A dog leash is an essential, whether you’re replacing a worn-out leash or you just adopted a new pup. But with a plethora of options out there, it can be difficult to figure out which ones are worth the money. To help you out, the Springer team spoke to Annie Grossman, a certified professional dog trainer and founder of School for the Dogs, about what to look for when shopping for the best leash and added in our personal picks. Read on for exactly how to shop for the best dog leash.
Length
You might think that walking your dog on a tight leash is best, but Annie tells us you should look for a “leash to be long so that the dog isn’t feeling it.” Looser is actually better because “you don’t want to be controlling the dog with the leash,” she says. “It should be there for emergencies.” If you happen to have a pup who likes to lunge or if you live somewhere that’s crowded, it’s also smart to have a leash that’s adjustable, so you get the best of both worlds.
Weight
Annie generally prefers a sturdy, lightweight leash, “no matter what size of dog.” That’s because the leash should be there as “a safety precaution... You don’t want to be using the leash to pull your dog around,” Annie says. “You want your dog to feel as little as possible.”
Material
Durability is a must when shopping for a leash. You want something that’s sturdy enough to withstand any tugging or even some chewing. Neoprene is the Springer team’s pick, because along with being lightweight and extra durable, it’s waterproof and odor-resistant meaning less clean up for you. And, the neoprene is even easy on your hands for a more comfortable grip. Our leash comes in four fun colors and two sizes — small (4-ft.) and regular (5-ft.) — and are easily adjustable.
Clasp
The leash’s clasp is an important factor to keep in mind that often gets overlooked. Not only does it secure your leash to your dog’s harness or collar, but it can completely change whether or not your dog is enjoying their walk. Annie reminds us why a secure but non-heavy clasp is important: “I had a client whose dog was fine walking with her but not with her boyfriend. Eventually we realized he was using a different leash with a big clunky clasp that was hitting the dog in the face during walks. Switching the leash solved the issue.”
Bonus: Hands free option
While this may not impact much of your dog’s walk, a hands-free option is great for you. It makes walks that much easier — especially when you have to pick up any dog poop. We may be a bit biased, but the Springer dog leash and sling bag combo is the perfect accessory. It allows hands-free mobility and the sling bag carries all of you and your pup’s essentials, like treats, poop bags, your phone, and keys.
What leash did you end up picking? Let us know and show off your walk gear on Instagram, and be sure to tag us @springerpets!