Best Leashes for Dogs That Pull: Top Choices 2025

Yes, anti-pull leashes help, but only with training. The best leashes combine safe design with proper fit and teaching calm walking. We explain top leash types, expert training tips, risks of gear over-reliance, and how to stop pulling step-by-step.

You’re here for the TL;DR list of the five best leashes for dogs that pull:

• Double Handle Leash: Offers standard grip and close-control traffic handle, great for navigating distractions or tight spaces without sacrificing freedom.
• Front-Clip Harness System: Redirects pulling behavior by guiding the chest, not the back, effective for many dogs but must be fitted carefully to avoid joint strain.
• Martingale + Leash Combo: Prevents escape for narrow-headed dogs while applying gentle correction, ideal for sighthounds or skittish pups.
• Hands-Free Waist Leash (Use with Caution): Useful for experienced walkers or joggers with leash-trained dogs, not recommended for strong pullers due to injury risk.
• Three-Strap Hiking Harness: Full-body support with “power steering” control, perfect for dogs who zig-zag or lunge, without restricting shoulder movement.

Why Do Dogs Pull on the Leash?

Pulling on the leash isn’t disobedience, it’s instinct. Many dogs are driven by curiosity, prey drive, and a desire to explore. Whether they’re chasing scents, reacting to other animals, or simply overwhelmed by new environments, the natural response is to pull ahead.

Unfortunately, human frustration often amplifies the problem. Many owners tense up, shorten the leash, or tug back when pulling starts. 

This triggers a feedback loop: the dog pulls harder, the owner reacts, and walking becomes a stressful battle instead of bonding time.

It’s tempting to believe that a certain leash or harness will instantly fix pulling. This “gear fix” mindset leads many frustrated owners to collect an arsenal of leashes and harnesses, only to find that the pulling continues. 

The reality? No leash can replace training. Tools support progress, but consistent, calm, reward-based training is the only lasting solution.

Can Leashes Alone Stop Pulling?

The quick answer is simple: No.

The most thoughtfully engineered leash cannot teach your dog self-control. Training is the non-negotiable foundation for polite walking. Without it, even the most expensive anti-pull gear becomes a short-term patch.

Effective training focuses on teaching attention and engagement. 

Your dog needs to learn that walking calmly beside you is rewarding, while pulling gets them nowhere. When combined with the right gear, this approach produces the kind of peaceful, enjoyable walks most owners crave.

The biggest trap? Believing that buying another leash or harness will fix the issue without addressing the behavior itself. Gear can support progress, but it’s not a replacement for training.

What Features to Look for in a Leash for Pulling Dogs

1. Secure Clip is Priority #1 (Escape Risk)

Safety begins at the clip. A leash is only as strong as its weakest connection point, and sadly, many escapes happen because of clip failures. High-quality carabiner-style locking clips offer security. They’re far less likely to pop open if twisted or jarred unexpectedly.

Many owners have learned this the hard way with inexpensive bungee leashes or poorly designed swivel clips that come undone under tension. 

Avoid budget models that rely on friction-based locks or thin metal components. When managing a pulling dog, clip strength isn’t optional, it’s the foundation of your dog’s safety.

2. Proper Leash Length Matters

Length influences both control and comfort:

• 6 feet is the standard recommendation for everyday walks. It allows room to explore without sacrificing safety.
• Traffic handles built into some leashes give you immediate, close control in busy areas like sidewalks or dog parks.
• Long leads (15-30 feet) are excellent for decompression walks, recall training, and giving your dog freedom to sniff and explore in low-distraction environments.

The key is flexibility. Some adjustable-length leashes let you shift between long and short configurations as you move between spaces.

3. Material: Strength + Comfort

• Nylon is widely available, affordable, and easy to clean, and we have 26 colors available
• Biothane offers waterproof durability, odor resistance, and easy maintenance, making it ideal for dogs who love water, mud, or extreme weather.
• Leather provides long-term durability and comfort, softening over time to mold to your dog’s neck.

At Mimi Green, we offer all these materials and more, velvet, glitter, laminated cotton, even hand-embroidered designs that add a personalized touch. Because every dog is different, and so are their needs.

4. Weight Matters for Small Dogs

Hardware that feels secure on a large dog can overwhelm a toy breed. For small dogs, it’s not just about strength but also weight balance. Oversized clips and thick webbing may tug awkwardly on their neck or restrict movement. Look for lightweight materials paired with secure hardware sized for smaller frames.

The 5 Best Leash Types for Dogs That Pull

1. Hands-Free Waist Leashes (with caution)

Waist-worn hands-free leashes are convenient for joggers, hikers, or parents managing strollers. However, they should only be used with dogs who have already developed polite leash manners. For strong pullers, being tethered to your waist can reduce control and increase injury risk if your dog suddenly lunges.

