For mountain climbers and sailing enthusiasts who are also parents to a pooch, a rope dog leash can be a fun look.
But a dog leash isn’t just a cute way to include your canine in your hobby. Buying the right leash is critical to fully enjoying your time out walking with your pup.
As such, rope leashes can also be a great choice even for owners who aren’t scaling mountains or sailing the open seas.
If your dog tugs or chews, a leash made of ultra-durable mountain climbing rope can help ensure that your pup cannot easily escape his leash during a walk.
Regardless of your reason for considering a rope leash, in this article you’ll find information to help you make the right choice for you, your pup, and your pocketbook.
We’ll look at some factors that you will want to consider before making your purchase as well as recommend our top 5 favorite rope dog leashes!
Quick Picks: Best Rope Dog Leashes
No time to read? See our quick picks below, or continue reading for more detailed reviews.
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The Best Leash for your Pup: Factors to Consider
Depending on your dog’s size, his behavior, and where you live, you’ll have different needs in a leash. Here are a few to think about before you buy:
Leash Length
All of the leashes reviewed in this article are 4 to 6 feet in length. While the difference in length may not seem like much, especially compared to retractable leashes, a 4-foot leash and a 6-foot leash work best in different situations.
For example, if your street gets heavy traffic and it’s important to keep your pup close for his own safety, you will probably want to opt for the 4-foot leash. It will offer you more control and limit the space your dog has to get into trouble.
If you live in a quiet neighborhood, however, a longer 6-foot leash gives your pup a little extra room to sniff around and explore.
Leash Diameter
The diameter of the leash helps you know whether or not it’s appropriate for the size of your pup. The thicker the leash, the better it will be for a larger dog. This is doubly true if your big dog is a puller or a chewer.
For small dogs, you’ll likely prefer a rope leash that is less than half an inch in diameter; otherwise, it may be too bulky or heavy for your wee pup.
Rope Material
This article reviews rope leashes made of cotton, nylon, or polypropylene. While all of these materials make a fine rope, each has specific qualities that might make it a better match for your pup.
For one, polypropylene repels water while cotton and nylon will absorb water; it also doesn’t stretch out when it gets wet. For owners that go for long walks on the beach with their pooch, a polypropylene leash can be a great choice.
If you or your dog chafe easily, cotton can be a great choice because it’s softer than most other materials. Thick cotton rope can also be very durable and strong, although this means it can also be annoyingly heavy.
Most leashes are made from nylon (as are the best mountain climbing ropes). They can be good in water, as long as you let your leash dry in between uses (otherwise it may stretch out). Nylon leashes are also lightweight and come in a variety of colors.
While they are more susceptible to destruction through chewing, thicker designs like the ones featured here can usually stand up to your pet’s chompers.
Slip Lead or Clasp?
This article features two types of leashes: leashes with a slip lead that loops around your dog’s neck and leashes with a clasp that attaches to your dog’s collar.
Slip leads can be convenient because your dog doesn’t need to be wearing a collar to use it. They can also be put on quickly, making them easy to use with pups who get so excited for walks that attaching a clasp to his collar seems an impossible task. Additionally, slip leads can be useful for training purposes.
If you choose a slip lead, make sure you are using it the way it is intended. Used improperly, a slip lead can be quite uncomfortable for your pup and even choke him.
The most important thing to remember when using a slip lead is that you should not be dragging your dog down the road. Rather, the leash should be placed high on his neck, behind his ears, so that gentle tugs on the leash can be used to catch his attention easily.
In truth, slip leads can be quite problematic if you haven’t been properly trained on how to use them, so we suggest opting for clasp leads unless you’re well versed in the art of slip collars.
Best Rope Dog Leashes
1. BAAPET Mountain Climbing Rope Dog Leash
About: The BAAPET Mountain Climbing Rope Leash is a solid 5ft dog leash made of durable climbing rope.
This mountain climbing rope leash is a durable product that is perfect for large dogs who pull. Despite the high quality, this lead is competitively priced and is backed by a money-back guarantee.
Product
Details
- HEAVY DUTY - The BAAPET dog leash made with strongest 1/2 inch diameter rock climbing rope and very...
