Best Dog Leashes For Hiking Adventures With Your Dogs

Dog Leashes For Hiking

Finding the right leash for your furry friend can be difficult. There are so many different leashes available now. However, not all of them are a great choice for hiking. Fellow dog owners should take into account what type of hiking you will be doing, the size of your dog, the temperament of your dog and the amount of training your dog has had. 

The most important factor to consider when choosing a dog leash for hiking is the size and temperament of your dog. A smaller dog may need a different type of leash than a larger dog. Likewise, a calm dog will need a different type of leash than an energetic dog. The best dog leashes for hiking for you might not be the best dog leashes for hiking for someone else.

Something else you should take into account is the type of hiking you plan on doing with your canine companion. If you plan on sticking to just easy trails without a lot of steep incline/decline than you could use a standard six-foot leash. If you plan on doing some more difficult hikes with some short rock climbs you might want to use a longer leash. This will allow your dog to tackle climbs and incline without having to stop part way or pulling on you. Once you have figured out the needs of your dog, you can then choose a dog leash for hiking that best suits your own personal style.

No matter which type of dog leash you choose for hiking, make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks for both you and your dog, as well as some basic first-aid supplies. And always remember to keep your dog on a leash when hiking.

Best Type of Dog Leash for Hiking

There are a several different types of dog leashes that work best for hiking. A hands-free dog leash is great for a well trained and well behaved dog. A standard six-foot dog leash is also a good option, as it is more lightweight and easy to carry with you on your hike. Choosing a 12 to 50 foot training leash can be good if you are tackling rougher terrain while hiking. A short two to four foot length leash is not recommended for hiking. Retractable leashes are also not recommended for hiking. Whatever type of leash you choose, make sure to always keep your dog close by and under control. This will help ensure both your safety and your dog’s safety on the hike.

Whether you’re looking for a leash that allows your dog some freedom while still maintaining control, or you want a leash that is easy to carry with you on your hike, there is sure to be a dog leash that fits the bill. Let’s dive in and go over some options for you.

Best Hands Free Dog Leash for Hiking

Hands-free leashes are a type of leash attaches to a belt, backpack or waistband. It is an excellent choice if you want to be hands free while you hike. It’s a good choice for dog owners with a well behaved dog. This is not suitable for a dog that is hard to control. The strength of this leash makes it suitable for a large dog. 

The Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Dog Leash is my go to for hiking with my pup Theo. This leash is designed for hiking and gives your dog some freedom. It also has a built in storage pocket for your poop bags! 

This leash is adjustable to 12 feet and has a built in storage bag for the leash. The strap adjusts up to 49 inches. This is one of the best hands-free dog leashes because of the adjustability of the leash length. You also do not have to wear the waist belt. You can adjust it to its’ smallest size and hold it in your hand. To adjust the length of the leash it has a built in Crux Clip with HitchLock.  The leash if made of heavy duty kernmantle rope. 

This is one of my top picks because I am able to use it at different lengths. I like things that are multi purpose. I can use it as a shorter leash on busy streets, at half length for our daily walk or extend it all the way out for our outdoor activities. It is like having three different dog leashes in one!

Make sure you take some time and do some training with your dog before you hit the trail with this leash. Using a hands free dog leash for hiking can take some getting used to for both you and your pup.

Best Standard Dog Leash for Hiking

Your standard dog leash comes in many colors, materials and lengths which makes them among the best dog leashes for hiking. With so many options it can be hard to pick one. I have tried many dog leashes for hiking and have narrowed down my pick for the standard leash.

If you are looking for the one of the best dog leashes for hiking then check out the Soft Trainer Leash from Ezydog. This six-foot leash comes on two sizes. A 1″ wide leash for larger dogs weighing 26 pounds and more and a 0.5″ wide leash for small dogs of less than 26 pounds. This leash is made using Ezydog soft touch webbing and neoprene handle and is reflective. Additionally, the padding on the leash helps provide good grip, while the reflective material helps keep you both safe and visible at night.

At the handle you will find a d-ring and elastic lock. At the clip end you will find a built in handle. If you need to easily keep your dog at your side this comes in handy.  The best part about this hiking leash is the variety of color options it comes in. 

This is the best dog leash if you are going to be doing easy hikes without a lot of technical incline or decent or if you are looking for a leash for everyday use. I use this leash when hitting up my local land trust trail or a nice level hike. 

Longer Training Leash 

If you want a long leash so that you can do some training with your dog while allowing your dog some more freedom then a long training leash is in order. I personally use a 30 foot training leash for this. The more Theo learns, the longer his leash gets. I use the L.L. Bean Check Dog Cord while training Theo on the hiking trails. This allows him room to roam around and figure out how to navigate tough terrain without having to stop. This is especially helpful when we are training on a steep, rocky incline. 

This leash is also great on my local land trust trail so that Theo can practice his recalls. The leash is long enough that it allows Theo to run a bit, which he loves to do. 

The leash is made from nylon and a heavy-duty metal clip. It comes in one color and that is orange. Orange makes it easy to see. 

This leash is for training purposes only and should not be used all the time. This leash is also recommended for dogs who are well behaved and working on training. 

Retractable Leashes

Retractable leashes are not a great option for short or long hikes. There are a multitude of reasons why you should not use one. I will go over a few. 

These leashes can break easily, especially if you have a larger dog. The leash itself can break and/or the reel inside can break. If that happens, the situation can turn dangerous for your dog. If a dog gets loose while hiking he could get wrapped around something, slip and fall, chase another animal and get lost, etc. 

Your dog can get injured by the retractable cord. Because the retractable cord tends to be thin it can cause rope burn to your dog or you. It is also easy to become tangled in it. 

If your dog hasn’t had proper leash training this leash can teach them to pull more. Your dog can learn that pulling on the leash makes it extend and that can lead to constant pulling from your pup. 

It’s All About The Training

When you are getting ready to take your dog for a hike, it is important that you take the time to do some dog training beforehand. This will help ensure that your dog is walking calmly and obediently on the leash, which can make the overall experience much more pleasant for both you, your dog and those you encounter on the hiking trail.

There are a variety of different dog training techniques that you can use to help teach your dog how to walk on a leash, including using treats and praise, redirecting unwanted behaviors, and using gentle pressure from the leash to guide your dog in the right direction. Regardless of the method that you choose, it is important to be consistent and patient in your training. 

So if you are ready to take your dog for a hike but have not yet trained them on how to walk on a leash, be sure to set aside some time to do so before heading out. Also, it is a great idea to start out with short easy hikes. This will help ensure that both you and your dog can enjoy a safe and enjoyable hike in the great outdoors.

Important Things To Remember When Hiking With Your Dog

1. Always keep your dog on a leash when hiking, as this will help ensure their safety and prevent them from getting into potentially dangerous situations.

2. Be sure to bring plenty of water and food for your dog. They will need regular breaks during the hike to stay hydrated and energized.

3. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and signs of fatigue. This can help you be better prepared for rest stops or turns around if necessary.

4. If you have a dog that is prone to overheating, consider bringing cooling products such as a cooling vest or pack, or even some frozen supplies like water bottles or ice cubes.

5.) Make sure to pack a dog specific first aid kit for your four legged companion. 

The above are my top picks for best hiking leash. Whether you choose the traditional leash, the longer dog training leash or the hands-free dog leash be sure to find one that is best suited for your dog’s needs and your hiking style. With the right dog leash, you and your dog can enjoy many great adventures outdoors together!