A slip lead is the simplest way to control a dog. It is composed of a single line strung through a ring at one end, to make a continuously tightening loop that goes around your dog’s neck. Slip leads adjust to the size of any dog’s neck and make it impossible for dogs to back out of them.
The best slip leads are comfortable for both the dog and the person, tighten and loosen smoothly, and have a stopper to prevent the lead from loosening too much. Depending on your needs, you may also want a slip lead that looks stylish, has reflective threads for nighttime safety, or can convert into another training tool, like a harness or buckle lead.
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
Winner
| Friends Forever Durable Dog Slip Rope
| |
Runner Up
| Mendota Products Dog Slip Lead
| |
Best Leather
| Mendota Products Leather Slip Lead
| |
Best For Show Dogs
| Resco Cordo-Hyde Dog Show Lead
| |
Best Doubles As Harness
| Harness Leads Escape Resistant
|
Product Reviews
Table Of Contents
When To Use A Slip Lead
Slip leads are a versatile tool that can be useful in a variety of ways. They are not, however, suitable for every dog or situation. Here are some times when you may want to use a slip lead over any other kind of leash or collar.
Moving lots of dogs
Slip leads are the standard for anyone who moves a lot of dogs around, such as animal rescues, kennels, and groomers. Because slip leads don’t need to be adjusted between dogs and are escape proof, they are a quick and easy way to move multiple dogs around a facility. Most slip leads are appropriate for the smallest dogs, all the way up to giant breeds.
Regular walks and strong pullers
Slip leads can be an excellent training tool and go-to leash for regular walks. A slip lead is kept just behind your dog’s head, where it is most effective and least likely to do damage to the throat. The pressure just behind the ears keeps your dog from leaning into the collar and pulling you or putting too much pressure on the delicate organs of the neck.
A slip lead can be a very effective tool for walking even powerful pullers. Because your dog will feel pressure quickly, they are more likely to release it themselves and self-train not to pull. Slip leads are the only type of collar that will stay behind your dog’s head. Buckle collars and martingales slide down the neck, where they are less effective.
Slip leads work equally well when your dog is wearing a standard buckle collar. So, if you want to take your dog for a quick walk to their favorite dog park or other off-leash activity, a slip lead is a quick and easy way to move your dog without taking off their standard buckle collar that carries their tags. As long as your dog does not pull persistently or lunge abruptly, a slip lead can be a great choice for a standard walk.
Training for show
Slip leads are the standard for training dogs for show. Slip leads for show are generally quite thin and colored to match your dog’s coat. They clip just behind your dog’s ears, in order to keep it in the ideal position, but don’t allow for tightening, which could get their hair caught in the loop. If you are training your dog for show, it is best to associate the special leash with show training and use another kind of leash for regular walks.
Dogs that bite at the leash or collar
If your dog likes to bite their leash or the loop of their Martingale collar, a slip lead may be the best choice to keep the lead away from their mouth and out of sight. If your dog tries to bite the lead, you can pull up on the leash to tighten it around their neck and stop biting. Be certain to choose a slip lead that is made of a heavy-duty material, if your dog is a leash biter.
Slip Lead Safety
Slip leads are a standard in the dog industry because they are generally safe and escape proof. That said, because slip leads tighten continuously around your dog’s neck, they can cause serious damage if used improperly or with the wrong dogs. Here are some tips to using a slip lead safely.
Not for persistent pullers. If your dog takes a walk like they are dragging a cart, leaning into the leash and pulling the entire time, a slip lead may not be the best way to begin training them. Because slip leads tighten continuously, they can actually choke your dog if they do not release pressure. If your dog constantly pulls on the leash, it is better to use a Martingale, a harness, or a head halter.
Not for lungers. If your dog has a tendency to lunge at the end of the leash when they see a particular trigger or want to get to something, you may not want to use a slip lead. The sudden pressure, combined with unlimited tightening, can create a sharp pull that can do damage to your dog’s spine or neck or parts of their throat, like their trachea or lymph nodes. Dogs who lunge are better controlled with a Martingale or a head halter, combined with a harness.