- COMFORT PADDED HANDLES - Features soft padded handles for amazing comfortable, just enjoy the...
- REFLECTIVE FOR NIGHT SAFETY - Highly reflective threads dog leashes keeps you both safe and visible...
- GREAT FOR WALKING, RUNNING OR TRAINNING - This 5 foot length dog leash is a perfect balance between...
Features: This leash comes in a variety of colors. It is about ½ an inch in diameter and made of strong nylon mountain climbing rope. It also includes some reflective stitching for improved visibility at night.
This leash is great for pullers since it comes with a padded handle to make sure you don’t get a rope burn when Fido tries to tug.
PROS
Many owners noted that this leash was very durable and that it was also comfortable to use because of the padded handle.
CONS
Some other customers were unhappy with the quality of the rope, which can get bunch up in sections of the leash. However, most owners didn’t have issues.
2. Lucky Pup Cotton Rope Leash
About: The Lucky Pup Rope Leash is an attractive choice, especially for dog owners who like nautical designs. While this leash is pricier than other options, it’s a relatively durable product that is handmade in India and backed by a 100% “happiness guarantee.”
Product
Details
Features: This leash is 5 feet long and a little less than half an inch in diameter. The rope is made of 100% cotton and has a braided design, much like the rope used in sailing. The metal clasp is a bronze color and can swivel.
The leash is durable and, because the rope is twisted and made of cotton, it’s easy for you to hold, even when your pup pulls.
PROS
Most owners felt that this leash was good value for money, reporting that the leash was comfortable, strong, and stylish. While many people prefer nylon leashes, customers who bought this leash felt that cotton was a better option because it does not fray easily and is more comfortable for dogs and humans.
CONS
This product has not been reviewed many times, so it is difficult to gage how the company handles customers who have issues with their product. That said, this product has very positive reviews. Only small problems with quick at-home fixes — like the hook getting stuck (use a little WD-40 to lubricate it) — were mentioned by customers. It should also be noted that this cotton leash is quite a bit heavier than nylon leashes, so it might not be the best choice for your toy-sized pup.
3. Coastal Pet Products Nylon Remington Rope Slip Leash
About: The Nylon Remington Rope Slip Leash comes from Coastal Pet, an American company that produces high-quality collars, harnesses, and leashes. Their Remington rope leash is reasonably priced and functional. Among slip leashes, it stands out for its rustic look.
Product
Details
- Remington rope slip dog leash is a great tool for field trials and crate transfer
- Made of soft, braided nylon material
- The flexibility of this leash makes them easy to fold for carrying or storage
- Allows for quick, yet gentle correction and has a leather slide that adjusts the collar to fit any...
Features: This leash is 6 feet long and a ½ – ¾ of an inch in diameter (the exact measurement seems to depend on who you ask). The rope is made of nylon that is braided into a green and white checkered pattern, making it both handsome and strong.
A metal ring fixed to the end of the rope creates the collar of this slip leash. A leather slide is in place next to the ring which allows the owner to change the size of the collar.
The handle has a leather accent securing the bottom, but does not have any extra padding; however, it is still described as comfortable by most customers because the nylon is soft and does not chafe.
PROS
Most owners were very satisfied with this leash, commenting that it is not only a good-looking choice, but also makes their walks with their dog more enjoyable. Specifically, even owners well-acquainted with chain and prong collars found this slip leash to be very effective. Because the size of the collar can be adjusted on this leash, it can be placed higher on the dog’s neck, behind his ears. This allows you to use the slip leash correctly and make small corrections that are easy for your pup to feel. Other owners commented that this leash was easy to put on very excitable pooches who can’t sit still long enough to put on a hook leash.
CONS
The slip style of this leash and the length might not be appropriate for a smaller dog. While a few owners said that the leather slide did not stay in place, the majority of complaints about this leash seemed to be a result of the owner not using the slip correctly. Be sure you understand how to use this type of leash before purchasing. One final note, while most Coastal Pet products are made in the USA, it might be important to some owners that the slip leash is made in China.
4. Mendota Products Dog Slip Lead
About: This Dog Slip Lead comes from Mendota Products, a family-run American company which boasts American-made products backed by a generous 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Their slip lead is a well-designed yet affordable leash with a variety of size and color options.
