Best Dog Leads for Professional Dog Walkers

As an experienced dog walker, you understand the importance of having the right leads for your walks. Sometimes the lead that the owner has left out for you is just not suitable, comfortable or reliable enough for the dog you’re walking.

A good lead should be comfortable, durable, and most importantly, safe. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the best dog lead for your needs.

We’re going to cover what your requirements might be depending on the type of dogs you walk, and offer some hand picked selections to narrow down your choices.

Professional dog walker lead requirements

Sometimes our needs can be different from an owner’s.

A professional dog walker might require the following in a dog leash:

Durability:

The leash should be made from high-quality, long-lasting materials that can withstand daily use and exposure to the elements. It’s going to get wet, muddy and tangled regularly.

Leather needs regular care if it’s going to last a lifetime so it may not be the best choice for all day, everyday usage.

Biothane is a great vegan alternative to leather. It’s a plastic covered nylon webbing and is incredibly strong and robust.

Rope leads are durable especially if made from nylon but can be harsh to hold onto. Rope leads not made from nylon can soak and hold water.

Woven nylon leads can be cheap and strong but pay attention to how the handle is finished as they can also be rough on your hands with the edges of the flat nylon cutting into them.

Comfort:

The lead should ideally have an ergonomic handle that provides a comfortable grip, even during extended walks.

Padded, neoprene handles can be really comfortable and stops it from cutting into your hands if you’re walking a puller!

Safety:

The most important part of the lead is the clasp to ensure the safety of the dog.

Some poorly made catches and clasps have weak springs which, if they fail during a walk, could have catastrophic consequences.

Make sure the clasps are well made, robust and that the spring loaded catch moves freely. You can even look for a lead with a locking clasp although these typically need two hands to pop on and off.

Reflective panels or strips will help if you ever walk dogs in twilight or the early mornings, especially along roadsides.

Length:

The leash should have an appropriate length for the size and strength of the dog, allowing you to maintain control at all times.

As a general rule, the larger the dog, the shorter and wider the lead should be. Even the most well mannered larger dog can get distracted sometimes and although you may be able to reel in a chihuahua from 10 feet away, you might not have the same success with a rottweiler.

Versatility:

Having the ability to switch from a standard lead to a hands-free lead is an added bonus, providing added flexibility for the walker.

Compatibility with harnesses:

The lead should be compatible with harnesses, providing the walker with added options for controlling the dog during walks. For this reason, it’s better to go for a lead with a clasp, rather than a slip lead, in order to walk the dog on the harness the owner provides.

And although I love retractable leads in certain circumstances, it’s best not to use one as your main lead choice.

1. Wolfone 1.5m Orange Waterproof Training Dog Lead

I have yet to buy a biothane lead that I haven’t loved. They’re usually marketed more towards people buying longlines because their waterproof qualities mean they can get dragged through fields and forests without doing them any damage and without soaking up mud, muck and water.

But they also make for a great shorter lead too. Super strong, plastic-coated webbing makes for a comfortable grip and a strong, durable lead.

5 Reasons biothane is better than leather

1. Durability: Biothane is highly resistant to abrasions, cuts, and tears, making it a more durable material than leather, which is prone to cracking and dry rot over time.
2. Maintenance: Biothane is much easier to clean and maintain compared to leather, which requires regular conditioning and care to prevent cracking and dry rot.
3. Water Resistance: Biothane is waterproof, making it a great choice for outdoor activities and environments, where leather can be ruined by water.
4. Flexibility: Biothane is more flexible and pliable than leather, making it a better option for gear and equipment that needs to bend and flex during use.
5. Animal-Friendly: Biothane is synthetic and does not require the use of animal hides, making it an animal-friendly alternative to leather for people who are looking for a more ethical and sustainable choice.

2. Halti Control Lead

The halti double ended training lead, now named the halti control lead, has been a long time favourite for pro dog walkers.

The ability to change the length of the lead, clip it around your waist or sling it across your shoulder makes for an incredibly versatile, hands free lead for when you need two hands for that treat bag.

The addition of two handles at two points on the lead in recent years is a welcome adaptation increasing its flexibility even more so.

It remains a firm favourite with me and many other walkers.

3. Bungee Dog Lead Shock Absorber

Many of my colleagues swear by the shock absorber style leads as the ultimate in comfort.

With neoprene padded handles and a bungee core to soften the blow of a pulling dog, these are useful to have in your kit. (If you have a large dog which pulls, you might want to consider a dog walking belt instead)

There is a slight compromise to be had with these leads though and that’s the reduced control you have. If you ever need to pull the dog away from something, the bungee is going to stretch first before you’re going to be able to pull the dog.

That said, those neoprene handles are super soft and warm on your hands.

Whichever lead you choose to buy, be sure to inspect your leads regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace them if needed.