As much as we love our dogs, it gets quite tiring having to constantly stop them from pulling or tugging on their dog leads, so you may need a specialist lead for dogs that pull. Be it a small dog or a large dog (although larger dogs are significantly harder to control), it's less than ideal to keep stopping and pulling your furry companion back to walk alongside you. If your dog is known for tugging on their lead, we've rounded up the best leads for dogs that pull to help with training.
Black Friday deals on leads for dogs that pull
We interrupt the regularly scheduled content to let you know that while Black Friday is officially 29th November, the Black Friday deals have already begun, including deals on leads for dogs that pull. Want to grab a bargain? These are the retailers that have the best leads for dogs that pull deals right now, or keep scrolling to continue reading our buyer’s guide.
Shop Black Friday leads for dogs that pull deals on: Amazon UK | Pets At Home | VioVet
Save 15%: Candure Dog Lead, WAS £7.99, NOW £6.79
15% off: IOKHEIRA Bungee Dog Leads, WAS £11.99, NOW £10.19
20% discount (for Prime customers): Suredoo Soft Mesh Dog Harness and Leash Set, WAS £11.99, NOW £9.59
Now, a lead, leash or harness can't completely stop your dog from pulling, you need training for that. As Carolyn Menteith, Dog Behaviourist at tails.com, tells us. Carolyn has answered a few of our questions below.
Best leads for dogs that pull at a glance:
• Best overall: Candure Dog Lead – View on Amazon UK
• Best lead for unexpected pulls: EzyDog Zero Shock Dog Lead – View on Amazon UK
• Best lead for small dogs that pull: ThunderLeash No-Pull Dog Leash – View on Amazon UK
• Best lead for large dogs that pull: Barkswell Premium Anti Pull Dog Lead – View on Amazon UK
Understanding why dogs pull
Excitement
Caroline says: "Dogs want to get where they are going quickly so they can enjoy the fun of the park and their favourite places, or meet their doggy friends, so they pull in the hope they will get there faster."
Lack of training
"Other reason they pull is that walking nicely on a lead is boring – and because they have never been trained not to!"
Anxiety or fear
"It’s important to remember that any piece of equipment that will stop your dog from pulling will only do so because it is uncomfortable if they pull. It’s obvious if you think about it. There is only one thing that will stop your dog pulling – and that is training."
Instinctual behaviour
"Often, they have a faster walking speed than us – and so in our dog’s eyes, we are dawdling!"
Many dog owners use the wrong dog collar and lead for their dogs. Whilst buying the correct walking equipment can't stop your dog from pulling, it can lessen the strength of the pull and ultimately absorb a lot of the strain and shock from unexpected pulls. For example, retractable dog leads may not be the solution for dogs that pull. But if you're unsure which one is best for your dog or even how to properly lead train your dog.
Without any further ado, here are the best leads for dogs that pull, as well as a selection of anti-pull harnesses, to help you have more control while you're out walking with your pooch.
Best leads for dogs that pull
On sale
Best overall
This 5ft heavy-duty lead from Candure is made of thick nylon paracord. The premium quality clips on this Candure Dog Lead will hold dogs up to 55kg so it's perfect for those medium and larger hounds that pull. It has a 360-degree carabiner, so your dog can move in any direction without getting tangled around their lead. It also features an anti-slip handle for your comfort.
Customers online appreciate the length of the lead, as it measures up to 152cm long, it provides the perfect balance between your control and your dog's freedom. While it is a heavy-duty, good-quality lead, some customers found that it still came susceptible to chew damage in the end, so maybe not be a good option for those hounds that are strong chewers.
Pros
- Perfect for larger dogs that pull as it's designed to hold up to 55kg
- Comfortable and easy to hold with an anti-slip handle
Cons
- May become susceptible to chew damage if you have a dog that's a really strong chewer
Material | Nylon |
Length | 152 cm |
Harness? | No |
Adjustable? | No |
- EVA-Tech foam padded on the handle for comfort
- High-quality nylon rope with 1/2 inch diameter
- Heavy-duty zinc alloy clips for durability
- 360-degree revolve design to ensure no wrapping
- Reflective threads for safety when at night
- Length is perfect for control, comfort and freedom
Best lead for unexpected pulls
Whether your dog only pulls occasionally, or their pulls are incredibly strong, this EzyDog Zero Shock Dog Lead is excellent for absorbing the shock, making you much less prone to feeling the effects of pressure on your body. The lead itself is made from soft waterproof neoprene to increase its durability and comfort and the handle is padded to make it feel nice to hold too.
