Taking care of a German Shepherd can be challenging at times. Known for being active, the best leash for German Shepherds is necessary to keep them safe.
A leash not only keeps your dog near when on the go, but it also gives you effective control when training your dog.
Every dog leash is not created equal, though. Simply said, some are well-built and easy to use than others. But with that many options for the best German Shepherd leashes available, how can you pick the better deal?
Our Top Picks
Paw Lifestyles Heavy Duty Dog Leash
- Comfortable Handle
- Durable Hardware
- 3mm Thicker Leash
Leashboss Original Two-Handle Leash
- No-Pull Leash
- Unique Design
- Easy to Grip
SparklyPets Rope Bungee Leash
- Elastic Bungee
- Comfortable Handle
- Sturdy Nylon Made
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Best Leashes for German Shepherds | In-Depth Reviews
So, to help people get the best leashes for their German Shepherds. Here is the list of leashes that are most popular both online and offline.
1. Paw Lifestyles Heavy Duty Dog Leash
- Type: Nylon Leash
- Brand: Paw Lifestyles
- Material: Nylon, Padded Handle, Metal Snap clip
- Length: 6 ft.
Paw Lifestyles dog leash will not break as cheap leashes do, and the reflective material keeps your German Shepherd safe during late-night walks.
The strong neoprene handle makes it easy to hold onto, even when the dog is pulling on the leash. Its non-slip grip allows the dog to remain in control. This leash is made from a high-quality material that will last for a long time.
This leash features a cool, reflective paw print design on both handles. It is made with lightweight nylon, so the German Shepherd is comfortable at all times. It is 2 times thicker than standard leashes so it will endure the toughest of conditions.
The durable nylon material is weather-resistant. It can easily withstand hot, humid, and cold seasons.
The leash is comfortable for any dog to wear and has a chromium-plated metal clip for a strong connection to any dog collar or harness.
The Paw Lifestyles Heavy Duty Dog Leash is manufactured from stiff, soft, and durable nylon. The double-padded handles on this leash are comfortable enough to protect you and your pet during extended walks, making it the best leash for a German Shepherd.
What We Like:
- The nylon used is lightweight and extra thick.
- 6 feet length is optimal for any medium-sized dog.
- Avail from 3 secondary colors with black being primary.
- Neoprene handle for added comfort.
What We Don’t Like:
- Not a chew-proof leash.
2. Leashboss Original Two-Handle Leash
- Type: Double Handle Leash
- Brand: Leash Boss
- Material: Nylon, Padded Handle, Metal Snap clip
- Length: 5 ft.
Leashboss Original leashes are made to go the distance and withstand heavy and vigorous use.
The heavy-duty nylon and durable metal hardware provide many years of service. The two handles make it easy to control your dog while pulling and tugging the leash.
It is a great training tool for beginners because the padded handles won’t hurt your hands. This leash is 5 feet long and is designed for medium and large dogs. Assembled in the USA and it features a unique woven pattern for enhanced comfort.
This leash is easy to take on and off with the help of a strong metal clip. It also features a rust-proof locking mechanism that prevents your dog from breaking free.
Leashboss Original Leash is easy to maneuver and can be used in crowded areas due to the extra handle. This Leash will provide hours of fun and excitement for you and your German Shepherd.
What We Like:
- Two-handle dog leash to overcome pulling.
- Made from durable nylon that is lightweight.
- Handles are padded to give premium comfort.
- Strong metal clip with zinc plating.
What We Don’t Like:
- An expensive option compared to other leashes.
3. SparklyPets Heavy Duty Rope Bungee Leash
- Type: Bungee Leash
- Brand: SparklyPets Store
- Material: Nylon, Metal Snap clip
- Length: 43 Inches
A firm bungee leash that won’t encourage dog pulling, its durable nylon rope design keeps your German Shepherd focused and under control.
A perfect leash for training your dog as well as for everyday use. The padded handles protect hands during training sessions and ensure a secure grip.
This rope-style dog leash is made with premium material and is designed to last through the normal wear and tear of daily use. A unique and durable elastic bungee is included to withstand pulling. This leash is perfect for any quick-moving German Shepherd.