Not for long-backed breeds or those with narrow tracheas. Dogs with long backs or those with a tendency of neck or back problems should not be walked with a slip lead since there is a higher likelihood of damage being done to the neck or back, even with appropriate use. Very small breeds that tend to have small trachea should also not be walked with a slip lead or any other neck lead, since their delicate trachea can easily be injured.
Never tie out. Slip leads can choke your dog if you leave your dog tied out with one. Your dog can also easily pull off a slip lead if there is no pressure applied to it. Never leave your dog unattended wearing a slip lead or tie them out with it.
Do not apply leash corrections. Leash corrections are a punitive form of training in which the leash is pulled up sharply in order to abruptly tighten it around a dog’s neck, causing discomfort and pain. Some trainers may recommend leash corrections to stop pulling, barking, or other undesirable behaviors on a walk and they may recommend using a slip lead or choke chains, but there is a good chance of injuring a dog’s throat using these techniques. Furthermore, punitive training techniques damage the human-animal bond.
Use with a buckle collar for tags. Because slip leads are one continuous piece and should be taken off whenever the dog is not being walked, your dog should also always wear a buckle collar that carries their tags, in case you drop the leash or your dog gets away when off-leash. Slip leads work perfectly well when used properly along with a buckle collar.
Position and use properly. When used appropriately, a slip lead should sit right behind your dog’s ears with the stopper keeping it snugly in place. This position provides the most control and is also is the safest for your dog’s throat and neck. If your dog pulls while walking, stop and allow them to back out of the pressure, then start walking again.
Product Reviews
#1 Friends Forever Durable Dog Slip Rope:
Best Slip Lead
- Lengths: 6’
- Widths and Dog Weight
- 1/2” for any size dog
- Material: Mountain climbing rope and leather
- Padded handle: No
- Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Olive, Red, White
- Reflective: Yes
- Stopper for loop: Yes
- Multi-use: No
PROS:
- Extremely strong and durable mountain climbing rope
- Reflective for nighttime safety
- Waterproof and machine washable
- Comes in several attractive colors
CONS:
- Reflective material may feel rough on your hands
- Stopper tends to move easily
This beautiful leash comes in several attractive colors and lovely designs, so your dog will look great on every walk. The heavy-duty mountain climbing rope is light and soft enough to grip comfortably, but sturdy enough to hold up to even powerful pulling.
The attractive leather binding and stopper are the finishing touches on this gorgeous leash. Highly reflective thread is used throughout the rope, so your dog will be clearly visible on nighttime walks. The rock climbing rope is tested up to 1,000 pounds, so it is strong enough for whatever your dog throws at it.
This rope is also waterproof, so if your dog splashes through some puddles or drools, you don’t have to worry about a waterlogged leash. When the leash gets really dirty, you can just toss it in the washing machine.
#2 Mendota Products Dog Slip Lead:
Runner Up Slip Lead
- Lengths: 4’ or 6’
- Widths and Dog Weight
- ½” for dogs 50 – 250lbs
- ⅜” for dogs up to 50lbs
- Material: polypropylene with brass and leather
- Padded handle: No
- Colors: 11 colors and patterns
- Reflective: No
- Stopper for loop: Yes
- Multi-use: No
PROS:
- Well-known standard in slip leads
- Waterproof and machine washable
- Bright colors and vibrant designs that last
- Leather and brass accents
- Soft, comfortable rope
- Two sizes and widths
CONS:
- Not reflective
- Can get waterlogged when it gets wet
Mendota slip leads are a well-known standard in slip leads. The polypropylene rope is waterproof, machine washable, and comes in bright vibrant colors that last. An oil-tanned leather stopper keeps the loop from opening too wide.
The rope is bound in leather for durability through the years. Choose between two widths and lengths for dogs of any size. The soft, rounded rope is comfortable on your dog’s neck and on your hands. These leads come in a range of colors to match your dog’s personality.
#3 Max and Neo Rope Slip Lead:
Another Good Contender
- Lengths: 5’
- Widths and Dog Weight
- ½” for all size dogs
- Material: Nylon, leather, and gunmetal
- Padded handle: No
- Colors: 4 colors
- Reflective: Yes
- Stopper for loop: Yes
- Multi-use: No
PROS:
- Leash donated for every leash sold
- Reflective for nighttime safety
- Designed for large and powerful dogs
- Four attractive colors to choose from
- Nylon is durable and sturdy
- Attractive embossed leather binding and stopper
- Durable gunmetal ring
CONS:
- Too heavy and stiff for small dogs
- Feels a little rough on the hands
You can feel great about buying this beautiful leash since the company donates a leash to a dog rescue for every leash that is sold. The high-quality nylon is sturdy enough to hold up to serious pulling or some abuse from your dog.
