Best Leash for Reactive Dogs
What's the worst thing that can happen with your reactive dog? A lot - Unfortunately!
I've had equipment fail before - so I understand what you need to help you feel safe.
With a reactive or aggressive dog the stakes are much higher if your leash were to break, get pulled out of your hands, or if your dog were to slip out of their harness or collar and go after another dog, person, or other animal.
The best leash for a reactive dog is about having the strongest materials, hardware that won't break or accidentally come unclipped, and manufacturing methods that won't fail when you need them.
Keep your dog and others safe with equipment sized for their weight and designed specifically for them!
![german shepherd dog pulling on a leash and baring all his teeth in an aggressive manner.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0802/1970/1538/files/aggressive_dog_1_480x480.jpg?v=1718843861)
My dog has been attacked 3x by other dogs, so now we deal with anxiety and selective reactivity on an almost daily basis. I know how it feels to duck behind a car and wish his trigger would just go away!
Keep your Reactive Dog under control
Designed for Medium - Large - Extra Large Dogs
![No pull adjustable leash in blue shown in flat lay with leash handle attached to floating d ring. Hardware selection is swivel snap bolts.](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/bluenopullleash_bad6efc4-dc19-4c66-8dc1-8e350ae4c25b.jpg?v=1698785690&width=1400)
No-Pull Leash
Turn any harness with front and back connection points into a no-pull harness.
![](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/10ft1inhardwareinhand.jpg?v=1700599734&width=1400)
Handheld Leash
Strong leashes with rated locking leash clips can reduce the risk of hardware failure.
![](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/long_line.jpg?v=1703537639&width=1400)
Adjustable Long Line
Available in 10' and 15' lengths.
Using a longer leash can reduce tension on the leash and give your pup more room to explore.
![](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/HD_Belt_2679f0f1-2d91-463d-a6ce-e4fdb1150a32.jpg?v=1703537638&width=1400)
Heavy Duty Waist Belt
Most commercially available hands-free leash belts aren't up the amount of power a large dog can generate - this buckle has a break strength of over 500lbs!
![Standard backup straps are shown in a flat lay, highlighting the two different styles and two different hardware options.](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/stdbackupstrapflatlay.jpg?v=1699458945&width=1400)
Medium Duty Backup Strap
Backup your system and reduce the risk of accidental breakage or escape with a leash backup strap.
![Heavy duty backup straps are shown in a flat lay, available in two hardware styles and multiple webbing colors.](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/HDBackupStrapthumbnail_780fd504-1d77-4346-a993-2d83f302c85e.jpg?v=1699459024&width=1400)
Heavy Duty Backup Strap
Designed for the biggest pups! Ensure your pup won't become an "escape artist" by breaking or slipping out of their gear.
![Heavy duty double backup strap shown in a neon green.](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/hdleashsplitterasbackup_cf4ac8ea-fa6a-4e76-a88e-716036b090be.jpg?v=1700596802&width=1400)
Double Backup Strap
An alternative to a backup strap, much better than trying to use two leashes on your dog! Adjustable & Strong.
![Black and brown dog mannequin with a red bandana that has text saying no dogs.](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/25_df01353f-dbfd-41a2-b26b-4b840e70223d.jpg?v=1703989242&width=1400)
Vest or Bandana
Let your dog "speak" for themselves with a vest or bandana that communicates "No Dogs" or "I Need Space".
![Red training t shirt with the text no dogs in large lettering on the front of the shirt.](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/4428382_4461.jpg?v=1703261882&width=1400)
Training T Shirt
Ensure your message can be read from a distance with extra large text. Multiple messages available.
![](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/muzzle.jpg?v=1703537078&width=1400)
Muzzle
I do not make muzzles, but I do recommend them for reactive dogs! Check out The Muzzle Up Project for resources.
![](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/reactive_2.jpg?v=1703546937&width=1400)
Resources
If you're looking for a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist & published book author, I highly recommend Patricia McConnell, Ph.D
Check out her book "Feisty Fido" and her seminar available on DVD about Treating Dog-Dog Reactivity.
Her article about Reactive Dogs:
![](http://theexceptionaldogshop.com/cdn/shop/files/aggressive_dog.jpg?v=1707670749&width=1400)
Resources
This is another wonderful website for both trainers and dog guardians, by World-Renowned Aggression Expert Michael Shikashio, CDBC
Check out the articles, podcast, free webinars, and more!