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When, where, and how should you leash your dog? Let's lay out some info so you can make the right choice—for your pup, walking environments, and personal goals.
Should you leash your dog?
When in doubt: Yes, you probably should. Most cities, counties, and townships have leash laws in place. We know these can be annoying—there's nothing like watching my cattle dog move freely through an open space, and sometimes I resent how difficult it can be to find areas where off-lash time is appropriate—but complying helps give dogs and handlers a better name. Little steps to respect those around us can go a long way.
And it's about more than just respect. Leashes can also keep our own pets safe! They provide peace of mind around roads and dangerous terrain, prevent wildlife chasing, and offer reliable management as we work on our pups' training.
Keep your dog tethered
- In public areas with leash laws
- In environments with sensitive plants and wildlife
- If your dog is still working on their recall
- If you aren't sure how they'll react to a certain new distraction
Enjoy some off-leash time
- If your dog has a solid recall
- When the environment—distractions, other people and pets, wildlife—feels safe for your pup's personality and training level
- In public areas where dogs are allowed off-leash
- On voice-control legal hiking trails
- On private property (your own or a Sniffspot)
Further resources
If you want to know more about dog parks, we've got you covered in this post highlighting pros and cons of off-leash play areas. If you're looking for more general fulfillment tips, check out this lengthy enrichment guide!
Common leash options
A quick Google search for "dog leash" is... overwhelming to say the least. There are hundreds of thousands of results filterable by suggestions like retractable, 4-6 feet long, hands-free, and more. Below are some of the most popular categories.
Standard short, fixed-length leashes: These leads are 4 to 6 feet long. When you think of a basic dog leash—the default option at pet stores and veterinary offices—this is probably what comes to mind.
Mid-length leashes: Generally around 8 to 10 feet, these leashes are provide a little more room for your dog to explore.
Long lines: Often 15 feet or longer—some of these exceed 40 or 50 feet!—long lines allow for freedom while still keeping your dog tethered to you. They're great for recall training in open spaces.
Retractable leads: These leashes can extend up to 26 feet or more. They can be controversial in the dog training world because the automatic slack management can make it easy for handlers to zone out—but when used with care? Flexis can be excellent tools for giving your dog more freedom. (This is one of my favorite leashes for my own dog after years of training work.)
Traffic handles: These are shorter handles providing quick control in crowded or high-traffic situations. Pet parents usually use them in combination with a longer leash.
Hands-free attachments: These leashes can be worn around your waist or across your body, keeping your hands free for other activities—and providing security if you're worried about your pup pulling the leash out of your grip.
A standard 6-foot leash is often a good fit if...
- You want to go on a classic neighborhood walk, especially if you're likely to pass other people and pets
- You and your dog are headed to a crowded hiking trail with leash laws
- You need to keep close physical control of your dog (for example: as you work on skills like "leave it" in environments with lots of food on the ground)
A mid-length leash (8-15 feet) can be a good fit if...
- It's not appropriate for your dog to roam far, but there's enough space for them to have a little freedom
- Your dog pulls a lot and you think the extra length will help reduce conflict on your walks
- You want your do to sniff more—studies suggest the longer their leash, the more a dog uses their nose!
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A long line might be a good fit if...
- You want to work on recall or other distance training while maintaining a line of physical control
- You're headed to an open space
- It would be appropriate for your dog to be totally off leash, but their training isn't quite there yet
- You're hanging out in one spot—like a campsite—and want your dog to be able to explore within your area
A retractable leash might be a good fit if...
- Manually managing long line slack feels difficult
- The ground is wet, muddy, or otherwise gross—and you don't want your dog's leash to drag on it
- You're confident in your ability to hold the handle and use the lead's locking mechanism
- You've checked the lead's functionality prior to use
- Your dog has a nice recall but you want to respect the legislative intent of leash laws
A traffic handle can be great if...
- You want a quick way to grab your dog while on a walk or hike
- You're headed to a very busy area
- Your dog struggles with reactivity, and the closer control gives you peace of mind
A hands-free leash walking setup might work well if...
- Your dog has nice loose-leash skills and you want to be able to carry other things
- Alternatively, your dog struggles with intense pulling and you want a backup attachment in case the leash slips from your grip
Find the leash setup that works for you!
My parents' husky has different go-to walking gear than my cattle dog, whose setup is different from my best friend's dog, whose setup doesn't match everyone we see on the internet... You get the idea. When considering if and how to leash your dog, keep the surrounding environment, your dog's comfort, and your own comfort in mind. Once you've got that covered? You're good to go.
Happy adventuring!