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In a multi-dog household, walks can get tricky, especially if the humans are outnumbered. How do you walk two (or more) dogs at once? One simple solution is a double-dog leash.
Leashes for two dogs, sometimes called “double leashes” or “leash couplers,” are a tool that lets you control two dogs with one leash. They can prevent tangles and even help improve leash manners for some pairs of pups.
But not all double leashes are created equal, and there are a few things to know before you start using them. That’s why we spoke with Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench, a Veterinary Surgeon and writer for Gentle Dog Trainers, to find out more about double leashes and dogs they may work well with. We also did some hands-on testing with some of the best-rated, buyer-approved leashes for two dogs available.
Best for Pullers: SparklyPets Rope Bungee Dual Leash
Remy and Lucy model the SparklyPets double dog leash.
This dual-dog leash from SparklyPets is a winner, especially for dogs who tend to be pullers, due to the dual shock-absorbing bungees attached to each extension. Tester Kelsey found the material sturdy and was confident it would hold up against her dogs’ tendency to pull on walks—which it did with flying colors. Both leash extensions have a handle on them, so if one dog gets distracted smelling something or barking at a squirrel, it’s easy to get them back on track using the handle.
The cushioned loop handle at the top of the leash is comfortable and convenient, especially for multi-tasking on walks, and it can slide down your wrist for safekeeping. Dr. Dench also notes that cushioned handles great if you and your pups like to take long walks to keep humans comfortable, too. “Using a padded handle can provide extra comfort for pet parents during those extended strolls,” she notes.
No matter how strong the double leash is, Dr. Dench notes you’ll want to practice using a double leash ahead of time, as they work differently than single leashes. “Walks with a double-dog leash might indeed look a bit different from those with separate leashes,” says Dr. Dench. “You’ll need to be more mindful of your dogs’ movements and reactions to ensure they walk harmoniously side by side.”
Compared to the other double leashes we tested, this one required the least effort to reorient wayward pups and is still going strong after over a year of high usage.
What we like:
- Bungee design means less effort is required to redirect one or both dogs
- Handles on both leash extensions are excellent for control
- Comes with both leash and extension
- Adjustments available on both leash extensions
- No tangle swivel works well to prevent constant stops and snarls
What to watch:
- We think SparklyPets should have a sparkly leash option—but that’s really all we found to complain about!
Best Long Double Leash: YOUTHINK Double Dog Leash
The major advantage of the YOUTHINK double-dog leash is its sliding length adjustor that gives each dog about six feet of individual space to roam. The sliding adjustors are on each leash extension, allowing you the potential to walk two differently-sized dogs simultaneously—not always an easy proposition, and one that requires some vigilance.
“When walking dogs of different sizes on a double-dog leash, be extra cautious,” Dr. Dench says. “The larger dog’s pulling force could affect the smaller one more significantly. If they have a considerable size or strength difference, it might be best to stick with individual leashes to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.”
This double leash features padded leash extensions to offer pups extra comfort and an additional handle at the base of the leash to give the walker additional control. It also comes with a handy poop bag holder you can clip onto the leash for convenience.
That said, the material isn’t as sturdy as other double-dog leashes, and it doesn’t have any bungee component, which meant it took our tester a little more effort to redirect a pup intent on sniffing.
What we like:
- Adjustments on both extensions
- Additional handle on the lower portion of leash for control when needed
- Comfortable loop handle for humans
- Leash extensions are padded for extra comfort for dogs
What to watch:
- No bungee design to help with pulling
- The main leash is fairly long, and there’s no way to adjust it; you have to wrap it around your hand or wrist to make shorter
Best Short Double Dog Leash: 360° Swivel No-Tangle Double Dog Leash
This double-dog leash is an affordable pick for a full leash-and-extension combo. Its main draw is the bungee extensions, which help absorb the force of a pup who likes to pull. A puller may have less impact on a non-puller, and it nicely accommodates dogs with different walking styles. The 360° metal swivel also meets Dr. Dench’s requirements for what makes a quality double leash to help prevent tangles and pile-ups on walks. “A good double-dog leash should have a sturdy, tangle-resistant design to prevent frustrating knots during walks,” she explains.
The material, though, isn’t as sturdy as some of the other leash and extension combos—notably the SparklyPets leash, which also features bungee extensions. We think this is a nice pick for small dogs or those who want to test the waters with a double-dog leash before committing to something more expensive.
What we like:
- Better for smaller dogs
- Fairly inexpensive
- Tangle-free swivel
- Loop handle
What to watch:
- Material and clasps aren’t suitable for especially large dogs or heavy pullers
- No adjustments on leash or extension
- No additional handles on lower leash or extensions for extra control
Best Leash Extension: Caldwell’s Pet Supply Co. No Tangle Dog Leash Coupler
Remy and Lucy model the Caldwell leash extension.
