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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Abby Driver

Best dog leads 2026, tried and tested on walks with an energetic golden retriever

Lowen and I put the leads through their paces on Cornish coast rambles - (Abby Driver/The Independent)

Buy a lead, walk your dog. Simple, right? As it turns out, spending a bit of time picking the best lead for your pet and the style of walks you go on is very much worth it. Trust me, I've had dogs my whole life, and while my three-year-old golden retriever, Lowen (Cornish for happy – mostly true) is a delight to walk, the best lead makes our walks even more enjoyable.

When it comes to choosing the right lead for your four-legged friend, you’ll want to think about what length will be best, and if you'd like a lead to be stretchy or retractable. If you've got a new puppy – or are trying to teach an old dog new tricks – you'll want a training lead, while reflective leads are best for walks at dawn or dusk.

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