2. Double Handle Leashes

Double-handle leashes include a standard grip and a secondary traffic handle near the clip. This allows owners to quickly pull their dog close when navigating distractions, crowds, or tight spaces. The design offers an excellent balance between freedom and control, especially in busy urban settings.

3. Front-Clip Harness Systems

Front-clip harnesses work by redirecting your dog’s body when they pull, reducing forward momentum. They can be highly effective in the short term, but they must be fitted carefully. Prolonged use of some front-clip harnesses may affect joint alignment and restrict shoulder movement, particularly in active, growing, or large-breed dogs.

4. Martingale + Leash Combo

Martingale collars tighten gently when a dog pulls, preventing them from backing out of the collar. They are a popular choice for sighthounds and dogs with narrow heads. However, if improperly sized, martingales may slip too far down the neck, reducing their effectiveness.

5. Power Steering Hiking Harnesses

For dogs who weave, bob, or change direction unpredictably in crowds, full-body harnesses with three secure straps provide better “power steering.” This design distributes pressure evenly across the body, offering owners more stability without restricting shoulder motion.

5 Mistakes Dog Owners Make When Choosing Anti-Pull Gear

Many frustrated owners fall into the same traps when trying to solve pulling:

• Buying before training: The biggest misstep is believing that gear alone will fix pulling. No leash or harness can replace consistent, reward-based training. Without behavioral work, even the most expensive tools become short-term patches.
• Using equipment that restricts natural movement: Some harnesses, especially those with chest straps or restrictive front clips, can interfere with shoulder mobility if not used carefully. Over time, this may affect joint health in active or growing dogs.
• Assuming one size fits all breeds: Breed differences matter. A solution that works for a stocky Labrador may fail for a narrow-headed greyhound. Fit, neck shape, and coat type should guide gear selection.
• Ignoring proper fit after grooming or weight change: Collar and harness fit can shift after grooming, weight gain, or seasonal coat changes. Failing to regularly adjust for these changes can compromise both comfort and safety.
• Overlooking cheap materials that cause skin irritation: Low-cost collars often use harsh nylon blends that can chafe sensitive skin, especially on short-coated breeds. Investing in quality materials helps prevent irritation and rash.

Step-by-Step Training to Stop Pulling

Step 1: Train Attention, Not Just Position

Before correcting pulling, build your dog’s focus. Use treats, favorite toys, or verbal praise to reinforce calm attention on you. Games like “watch me” or “touch” create engagement that carries over to walks.

Step 2: Redirection Works (The Circle Game)

When your dog surges ahead, calmly change direction. This creates a pattern where pulling never moves them forward, while walking politely earns steady progress. Over time, your dog learns that following you is more rewarding than dragging ahead.

Step 3: Stay Calm, Progress Is Slow

Many dog owners feel defeated by daily setbacks. Progress with pullers is not linear. It may take weeks of consistent, sometimes tedious work, changing directions, rewarding focus, and repeating drills. Patience is your most valuable training tool.

Step 4: Reward Calm Walking

Leverage the Premack principle: reward desirable walking behavior with controlled freedom. When your dog maintains a loose leash, allow more exploration time. When they pull, pause or redirect. This makes polite walking the fastest path to what they want.

Why Mimi Green’s Handmade Leashes Offer an Edge

Most big-box solutions offer standard sizes, limited materials, and mass production. Mimi Green takes a completely different approach:

• Custom sizing ensures every collar, leash, and harness fits your dog’s exact measurements.
• Premium materials like waterproof Biothane, velvet, glitter, laminated cotton, hand embroidery, and full-grain leather create both durability and personality.
• Ethical, small-batch USA production means every product supports living wages and handmade care, not overseas shortcuts.
• Complete matching sets allow you to coordinate collars, leashes, harnesses, and accessories for a cohesive, one-of-a-kind look that reflects your dog’s personality.

Your Walks Should Be Enjoyable, Not Exhausting

The perfect leash can’t replace training, but it gives you the tools to succeed. Durable materials, secure clips, and proper fit create peace of mind, while training transforms how your dog walks beside you. And when your leash reflects your dog’s unique style, every walk becomes more personal.

If pulling has turned daily walks into a battle, you’re not alone. You need gear that won’t fail, materials that won’t irritate, and designs that fit your dog, not a one-size-fits-all shortcut. At Mimi Green, we offer:

• Custom-fit collars and leashes sized precisely for your dog’s neck, coat type, and walking habits.
• Waterproof Biothane and buttery-soft leather options for durability, comfort, and effortless cleaning.
• Handmade matching sets to create a cohesive, stylish look while delivering functional control.

Every piece is handmade-to-order in our small US studio, with care, creativity, and your dog’s safety in mind. Don’t settle for gear that frustrates you. Choose Mimi Green, and take your first step toward peaceful, confident walks.

👉Shop Mimi Green’s Custom Leashes Now!