Dog leash guide part 3 of 3
Part 2:https://www.minardipets.com/news/dog-leash-guide-materials.html

Keeping your dog leash in good shape is a basic safety rule. A worn or weak leash fails when you need it most, especially with strong pullers or reactive dogs.
Quick rule: check your leash every week, and do a deep check once a month.
Look for:
· Fraying on a nylon dog leash, rope, or long line leash
· Cracks, stiffness, or peeling on a leather dog leash or Biothane leash
· Rust, bending, or weak springs on clips and hardware
· Loose stitching on reflective leash seams or traffic handle leash areas
If you walk a heavy puller or use a no-pull leash or heavy duty leash daily, inspect more often.
Clean gear = safer gear and fewer skin issues for your dog’s neck and paws.
Nylon dog leash / bungee leash / reflective leash
Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild soap
Gently scrub, rinse well, air-dry flat (no dryer, no high heat)
Leather dog leash
Wipe with a damp cloth
Use leather cleaner/conditioner occasionally to keep it soft
Keep away from soaking rain and radiators so it doesn’t crack
This is the same care logic used for quality leather collars; you can see similar tips in this guide on nylon vs leather dog collars.
Rope dog leash / climbing-style leash
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap
Avoid harsh chemicals (they weaken fibers
Air-dry fully before using
Waterproof leash / Biothane / coated webbing
Just wipe down or rinse off mud, rain, or salt water
Pat dry with a towel—perfect for beach, snow, or rainy walks
Store your dog training leash, long line leash, and everyday leash so they’re always ready to go:
· Hang on hooks near the door instead of piling in a box
· Coil long lines loosely so they don’t kink or knot
· Keep away from direct sun, heaters, and chewing range of bored dogs
Don’t wait for a failure. Replace your dog leash immediately if you see:
· Deep fraying, cuts, or chew damage
· Weak, loose, or sticky clips
· Stretched-out bungee that no longer rebounds
· Cracked, dry, or breaking leather
If you’re using a durable dog leash for pullers, be even stricter. One “almost broke” moment is your sign to upgrade.
Safety is about the setup, not just the leash.
· Pair a no-pull leash or double handle leash with a front-clip harness for strong pullers
· Use a well-fitted harness for small dogs on a lightweight puppy leash to protect their neck
· Use a dog leash and harness set for hiking or running so the force spreads across the chest, not just the throat
· If you’re choosing between materials, this wholesale dog collars & leads guide gives a good overview of how collars and leashes work together in real use.
Adjust your dog walking safety habits with the weather:
Rain & mud
Use a waterproof leash or Biothane long line
Rinse and dry after walks to avoid mold and smell
Pair with rain-friendly gear like a dog raincoat for cleaner, safer walks
Snow & ice
Check metal clips for ice buildup
Use a heavy duty leash with good grip to avoid slipping
Avoid retractable dog leash use on ice where sudden pulls can drop you
Heat & sun
Avoid black leashes heating up on very hot days, especially for your hands
Keep walks shorter and carry water; a hands-free leash helps if you’re juggling bottles and bags
Nighttime walks
Use a reflective dog leash, reflective dog walking gear, or a leash with reflective stitching
Choose a traffic handle leash or double handle leash for tight city corners and road crossings
Maintain your dog leash like you maintain your car tires: check often, clean regularly, and replace before it fails. That’s how you keep loose leash walking safe, controlled, and stress-free for both you and your dog.
At minardipets, I design every dog leash around three things: real-life control, long-term durability, and everyday comfort for both you and your dog.
Key Features of minardipets Dog Leashes
What you can expect across our range
Durability:
Heavy duty clips that won’t pop open under tension
Reinforced stitching at all stress points
Options in nylon, leather, rope, and waterproof (Biothane-style) materials
Comfort & Control:
Comfortable dog leash handle with soft padding
Traffic handle leash options for close control in busy streets
Smooth, tangle-resistant movement for calm and reactive dog
Safety Design:
Reflective leash stitching for night walks
Strong hardware that pairs well with any dog leash and harness set
Shock-absorbing options for pullers
Best minardipets Leashes for Training and Puppies
For puppies and training sessions, I focus on lightweight control and clear feedback.
Training & puppy leash picks:
Puppy leash (standard flat nylon):
Light but tough
Shorter length for easy management
Soft handle to protect your hands during sudden pull
Dog training leash / long line leash:
5–10 m options for recall training
Great as a training lead for recall in open but safe areas
Works perfectly with a good no-pull harness (see our guide on the best no-pull dog harnesses for pairing ideas)
Quick pick table:
Need | Recommended minardipets leash |
First walks for puppies | Lightweight standard puppy leash |
Recall/obedience training | Long line dog training leash |
For strong pullers, reactive dogs, and high-energy breeds, you need a heavy duty leash that keeps you in charge.
Top options:
Bungee leash / shock absorbing dog leash
Reduces impact on your shoulder and your dog’s neck
Ideal for medium to large pullers
Double handle leash:
One normal handle + one traffic handle near the clip
Gives you instant close control for lunging or busy crossings
Chew-resistant heavy duty leash:
Thick webbing or rope style
Better for dogs that like to mouth or chew the lead
Control comparison:
Dog type | Best minardipets option |
Strong puller | Bungee leash + no-pull harness |
Reactive / lunging dog | Double handle leash |
Power chewer on leash | Rope dog leash / chew proof leash |
For very strong pullers, I strongly recommend pairing your leash with a proper no-pull dog harness and, if needed, a gentle head collar (see our breakdown on gentle leads and safety before you decide).
Hands-Free and Specialty Dog Leash Options from minardipets
If you run, hike, or juggle kids and a dog at the same time, a hands-free leash setup is often the best move.
Hands-free & specialty options:
Hands-free leash / running leash for dogs:
Worn around the waist
Often includes bungee section for shock absorption
Great for jogging, stroller walks, and light hiking
Waterproof leash (Biothane style):
Perfect dog leash for hiking, beach trips, and rainy weather
Easy to wipe clean after mud, sand, or snow
Reflective leash for night walks:
High-visibility reflective strips
Ideal for urban walkers and winter evenings
Traffic handle leash:
Short, close-control handle for city crossings, vet visits, or crowded areas
How minardipets Leashes Improve Safety and Control on Walks
The whole point of my minardipets dog leash line is safer, calmer walks—no matter where you live.
What you gain in daily use:
Better control:
· Correct lengths for city vs trail
· Double-handle and no-pull leash setups for tough dogs
Higher safety:
· Strong clips that don’t fail under pressure
· Reflective dog walking gear for low-light conditions
· Reliable setups that integrate with your dog harness pattern choices
More enjoyable walks:
· Comfortable padded grips that protect your hands
· Styles tailored to small dogs, large dogs, puppies, and working breeds
With the right minardipets dog leash, you get real control without fighting your dog every step of the way—just safer, smoother walks that both of you can actually enjoy.