The 6 Best Long Dog Leads Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written By Vedrana Nikolic | Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | Double B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 20th January 2024
So, you’ve got a new canine member in your family and are looking for the best leash possible? Or maybe the one you already have is not proving to be the best solution? Perhaps you have landed on the idea of a long lead for the purposes of recall training, leash training and/or long leash walking?
Whatever it is, this guide will take you through the best long dog leads in Australia. On our quest for the best long dog leads Australia offers, we teamed up with canine behavioural experts, professional dog walkers, and pet parents alike to test out the best and brightest options out there. After months of research and more than 50 leads tested, our independent panel of experts compiled this list sharing our absolute favourites. Let's check them out!
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
Halti Training Lead
- High quality lead
- Adjustable length
- Multifunctional
- Great for lead training
- Good value for money
Runner Up -
Recall Line by Company of Animals
- Two lengths available
- Extra lightweight version available for small dogs
- Sturdy but flexible
- Comfortable to hold
Third Choice -
Viper Biothane Long Lead
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Comfortable to hold
- Available in 5 different colours
Australia's Best Long Dog Leashes Reviewed
#1: Best Overall: Halti Training Lead
What sets this product apart from the rest?
Dr Kathryn Rosalie Dench - M.A VetMB MRCVS.
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"We chose the Halti Training Lead in the top spot as it tested the best and most useful. In a training situation, you could quickly change the dynamic of the leash. When no other dogs were around, we used the long lead version and practiced recall, when other dogs showed up we could quickly turn it into a short lead and practice loose leash walking."
Our team of independent experts all agree that the Halti Training Lead is an amazingly versatile product. Within seconds, it will transform to do just about anything you need: short lead, long lead, hands-free lead, a lead for walking two dogs at once… Yes, the Halti lead can do it all.
But how is that possible? The system is simple. There are two clips on each side of the leash, and three metal O-rings attached at different places. By attaching the clips in different ways, you can achieve multiple functions. This Halti lead has a maximum length of 2 metres, which makes it shorter than our number two and number three choices.
However, what this leash was primarily designed to do is help train your dog. When I used it to teach my dog not to pull, using the two clips attached at different points (front and back of the harness, for example), gave me unmatched control.
But other than that, the Halti lead is also infinitely useful on everyday walks. You can use it just like a regular lead, and then quickly loop it around a tree or another object to tether your dog for a while, as needed. Plus, you can use the metal rings to attach different accessories for your walk, such as poop bags.
The lead is fairly soft and has rounded edges, so it will not destroy your arm when your dog pulls like some other leads. Still, it’s not as comfy to hold as a proper padded handle.
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#2: Runner-Up: Recall Line by Company of Animals
The recall line from Company of Animals is one of those products that are surprisingly simple but provide just what you need. In fact, our research panel suggest this lead is an essential tool for safe recall training as well as socialisation of young and restless dogs.
This line comes in two lengths - 5 metres or 10 metres. It’s made of durable webbing with reinforced stitches. The webbing is just wide enough to be safe but thin enough not to be too heavy. One problem I have with leads made with webbing is that they often tend to cut into my hands when my dog pulls, but Company of Animals overcame this by folding and stitching the webbing. It’s done in such a way that it creates rounded edges on both sides, thus making the line very comfortable to hold.
The Recall Line by Company of Animals being tested by our independent expert team.
For small and tiny dogs that do not need a very heavy line, there is an extra lightweight version available which is only 8 mm to reduce the extra weight.
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#3: Third Place: Viper Biothane Long Lead
Most long leads made for recall training have one problem: in case the dog pulls, the sharp edges of the lead cut right into your hand. Those who have tried it know how painful this can be. Well, the Viper Biothane Lead solves this issue.
The solution is simple: instead of nylon webbing, this lead is made of Biothane. Biothane is a new generation synthetic material that somewhat resembles leather. It has a strong core inside which makes this lead almost unbreakable.
On the outside, it features a TPU or PVC coating which gives the lead a soft feel and prevents it from cutting into your hand. The coating also makes this lead waterproof and smooth (which means it’s much easier to clean). Due to the material used, this leash from Viper is also more expensive than the other options on our list, but well worth it in our opinion.
