Which dog leash should you choose? The quiz based on your walks
A short leash for city sidewalks, a longer one for the woods, one that dries quickly after a dip in the river⊠The ideal leash depends on where you walk. Choosing the right leash for your dog means avoiding a model that ends up at the bottom of a drawer: too short, too heavy, or smelling like a wet dog after every outing. To help you, weâve created a 7-question quiz: it analyzes your walking habits and recommends the most suitable leash in the right size.
Choosing the right leash for your dog: the three main types
Before the quiz, a quick overview. At Goofy Goldens, we offer three types of leashes designed for different uses. All match our harnesses and collars.
| Feature | Classic leash | Multi-position leash | Waterproof multi-position leash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 150 cm | 120, 150, or 250 cm | 120, 150, or 250 cm |
| Width | M: 2 cm / L: 2.5 cm | L: 2.5 cm (M in production) | L: 2.5 cm |
| Material | Printed polyester | Printed polyester | Flexible textured PVC |
| Hands-free | No | Yes, crossbody or around the waist | Yes, crossbody or around the waist |
| Two dogs | No | Yes | Yes |
| Care | Machine washable at 30°C | Machine washable at 30°C | Wipe clean, does not retain odors |
| Ideal for | City, everyday walks | Versatility, hiking, hands-free | Rain, mud, beach, river |
The quiz: which leash for your walking style?
Answer the 7 questions thinking about your most frequent walks, not an exceptional summer hike. The result will appear just below.
7 questions, 1 minute, personalized advice
Pram, child to hold, coffee, walking poles, runningâŠ
Want to see the leash matching your dogâs harness? Try our collections on their photo with the Dog Studio.
How to choose a leash based on your walks
The quiz gives you a clue, but nothing beats a few pointers to help you understand why. Here are the situations we encounter most often with our customers.
- đïž The city dog: in the city, a 150 cm leash is more than enough. It keeps your dog close at pedestrian crossings and on narrow sidewalks without dragging on the ground. The classic leash, with its padded handle, is the simplest for everyday use.
- đ„Ÿ The hiking dog: on trails, you alternate between sections where your dog needs to stay close and stretches where they can explore. The multi-position leash goes from 120 to 250 cm in one motion and can be worn crossbody when you need your hands.
- đ The water dog: beach, river, puddles: a fabric leash soaks up water, becomes heavy, and retains odors. The waterproof PVC version dries in a few minutes and wipes clean with a sponge.
- The dog in training: if they pull, the multi-position leash can be attached to both rings of a harness (chest and back). You can guide your dog gently without jerking their spine. To better understand the role of the chest attachment, read our article on front attachments for dogs.
- The pair of dogs: with its two snap hooks, the multi-position leash allows you to walk two dogs of similar size with a single leash.
Tip: the longest leash is not always the best. The longer it is, the more you need to anticipate crossings, bicycles, and other dogs. To find the right length for different situations, consult our guide to choosing the ideal leash length.
Multi-position leash: how to use its different positions?
If the quiz recommends a multi-position leash, here is how to make the most of its settings. One central ring and two snap hooks are all you need to switch from one position to another.
- Short position (approximately 120 cm): for the city, pedestrian crossings, and busy areas.
- Intermediate position (approximately 150 cm): the right compromise between freedom and control on everyday walks.
- Long position (250 cm): for wide-open spaces where your dog can sniff without pulling you.
- Hands-free: the leash goes crossbody or around the waist.
- Double attachment: one snap hook on the chest ring and the other on the back ring, or one snap hook per dog.
To learn more about leashes that withstand water, discover our article on why you should switch to a waterproof leash.
The 5 key tips to remember for choosing the right leash
- Choose the leash based on your most frequent walks, not an exceptional outing.
- Match the width to your dogâs weight: 2 cm for under 25 kg, 2.5 cm for over 25 kg for our classic leashes.
- Opt for a waterproof leash if you walk in all weather or near water.
- Attach the leash to the harness rather than the collar if your dog pulls.
- Regularly check the snap hook and stitching, especially after outings in water or sand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best leash for a dog that pulls?
No leash alone can stop a dog from pulling: training makes the difference. However, a multi-position leash attached to both rings of a harness (chest and back) helps guide them gently during training. Avoid tools that hurt or tighten around the neck, and focus on positive reinforcement.
Is a multi-position leash suitable for a small dog?
Our multi-position leashes are now 2.5 cm wide, which may seem heavy for a dog under 10 kg. For a smaller dog, the classic M-size leash (2 cm) is more suitable. A thinner M-size multi-position leash is currently in production.
Classic or multi-position leash: which should you choose in the city?
Both work. The classic 150 cm leash is simpler and lighter. The multi-position leash can also be set to the short position (120 cm) and leaves your hands free when you need them, for example with a stroller.
How do you care for a dog leash?
Our polyester leashes can be washed by hand or in the machine at 30°C with mild soap. The waterproof PVC leash simply wipes clean with a sponge and warm water. In any case, let it air dry and rinse it with clean water after a swim in the sea.
What leash size should I choose based on my dogâs weight?
For our classic leashes, choose size M (2 cm) for a dog under 25 kg and size L (2.5 cm) from 25 kg. To find the right size for their harness and collar at the same time, use our harness, collar, and leash size calculator.
In summary
To find out which leash to choose for your dog, start with your most frequent walks. The classic 150 cm leash is ideal for the city and everyday use. The multi-position leash adapts to everything, from the sidewalk to the trail, with hands-free use and double attachment. The waterproof version is made for rain, mud, and outings by the water. Take the quiz, then try the leash matching your dogâs harness on their photo with the Dog Studio.