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
Image | Title | Buy |
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Top![]() | 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness and Leash, Adjustable Comfortable Control for Dog Walking, Made in USA (Large 1") (Teal) | Check Today's Price |
![]() | Kurgo Dog Harness | Pet Walking Harness | Medium | Black | No Pull Harness Front Clip Feature for Training Included | Car Seat Belt | Tru-Fit Quick Release Style | Check Today's Price |
![]() | ThunderLeash Retractable No-Pull Dog Leash - Medium | Check Today's Price |
![]() | PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar with Training DVD, MEDIUM 25-60 LBS., BLACK | Check Today's Price |
![]() | Weiss Walkie No Pull Dog Leash, Large, Black | Check Today's Price |
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
- Recommended by Whole Dog Journal, the VIN (Veterinary Information Network) and many dog trainers as the ultimate in flexibility, control, and training.
- Stop the pulling!: Attaching your leash to the martingale loop on the back will allow your dog to walk in a straight line without twisting or straining, while also discouraging pulling by gently tightening around the chest. Attaching your leash to the ring on the front of the chest lets you “steer” your dog. Using a double-ended leash allows you to connect to the front and back of the harness simultaneously for even more control.
- Comfortable and durable: The Freedom no-pull harness has a soft velvet lining on the strap that goes behind the legs to prevent sores that sometimes occur with harnesses. This well made harness will stand up to daily use by even the strongest dogs!
- Chew warranty: The manufacturer will replace up to two chewed straps for just the cost of shipping. Contact us for instructions if your harness needs to be repaired. Please note that it is best to not leave the harness on your dog while unattended as chewing can happen FAST!
- Perfect for all dogs: Great control, four points of adjustability and maximum comfort and safety make the Freedom harness perfect for puppies as well as adult and senior dogs of all breeds. It is also great for dogs with amputations, arthritis or other injuries.
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
- Everyday Dog Harness - Comfortable, lightweight walking harness with five easy adjustable points and plastic quick release buckles to make it easy to take on and take off when on the go. Suitable for walking or jogging.
- No-Pull Training Clip - Pet harness has a front D-Ring to use as leash attachment to train dogs not to pull; It will turn them around when try to pull; Also features back leash ring for regular walking or jogging.
- Includes Dog Seatbelt - Comes with dog seat Belt 10-inch tether that can be used during car travel as a pet seatbelt to restrain dog and prevent distracted driving: Or as a training tether. Harness is not crash tested.
- Size and Fit - Size medium fits dogs with neck 16-25 inches and chest 18-28 inches; Neck is not adjustable for this harness; Please refer to Kurgo size chart
- Committed to Quality - Product comes with hassle-free Kurgo lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
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
- RECOMMENDED BY TRAINERS: Our simple, no-pull dog leash solution is highly recommended by positive-based trainers around the country
- OVER 80% EFFECTIVE: with consistent, safe, gentle feedback, ThunderLeash encourages your dog to stop pulling, and has proven effective in 80% of dogs
- EASY-TO-USE: ThunderLeash goes on in seconds, with no complicated straps or irritating head collars. Just clip the leash to your collar, wrap it around the torso, and go. Comes with an easy-to-grasp, comfortable padded handle
- 2-IN-1 SOLUTION: Our ThunderLeash can be used as both a harness, and a leash, so you can take less with you! ThunderLeash is adjustable, so it can fit any breed of dog.
- FROM THE MAKERS OF THUNDERSHIRT: You can trust ThunderWorks for affordable, effective, easy-to-use calming and walking solutions
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
- VET AND TRAINER RECOMMENDED: Created by a veterinary behaviorist over 30 years ago, the Gentle Leader Headcollar puts pet-parents in control of the leash
- SAFE SOLUTION FOR PULLING: Immediately, gently and safely controls unwanted behaviors like excessive leash pulling, lunging and jumping
- QUICK AND EASY TO FIT: Easily fit the headcollar on your dog in just a few minutes using the adjustable nose loop and quick-snap neck strap
- 1-YEAR CHEW DAMAGE REPLACEMENT: If your pooch decides to turn the harness into a chew toy, we will replace it for a minimal fee
- COMFORT FIT: It has a comfortable padded nose loop and the headcollar puts pressure on the back of the neck instead of your dog’s throat, which prevents choking and coughing
- PERFECT-FIT GUARANTEE: From petite pups to giant pooches and all canine shapes in between, our headcollar fits any size dog
- U.S.-BASED CUSTOMER CARE: Let our pet product experts help; we’re available Monday through Saturday to answer your questions at 1-800-845-3274
- QUALITY GUARANTEED: PetSafe brand has been a trusted global leader in pet behavior, containment and lifestyle innovations for nearly 30 years; we help pets and their people live happily together
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
- Safe and humane
- Gently stops your dog from pulling
- Great for dog walkers and animal shelters
- Makes walking your dog more enjoyable
- Made in the USA
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.
Image | Title | Buy |
---|---|---|
Top![]() | 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness and Leash, Adjustable Comfortable Control for Dog Walking, Made in USA (Large 1") (Teal) | Check Today's Price |
![]() | Kurgo Dog Harness | Pet Walking Harness | Medium | Black | No Pull Harness Front Clip Feature for Training Included | Car Seat Belt | Tru-Fit Quick Release Style | Check Today's Price |
![]() | ThunderLeash Retractable No-Pull Dog Leash - Medium | Check Today's Price |
![]() | PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar with Training DVD, MEDIUM 25-60 LBS., BLACK | Check Today's Price |
![]() | Weiss Walkie No Pull Dog Leash, Large, Black | Check Today's Price |