Another option for double walks is a leash coupler like this one that easily attaches to the end of your dog’s regular leash. This nylon attachment is a quick and affordable way to turn any leash into a leash for two dogs. While it doesn’t include any additional snazzy features like bungees or handles, it has a metal swivel top to prevent tangles, which is a key feature Dr. Dench looks for in quality double leashes, along with adjustment options on both extensions.
Our tester appreciated the slim design and the nice amount of space it provided for each pup to explore a bit independently. She voted it a solid pick for the car or travel—something to keep on hand so you have the option of walking two dogs at once, without the commitment of a traditional double-dog leash (or the price).
What we like:
- Simple but durable option
- Adjustments on both extensions
- Swivel connector on top that helps avoid tangles
What to watch:
- No handles for additional control
Best Tangle-Free: Wigzi Dual Dog Gel Handle Leash
The Wigzi double-dog leash is something different: it splits your dogs’ tethers up right below your own handle instead of at the end of a longer leash. As a result, the two pups on leash are able to move much more independently and stray farther from each other, up to 4.5-feet for each dog with a distance of about 9 feet in between them. This can be either a blessing or a curse depending on your walking style. The built-in coupler spins for easy detangling, which many pet parents said makes their usually chaotic walks with two dogs much more enjoyable and tangle-free.
But like with any double dog leash, Dr. Dench notes it’s important to keep an eye on which direction your dogs are going to avoid getting tangled up, even with the best no-tangle leash. “Double-dog leashes can become entangled if dogs have different walking paces or if they crisscross each other,” she said. “To avoid potential tangles or tripping hazards, it’s crucial to stay attentive and keep your dogs walking in sync.”
And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a soft liquid-filled gel handle that’s not only comfy but allows you to get a good grip on the handle for safe walking. One caveat is that some reviewers noted the handle is a bit small, especially if you’re wearing gloves.
What we like:
- A fresh style for dogs who benefit from freedom to roam
- Comfortable handle
- Reflective striping on each leash
What to watch:
- Leash attachments don’t fit harnesses with double D-rings
- Not a good choice for pullers and wanderers; leash offers minimal control
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Best for Comfort: iYoShop Dual Dog Leash
With a padded handle and bungee features, this shock-absorbing double leash provides double the comfort for both humans and canines on walks. The leash is 31 inches in length, and both extensions offer an additional 20 to 35 inches due to their stretchy, shock-absorbing bungee design. The metal swivel clasp provides 360 degrees of tangle-free rotation, and the rock-climbing rope leash and double extenders also feature reflective threading throughout for added visibility and safety.
The soft padded handle provides a cushioned and comfortable grip with a metal ring underneath to clip a waste bag dispenser. Due to the inability to individually adjust the size of each extension, this double leash is better suited for dogs of similar sizes.
What we like:
- Available in two sizes (medium and large) and ten colors
- Holds a combined weight of up to 150 lbs.
- Metal swivel connector to avoid tangles
What to watch:
- Cannot adjust the length of individual extenders
Best Reflective: Pawtitas 2 Dog Reflective Rope Leash
If you and your pups are a fan of night walks or hikes in densely wooded areas, this reflective double dog leash is a good way to stay visible in low-light settings. The rope double leash is made with a nylon and synthetic fabric blend that features reflective stitching throughout for added visibility.
The center features a black nickel O-ring no-tangle connector, which pet parents like for preventing tangles on dark walks. Other reviewers note it’s light enough for smaller breeds but durable enough to withstand training energetic and chew-loving puppies.
What we like:
- 6-feet in length
- Available in two sizes (small and large) and eight colors
- 65% polyester and 35% cotton; made with a single piece of rip-stop nylon for strength
What to watch:
- Handle is not padded, so be careful of rope burn if dogs are pullers
Is a Double Dog Leash A Good Choice for My Dogs?
According to Dr. Dench, double leashes can be a smart way to walk two dogs at once. They typically provide a greater level of control than two single leashes, making the walk both more enjoyable and more efficient. “It gives you better control over both dogs, keeps them closer to you, and promotes a sense of togetherness during walks,” she explains.
Double leashes often have the best chance of success with dogs of similar sizes and temperaments. “Double-dog leashes can be a great fit for dogs who are already comfortable walking together,” she says. “They work best for pups with compatible energy levels. For example, two well-trained, friendly dogs of similar sizes and temperaments can make a perfect duo for double-leash adventures and similar walking paces.”
They’re not, however, for all dogs, especially if your dogs differ drastically in size and temperament. “If you have dogs with significant size or strength differences or if they tend to pull in opposite directions, using separate leashes might be safer and more manageable,” says Dr. Dench.
If double leashes are new for your pups, give them time to adjust before long hikes. “Gradually introduce them to the double-leash setup in a controlled environment, rewarding them with treats and praise when they stay calm and walk nicely together.”
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and an interview with Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench, a Veterinary Surgeon and writer for Gentle Dog Trainers. We prioritized bungees for pullers, adjustable lengths, rotating or swiveling connectors, reflective stitching, and durable materials. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.
