Best lead for puppy dogs to use on their first walk and beyond

As you teach your puppy to walk on a lead, they may pull while walking – it's only natural and part of the learning process. The EZYDOG Zero Shock Dog Lead has an elasticated section that stretches when your pooch pulls, which will help absorb some of the pressure of their pulls and ease some discomfort for you and your pup. Also, the handle is padded, so your hand shouldn't feel as much strain. The lead is made from soft neoprene, a waterproof material, so the lead will be perfect for use on wet weather walks. It also has reflective stitching on the side to help improve the visibility of your little fluff ball in the dark and other low-light conditions.

EzyDog is a popular choice with pet owners. On Amazon, it has over 2,470 positive reviews, with customers rating the product 4.7 out of 5. Customers like that this bungee lead can be shortened, which is excellent as your pup can grow with it. The handle is comfortable to hold. However, a review comments that the clip, that attaches to a collar or harness, could be more robust. Be aware of this if you have a particularly strong puppy that pulls.

If you're taking your pup out for nighttime adventures (also known as any time after 4pm during UK winter time!), the TRUE LOVE Dog Leash Puppy Walking Lead will keep your pup safe and seen. Made in a bright neon yellow, it has reflective material woven into all 1.1 metres. It is illuminating when street lights or car headlights shine for added visibility in the dark or other low-light conditions, like fog. The handle is mesh-lined for breathability and padded so your hand stays nicely cushioned for the walk. We love the detail of a washable owner information label, so if your pup manages to run off, your contact information will be readily available.

This lead is available in a range of lengths and colours. All of the high-density nylon webbing leads have strips of reflective material to make your dog more visible at night.

Customer reviews are positive about their TRUE LOVE leads. The material is strong and the handle is comfortable to hold. However, a customer who has a Chorkie, said the small lead was too heavy for that dog breed. So do bear in mind if you have a small breed or young pup, it may be worth going for a lighter lead.

TUG leads are a popular choice with customers on Amazon, with over 100,000 reviews, and they do an extra small version that's the perfect size for puppies. Designed for dogs that weigh under 12kg, the TUG Tiny 360° Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Lead with Anti-Slip Handle offers up to three metres of lead, but you have control over how much freedom your pup has. If you're working on their recall skills, you may want to give them a total of three metres, whereas if heel work is the focus, you can walk them on a shorter length using the quick lock system at the push of a button. It also has an ergonomic handle, so it's comfortable to hold.

This best-selling retractable lead is praised in reviews for being well-made, easy to use, and compact. The nylon tape lead is lightweight, so it won't weigh a small dog down. While the TUG Tiny is comfortable to grip, one reviewer commented that the finger hole was a bit small for their hands.

Another important skill to teach your puppy is to come back when they're called. This Total Pet Training Lead can give you peace of mind while they learn this skill. As the lead is 10 metres long, your puppy has a lot of freedom to explore the park or beach, for example, but as the lead is clipped to their collar or harness, you've got hold of them, so you won't have to worry about them wandering off and not being able to get them back. The length of the lead also means you'll be able to safely throw a ball for them to run after while you're still in control. It also comes with a clip that you can attach at the five-metre mark to give you greater control when needed. There is a control handle that connects to the lead with Velcro and provides a brake if you need to slow a dog down.

Some long-line training leads don't have a handle, but this one does, so it is a lot more comfortable for the dog handler. Customers praise it for remaining tangle-free and the nylon is bite-resistant. But it can be a pickle to use as a shortened line as the excess can be cumbersome or a tripping hazard if left to trail.

Made from long-wearing materials and heavy-duty hardware, the RUFFWEAR Front Range Leash is a durable option that should be pretty chew-proof. It's made from webbing – a woven fabric that adds strength – making it a durable choice for dog leads. The stand-out feature is the clip that attaches to your pup's collar or harness because, while being lightweight yet strong, it swivels for ease of putting on. It's lockable, so you don't need to worry about it accidentally coming loose and your dog slipping out of their lead. It also has a handle-like design near the clip so you can quickly grab your pup when you're up close and need to keep them nearby.

This high-quality lead is available in a range of colourways. Customers say they like the locking carabiner, which prevents the leash from detaching during a walk. It's a lightweight lead that's of good quality and of excellent value for money.

How adorable is this Ancol Small Bite Stars Collar and Lead Set! Your little bundle of fluff will make walking stylish with this matching lead and collar set. The set is perfectly proportioned for puppies and small dogs, so it's ideal for those first walks until they grow out of it. As any puppy owner knows, they grow quickly in the first few months of their life, so the collar is adjustable to grow with them for a while. Both the collar and the lead are made from lovely and soft material, and it's lightweight, so they'll be comfortable for your pup to wear and for you to hold on walks.

Pretty in pink or blue, customers say that this little lead is very small, so it's definitely for small pups. It's lightweight and chew-proof. However, if you're tall, the lead length is rather too short, and some users have found themselves stooping.

Last up on our list is this Suredoo Pet Reflective Soft Mesh Dog Harness and Leash Set. Using a harness and lead together to walk your pup while they are still young will help distribute the pressure on their tiny bodies, reducing the pulling impact and preventing choking by taking the pressure away from their throat. As your pup’s comfort is key, the harness is made of a soft, breathable material that will feel comfortable against their fur and keep them cool. The lead and harness use stainless steel for the D-ring and hook to make them more durable, and they both have reflective edges for improved visibility at night.

The great thing about this harness and leash set is that it's available in various sizes and colours, so you will find one to fit your growing pup. Plus, the Velcro fastening provides some adjustability.

Customers highly praise this set for its clever design, which makes it easier to put an excitable puppy in the harness. It's very secure and comfortable. Bear in mind that this Suredoo harness and leash set is aimed at small animals, including cats; therefore, the sizing reflects this. Large-breed puppies may need an alternative.