Comfort, stretch, durability and sturdiness are all areas that are rated highly by the over 2,400 reviewers on Amazon, which is why overall this lead has a 4.7 stars out of 5 rating. Some reviewers feel the length of the lead is a little short but as it's designed for closer control, this lead is a good choice if you are walking your dog in busy places.
Pros
- Great at absorbing the shock of pulls so you're less likely to feel it in your body
- Made from a soft neoprene with a padded handle to ensure it's both durable and comfortable to hold
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the lead was a little short but it is designed for closer control
Material | Polyester, Metal, Rubber |
Length | 1.2 m |
Harness? | No |
Adjustable? | No |
- Patented zero-shock dog lead
- Improved control and eases the pressure for both
- Padded waterproof handle for durability
- High-quality reflective trim and soft touch webbing
- Traffic control handle and D-ring for closer control
Best lead for small dogs that pull
Don't be fooled by its basic and simple design, the ThunderLeash No-Pull Dog Leash is incredibly efficient as it offers a two-in-one lead and harness design. We love that it's waterproof, so you can comfortably take your dog out in the rain.
As the design is very simple, customers say this makes it very easy to put on and take off. We recommend it for small dogs that pull as it doesn't have the shock-absorbent qualities to handle larger dogs. Something to note is that it might not be suitable for some older dogs as because of where it sits, it could apply pressure on their back and trachea when they pull.
Pros
- 2-in-1 lead and harness design for more control
- Customers find it's easy to put on and take off as the design is very simple
Cons
- May not be suitable for some older dogs, as it applies pressure onto the dog's back and trachea when they pull
Material | Polyester |
Length | Up to 182 cm |
Harness? | Yes |
Adjustable? | Yes |
- 2-in-1 solution - a harness and a leash
- Comes with consistent, safe, gentle feedback
- No complicated straps or irritating head collars
- Just clip the leash to your collar, wrap it around the torso, and go
- Comes with an easy-to-grasp, comfortable padded handle
- Adjustable, so can fit most breeds
On sale
Best for shock absorption
Made from nylon for added strength with a bungee section to absorb shocks and strains from big pulls. the IOKHEIRA Bungee Dog Lead is designed with durability in mind. The traction of the lead can be adjusted to long and short lengths so you can allow your dog to have more freedom in open spaces and you can have more control in busier places. The clasp that attaches to your pup's collar or harness has a 360-swivel to stop tangles from happening.
This bungee lead gets a big thumbs up from customers for comfort, stretchability, being value for money and easy to hold. Customers also appreciate that it doubles as a seat belt as it comes with an attachment so you can go from being safe on walks to safe on car journeys without needing to change any leads or restraints. The lead is equipped with a safety lock to give you peace of mind but one or two reviewers have had experience with the mechanism failing so make sure to double-check it's secure before setting off.
Pros
- Has a bungee section to absorb strains from big pulls
- Adjustable lead length to give you more or less control/ your dog more or less freedom depending on the situation
Cons
- One or two reviewers have had issues with the safety mechanism on the clasp failing
Material | Nylon |
Length | Up to 1.5m |
Harness? | No |
Adjustable? | Yes |
- Two lead modes (long and short lead)
- Durable handle
- Reflective thread
- Bungee buffer for absorbing shock
- Safety buckle to use it in cars
- Control handle
- 360-degree swivel clasp
Best for control
With a main handle for casual walking and a grab handle towards the bottom for those situations when you need to keep a tighter lead on your hound, the rabbitgoo Bungee Dog Lead allows you to have greater control of your pooch. It's made from high-quality nylon with double layers of stitching in the straps to ensure it can withstand strong tension. The switching is also reflective for greater visibility during night walks.
The shock absorbency of this lead has been praised highly by reviewers on Amazon so if your dog does pull strongly, the bungee section will help take some of the strength out of it so it doesn't hurt your arms or the rest of your body too much. It's worth noting that while this lead is made from robust, quality materials, it's not completely chewproof, according to customers online, so make sure you keep it out of reach of your pooch when not in use.
