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Yard leashes, also called tie-outs, can be a very helpful tool for pet parents. Dog tie-outs and yard leashes can keep your dog safe in an unfenced yard, give them some extra room to roam at the park, or secure them at a campsite. You’ll still need to be there monitoring things—but a good yard leash can mean a little more freedom for both pup and pup parent.
When selecting the right tie-out for your dog, you’ll want to consider their size, their activity level, and the outdoor space they’ll be exploring. Good yard leashes will be waterproof, durable, reflective, and have a good anchoring system. It’s also worth noting that for some pups, a tie-out won’t ever be the right fit—as dog expert Dr. Cheri Honnas notes, this is usually the case for aggressive, anxious, and escape artist pups.
We’ve consulted expert dog trainers and veterinarians to find the best dog tie-outs for freedom of movement and peace of mind.
Best Rope Tie-Out: Taglory Dog Tie-Out
Our experts agree that the best qualities in a dog tie-out or yard leash are durability, length, and secure attachments. The Taglory Dog Tie-Out checks all of these boxes. It comes in multiple lengths, from 15 feet to 66 feet, and features reflective nylon rope. The width of the nylon is a sturdy 5/16 inch.
Each end features a durable metal clip and hook with a 360-degree swivel to help avoid tangles. It includes a carrying bag for easy stowing and portability. It comes in a variety of colors and is also available as a lunge line for long-leashed walks, hikes, and swims.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple lengths, from 15′ to 66′
- Features reflective nylon rope, 5/16″ thick
- Uses two metal clasps with a 360-degree rotation
Top Heavy Duty Cable Tie-Out: BV Pet Heavy Tie-Out Cable for Extra-Large Dogs
When choosing a dog tie-out, length is an important consideration. According to trainer Ben Perez of Puppy Heaven, leashes should be long enough to allow freedom of movement without excessive restraint. This 30-foot cable yard leash is made for larger breeds up to 125 pounds.
The heavy-duty cable easily loops around a tree or post for a stake-free system that’s portable and secure. The all-steel cable and swivel clips provide strong, rust-proof protection. And the cable cover is reflective for nighttime safety. If you and your pup are adventurers, this extra-large yard leash is ideal for taking your big dog camping.
Key Features:
- 30′ cable that holds up to 125-pound dogs
- Features all-steel cable and rust-free swivel clips
- Reflective cable cover
Best for Giant Dog Breeds: Petest 25′ Tie-Out Cable
While Dr. Honnas emphasizes that dog tie-outs should never be used as a substitute for outdoor play, they can be especially useful if you don’t have a fenced yard. Keeping a larger dog safely contained can be difficult. This Petest tie-out is an ultra strong system designed to secure dogs up to 250 pounds. It features a vinyl-covered steel cable and swivel clips to provide superior strength and protect from rust. The system includes crimp covers to help protect it from the elements.
Key Features:
- Designed to hold dogs up to 250 pounds
- Features vinyl-covered steel cable
- Crimp covers help protect from rust and elements
Best Tie-Out for Small Dogs: Petest 25′ Reflective Tie-Out Cable
Another great quality in a dog tie-out? Chew-proof! Dr. Honnas also recommends that pet parents look for tie-out systems that dogs will not be able to chew through. This 25-foot tie-out is ideal for dogs up to 35 pounds. It features a lightweight but strong (chew-resistant) steel cable with an anti-rust and reflective vinyl coating. This system also features crimp covers to reduce exposing the cable ends to rain, dirt, or rust. It uses two metal safety clips for attachment. If you like this model, it is also available in larger sizes for medium, large, and extra-large dogs.
Key Features:
- 25′ tie-out ideal for dogs under 35 pounds
- Lightweight and durable
- Features a strong steel cable with an anti-rust and reflective vinyl coating
- Includes crimp covers
To Consider:
- Does not include an anchor system
Top Tie-Out for Camping: XiaZ Dog Tie-Out for Camping
The XiaZ system works a little differently than some of the traditional anchoring systems, but it may work well for dog parents who aren’t able to anchor their tie-out into the ground. This overhead system works by tying a nylon rope between two objects (potentially trees) and using a trolley system. This allows your dog a good amount of space to move and explore while keeping them safely contained.
All of the ropes in this kit feature lightweight but durable and reflective nylon rope, two carabiners, and a swivel clip that completes the trolley system. It also comes in a convenient carrying case for pets and pet parents on the go. This system comes in many different rope lengths.
As always, our experts all emphasize that dogs should be monitored while attached to a tie-out system to ensure that they are not tangled, aren’t trying to chew, and are relaxed and comfortable.
Key Features:
- Overhead trolley system is lightweight and portable
- Features reflective nylon rope
- Uses 360-degree swivel
- Comes with carrying case
Best Waterproof Yard Leash: Nimble Waterproof Dog Leash Lead
The Nimble Waterproof leash is waterproof, odor resistant, and easy to clean. The straps are soft and durable and are designed to hold up to 700 pounds of pull force. This leash is incredibly versatile and can be used for not only tie-outs, but also hikes, beach walks and swims, training, and just about all outdoor play. Best of all, the slick material resists dirt and sand, so you won’t bring the beach with you. It’s available in multiple colors and sizes, ranging from 5 feet to 50 feet.
Key Features:
- Waterproof and durable
- Versatile for lots of outdoor activities
- Dirt and odor resistant
- Size range from 5 to 50 feet
- Durable metal clip
Top Yard Leash for Training: Mycicy Long Lead for Training
The Mycicy Long Lead for Training is available in multiple lengths and features a strong metal clasp for attaching to a collar or harness. The long rope lead is made of braided and wear-resistant nylon and comes in various widths to accommodate different sizes and ages. This long lead is a great option for training, as the length can simulate a leash-free environment for dogs who are being trained for voice commands or agility. This lead is also available in multiple colors.
If you are considering a long lead for your yard, the length is very important. Dr. Honnas recommends considering the safest length that gives your dog freedom of movement while preventing dangerous tangles.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple lengths and colors, for multiple breed sizes
- Helps to simulate a leash-free environment for training
- Made of braided and wear-resistant nylon
- Features strong metal clip
Best Swivel Tie-Out Anchor: SUREswivel 360 Degree Swiveling Pet Tie-Out
One of the most important factors in a dog tie-out is the attachment point. Dr. Honnas notes that the attachment point must be secure and properly installed. If you do not want the traditional screw-in anchor, this in-ground swivel is a secure 360-degree swivel mechanism to avoid tangles. It comes with six spiraled anchor stakes that hold the base firmly in place when used in stable ground to hold up to 1000 pounds of force. It can be portable, or you can install it in wood or cement for a permanent yard leash solution. This swivel is sold separately from yard leashes.
Key Features:
- When screwed into ground, can hold 1,000 pounds of force
- 360-degree swivel helps to avoid tangles
To Consider:
- This is a swivel system only; it does not come with a leash
How We Chose
The tie-outs and yard leashes 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 interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized durability, function, and versatility. 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.