Choosing a leash or long line for your dog: the comparison
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
The leash is the most-used accessory in a dog’s life, yet it’s often chosen in a hurry. Length, material, attachment system: every detail matters for the comfort of dog and owner alike. Planète Pets reviews the options, alongside our dog accessories section.
Contents · 5 sections
The standard leash: the safe bet
For the city and everyday outings, a fixed leash of 1.20 m to 2 m remains the benchmark: it offers constant control and clear communication with the dog. Flat nylon is light and economical (€8 to €20), biothane doesn’t mind water or mud (€15 to €35), and leather, pricier (€25 to €60), gains suppleness over the years. Multi-position models, adjustable to 2 or 3 lengths thanks to rings, also let you wear the leash across the body or briefly tether the dog: it’s our favourite format for versatility.
The retractable leash: handy, in the right hands
Popularised by the Flexi brand, the retractable leash offers 3 to 8 metres of freedom with a thumb brake. It’s useful with a calm small dog in open spaces, but it has drawbacks: constant tension that teaches the dog to pull, a thin cord that can cause burns, and reduced control when the unexpected happens. Expect €15 to €40 depending on size. Best reserved for dogs already trained to walk on a leash, and avoided in dense urban areas.
The long line: the training tool par excellence
A 5, 10 or 15 metre long line is your ally for recall work and semi-free walks where regulations or safety rule out letting the dog off. Paired with a harness (never a collar, to avoid jolts to the neck), it lets the dog explore while keeping a safety net in place. Biothane reigns supreme here: a 10 m line drags through wet grass and wipes clean with a sponge. Expect €20 to €50 depending on length and material. Round out recall training with genuinely irresistible treats.
The details that change everything
- The clip: check its strength and locking; a screw-lock carabiner is reassuring with a powerful dog.
- Width: 10 to 15 mm for a small dog, 20 to 25 mm above 20 kg.
- The handle: neoprene-padded if your dog still pulls.
- Visibility: reflective stitching is essential for night-time outings.
The Planète Pets takeaway
The ideal kit comes down to two pieces: a multi-position leash for everyday use and a 10 m long line for open country, for an overall budget of €40 to €80. For escape artists and born hunters, a GPS collar adds an extra layer of security. All our comparisons are gathered on the dog hub.
See it in the Planète Pets shop: Evaporative cooling vest for dogs, with lead ring (€35.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.