Available in 5 different colors with a variation for a single dog and another for 2 dogs.
Being the leash with most features, SparklyPets Heavy Duty leash has a thick nylon rope along with a secure metallic clip with strong leather bonds.
What We Like:
- Comes with an anti-pull shock-absorbing bungee attachment.
- Padded handle that is soft to the touch.
- Heavy-duty metal clip and D-rings for better security.
- Strong leather joints that keep the leash intact.
What We Don’t Like:
- A bit expensive.
- Bungee leashes are not for small dogs and puppies.
- The bungee attachment may fray on dog chewing.
4. Soft Touch Collar’s Leather Leash
- Type: Leather Leash
- Brand: Soft Touch Collars
- Material: Leather, Brass Metal Snap clip
- Length: 6 ft.
Stylish, durable, and easy to maintain, this leather dog leash is sure to last for years.
The handcrafted look and naturally tanned leather ensure a classy appearance. The multiple sizes are perfect for a larger German Shepherd to keep them from pulling too hard.
Padded handles protect your hands from leash burns. A classic design for a timeless look that projects a sense of quality. It has a simple but sturdy braided pattern that has a soft touch feel.
The timeless look and quality feel give your dog the attention they deserve. The sturdy brass hardware and supple leather used to create this accessory strengthen the overall durability. The strong leather construction protects against wear and tear, keeping this piece looking great for years to come.
This leash is made with premium leather that is unique in appearance. Handmade and naturally tanned for lasting shine.
What We Like:
- A braided leather leash that is handmade.
- Padded handle for lasting comfort.
- Secure brass hardware.
- Available in 6 colors each with a classy look.
What We Don’t Like:
- A bit heavy for training German Shepherd puppies.
5. Dutchy Brand Heavy-Duty Leash
- Type: Nylon Leash
- Brand: Dutchy Brand Store
- Material: Nylon, Metal Snap clip
- Length: 6 ft.
This leash from Dutchy is a perfect accessory for professional dog walkers and pet-lovers alike. Dutchy Brand heavy-duty nylon leash provides good quality at a very affordable price.
A durable yet soft handle ensures a comfortable grip for your furry friend. With a six-foot length, this leash will be able to handle any dog size.
The Dutchy Brand Leash is a trusted choice for dog walkers who need a reliable leash that will be able to withstand normal use. Constructed from high-strength nylon, both soft to the touch. The leash is easy to maintain and lightweight so can be used to train a German Shepherd Puppy.
For added safety, there’s a D-Ring on the handle. This leash has a metallic clip for a reliable connection with any dog collar. An affordable price easily makes this Dutchy Brand Leash one of the most popular leashes available on the market today.
What We Like:
- Lightweight and affordable nylon leash.
- Has reflective stitching for nighttime visibility.
- Snap swivel clip that is rust-resistant.
- Get a choice of 6 bright colors.
- Available with a double or single-padded variant.
- The leash is easy to maintain and machine washable.
What We Don’t Like:
- Will get damaged upon continuous chewing.
6. Primal Pet Gear Dog Leash
- Type: Double Handle Leash
- Brand: Primal Pet Gear Store
- Material: Nylon, Padded Handle, Metal Snap clip
- Length: 6 ft.
This heavy-duty leash is perfect for all dog sizes and ages. With primary and traffic handles that are soft and comfortable. This leash provides maximum control during walks, especially in crowded areas.
The comfortable nylon construction makes it lightweight and easy to handle. For durability, it has nylon webbing, and the leash is 2times thicker than most leashes.
A heavy-duty leash made with the primary focus on comfort and ease of use. This sturdy leash is constructed with materials that are both soft to the touch and lightweight. Ideal to leash train your German Shepherd.
A durable leash that is easy to clean after getting dirty. It has a D-ring to carry poop bags for added convenience. The clip is zinc alloy plated with an easy-to-attach and detaches mechanism.
Available in 9 colors, the leash is stitched with pure nylon webbing to give enough strength to last for years to come.
What We Like:
- A leash with a double-padded traffic handle.
- The optimal length for control and safety while training.
- Comes with a 1-year replacement warranty.
