(Part 2) Best dog leashes according to redditors

It appears to be a Petego Cycleash, an attachment for walking your dog alongside your bike as you ride.

The fact that the dog is wearing a helmet backs this up. Safety first.

Yea! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZZ33C3/ I really do love these, and when I did have one crap out WAY earlier than expected the company replaced it no problem.

EDIT: They are heavier than your average leash and probably better for dogs 40lb+, but YMMV. I recommend using them with a harness, not a collar, too.

Sure!

Leash: link
Harness: link

The harness was recommended when I googled around for reviews. Definitely go for a “vest” style harness because they’re much harder for cats to get out of than the classic harness-style ones (we all know cats can defy physics). Obviously you can use pretty much any leash with it.

I have two shelter dogs and I get this a lot because they are small beagles and people assume they are friendly (they are but they get nervous). It just doesn't occur to people that just because the dog is not snarling they still might not be ok to pet.

I recommend this:

https://smile.amazon.com/Stop-Sign-Not-Leash-Wrap/dp/B00DM0OBNM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1503152975&sr=8-6&keywords=do+not+pet

it stops people, and makes them take a moment before they just pet.

If taking your dog on a walk, I strongly recommend getting this harness and leash:

• Do Not Pet leash
  
• Do Not Pet harness
  
  -
  
  Never let your dog wander the yard unsupervised. If you let your dog out to run and do their business, be there with them or have a way to supervise their activity. Supervision is the best way to prevent anyone from interacting with your animal - fenced yard or otherwise.
  
  -
  
  I am not familiar with your state's laws, but in my state if someone comes onto your property without your knowledge or consent and they get bit by your animal then the fault falls on the intruder to the property - not the animal. There is a gray area with guests and visitors, however.
  
  -
  
  But the harness and leash display openly not to pet your animal. Be proactive and try to avoid encounters where the animal can be pinned. Look into behavioral training. The behavior could be diverted with proper training and counseling.

I hope you have luck with the trainers. In the mean time, I noticed you said your SO is afraid to take him out because of his size. I have a reactive 80+ lb German Shepherd and I'm about a 115 lbs. I understand. A couple of things:

Do you have a secure, front clip harness you can use to control your dog? If not, I would suggest investing in one. It feels a lot more secure vs just using a collar that your dog can slip out of.

I recently started using two leashes to walk my GSD. I have a short bungie leash, like this, which I keep clipped to my hips. You can use a heavy duty carabiner attached to a belt or fanny pack.

Then, I have a second flat leash which has an extra handle at the base of the leash, like this, so I can get a really good grip on my GSD and pull him away if I absolutely have to. I keep the flat leash looped around my wrist, then looped around my thumb like this, close my hand into a fist around the leash and hold it tightly to my stomach.

This has increased my confidence ten fold because I know my dog cannot pull away from me if he's attached my hips, and I can still easily control him using the second handle on the flat leash. The second handle on the flash leash is a blessing for tight areas like hallways or stair wells in the apartment complex (Avoid tugging on his leash if its not necessary, this can make them more anxious).

Other tips:
---
Make sure you are playing with your dog inside the apartment as much as possible to reduce his stress, anxiety or tire him out. (Or take him the park and try to really tucker him out) Try to walk him at odd hours (like 5am, 12am) to reduce the chances you will run into things that scare him. This sucks, but it is very important that you avoid stressing him out as much as possible.

Practice your emergency exits. If you are in the hallway and see something scary, you can get away without your dog reacting and stressing out. Start in the apartment with his leash on, and practice saying "Lets go!" in a playful voice, do a u-turn, and playfully run the opposite direction. You might need to use your hands to get your dogs attention or use treats to lure him into a u-turn. You don't want to be tugging on your dog. You want your dog to think this is a fun and exciting game that is way better than facing and barking at whatever scary thing is at the end of the hall or sidewalk.

Instead of just feeding your dog cheese when he sees something scary, try turning it into a game of "Find it!". Again, start by practicing in your apartment, throw a treat a couple feet in front of you and tell your dog to "Find it!". You can start using this outside, when you don't see any distractions. Then, if your dog is far enough away to see a distraction but NOT REACT, you can try playing "Find it!" to distract them and reduce their stress. You can also use "Find it!" to get them to turn around, or throw treats at your feet so you can more easily get their attention.

