The Best Professional Dog Walker Leashes

Written by Alan Lemus
Updated: May 27, 2024
Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock.com

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Dog care doesn’t stop at providing the most suitable nutrition or a cozy bed for your pooch. It’s also about investing time for bonding, and money for toys, leashes, treats, grooming, and training kits. 

While it may seem like only the dogs benefit from your tender love and care, some activities offer you some gains as the dog parent. One such activity is dog walking. It’s one of the best activities you can engage in to strengthen your relationship with your canine buddy. Routine dog walking can lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and build strong bones and muscles. 

Your pup’s health critically depends on regular walks as well. Many medical conditions in pets, such as osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, liver disease, difficulty breathing, and insulin resistance, are linked to obesity. A daily stroll also helps with socializing and mentally stimulating dogs. They enjoy exploring new places and smelling new things, so they will eagerly anticipate your company

It’s important to note that the length and intensity of your walk will depend, among other factors, on your dog’s breed, its age, and fitness level. Every dog needs some form of exercise to remain healthy, but certain breeds are considerably less active than others. 

Once you have determined the suitable walking regimen for you and your dog then getting a leash is the next best thing to do. Not only does it help to prevent potential accidents, but using a leash while out in public lowers the chances of losing your dog. It’s also a sign of being a responsible and law-abiding dog parent. However, finding the right leash isn’t as easy as it seems. Almost every pet supply store has an entire section for leashes, and even a dog trainer may find the vast number of these products to be daunting. 

From fixed-length leashes to short leads to double leads, leashes are available in a variety of materials, dimensions, and features. They can be used in various situations, whether it’s for your old dog or little pup. There are even leashes that can correct a particular behavior issue. 

Not to worry, we’ve done the work for you. Here’s a review of the best dog walker leashes to pick the best possible one for you and your pup. 

  1. Max & Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash
    • Sturdy 2mm nylon webbing
    • Available in 2 sizes
    • Complete with two handles - shorter one only 18" away from the dog
    • D-ring for attaching accessories
    • Double-sided reflective stitchng
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Frisco Solid Nylon Personalized Dog Leash
    • Available in a variety of sizes
    • High quality woven nylon material
    • Personalization availalable
    Check Chewy
  3. Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash
    • Features two padded handles
    • Made from durable nylon material
    • D-ring for attaching accessories
    • Available in two lengths and a variety of colors
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash
    • Chew-proof material
    • Locking carabiner included
    • Comfortable webbing handle
    • Available in two different thicknesses
    Check Amazon
  5. Mendota Solid Rope Dog Leash
    • It is made from waterproof, machine-washable material.
    • There are several sizes and colors available.
    • It has oil-tanned leather accents at the handle and base.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  6. 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Nylon Dog Harness & Leash
    • Made from heavy-duty nylon material
    • Anti-chaffe padding behind the front legs
    • Complete with floating handle
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  7. The Buddy System Adjustable Hands Free Dog Leash
    • Quick release mechanism
    • Adjustable belt from 22" to 40"
    • Swivel design
    Check Amazon

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Professional Dog Walker Leashes

#1 Best Overall: Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Double Dog Leash

The Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Double Dog Leash is our best choice for the best professional walker leash for your dog.

Thanks to its robust build with sturdy nylon webbing and double handles, this leash can withstand routine walking or challenging trips. It features a second padded handle, or “traffic handle” that is about 18 inches away from your dog. With this, you can swiftly regain control of your dog in situations like crossing a road or within a busy area.

You can attach a poop bag holder or other accessories to the leash using the D-ring that is located close to the top. Perhaps, the coolest part of this leash is that it works for both day and night because of the reflective double-sided stitching, which maximizes visibility at night.

The leash is available in seven colors. Need another reason to consider this product? Max and Neo have a mission to donate an item to a dog rescue for every product sold.

However, some pup parents have reported that the material is not strong enough for dogs that pull as it does begin to show signs of wear and tear after a few weeks of use.