These leads are designed to hold up to the needs of dog rescues, which means they are heavy duty and durable, designed for the biggest and most powerful dogs. The lead is wrapped with embossed leather and has stitched seams, to keep it from unraveling through the years. The gunmetal ring slides smoothly and can resist the elements.
#4 Resco Cordo-Hyde Dog Show Lead:
Best For Show Dogs
- Lengths: 5’
- Widths and Dog Weight
- ½” for all size dogs
- Material: Nylon, leather, and gunmetal
- Padded handle: No
- Colors: 4 colors
- Reflective: Yes
- Stopper for loop: Yes
- Multi-use: No
PROS:
- Standard in show leashes
- Colors to match your dog’s coat
- Color won’t rub off and lead won’t irritate fur
- Adjustable clip, so it won’t choke your dog or slip off
- Microcrystalline wax coated cotton looks and feels like leather
CONS:
- Thin and may hurt your dog’s neck if they pull hard
- Bit on the expensive side for what it is
Whether you are training your dog for the show ring or you simply believe that your dog deserves to be shown off like the champion that they are, these leashes made for show dogs may be just what your dog needs to look their best. These leashes are hand-sewn in the USA and the company has been providing grooming supplies since 1937.
These leashes are the standard in show dog handling. Microcrystalline wax coated cotton looks and feels like leather. These durable leashes won’t rub off on your dog’s coat or get tangled in their fur. They come in a range of natural colors to match your dog’s coat.
A clasp keeps the leash at exactly the right length for your dog’s neck without choking. You can choose between two widths to find just the right size for your dog.
#5 Mendota Products Leather Slip Lead:
Best Leather Slip Lead
- Lengths: 3’, 4’, and 6’
- Widths and Dog Weight
- ¾” or ⅝” for any size dog
- Material: Leather and brass
- Padded handle: No
- Colors: Natural leather
- Reflective: No
- Stopper for loop: Yes
- Multi-use: No
PROS:
- Beautiful leather handcrafted from the finest English bridle leather
- Solid brass hardware and sturdy stitching for durability
- Choose between several sizes and two widths for the perfect leash for your dog
- Leather stopper to keep lead in place
CONS:
- Flat leather may hurt your hand or your dog’s neck when they pull
- Leather is stiff for a while, until it is broken in
This beautiful leather lead will allow you to walk your dog with a distinguished sense of style. The flat leather looks beautiful and slides smoothly. It is handcrafted from the finest English bridle leather and equipped with solid brass hardware to resist corrosion. A leather stopper keeps the loop from opening too widely.
The leash is stitched throughout with contrasting colored stitching, for both a beautiful look and for durability. You can choose between two widths and three sizes to get exactly the right lead for your dog.
#6 Coastal Pet Nylon Remington Rope:
Best For Big Dogs
- Lengths: 6’
- Widths and Dog Weight
- 1” for any size dog
- Material: Nylon and leather
- Padded handle: No
- Colors: Green
- Reflective: No
- Stopper for loop: Yes
- Multi-use: No
PROS:
- Affordable soft slip lead
- Attractive leather slide stopper and wraps
- Trusted Remington brand
- Soft-braided nylon is gentle and durable
- Flexible leash can easily be coiled for storage
CONS:
- Leather may have sharp angles
- Only comes in one width and length
If you want a soft and sturdy slip leash for your big dog, for a reasonable price, this Remington leash might be the right one for you. The soft braided nylon is comfortable on your hand and also on your dog’s neck. The leather slide keeps it from coming off your dog’s neck and the leather bindings look stylish and prevent unraveling.
This leash is a solid six feet long, giving your dog plenty of room to roam. The soft, flexible leash can easily be coiled up, to stow away in a bag.