Right now the goal is to avoid triggers as much as possible so if in doubt, do an emergency exit and try to get your dog out of the situation by doing a playful "Let's go!". You can play "Find it!" when you are far enough away. If your dog notices a trigger but is far enough away that he isn't reacting yet, try playing "Find it!" to distract your dog from the trigger. Always try to set him up for success, don't do it if you know he's gonna do bonkers.

Also, experiment with high value treats or rewards. Does he have a chew bone he really loves? Try bringing on the walk to distract him. Try really smelly, wet treats like hot dogs, liver or chicken.

Hopefully this will help until you maintain the situation until you can get some hands on training with a behaviorist.

I use this with a regular harness.

The Tuff Mutt leash has worked well with my 19-pound JRT. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CJ3TSCG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I use it with a RuffWear Webmaster harness.

Being overwhelmed is NOT a terrible sign. Things will get a LOT easier as you guys build a routine and a life together. You will not always be this overwhelmed. You won't always have to be freaking out over him.

But you also can't let yourself freak out too much now, either. Take time every day to do things for yourself where the puppy isn't there. Crate him and go to a movie. Go to dinner with friends. Go for a walk without him. The fact that all your dreams are dog dreams makes me thing you aren't having a second to have quiet you-time, and you can't be the best dog parent with your puppy if you don't have some moments of chill to collect yourself.

As for the leash issue: this is easily resolved. Get a metal leash, like this: https://www.amazon.com/CtopoGo-Heavy-Padded-Handle-Medium/dp/B079211458 . He's not going to be able to chew that up. (Mind you, never get a metal collar or harness as they can hurt the dog, but the leash is totally fine). That should go a long way towards your peace of mind on walks!

The "eating things on the ground" issue is also an easy answer. Muzzle training! Here's Zak George's video on how to muzzle train: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7skDA82lvw It's not only for aggressive dogs. A basket muzzle can help you keep your dog safe from eating dangerous things he finds on the ground. With appropriate training, your dog will come to love his muzzle and associate it with great things (like treats and walks!). Take it slow, as some dogs aren't immediately comfortable with the muzzle. The video should help.

Together, these two pieces of equipment should make your walks a lot calmer and safer for you both.

Retractable leads arent a good choice compared to elastic ones like this

But 100% agree on the harness. If your dog is motivated by food then you can spoil her with treats right before and while she is wearing the harness. Do not longboard with your dog without a harness, ever.

Our cat used to walk US, which was really more like finding a bush to smell for 20 minutes. We got a bungee leash that did wonders for him. He doesn’t like feeling pulled (like most cats I’m sure) so this really helped him learn the concept of walking with us. Here’s what worked for us (once we had warmed him up to the leash/harness):

Whenever he’d walk too far from us, he’d feel the tugging sensation from the leash.
When he started to walk off, I would not follow, so the tugging sensation would only get worse the further he got. He learned that the tugging sensation only stopped when he walked by me.
When he stopped trying to wander off and came back to me, I gave him lots of pets and told him what a good boy he was. Treats helped too of course!

I’ve also found that just taking them outside to sit (with the harness/leash) with no expectation of walking helps acclimate them and feel comfortable. My cat still likes to do this before we begin walking.

Would love to see a picture! Hope this helps, and sorry for any weird formatting (on mobile).

Get the leash for tiny dogs doesn't retract with such great force

Yep.

I use the kurgo leash and Zipline for the back of the Jeep. I installed the zipline just behind the front seats over the roll cage (I don't keep the back seat in) and my Husky can go from side to side and not jump or fall out. The leash has different tether lengths so you can adjust as needed. I would suggest adding a swivel connector between the zipline and the leash. My dog goes in circles and without the swivel got the leash all curled up.

Kurgo Leash and Zipline(TM) Dog Car Restraint https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002AN6STC/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_NNtBCbA9EWWD3

For my little pug co pilot I used the kurgo tether and his harness. It plugs into the seat belt and keeps him secure. We unknowingly tested this and it worked wonderfully. The only note I will make here is he was an old man and very subdued. If your dog is a mover and shaker they could step on the seatbelt release and undo it. Just something to consider.