The Viper Biothane Long Lead being tested by our independent expert team.
Other than that, this is a simple but well-made leash. The stitches on the folds are made with heavy-duty waxed thread to make them last as long as possible. Unlike our second choice, there is a simple loop for holding the lead on one end, and a sturdy metal buckle on the other.
The lead is available in 5 different colours. Our panel of experts recommend the orange or neon yellow due to increased visibility, but some more neutral options are also available for those who prefer them. The lead is 10 metres long, which is great for recall training as well as walks in areas where free-roaming dogs are not allowed.
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#4: Budget Pick: AmaGood Dog Recall Training Lead
This dog lead from AmaGood is a great option for those looking for a good lead for recall training and the like but don't want to spend a whole fortune.
This affordable lead has all the functionalities I needed for a recall training lead. I also liked how it is perfect for giving your dog some freedom in the park without letting them off the leash.
The lead is made of simple but strong nylon webbing. The webbing achieves a good balance between weight and durability: it is lightweight, but not so thin that it could break easily.
The AmaGood Dog Recall Training Lead being tested by our independent expert team.
Another thing we liked about this lead is that you get to choose the length according to your needs. There are 4 different options available ranging from 4.5 up to 15 metres, the longest on this list so far. Therefore, you don’t have to make compromises on the length. It is also possible to choose between 4 different colours.
The main downside of this lead holds true for most standard recall leads: the edges of the webbing can be quite sharp. Ideally, your dog won’t pull, and everything will be fine, but if they do suddenly pull, the webbing can cut painfully into your hand.
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#5: Best Dog Recall Lead: Fabselection 15 m Dog Lead
This lead from Fabselection is another option that works great for recall training as well as on-leash walks when you want to give your dog some freedom.
Like most similar products, this lead is made of nylon webbing and is 1.5 cm wide and 1 mm thick. This makes the lead quite lightweight - the whole lead (which is 15 metres long) weighs only 380 grams. Is this too lightweight? Probably not, says our panel of independent experts who gave it a go. In fact, the lead is strong enough to withstand dogs up to 30 kg, at least according to the manufacturers.
Other than that, this is a simple lead not differing much from other similar options. Unlike our number two option, there is a simple loop on one end for you to hold the lead and a buckle on the other end that clips onto the collar. Although made of metal, the clip is a bit weak, and it is the weakest point of this product.
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#6: Best For Lead Training: Zenify Pets Dog Lead
If you are looking for an extra-long leash made for recall training, this is not the product for you. However, if you are looking for an everyday lead that is longer than the average lead, this might be a good choice. The Zenify Pets Dog Lead is just under 2 metres long (183 cm to be exact), quite like our number one choice.
Related: Rope Dog Leads Australia.
This lead is made of nylon weave rope which is flexible and strong while being lightweight at the same time. This is a great lead to always have with you. It can work great for lead training, and it’s perfect for everyday walks when you want your dog close but still want to give them a bit of freedom.
The Zenify Pets Dog Lead being tested by our independent expert team.
It features soft padding at the spot where you hold the lead and a large clip to attach to the collar. I love how the clip can also be used to create a loop and basically turn this lead into a martingale collar. This works great for emergencies when your dog has no collar for whatever reason.
Finally, every member of our research panel also loved the tiny details on this lead that bring it to the next level. The rope is made of reflective threads that provide increased visibility at night. Every part that includes stitching has been reinforced with a soft cover too for increased durability. Overall, it’s a great product, especially for the price.
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When I Consider When Choosing An Extra Long Dog Lead
Buying a leash for your dog might seem a fairly simple task, but as soon as you see how many options there are, you might start to wonder - which one do I choose then? The truth is, there are a couple of considerations to take into account, and a lot of it will depend on the size and character of your dog.
Here is what our panel of experts suggest you think about before settling on a new leash:
Length
Probably the most important factor in choosing a lead is the length. Today we are focusing on long leads, but that can mean anything from 2 metres to 15 metres.