Pros and Cons of the Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Double Dog Leash

ProsCons
This leash is made from sturdy nylon webbing.It is not suitable for dogs that pull as the material begins to show signs of wear and tear.
It features two padded handles. The second handle is positioned 18 inches away from the dog and is suitable as a “traffic handle”.
It has a handy D-ring so that you can attach poop bags or accessories.
It features double-sided reflective stitching.
There are seven colors available.
Best Overall
Max & Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash
  • Sturdy 2mm nylon webbing
  • Available in 2 sizes
  • Complete with two handles - shorter one only 18" away from the dog
  • D-ring for attaching accessories
  • Double-sided reflective stitchng
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Puppies: Frisco Solid Nylon Personalized Dog Leash

The best option for puppies is the Frisco Solid Nylon Personalized Dog Leash.

Its unique selling point is the option to personalize the leash with information like a name, phone number, and address up to 24 characters long. The customized details can be imprinted in a variety of colors such as red, black, gold, white, blue, lime, green, pink, orange, or silver. 

With an Ultra-Weld seal for enhanced strength and comfort, this leash is made of high-quality, woven nylon that will hold up to rambunctious puppies, and it’s perfect for daily walks. You can take your best buddy wherever with the help of the nickel-plated bolt snap clasp, which effortlessly snaps into your dog’s collar loop.

It’s available in a variety of lengths and widths, allowing you to discover the perfect fit for any size puppy. Choose between lengths of four or six feet, with widths of 3/8, 5/8, 3/4, or one inch.

Once again, the only drawback to this leash is the strength of the material, which may not be strong enough for dogs that pull.

Pros and Cons of the Frisco Solid Nylon Personalized Dog Leash

ProsCons
This leash is made from high-quality woven nylon material.The material may not be strong enough for dogs that pull.
It has a nickel-plated snap clasp.
It features an Ultra-Weld seal for added strength.
There are several sizes available.
It can be personalized with details up to 24 characters long.
Best for Puppies
Frisco Solid Nylon Personalized Dog Leash
  • Available in a variety of sizes
  • High quality woven nylon material
  • Personalization availalable
Check Chewy

3. Best for Large Dogs: Prima Pets Dual Handle Reflective Dog Leash

If you’re walking a large dog then you need a high-quality leash to cope with their strength and power. Therefore, we recommend the Prima Pets Dual Handle Reflective Dog Leash.

This leash was made with your giant furbaby in mind. It features two handles that are thickly padded with neoprene for the extra comfort you deserve. One handle is at the end and it provides a long lead for strolls while the other can be used to shorten the lead when you’re in a crowded place or you need to restrain pullers.

It also comes with long-lasting, weather-resistant nylon material, a D-ring for poop bags, and a strong swivel clasp for secure collar attachment. While the available colors are red and black, it comes in either four or six feet long.

True to its name, this leash incorporates attractive, double-sided reflective stitching to improve visibility when walking at night. With this, you can be confident that your dog is safe during evening walks. 

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that this leash does eventually start to fray along the edges.

Pros and Cons of the Prima Pets Dual Handle Reflective Dog Leash

ProsCons
This leash features two padded handles — one for regular walking, and the other when you need close control.It eventually starts to fray along the edges.
It is made from durable nylon material.
It has a strong swivel clasp for a secure attachment to the collar.
There is double-sided reflective stitching on the leash for added safety during night-time walks.
It features a D-ring attachment for accessories.
There are several sizes available.
Best for Large Dogs
Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash
  • Features two padded handles
  • Made from durable nylon material
  • D-ring for attaching accessories
  • Available in two lengths and a variety of colors
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Rope Leash: Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash

In our opinion, the best rope leash is the Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash.

If your canine buddy enjoys going camping or on hiking adventures with you, then this leash could be a great match. Equipped with a sturdy, chew-proof kernmantle rope, strong locking carabiner, and a comfortable tubular webbing handle, this rope leash helps you bond with your dog safely and without hassles. Nighttime visibility is made possible by the reflective rope.

It’s available in 10 different colors and two different sizes: 7mm and 11mm. The thinner rope and smaller carabiner of the 7 mm size allow for easier packing; larger dogs can use the 11 mm size because it has a larger carabiner and thicker rope. However, both are five feet long.

The only drawback to this leash is that there is no swivel section on the carabiner which means that the leash can easily become twisted.