Kurgo 01965 Direct to Seatbelt Tether Dog Seat Belt & Dog Car Seatbelt, Blue https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07D8XRNWR/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_KYtBCbA0FDPV7

Hope this helps, we all want our Jeep dogs to be happy safe dogs

So when I first read this post, I didn't realize the flexi leash was a retractable leash. I used a normal flat leash for the first few months of hiking with our pupper, but wanted to have both hands free for trekking poles so we went with this. Nice thing about it when our pupper goes down hill, she will zoom, and the elastic can help reduce some of her pull. She's got a very strong nose and will randomly dart out to follow the scent (she is an Amstaff/beagle/Greyhound mix...and her love of following scents is....formidable!). It attaches to the belt, but can also be made into a stand-alone leash as it attaches to itself. It also has a little handle where it attaches to get harness which makes it infinitely more controllable when we come up on another pupper which unfortunately makes her a bit nervous. The handle at the harness and makes moving her off the trail very easy.

There are bike attachments that go lower on the bike, the best example I could find was this:

http://smile.amazon.com/SunLite-Bicycle-Dog-Leash-Sunlite/dp/B0006514IG/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1427123948&sr=8-12&keywords=bike+attachment+dog

Which I have no experience with but it seems like you could put one on each side? (and obviously don't attach it to their collars...) I am considering getting one for Wallaby so I'll let you know if I find anything better.

My bike was stolen last summer with the walkydog attached so I need a new attachment. I liked the walkydog but Wallaby wasn't 100% comfortable being that close to the bike.

Edit- after reading some of those reviews I wouldn't get is, seems difficult to install and one reviewer said their dog ripped the wheel right off the axle.

I am liking this more: http://smile.amazon.com/Signstek-Bicycle-Exerciser-Training-Leash----Walking/dp/B00QX0DM7O/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1427124225&sr=8-23&keywords=bike+attachment+dog

It lets the dog be farther away from the bike but has some stretch in the leash for shock absorption. Wallaby used to pull like crazy on the Walkydog but when I attached his leash to it, he wouldn't pull at all. That lead looks long enough that you could use it with your cockers.

I have ferret leash! I got it from the pet store, but they have em online as well. I like it because it buckles so it's extra secure. The only downside is that it covers a lot of his body.

Edit: It also has a wee little bell!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HG96FC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_mFH-Ab5KKGQ4M

You can try buying a short leash and doing it in your apartment. Walk room to room and as the dog is by your side, reward them.

Then use a normal leash with a little slack. Same thing as before. They most likely won't pull as there is nothing exciting to go to.

Gradually work up to going outside. Start with the short leash again, and go up from there.

Here is a link on Amazon to what I'm referring to as a short leash. (I by no means and pushing this product. It's the first one that popped up)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0041S3824/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487093248&sr=8-1&keywords=short+dog+leash

• Chrome Industries Citizen Bag
  
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Lots of good advice already given. I'll add that you may want to consider putting a tab leash on your dog, so that if she starts to panic scramble you can grab the tab and get her out of your way. It's not training and it's not a perfect "forever" solution, but it may save your ass in the meantime!

Could you get something like this? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002AN6STC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520036767&sr=8-1&keywords=dog+seat+belt+zipline&dpPl=1&dpID=41Dh55tZjFL&ref=plSrch

Amazon. Leash Coupler. https://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Gear-Coupler-Nickel-Plated-Swivel/dp/B000Y908UO/ref=sr_1_4?crid=PVGRVKR8KHZ4

No bungee leash I know of it strong enough to assist with pulling (they really don't offer that much extra resistance). A padded handle is going to be the best for your hand.

Something like this

Or this

Also, if you're still working with both dogs on loose leash walking, don't use a coupler. If both dogs start pulling you have less control.

I bought this one: http://www.amazon.com/Tuff-Mutt-Dual-Handle-Reflective-Adjustable/dp/B01CJ3TSCG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I really like it because it has two handles, one at the hip end and one at the collar end. I guess ideally the handle near the collar would be longer, but it may only be an issue because I am tall.

Did you have to start doing anything different with your dog?

