Golden retrievers are an extremely energetic breed. Coupled with their great curiosity, it can sometimes make them hard to handle when you’re out for a walk or jog with them. A control leash can work wonders for helping you manage your lively canine companion and discourage pulling behavior. In this article, we list down 6 of the best control leash for golden retrievers.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
The 6 Best Control Leashes for Golden Retrievers
Let’s take a look at the very best control leashes for Golden Retrievers so that you can make a better buying decision. There are hundreds of control leashes out there. These are our six favorites.
1. 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness and leash
Thanks to its comfortable fitting harness and double connection leash design, the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness is a control leash that’s worth checking out. The patented harness design distributes the pressure evenly, preventing the risk of your golden retriever choking or facing any discomfort. The velvet-lined chest strap helps eliminate the risk of chafing and rubbing sores. The harness is available in 7 different sizes and features 4 adjustable points, allowing for a snug comfortable fit around your dog’s body.
The material quality is very durable, and your canine friend would have a difficult time destroying this leash. The manufacturers also guarantee a “chew warrantee” with the purchase of this product, which provides free replacements for up to two chewed straps. The control leash and harness is 100% American made! Overall, this is a superb quality product, but we just wish the leash provided was a bit longer.
Pros
- Choke-proof design
- Comfortable
- Adjustable fitting
- Durable
- Chew warranty
- Made in the USA
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- Adjusting the straps is challenging
- Short leash
2. Kurgo Dog Harness
Another great harness on the market is the Kurgo Dog Harness. Its V-neck, comfortable design minimize strains and doesn’t hinder your dog’s freedom of movement. This harness boasts several points of adjustment, allowing for a nice, comfortable fitting around your golden retriever. The durability of the harness is also worth commenting on. The buckles are made of steel, and the fabrics used are similar to those used in rock climbing equipment. You can be sure that your golden retriever won’t be able to chew its way out of this harness.
The harness features a back handle, which can be quite useful in some hiking or congested situations, allowing for easier maneuverability. It also comes with a 10-inch lead, which can be employed as a seatbelt tether to reduce distracted driving. Couple the harness with Kurgo’s incredible dog leash, and you’ve got an excellent control system on your hands.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Adjustable fitting
- Durable
- Seatbelt lead
- Comes with a back handle
Cons
- Leash sold separately
3. PetsLovers Durable Dog Leash
While not precisely manufactured as a control leash, thanks to its sturdy built, comfortable grip, and practical design, PetsLovers Durable Dog Leash might well be one of the best control leashes for golden retrievers. Made with multiple layers of high-grade nylons, the leash is durable and long-lasting. Chewing out of this leash would be difficult even for the most serious chewers. The padded handle offers a comfortable but firm grip against your dog’s pulling. The leash is available in multiple colors, and there is even the option of availing reflective stitching, which grants better visibility at night.
Offered at a truly competitive price, this quality leash promises excellent value for money. In case you are not satisfied with the purchase (which is highly unlikely), the company offers a full refund if the product is returned within the first 60 days.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Easy-grip padded handle
- Adjustable fitting
- Reflective stitching option
- Available in multiple color options
- 60 days full refund
Cons
- The leash is a bit heavy
- Vulnerable to spraying
4. ThunderLeash Retractable No-Pull Dog Leash
For those golden retriever owners who place convenience and ease high on their agenda, then the ThunderLeash Retractable No-Pull Dog Leash may be the perfect control leash out there. Putting in on your canine companion is a breeze. Just clip it on to the dog’s collar, wrap it around their torso and you are ready to go! The leash provides gentle but consistent feedback to discourage pulling behavior. The retractable leash is 16 ft long, and features an ergonomically designed padded handle for maintaining a comfortable and firm grip.
While the design is great overall, there is still some room left for improvement. A lack of a swivel connection where it connects to the reel cord means that the leash is somewhat susceptible to twisting.
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Durable
- Easy-grip padded handle
- Long retractable leash
Cons
- Susceptible to twisting
5. PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar is another incredible product designed with convenience in mind. What is distinctive about this dog collar is that it wraps around your dog’s snout. However, this doesn’t cause any discomfort. Created by a veterinary behaviorist, the collar helps put you in control of the leash, and discourages unwanted pulling and lunging by your golden retriever. With its adjustable padded nose loop and quick snap neck strap, this collar can be easily fitted on your dog, regardless of their size.
The collar is designed in a way that puts pressure on the back of the neck instead of your dog’s throat, eliminating the risk of choking. The built quality is quite robust, and the manufacturers even slap along a one-year limited chew damage replacement with the purchase.
One concern we have is that some people might mistake it for a muzzle and assume your good boy to be a bad dog.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Adjustable fitting
- Durable
- Chew warranty
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- Leash sold separately
- Can be mistaken for a muzzle
6. Weiss Walkie No Pull Dog Leash
Weiss Walkie isn’t exactly a commonly known brand, but we liked their control leash enough to mention them in our list. The Weiss Walkie No Pull Dog Leash is simple but quite functional. The leash will comfortably loop around the body of your golden retriever and grant you enough leverage to keep them under control without causing any harm or discomfort. The leash comes in a wide range of sizes and colors. What is more, this product is also 100% American made!
What we did dislike about the leash is that, while it is a solid product, it just doesn’t feel as dependable in your hand with the grip lacking the needed firmness.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to put on
- Adjustable fitting
- Available in multiple color options
- Made in the USA
Cons
- The leash doesn’t offer the best grip
Our Final Thoughts
The best control leashes for golden retrievers are promising enough to aid significantly in discouraging bad pulling behavior. Still, it is important to keep in mind that they are no miracle products. Proper training of your canine friend must go hand in hand as well.
All the products mentioned on our list are of superb quality, but remember that even the most durable of leashes can be torn by the most determined of chewers. Still, for immediate improvements to your dog’s behavior and a more joyful walk around the park, a control leash can be quite valuable.
