Best Leash For German Shepherd That Pulls

Are you after the right leash that can help you deal with your German Shepherd that pulls? It’s no mean feat!

There are so many options (brands, styles and features) it can be difficult to choose the right one.

Besides, you want to teach your German Shepherd not to pull, but you don’t want him straining his neck or otherwise injuring himself.

You may have tried (or looked at) several leashes that promise you that they do everything – but how can you be sure which one to choose that will really do the job?

Well, you’ll be happy to know that I’ve done all that research for you!

Because my dog Bailey is an enthusiastic puller, I had to go out into the market to find one.

And find one I have.

Here is the leash that I recommend for a German Shepherd who loves to pull:

Fable Pet Signature Leash

The Fable Pet Signature leash can resist the pull of the strongest German Shepherd, as it’s built to last.

It’s beautifully handmade and comes in a variety of colors, and is easily adjustable.

Best of all, you can make the most of the hands-free option by adjusting the wrist strap adjuster so you don’t have to sacrifice your shoulder while you walk.

Why I Like the Fable Pet Signature Leash for German Shepherds That Pull

Built to Last and Waterproof

Not only is this tough leash built to last, but it’s waterproof, too. It can handle up to 300 pounds of pulling dog – and that’s a lot!

This lead is built for tough dogs, as it’s made with aluminum hardware and coated webbing.

Unlike other brands, the webbing isn’t glued on: it’s secured with hardware bolts and tightly sealed.

No more worrying about your leash breaking halfway through your walk due to your eager German Shepherd! And the webbing will stay put, as well it should.

When you have a pulling dog – regardless of the breed – you need to have a leash you can trust.

You can trust the Fable.

And because it’s built to last, you won’t need to spend more money on a replacement later on.

You won’t have to worry about the webbing coming undone or the leash snapping or breaking mid-walk.

Safe

It can be a nightmare if your dog slips off the leash – there’s nothing worse, especially if your dog isn’t good at coming back to you!

A pulling dog with a leash that snaps or comes undone is more likely to slip away, so inferior leashes won’t do the job here.

With the Fable lead, you can avoid accidental openings thanks to the patent-pending aluminum security clip. You can walk safely with no worries about your dog doing an escape trick.

The lead is easy to use, too.

Walk Your Pulling German Shepherd Hands-Free

This is probably my favorite feature of this lead. The wrist strap adjuster enables you to walk with your dog hands-free.

You can easily carry other needed items, such as toys, poop bags, and other bits and pieces, all while your dog is securely on the lead.

In addition, the hands-free option can help avoid your dog jolting your arm.

If your German Shepherd pulls, you’ve probably dealt with this daily – so it’s essential to find ways to make walks easier on your shoulders!

A Variety of Sizes for Any Size Dog

Unlike other leads, this lead has different sizes depending on the weight of your dog, with quite a wide range of choices.

While your German Shepherd is small (up to 20 lbs), you can use the XS/S size. The M size is suitable for dogs from 21 to 50 lbs.

For large dogs above 50 lbs, the L/XL size is perfect.

Choosing the right lead for your dog’s size makes all the difference in their safety and comfort.

A Variety of Colors

Even though the color of the lead isn’t the top benefit for helping with a pulling dog, let’s face it, it’s nice to have a choice.

If you love showing off your dog, the range of colors gives you the chance to pick out the perfect combo with your dog’s collar.

This leash makes an excellent gift, too, if you know someone with a dog who loves particular colors.

There’s nothing more thoughtful than a gift chosen specifically for someone’s dog in a color they love.

Simple to Keep Clean

This feature doesn’t mean your dog will pull any less, but it does mean you’ll save time, which everyone seems to want more of!

You won’t need to spend ages cleaning a lead after a muddy walk – all you have to do is wipe it with a clean cloth.

And even better is the fact that this lead doesn’t collect dog hair – you won’t have to brush it down or worry about it immediately looking ratty as soon as your dog sheds.

Although I love the Fable Pet Signature Leash with its fabulous features, there are other options available that you might want to consider.

This is why I felt it was essential to let you know about the Wild One Leash.

Wild One Leash

The Wild One Leash can suit many different dogs with its multiple length adjustments.

It’s also another perfect lead to walk your German Shepherd in all kinds of weather, even when he pulls.

Why I Like the Wild One Leash for German Shepherds That Pull

Easily Adjustable Length

The great thing about this leash is that you can easily adjust the length depending on your needs.

Whether you’re out for your daily walk, a tandem walk, or a quick trip to the store and you want to tie your dog briefly outside, this leash is perfect.

All you have to do is adjust the snap hooks (at both ends). Simple!

Adjusting the length can be very helpful if your dog pulls, because it can help reduce the jerking motion that you’re probably all too familiar with.

