted with an ergonomic handle and 16 feet of nylon ribbon, this
easy-to-lock leash features a tangle-free design and comes in two sizes
that correspond to a dog’s size. “Retractable leashes give your dog more
freedom of movement,” says San Diego-based veterinarian Dr. Meghan
McIntosh. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this leash comes with a
100% satisfaction guarantee.
It’s also important to ensure that
the leash is “an appropriate length based on your dog’s age, size,
weight, training status, personality, temperament and current medical
conditions,” McIntosh -- who adds that the leash should be comfortable
to hold so that you feel confident grasping it tightly without injury. Read more about this leash here.
Best reflective leash:BAAPET, 5-foot Strong Dog Leash, about $10
With more than 4,600 reviews on Amazon and 4.7 out of 5 stars, this
heavy-duty leash is made of rock climbing rope and highly reflective
threads for safer nighttime strolls. Measuring 5 feet in length, this
leash comes with a padded foam handle for a comfortable grip and more
control when walking, running or training a dog. “Reflective leashes are
a wonderful idea because it improves visibility in low-light situations
and it could save you or your dog’s life,” says McIntosh. Read more about this leash here.
Best dual-dog leash:Peteast Double Dog Leash, about $13
Woven with nylon and polyester for durability, this lightweight leash
can withstand dogs up to 120 pounds. At nearly 50 inches long, this
no-tangle design makes it easy to walk two dogs at once and its foam
handle means leashburn is a thing of the past. It has 4.5 out of 5 stars
on Amazon and weighs just eight ounces. Jessica Waldman, medical
director of California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE), tells
MarketWatch,“A lighter leash and one that is more narrow is better for
smaller dogs.” Read more about this leash here.
Best chain leash:Beirui Premium 4-Foot/6-Foot Chain Leash, about $16
With an anti-rust, anti-tarnish and break-free promise, this
argon-welded leash has a padded leather handle and a 4.5 out of 5 star
rating on Amazon. “Chain-style leashes are most appropriate for dogs
that chew the leash — but watch out for tooth fractures,” says McIntosh,
who says a chain leash with a padded handle is usually very durable and
affordable. Read more about this leash here.
Another
pro tip: Using a harness can increase leash effectiveness, McIntosh
says. “If you’re currently training your dog or if your dog has
behavioral problems, a harness helps prevent dogs from pulling and
limits pressure on their neck.” She suggests the Easy Walk Harness by
PetSafe to keep owners, their dogs and others nearby safe.
Best travel/airport leash:PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar, about $14
“There’s no one-leash-fits-all, so when traveling, I’d use whatever
is necessary to have perfect control over your dog.” Andrea Chavez,
chief executive of Pawscout, a free app that helps lost pets find their
owners, tells MarketWatch. She recommends the Gentle Leader for dogs
that pull, because the headcollar places gentle pressure on calming
points which eliminates uncomfortable pressure on the throat. Read more about this leash here.
“Harnesses
should be non-restrictive and thus go around the neck and around the
ribcage, not over the shoulder joints. Harnesses preserve necks and pets
have lots of neck changes and pain as they age,” says Waldman.
Best leather leash: Soft Touch Collars - Leather Braided Dog Leash, about $20
“Avoid cotton or woven materials and go for something with longevity
like leather,” says Jeff Franklin, owner and operator of dog training
organization Cobra Canine. Handmade and hand-braided with naturally
tanned leather and no dyes, stains or chemicals, this simple leather
leash has solid brass hardware with a lacquered finish to prevent rust.
Available in two lengths and a variety of colors, each leash has a soft
padded handle and has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, along with
more than 830 customer reviews. Read more about this leash here.
Plus,
people need to consider a leash as a multi-purpose tool as opposed to
an accessory, says Franklin. “Avoid anything with too many bells and
whistles that isn’t tough and durable for the long haul of your pup’s
life,” says Franklin.
Best leash for runners:Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner Hands Free Leash, about $44
“My wife and I are huge fans of Stunt Puppy leashes and collars. They
have a myriad of colors and different options depending on whether you
have a one-, two- or three-dog household,” says Cobra Canine’s Franklin.
For people who enjoy running or hiking with their dogs, these leads
made with the same durable stitching used on harnesses and firefighters’
gear can be worn around the waist, they’re light and allow for
hands-free exercise. Read more about this leash here.