Pros
- Has two handles for greater control when needed
- Good shock absorbency according to reviews
Cons
- Not completely chew-proof
Material | Nylon |
Length | 95-125cm, 114-158cm |
Harness? | No |
Adjustable? | Yes |
- Traffic handle and main handle
- Bungee design
- Double-sided reflect stripes for increased visibility
- 360-degree zinc alloy clasp
Best anti-pull harnesses
Sometimes you need a bit more help with training a pooch to walk on the lead without pulling and that’s where an anti-pull harness comes in. When used in conjunction with an anti-pull lead, a harness will enhance the level of control you have over your dog so you can help steer them in the right direction and discourage them from pulling.
Harnesses help to distribute pressure evenly across a dog’s body which will take away some of the strain and discomfort they may feel while pulling on a lead. Here are some of our favourite anti-pull harnesses…
On sale
Best for training
Soft and comfortable, this well-designed Suredoo Pet Reflective Soft Mesh Dog Harness and Leash Set is available in a range of sizes and colours. The vest is fastened by Velcro and an easy snap buckle. It's made from a breathable material that's lightweight and easy to clean when walkies are over. A good choice for training puppies to walk without pulling.
Reviewers think this harness and lead set is a good choice for training puppies to walk without pulling and say that it's easy to put on and looks comfortable for their pup to wear. Opinions are mixed on the fit with some saying it comes up small and others saying it comes up big so be sure to check the size guide before you order to ensure you've got the right fit for your pooch.
Pros
- Easy to put on with Velcro fastening and snap buckle
- A good choice for training puppies to walk without pulling
Cons
- Make sure to double check the size guide before ordering as opinions are mixed on the sizing
Material | Polyester |
Length | N/A |
Harness? | Yes |
Adjustable? | Yes |
- Made of soft breathable acrylic to protect your dog's skin
- Lightweight, easy to clean and cooling
- Reflective stripes to provide maximum visibility at night
- Pulling pressure is evenly distributed to prevent pulling and choking
- Quick release with fast-release buckles and adjustable straps
Best for front control connection
www.viovet.co.uk
With a design that offers two no pull functions, the Halti No Pull Dog Harness will give you greater control over your pooch. It has a front control connection as well as one on the back so it's ideal for active dogs that pull. The shape of this harness was made with your hound's comfort in mind as it's non-restrictive with adjustable straps and padding around the chest and under the legs.
Reviewers love that this harness allows them to have more control over their dogs, with one reviewer stating it's stopped their spaniel from trying to lurch forward while wearing it. One reviewer did feel the padded section on the straps under the dog's legs could be longer.
Pros
- Adjustable and padded for a comfortable yet secure fit
- Offers two no pull functions at the front and back of your dog for greater control
Cons
- One reviewer felt padded covering on straps could be longer
Material | Unspecified |
Length | N/A |
Harness? | Yes |
Adjustable? | Yes |
- Ergonomic and suitable for active dogs
- Designed comfort with softly padded leg straps and chest pad
- The design combines a no-pull lifting action and a front control connection for when dogs pull
- Stop-pull lifting feature connected at the back of the harness
- An optional front chest attachment for extra control
- Padded chest panel and leg straps for comfort
Best for breathability
A durable and comfortable no-pull dog harness from HEELE. Available in some wonderful designs, colours and all sizes, you'll find the perfect fit and style for your dog. The HEELE Dog No Pull Dog Harness is made from mesh so it's breathable to stop your pooch from overheating on walk walks. It also has padding to protect your dog's skin from rubbing and chafing while walking.
It's sturdy, durable and great value for money, according to customer reviews. They also say the sizing is accurate so it fits well. Some customers did find it a bit bulky though so may not be the best option for smaller dogs
Pros
- Durable yet comfortable for your pooch to wear
- Made from a breathable mesh to prevent your hound from overheating
Cons
- Some customers thought it may not be suitable for smaller dogs as the design is a bit bulky
Material | Plastics, Metals, Nylon |
Length | N/A |
Harness? | Yes |
Adjustable? | Yes |
- Less stress and tension with an easy-access clipping harness
- No-pull and choke design with leash rings
- Durable and comfortable as its wear-resistant and padded
- Made from breathable and comfortable lightweight mesh
- Easy to adjust with metal, sturdy straps for a good fit
- Safe walking in the dark with the bright reflective stripes
Best for reflectivity
A very popular dog harness from Eagloo, with over 22,800 reviews. Available in a range of colours and sizes, the Eagloo No Pull Dog Harness also has reflective stripes to offer more visibility when you're walking your dog in dark conditions. The vest is adjustable, made from a breathable material, and softly padded for your dog's comfort.