Product
Details
- LEASH & COLLAR COMBINATION: This slip leash acts as a leash and a collar in one. Simply slip the...
- TRAINERS & HANDLERS: A best seller - this slip leash & collar combination is a favoriate amongst dog...
- HAND MADE in USA: Mendota Slip Leashes are hand made in the USA using premium quality material.
- SMALL SLIP LEASH: 3/8″ x 4′ and 3/8″ x 6′ (for dogs 50 pounds & under)
Features: The Mendota slip lead has two choices for both length (4 feet or 6 feet) and diameter (⅜ of an inch or half an inch), totaling four different size options. Leashes with a ⅜-inch diameter are recommended for dogs up to 50 pounds, while leashes with a ½-inch diameter are suggested for dogs 50-250 pounds.
For each size, there are 12 color options, including both solid colors and mixed-color patterns, so you can choose whichever look matches your pup’s personality (or your own aesthetic tastes)
The leash is made of a polypropylene rope which is waterproof and machine-washable. This material also gives the leash a “worn-in” feel, so the rope is comfortable to hold and easy to roll up or otherwise manipulate.
Like the Coastal Pet slip leash, the Mendota slip lead also has an adjustable leather slide which allows the dog walker to change the size of the collar.
PROS
Mendota is very good at anticipating the needs of their customers; for any who might be unsure about how to use a slip lead, the company usefully provides a tutorial. In addition, Mendota provides size options which are appropriate even for very small dogs, like dachshunds. Most owners who used this leash reported that walks with their pup improved. As with the Coastal Pet leash, the leather slip on this leash allows the leash to be positioned properly on the dog’s neck, allowing for effective use of the slip lead. Moreover, many owners mentioned that the leather tab on this leash fits snuggly, making it difficult for it to slide on its own during walks.
CONS
As with the Coastal Pet slip leash, the majority of complaints about the Mendota slip lead had to do with the slip lead style rather than the product itself. If you buy this leash and decide that it is not a good match for you and your pup, the company does offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Otherwise, most owners felt that this leash was exceptionally well-made, although perhaps more susceptible to chewers than other options.
5. Friends Forever Rope Leash
About: The Friends Forever Rope Leash is a slip lead made of high-quality mountain climbing rope. It is priced similarly to other slip leashes but uniquely features reflective threading, making it a great choice for owners who love to take fido for nighttime walks.
Product
Details
- Heavy Duty Premium Slip Rope Dog Leash Mountain Climbing Grade
- EASY AND CONVENIENT, Great for crate transfer, potty breaks and training, no collar or harness...
- ONE SIZE FITS ALL, 6-feet long and 1/2 inch thick cord, Adjustable noose for flexible sizing and...
- DURABLE AND COMFORTABLE, Made with lightweight but heavy duty mountain climbing rope
Features: This leash is 6 feet long, half an inch thick, and constructed from nylon mountain climbing rope. This rope is strong and durable, able to withstand even a tug with 1000 pounds of force behind it (as long as you can!). It’s also waterproof and machine-washable.
Like other slip leads discussed in this article, it features a leather slide that allows you to control the size of the loop that goes around your pup’s neck.
It comes in 6 different color options: black, blue, green, olive, red, and white. All colors feature reflective threading.
PROS
Customers were most impressed by the durability of this leash. It can withstand the tug of powerful pups and even some chewing. Consequently, many owners found this to be a great leash, particularly for larger breeds. Some owners also commented that this leash worked great as a training tool, even with pups who do not respond well to chain collars. Finally, owners were pleased that reflective threading in the leash makes it easier for drivers to see you on the side of the road at night.
CONS
Although this leash advertises that it can be used for dogs of any size, most customers warn that it would be too bulky for smaller pups. Several customers also noted that, while the rope is 6 feet, you realistically have less length than that because of the loop around your dog’s neck. Take this into consideration at purchase.
Owners are big fans of rope leashes due to their fun look. Make sure to also check out our collection of unique-looking dog leashes and collars for more fun designs!
Have you ever purchased a rope leash for your pup? What material was the rope made from? Did it feature a slip lead or a hook? Let us know in the comments below!
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