An option is to find a sturdy box, or something of the kind, that can sit at the foot of the part of the seat where you want your dog to be. It shouldn't be made of carton, but rather something that your dog couldn't break through if he jumps on it. you cover both the seat and the box with his blanket and that way he can stretch his legs there. If you can give him some room by moving the front seat forward, that can also help.

It's very important you fasten your dog to the back seat though, so that if you brake sudddenly he doesn't fly right through the windshield or into a seat. There are belts you can fasten into the seat belt holders, and we also use [this zip line] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kurgo-Safety-Tether-Orange-00032/dp/B002AN6STC/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1517649911&sr=8-15&keywords=Kurgo+car) to fasten Luci's harness to the back seat.

You can also use this to protect seats.

Easiest fix, chain leash. Most dogs will not try to play tug with them because they are not fun to bite.

CtopoGo Heavy Duty Dog Leash,Metal Dog Leash Dog Chain with Padded Handle for Large & Medium Size Dogs 120 cm (Black) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B079211458/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GSDYCb0HHW22Y

Obviously, if he still tries to bite it, return it because that would be terrible for his teeth.

RUFFWEAR - Slackline Leash, Twilight Gray (2017) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LP31HMK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_26qFDbTQFWZWK

I use this one I like how easy it is to anchor your dog when you need to run Into a store. I also like how you can do hands free it comes in handy for hiking because I can attach to either my pack or waist. It’s also adjustable in length so it’s perfect for city walks with traffic as well as hikes where they can roam.

Depending on how hard your dog likes to pull you can either just hang on to the end, or get something like this

Hahaha. No! It’s this one 🙃

Yup. I have one of these and my dog loves it. I did have to work her up to longer distances though- running that far was initially hard on her pads.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017K5JLDO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521587894&sr=8-3&keywords=dual+handle+dog+leash&dpPl=1&dpID=411kTa14eSL&ref=plSrch

If they still have those dogs with them, tell them to use halters for walking the dogs.

I recommend this with a connector between the ring and their collar in case it breaks. It makes even large energetic dogs much more controllable. Also don't use a retractable leash - you can even get some with bungee shock absorbers built in.

I know this is an older post but my father recently dealt with this challenge. What he did was have a cyclone fence installed with gates and then put a clip through the gate. My mother can't figure out how to get past the clip. This makes it so that she can have the run of the house/yard but not get out into the street.

This is the clip:
https://www.amazon.com/ALAZCO-Superior-Quality-8-Inch-Swivel/dp/B0187QWT2K/

Obviously, this only works if the person is at the stage where they can't figure out the clip consistently.

Nope, unfortunately it’s very real!

Amazon

If you get an actual bike leash (I use this one, but there's plenty of other options: Petego Cycleash Universal Dog Bike Leash https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BL7SPIU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WZa1AbR8Z09WK) it's not bad at all. It attaches to your center of gravity and has an elastic, so sudden movements are dampened quite a bit.

My 100lb dog is a total weenie so he was worried about the bike at first (and would pull away) but now he loves it. I did start him off with a prong collar because I didn't want him pulling, but once we both got the hang of it I switched to a harness. Obviously you'll want to keep an eye on his speed and be careful not to pull him along, especially if you use a prong collar, but that's not very difficult as they can easily stay in your peripheral vision.

Two things: my dog has a pretty solid "leave it" which helps when we pass interesting things like barking dogs. Also, I keep a regular nylon leash attached to his collar and hold it by hand so that a) I can get him back on track with a tug, if I need to, and b) I can unclip him from the bike leash and let him pee/poop as needed. It's also a safety net should I fall off, but be careful not to wrap it around your hand or anything in case you need to let go quickly.

Generally speaking, once dogs get into running mode (if that's their cup of tea) they're pretty happy to just go. Distractions are usually minimized compared to a slow walk. Note: the best speed for their joints is a steady trot, but realistically, sometimes only a gallop will do ;)

It's such a blast watching them run as much as they want. You can just see the bliss the entire time.

Edit: one more thing. Do be sure to start off slowly (maybe 5-10 minutes trips in the beginning, depending on speed and temperatures) so they don't get sick or hurt, particularly with older or out of shape dogs. Many dogs will go way past their limits just trying to keep up or please you.