What We Don’t Like:
- The clip cannot withstand heavy pulling.
- Not for dogs that chew a lot.
7. Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash
- Type: Hands-Free Leash
- Brand: Tuff Mutt Store
- Material: Nylon, Metal Snap clip
- Length: 4 ft.
This is the most practical hands-free leash with a dual handle. The Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash with pull-resistant bungee is a stylish option for any dog owner.
Features include a 42-inch belt that is adjustable to fit most of the waist sizes. You can also use this leash with any dog collar to create with its strong metallic clip. It’s available in 11 colors. The leash looks sporty and has durable hardware.
A leash for walking, running, or hiking with your German Shepherd. The leash has two handles that are perfect for controlling the dog without straining your arms. With a hands-free leash, you can carry stuff or use your smartphone while walking your dog at the same time.
The 4 Feet Long Hands-Free Leash with 5 feet long when fully extended. The leash allows your dog to move freely around the yard. The durable hardware secures the leash, so it does not get tangled or left behind while out on walks.
Made from strong nylon, the leash can be used for running any dog breed from large Alaskan Malamute to medium-sized huskies.
What We Like:
- Hands-free leash for running and hiking.
- Made from quality nylon.
- The 42-inches adjustable waist belt.
- Dual handles for imposing quick control when dogs misbehave.
What We Don’t Like:
- The handles are not padded.
- The swivel clip seems small and vulnerable.
- Not for small dogs and puppies.
8. ZippyPaws Climbers Dog Leash
- Type: Climbing Rope Leash
- Brand: ZippyPaws Store
- Material: Thick Nylon Rope, Metal Snap clip
- Length: 6 ft.
This ZippyPaws Dog Leash is made of climbing rope with an unprecedented durability of over 3000 lbs. The material used is well-constructed and thicker than most climbing rope leashes available.
With it, you now have a leash that would keep your German Shepherd safe and closer to you when walking. The hardware of the leash is tensile having metal D-rings and a quick-release clip for ease of use.
This is something you need if you own a strong Mutt like GSD who tends to pull on the leash.
Whatever force is applied this leash is capable of handling aggressive tugging with a 17mm thick rope. As you try to maintain control of your big dog, the woven rope texture will serve to safeguard your hands from suffering rope burns.
What We Like:
- A thicker rope leash that is 17mm in diameter.
- Easy to connect and disconnect metal clip.
- The leash handle is comfortable to grab.
What We Don’t Like:
- The snap clip feels vulnerable.
9. Kurgo Multi-Use Dog Leash
- Type: 6 in 1 Leash
- Brand: Kurgo Store
- Material: Nylon, Padded Handle, Metal Snap clip
- Length: 6 ft.
You can adjust it to a 6 ft. or 3 ft. tie-out system training leash. It can be transformed into a double dog leash depending on your particular requirements. Additionally, the most popular colors to choose from are Barn Red, Coastal Blue, and Coastal Blue.
This leash will keep you in control while walking an aggressive dog breed like a German Shepherd. It has a 6-in-1 adaptable design. The reflective clothing will help you to securely travel with a dog at night, and the foam grip handle is pleasant to touch.
Despite being one of the most pricy options, we noticed that in terms of features and usability there is not much difference in comparison to other standard nylon leashes listed.
What We Like:
- The leash is made from Synthetic nylon.
- Packed with features and a versatile 6-in-1 dog leash.
- The floating handle is padded for comfort.
What We Don’t Like:
- The leash is expensive.
- The Snap clip used to seem small.
- Reflective webbing is on one side only.
Buyer’s Guide: Best Leashes for German Shepherds
The most crucial steps of choosing a leash help you to decide what features are most suitable for your German Shepherd. There are numerous options in the market with different features to offer.
It is a must to get a high-quality durable leash that won’t break or is hard to hold. There are a lot of rigid leashes made from nylon, leather, or chain that you can find.
Criteria for selecting the best leash for German Shepherd
Don’t worry! We have jotted down a list of features that will make the process of selecting a durable and well-manufactured leash easy for you.
Following are the criteria that an help you to select a leash based on your dogs needs and requirements.
- It is recommended to go for a durable leather or nylon leash as it withstands pulling and prevents wear and tear.