#7 UEETEK Dog Slip Collar:
Best Padded Handle
- Lengths: 5’
- Widths and Dog Weight
- 1/2” for any size dog
- Material: Strong nylon
- Padded handle: Yes
- Colors: Black
- Reflective: Yes
- Stopper for loop: Yes
- Multi-use: No
PROS:
- Durable and soft nylon lead
- Plastic binding holds up to chewing better than leather
- Foam padded handle
- Leather stopper to keep leash in place
- Reflective for nighttime safety
- Sturdy metal ring allows for smooth tightening and loosening
CONS:
- Reflective material may be sharp
- Thick, somewhat stiff lead is better suited to larger dogs
If your hand is sore from holding on to a typical rope lead, you may appreciate the sponge padded handle of this slip lead. The soft, heavy-duty nylon is gentle on your dog’s neck but will stand up to some chewing and abuse from your dog.
The rope is bound not with leather but with sturdy hard plastic that your dog won’t be able to bite through easily. A sturdy metal ring slides smoothly for good control of your dog. A leather stopper keeps the collar loop in place.
There is some give to the nylon rope, so your dog knows when the leash is tightening, helping to prevent pulling. The stylish black lead is equipped with reflective stitching for nighttime safety.
#8 Harness Leads Escape Resistant:
Best Doubles As Harness
- Lengths: Varies, depending on size of dog
- Widths and Dog Weight
- 1/2” for any size dog
- Material: Mountain climbing rope and leather
- Padded handle: No
- Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Olive, Red, White
- Reflective: Yes
- Stopper for loop: Yes
- Multi-use: Yes, harness or slip lead
PROS:
- 10 attractive colors to choose from
- Smooth and soft to prevent chafing
- Escape proof when used properly
- Equally effective as a slip lead and a harness
- Adjustable to any size dog
- Tightens when pulled to teach your dog not to pull, but without choking
CONS:
- Length of leash portion varies a lot depending on the size of the dog
- May cause discomfort or pain when dogs pull
Does your dog persistently pull on the leash and you need something versatile that can do everything you need to walk your dog in one device? This leash can be used as a traditional slip collar or an escape-proof harness.
If you are attracted to slip leads because of their ability to fit any size dog and completely prevent escape, you may like the fact that this harness can do these things, as well.
The harness adjusts to fit any size dog without the possibility of escape, since it tightens around the waist and stays secure around the neck. If you want to quickly put a leash on your dog for a brief walk and don’t want to deal with putting on the harness portion, this lead works equally well as a traditional slip lead.
This super strong leash has been tested to up to 4000 lb, so you don’t have to worry about it being able to hold your dog.
#9 Grand Line Reflective Slip Training Lead:
Best With Stop Lock
- Lengths: 5’
- Widths: ¼”, ⅖”, or ⅗”
- Material: Nylon and leather
- Padded handle: No
- Colors: Blue, Blue-Green, Orange, Red, Pink, Purple, Black-Green, Gray-Green, Red-Green
- Reflective: Yes
- Stopper for loop: Yes
- Multi-use: Yes, buckle for limited slip or don’t use buckle for complete slip
PROS:
- Lots of colors
- Affordable
- Three widths to choose from
- Buckle stopper allows for a limited slip, so your dog won’t choke
- Leather stopper and binding are attractive and sturdy
- Nylon has some flexibility, so your dog knows they’re at the end of their leash before the loop tightens
CONS:
- Too flexible for some people and dogs
- Large leather binding on loop tempts some dogs to chew
If you like the idea of a lead that stays in place, so as to be effective at controlling your dog, but you don’t want to choke your dog, this clever and affordable lead might be the perfect pick for you. It not only has a leather stopper to keep the loop from opening up too wide, but it also has a buckle on the inner part of the loop, to keep it from tightening too much.
You can keep the lead clipped just behind your dog’s ears, where it is the most effective and gives you the most control. You can adjust the buckle so that your dog won’t be able to slip out of it, but not so much that your dog will be able to choke themselves.
This adjustment makes this a wonderful training leash for dogs that pull, as well as a great versatile lead for everyday use. It comes in a range of beautiful colors and designs, so your dog will walk stylishly, as well as safely.
Attractive leather bindings with sturdy stitching keeps this lead intact through years of heavy use. The nylon is somewhat flexible, so your dog will feel the tension before the lead tightens on their neck, aiding in training.