For me, I find keeping a shorter leash for those pulling moments can help save my arm from being pulled quite so much, and my dog tends not to jerk suddenly.

This brings me to the next feature of this lead.

Choose from Two Types

This leash comes in either Small or Standard sizes.

The Small size allows for a short adjustment (3 feet) and a regular adjustment (4.25 feet).

The Standard size provides a slightly longer short adjustment (3.25 feet) and a longer regular adjustment (5.5 feet).

Perfect, right?

Very Lightweight

Given how much time we spend walking our dogs, we need something that’s not only durable and high-functioning, but lightweight, too.

After all, we spend a lot of time holding that leash.

The Wild One leash, thankfully, is very lightweight, with the Small size weighing 0.2 lbs and the Standard size 0.5 lbs.

Perfect, No Matter the Weather

Although the weather doesn’t tend to affect how much your dog pulls, the all-weather materials of this lead mean you can be assured it will last a long time.

The strap features a flex-poly coated nylon webbing construction, and is perfect for ensuring durability.

Resists Odors

Once again, odor probably isn’t your top priority for a pulling dog, but it’s worth knowing that this leash resists odors.

If your pulling German Shepherd likes to roll in smelly mud (or even worse patches of mess), you’ll appreciate this feature!

Simple to Keep Clean

The smooth materials of this leash make it resistant to dirt. To clean it, all you have to do is wipe it clean with a cloth.

If it needs a deeper clean (and we’ve all had those days), soapy water will do the job. Let the leash air dry or wipe it with a towel.

Easy!

Another nice feature for those dogs who love to pull and get into everything!

Less Noise

Here’s a less obvious benefit but one that’s relevant to anyone with a pulling dog: this leash doesn’t rattle like many others do.

While any walking dog can make noise with a rattling lead, one of these leads on a pulling dog can make even more noise.

The coated carbon steel D-ring ensures that the leash won’t make a constant rattling sound as you walk along.

It might be a less obvious feature, but it’s one that (surprisingly) many manufacturers overlook.

You Can Get Matching Accessories

If your dog is pulling you along, well, you can get matching accessories so at least the two of you are looking your best!

You can get a matching collar, poop bag carrier and harness, if you wish.

Why not!

What Makes a Leash Great for German Shepherds That Pull

A great leash for German Shepherds that pull needs to be able to withstand the pull of your big dog while you’re training him to walk more politely. It also needs to be sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about it snapping. Easy adjustments are also essential so that you can walk comfortably with a length that helps you keep your shoulders intact! Get a lead that you can clean quickly so that you don’t have to spend time cleaning equipment after every walk.

It’s essential to look after yourself as well as your dog – and if your dog pulls, you both need gear that will help you be as comfortable as possible.

Rather than choke leads which can hurt your dog’s neck (and cause long-term problems with age), you’re better off getting a solid and sturdy lead that can handle his pulling without hurting him.

It’s important to be aware of essential features that will help you deal with a pulling dog – so consider the following features outlined below.

Durability

Your top priority should be to find a lead that is durable and able to withstand the pull of your German Shepherd.

Be sure the lead you select has a safety clip so that you avoid your dog slipping off the lead accidentally.

Durable leads should last a long time – there’s no point having to purchase a new lead every so often because it comes apart at the seams.

So look for tough, sturdy construction.

Adjustable

You must be able to adjust the length of the lead for your dog’s walks.

No one length will suit all situations, especially with a dog that pulls, when a shorter lead can save you injury to your arms, shoulders, and back.

Different situations require different lengths of lead: tying up your dog briefly while you pop into a store doesn’t require the same length as a leisurely walk in the park where there are lots of smells for your dog to explore.

A Hands-Free Feature

If you have a pulling dog, this is another essential feature, because it can save you pain (and injury).

You may even be recovering from a previous injury, in which case, the last thing you need is to have your arm being pulled for the entire walk.

Being able to walk hands-free with your dog can help make the whole walk more enjoyable for both of you.

Dogs pick up on what we feel, so if you’re stressed, your dog will be, too.

The Best Leash for Your Needs

It can be very frustrating trying to walk a German Shepherd who is constantly pulling on the lead, and choosing the right lead can be time-consuming, costly, and not at all enjoyable.

After all, it’s easy to think you won’t find anything that can make things easier.

Fortunately, you can.

I hope this guide has assisted you in finding two excellent possible solutions for your pulling German Shepherd.

You should now have some practical ideas as to how to get the right lead to help you as you teach your dog to walk politely.

Both of the leads that I have references here are ones that I love and strongly recommend.

Why? Because they have been designed with the needs of your dog (and you!) in mind, thanks to extensive research on dog behaviors and requirements.

Customers praise these leads highly, so I am confident either of these leads can help you as they have helped so many other people and dogs.