- A leash with a soft and padded handle will help you prevent blisters in your hand and avoid abrasion. Neoprene or fleece is used in many leashes for this purpose.
- To improve the safety and visibility of your dog even in nighttime or low-light conditions it is recommended to go for a leash with reflective detailing.
- Continuous transitions from wet to dry can result in the faster breakdown of the materials and the tearing of the leash. Over years of use, a leash with a waterproof coating will prevent rusting.
- The optimal length for a standard leash is either 4 or 6 feet. Using a leash shorter than 4 feet will not provide your dog enough room and freedom during walks whereas if the leash is longer than 6 feet, walking in a place with little room for movement and reduced space will be troublesome.
Why do you need a leash for your German Shepherd?
People may sometimes overlook the importance of a good dog leash for a German Shepherd. However, no one can argue about its value when it comes to teaching your German Shepherd leash manners. A leash also keeps a dog safe by imposing control when needed and preventing him from going to illicit places.
It is not only training that gives a dog leash its significance, but most of the states in the USA also have laws that permit every dog owner to keep dogs leashed in public parks, on-street, and in other crowded places.
Types of leashes ideal for a German Shepherd
Various leash types exist on the market, but only a handful can manage a grown German Shepherd. Let’s explore suitable leash types for this breed.
Standard Leash
Being the most commonly used dog leash, the standard dog leash is made from nylon or sometimes leather. This type of leash can be used for leash training and is a great choice if your dog walks gently without aggressive pulling.
Small-sized leashes are best to impose quick control over any dog. Use a 4-feet standard nylon leash to keep your canine close and is perfect for walking a medium-sized German Shepherd in crowded places.
An 8-foot leash with traffic can be selected if you want to give slight freedom to your dog to explore the surroundings.
Retractable Leash
A retractable leash allows you to adjust the length of the leash up to 16 feet, this leash gives ample freedom to your dog without getting off-leash.
It works as a retraction system that is quick and efficient to control dogs in less crowded places. If your dog had gone too far, just retract the leash and you will get the dog right under control.
Its locking system can limit the length of the leash and can be used for dog walking as well. The entire leash is coiled under a plastic cover that is strong and easy to store. All the best retractable leashes have an ergonomically designed handle to provide a strong grip.
It is not recommended for leash training or for the dogs that pull on the leash. It is a better option for trained German Shepherds.
Double Handle Leash
A double handle dog leash is quite like a standard dog leash but with two handles. The second handle is a traffic handle a few inches from the clasp. This added handle has the primary function of controlling a dog while walking on the street or around the neighborhood.
This leash gives better control when walking on busy sidewalks or when a dog pulls on the leash.
Hands-Free Leash
A hands-free dog leash comes with a waist belt that is adjustable to fit most of the waist. This leash has two clips, one is connected to the dog collar and the other to the belt to keep your hands free while running. This on-the-waist design allows you to attend a call or hold some shopping bags while walking your dog.
If you are planning to get a hands-free leash, don’t forget to choose the one with an elastic bungee so that you won’t fall down as the canine starts to pull.
FAQs
Do German Shepherds behave well on a leash?
Most German Shepherds have an inherent tendency to respond badly to leashes as they are herd dogs who were bred to run free after sheep. Yet, with time, training, and using a comfortable dog leash you can make a German Shepherd fall in love with leash walking.
How much should a leash for German Shepherds cost?
Finding a leash that suits your need is critical as there are so many options to choose from. Yet, you can expect to spend from $10 to $50 on a dog leash.
Can I keep my German Shepherd Off-leash?
German Shepherds are a powerful and active breed that can easily be domesticated. As much as you may prefer to trust dogs off-leash if they have received proper training. Yet, it is recommended to restrain German Shepherds with a strong leash as leash laws enforced in many states of the USA suggest.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are loyal to their owners. They are known for their tenacity but also their stubbornness. They are adaptable to different types of environments if trained.
They are usually passive when trained, but if not trained properly they can be aggressive.
They are usually friendly with other animals but can get scared. So, the best leash for German Shepherd is a must when it comes to training and controlling your canine friend.