Reviewers mention this harness is well-made and both the D-rings and handle feel strong. Opinions are mixed on the sizing so be sure to check the dimensions of the harness against your hound's measurements to get the paw-feet fit.
Pros
- Reflective stripes to ensure your pooch remains seen in low-light conditions
- Softly padded for comfort
Cons
- Too small for very large dogs
Material | Nylon, Zinc-Alloy |
Length | N/A |
Harness? | Yes |
Adjustable? | Yes |
- Quick-release buckles ensure ease of use
- Breathable air mesh with soft sponge padding plate prevents injuries
- Lightweight and easy to clean
- Has super bright reflective strips for visibility
- Comes with leash rings, a chest clip and handle for security
How we chose the best leads for dogs that pull
All of these leads for dogs that pull have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered durability, practicality and style in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching leads for dogs that pull to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from pet experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
Key features to look for in a lead for dogs that pull:
Length
A 1.2 to 1.8-metre long lead provides control yet enough freedom for your dog to move comfortably.
Material
Go for strong materials, such as nylon, leather or rope. These are durable and can withstand the force of a dog that pulls.
Width
Choose a wider lead (approximately 2.5cm) as this offers more durability and strength to hold larger or powerful dogs.
Comfort grip
A padded and ergonomic handle reduces the strain on your hand and is more comfortable when walking a dog that pulls.
FAQs with Carolyn Menteith, Dog Behaviourist from tails.com:
Do I need a harness or a lead?
"Dog harnesses are ideal for both small dogs and larger ones. When walking small dogs, especially if they haven’t been trained to walk nicely on the lead, so often the lead pressure is upwards (because we are so far above them). With a collar, this puts a constant, sometimes jerking, pressure on their delicate throat area. A harness prevents this and spreads any pressure evenly. Also, tiny dogs can be experts at slipping out of a collar!"
What type of lead/harness would you recommend for dogs that pull?
"There are several options that are recommended by dog owners – from a collar or a chain to a headcollar or a harness.
"While you are doing that training, it isn’t fair to use aversive equipment that hurts, or that makes walks anything less than the fun and enjoyable time it should be for both you and your dog."
"While a plain dog collar is traditional and what many people are used to, there is enough research to show that they can cause injury and long-term damage to the delicate structures in your dog’s neck - even from just low levels of pulling. They can cause tissue damage, increase pressure in the eye, potentially affect the thyroid, and compress the blood vessels. Not only that, but the pressure on the dog’s windpipe can affect their breathing and their ability to pant to cool down."
"As for what harness is best - it’s a bit like asking you what dress I should wear! Every dog is different. It depends on size, shape, the extravagance of movement, degree of hairiness, how thin-skinned they are, what kind of exercise they are doing... What works well for one dog won’t work for another. A good harness won’t slip, won’t rub, certainly won’t tighten in any way, won’t put pressure on your dog’s neck, and will leave the dog’s shoulder and front legs free to move fully. Comfort is always more important than appearance!"
How do you train a dog not to pull?
"The place to teach your dog not to pull on the lead is not in the middle of the great outdoors with lots of exciting things going on all around you! Lead training is something you start at home in a quiet room with no distractions long before you take to the streets."
"While it might sound strange, start teaching your dog to walk beside you without a lead on – as neither of you has anything to pull on (the big secret… it takes two to pull on the lead!)."
Here are Carolyn's top tips:
Use a treat you know your dog likes, hold it in your hand by their nose, and walk forward a few steps. Reward them with a treat for walking close beside you.
As soon as your dog has got the hang of this, increase the number of steps you take before giving them the treat.
Once they are doing this well, you can move the treat further away from your dog’s nose so you are not luring them so much – just letting them know there is a treat on offer and walking forward as before.
If your dog gets ahead of you or wanders off, call them back to you excitedly and carry on as before.
Once you’ve got the hang of this, you can try with the lead on – but remember to reward your dog frequently.
If the lead goes tight, stop, call your dog back to you (maybe even walking backwards a few paces as you do so your dog has to follow you) - then carry on walking and reward after a few good steps.
Make it fun! Talk to your dog, change speed and direction, do turns and circles, walk backwards – make staying beside you a game.
"Then you’re ready to practice this everywhere. In the garden, in the park, with distraction."
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Take a Break, specialising in pet health. When she’s not barking about dog supplements, she’s online devouring cat content.