Pros and Cons of the Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash

ProsCons
This leash is made from durable, chew-proof kernmantle rope.There is no swivel section on the carabiner which means that the leash easily becomes tangled.
It features a strong locking carabiner to securely attach the leash.
It has a comfortable, tubular webbing handle.
It features reflective stitching.
There are several colors and sizes available.
Best Rope Leash
RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash
  • Chew-proof material
  • Locking carabiner included
  • Comfortable webbing handle
  • Available in two different thicknesses
Check Amazon

5. Best Budget-Friendly: Mendota Solid Rope Dog Leash

A good quality leash doesn’t need to break the bank, which is why we recommend the Mendota Solid Rope Dog Leash.

This list won’t be complete without a relatively affordable option. The British-style braided snap leash is made of waterproof, machine washable polypropylene rope with distinctive oil-tanned leather accents at the handle and base. It’s great for routine daily walks and comfortable to hold.

It comes in ½ inch 4ft and ½ 6ftt sizes and there’s an array of colors to choose from.

Unfortunately, this leash is not chew-proof, so if you have a dog that often chews their leash then this may not be the best option for you.

Pros and Cons of the Mendota Solid Rope Dog Leash

ProsCons
This is a stylish braided snap leash.It is not chew-proof.
It is made from waterproof, machine washable polypropylene rope.
It features oil-tanned accents at the handle and base.
There are several sizes and colors to choose from.
Best on a Budget
Mendota Solid Rope Dog Leash
  • It is made from waterproof, machine-washable material.
  • There are several sizes and colors available.
  • It has oil-tanned leather accents at the handle and base.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

6. Best For Pullers: 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness

The best option for dogs that pull is the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness.

Using a no-pull harness is a step in the right direction when training your pooch to behave better. This leash has an action loop that allows your dog to go straight forward without twisting, pulling or straining, thereby giving you both a more pleasant outdoor experience. It is made with heavy-duty nylon and features Swiss velvet padding behind the front legs to avoid chafing and friction. It also has two points of contact that are attached to your dog’s chest and back for better control. 

However, some customers have reported that the buckles on this harness are quite small and difficult to use. They also said that the leash is too short for taller people.

Pros and Cons of the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness

ProsCons
This no-pull harness is made from heavy duty nylon material.The buckles on the harness are small and difficult to use.
It has Swiss velvet padding behind the front legs to prevent chafing.The leash is too short for taller people.
It has two points of contact for better control.
Best for Pullers
2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Nylon Dog Harness & Leash
  • Made from heavy-duty nylon material
  • Anti-chaffe padding behind the front legs
  • Complete with floating handle
Check Chewy Check Amazon

7. Best Hands-Free: The Buddy System Hands-Free Leash

The best hands-free option is The Buddy System Hands-Free Leash.

This leash is a hands-free option that has been thoughtfully designed to fit around your waist such that your pup can’t drag you along if it moves from one side to another.

With its regular waist belt size ranging from 22’’ to 40’’, you can keep up with an intense training regimen.  It also has a quick-release mechanism that links the leash to the belt, which is both practical and secure. This doubles as an emergency release for pulling dogs and a tool for off-leash play.

However, several customers have reported that this leash is too large and heavy for small dogs.

Pros and Cons of the The Buddy System Hands-Free Leash

ProsCons
This leash is designed to fit around your waist as a hands-free option.It is too big and heavy for small dogs.
It fits waist sizes from 22 to 40 inches.
It has a quick release mechanism that links the leash to the belt.
Best for Hands Free
The Buddy System Adjustable Hands Free Dog Leash
  • Quick release mechanism
  • Adjustable belt from 22" to 40"
  • Swivel design
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

There are a few things that you should look for when purchasing a professional dog leash. Let’s take a closer look below.

Size

This is, perhaps, the most important factor before buying a leash for your furbaby. You need a leash that fits your dog’s size. Typically, leashes for smaller dogs are narrower because they won’t pull with as much force as a large breed dog.

Safety

The best leashes are made with your dog’s security in mind, enabling you to safely lead them down crowded sidewalks and through busy streets. Leashes with double clips or traffic handles give you more control over large dogs that may be aggressive.

About the Author

Alan is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. He specializes in travel content. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie.

The Best Professional Dog Walker Leashes FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What factors should you consider when choosing a leash?

When choosing a leash you should ensure that it is an appropriate size for your dog. You should also ensure that it has a secure attachment.

What is the best option for dogs that pull?

In our opinion, the best option for dogs that pull is the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.