So, what is the right length to get? Our panel of pros say it mostly depends on what you plan to use the leash for. Shorter leads of around 2 to 5 metres are good for lead training and loose leash walking, for example. On the other hand, extra-long leads of 10 metres and more are used for recall training.
“With adult dogs, all recall training is easier done using a long line, which is dropped on the ground & dragged behind the dog. Never go from a short leash to no leash. Instead use a long line which gives your dog freedom, without you losing control.” - Sue McCabe, DogStar
Going from a short to a long leash is not just about control, though. With recall training, you don’t want your dog to associate recall with getting back on the leash as that will only create aversion. How do you do that? With a long dog training lead.
Weight
Now, if you are going for a long leash, the weight becomes an important consideration too. Since my dog is small, an overly heavy leash might makes him uncomfortable, no matter its length.
“The weight of the leash is an important consideration as well. Watch out for overly heavy leashes that might be uncomfortable for smaller dogs.” - Victoria Schade, PetMD
However, with extra-long leashes, the weight can really add up. When a 15 metre leash is made of an overly heavy material, it can become so heavy that it’s annoying for you to carry it around as well.
So, what should you do? Our independent team of experts suggest you look for a balance between weight and strength. You don’t want your leash to be so thin that it breaks with any sort of impact, but you also don’t want something that is unnecessarily thick, hence making the leash heavier.
Comfort
Nylon webbing is commonly used for long dog leads. Nylon is lightweight and makes for a strong leash even in thinner versions. However, there is one common problem in nylon webbing leashes: the nylon webbing has sharp edges, and these can cut into your hand.
The solution? You can look for leads that have some sort of cover or handle designed for your comfort, you can make one yourself, or choose newer generation materials like Biothane.
Stitching
The strongest lead in the world is worth nothing if the stitching isn’t on par. In situations when the dog pulls strongly, weak stitching will result in the lead breaking. Therefore, you should look for leashes with reinforced stitching, preferably made with heavy-duty thread suitable for outdoor use, so you can be sure the lead won't deteriorate after being dragged on the ground.
Hardware
Another detail to pay attention to when shopping for a leash is the hardware - that is any buckles, clips and the like. Again, a good leash is worth nothing if the collar clip breaks easily. Ideally, look for robust hardware that’s made of metal and weather resistant.
My Final Thoughts
The best long dog lead available in Australia?
Definitely the Halti Training Lead. Each member of our team of independent experts could all agree to that. The choice of material simply makes it one level ahead of all others. There are no sharp edges to cut into your hand - instead, the lead is smooth, comfortable to hold, and weather-resistant at the same time. And it’s fairly lightweight at the same time. Although, a bit expensive.
However, for a truly long lead, we must recommend the Recall Line by Company of Animals.
If this is a leash you will use only occasionally, then we think you might want to consider something like the AmaGood Dog Recall Training Lead.
FAQ
That entirely depends on the function of the leash (and might also depend on the size of your dog). In general, for standard walkies, a leash of about 2 metres in length is recommended. Longer leashes are used for recall training and similar activities.
A recall training leash is a long leash that is designed to teach your dog not to wander too far away from you and to always come back. These leashes are usually 10 to 15 metres long. When you lay such a leash on the ground, the dog will feel free, but you are still in control. As a plus, the dog gets to learn recall without associating it with being put back on the leash.
Long leashes are not bad for your dog by nature. However, they can be bad if used in the wrong way. Long leashes are great to give your dog a sense of extra freedom, however, you should only switch to a long lead once your dog already knows how to behave. Long leashes can be very harmful if attached to a collar on a dog that pulls persistently. To reduce the possibility of injury, you might want to use a harness instead of a collar, but proper training is of utmost importance in any case.
References
- McCabe, S. March 04 2013. “Why is training recall so difficult for dog owners?”. DogStar Daily. Retrieved May 1, 2023. https://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/sue-mccabe/why-training-recall-so-difficult-dog-owners
- Schade, V. March 1, 2016. “Tips for Leash Training Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved May 1, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/training/evr_dg_tips-for-how-to-leash-train-a-dog