As far as collars go, I get kitten ones for my girls, one of them is qute small and it just about fits ok. They are safety ones that unclip as soon as they are tugged on too much, which is reassuring but a pain when they lose them under the sofa!

Harness wise, if you want to walk your ferrets I recommend these I am in the UK but I am sure they will do something similar out there. They fit better than the usual strap type harnesses, especially on my smaller jill as she only has little legs!

Leash

Coupler

I love my leash, but it was pricey. It has buckle on the handle that I use for quickly attaching them to things. It also adjusts from about 4'-6'. Then the coupler adjusts too, so one dog has more slack. Which is nice because my good old dog doesn't get dragged around by the rambunctious puppy so much.

It's a fantastic setup for when we're casually walking. We seldom get tangled up. Definitely don't skimp on individual leash training for the new pup though.

There's also this leash. Which is $10 cheaper and lacks a padded handle and doesn't adjust in the front.

I have one like this double handled leash that I like a lot. I also like the rope leashes, but that may be too heavy for a 20 lb dog.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746CH6B4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FDwYBb54S393S

I also like this no-frills leash . It’s cheap and long and I can easily tie a loop in it wherever I want to act as a 2nd handle.

Haven’t tried the bungees but curious about them.

I've had this issue too as my pit is tiny and adorable looking but she's shy and needs to be able to sniff people before she'll let them pet her. When people or dogs just run up to her she gets freaked out and darts between my legs for safety. You could try getting a leash like this to let people know she doesn't apprciate the attention.

This thing has done wonders to prevent headset wire tangle and I move around a LOT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z9OFB7O

I walk using a 10 foot leash. It was recommended to me my dogs reactivity training (Amy Cook, Fenzi). But it does take a while to get used to handling such a long leash. It took a good month before I got good with holding the leash and having treats in my hand. Before this I used to walk my dog using a 4 foot leash, however, my dog is very sensitive to leash pressure, so the 4 ft leash was causing a lot of problems.

For the times when you know you will be in tight spaces you could try using one of the handle leashes. This way you could still use the longer leash, but have the smaller handle in tight spaces and they both can be clipped to the leash at the same time.

I have no experience with pugs, so you might be totally right. The thing with pugs is they are small and cute so people tend to invade their space. Maybe a leash like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Sign-Not-Leash-Wrap/dp/B00DM0OBNM/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1381346952&sr=1-1&keywords=do+not+pet

You can also use a coupler (like this https://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Gear-Coupler-Nickel-Plated-Swivel/dp/B000Y908UO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=collar+coupler&qid=1558379600&s=gateway&sr=8-3 ) that connects the front clip harness a gentle leader if he really is pulling that much.

I know you didn't ask for advice on this but if he's scared of the loud noises to the point where he is trying to run off and not taking treats, he's really stressed/scared. Can you find a different route to take him to the campus that's quieter or drive to the campus?

I actually just asked my vet about this today!

My husky just hit 10 months and my vet says slow run/walk intervals are fine until she's a year old. Then we should be good to open it up (right).

I'm on week 5 of a couch to 5k program, so it's mostly intervals. My mile is about 12-15 mins with the drills. We are going plenty slow, much to my dog's dismay.
We've done 3 miles, tops, with a break halfway to the dog park where she runs around like she's insane.

I have this harness:
TRUE LOVE Adjustable No-Pull Dog... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077GWH9Y6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And this leash:
SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K513BN6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

What attachment do you use, if you don't mind my asking? My local pet supplies store sells the Cycleash: https://www.amazon.ca/Petego-Cycleash-Universal-Bicycle-Leash/dp/B00BL7SPIU What do you think? The description says it's good for dogs 35lb. and up -- mine's only 30lb. But she is crazy athletic and muscular. She looks like she's on steroids!

I do have a harness that she isn't AWFUL with, but it's a martingale harness so it tightens. I could put that on her, but that doesn't sound great compared to a collar, either. I tried going the Ruffwear route (I LOVE their leashes) but my pup just shuts down as soon as she can feel something bulky on her back or around her belly.

I understanding have a preferred harness

Try a leash wrap that can also go over the clip on some harnesses, or around the dog’s collar.

Here’s one option , and another.