3 Best Slip Leads for Safer and Calmer Dog Handling

I’ve never actually bought a slip lead. The one I use, I found — miles out in the countryside, not a dog or their owner in sight. Nobody ever claimed it, so it stays at home with me. These days I use it mostly for leading my two Staffies into the shower when they’ve got other plans.

It’s a rope slip lead with a rubber stopper, and one thing bugs me about it: when it gets wet, it takes ages to dry. That small frustration made me curious, and I soon realised there’s more to slip leads than I thought. Different styles are designed for different uses.

With that in mind, here are…

3 of the Best Slip Leads for Everyday Walks and Training

1. Ancol Heritage Rope Slip Lead

Best for: 

Puppy training, emergency control, or quick handling around the house.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to slip on in seconds.
• Rubber stopper helps keep it secure.
• Handy for short-term control (e.g., guests arriving, bath time).

Cons:

• Max weight 20kg – not suitable for medium/large breeds once fully grown.
• Rope can take a while to dry if it gets wet.
• Not escape-proof for determined pullers.

My take:

This is the closest match to the rope slip lead I found a while back and still use when my Staffies need coaxing into the shower. It’s also handy when guests arrive and excitement levels skyrocket – quick to slip on and get them settled in their crate for a breather. 

For puppies or smaller breeds, it’s a solid training aid. But once a medium breed like a Staffie matures (around 12 months), you’ll want something stronger and more reliable for walks.

Why it stands out:

As an entry-level slip lead, it’s simple, affordable, and effective for short-term handling. It’s not a “forever” lead for strong dogs, but for training sessions and puppy walks, it’s a classic starter.

Check the latest price on the Ancol Heritage Rope Slip Lead

2. Total Pet Figure of 8 Slip Lead

Best for: 

Dogs that pull hard on walks, especially in busy areas where safety and control are top priorities.

Pros:

• Anti-pull design with figure-of-8 fit to discourage lunging.
• 20cm of neoprene padding protects the snout from rubbing or hair loss.
• Backup safety clip attaches to your dog’s regular collar (prevents escape if the lead slips).
• Reflective stitching for visibility at night.

Cons:

• Like all head-style leads, it needs a gradual introduction — otherwise many dogs will paw at it.
• If not fitted properly, the metal clasp can dig in — but this is prevented if you follow the fitting guide.

My take:

When one of my Staffies slipped out of a harness near a busy road (measured and fitted at a pet store, no less), it left me hyper-aware of the importance of secure leads. That’s why I like this one: the extra backup clip offers peace of mind, and the reflective stitching is something I now consider essential for night walks.

Why it stands out:

It’s not just anti-pull; it’s designed with padding and backup safety that make it practical for real-world use. There’s even an official fitting video on YouTube, which I’d recommend watching before using. Most complaints I’ve seen trace back to poor fitting rather than the design itself.

Check the latest price on the Total Pet Figure of 8 Slip Lead 

3. Wellbro Real Leather Slip Lead

Best for: 

Medium to large breeds needing a strong, long-lasting slip lead — perfect for Staffies, Labradors, and other powerful pullers.

Pros:

• Made with genuine cowhide leather for durability
• Reinforced stitching and solid O-ring hardware for extra security.
• 5ft length offers good control without being restrictive.

Cons:

• Leather needs conditioning to weatherproof and soften over time.
• One-size that only fits dogs with a 40–60cm neck girth (Staffies are usually on the lower end, so measure before buying).
• Some users found the leather a bit stiff at first — benefits from break-in and regular care.

My take:

Leather is often the material of choice for professional trainers, and I can see why. Our late Staffy had a leather collar that lasted nearly his whole life — it was strong, durable, and easy to clean. I also know another Staffy owner whose dog suffers from allergies, so leather fits the bill there. Beyond that, leather doesn’t collect hairs like rope or nylon — it just wipes clean.

Why it stands out:

This slip lead combines strength and comfort in a way that’s built for long-term use. With care and conditioning, it’s the type of lead that can last years, even with daily usage. For powerful breeds that can overwhelm nylon or rope, this offers both security and gentleness in one package.

Check the latest price on the Wellbro Leather Slip Lead

How to Use Slip Leads Safely

Start by choosing the correct side based on your dominant hand: if you’re right-handed, hold the lead so the dog is on your left and form a “P” shape with the loop to slip over their head. If left-handed, have the dog on your right and form a “9” shape.

The stopper or fastener at the back should allow you to fit a finger underneath — snug enough to prevent slipping off, but loose enough to be comfortable. Introduce the lead gradually and never leave it on an unattended dog.

A Buyer’s Guide to Slip Leads

If you’re unsure about the different types and what would be best for “your dog” these are the main points to think about to make sure you get the most appropriate type of slip lead that’s suited to you and your dog’s traits.

Material:

Slip leads are usually rope, nylon, or leather. Rope and nylon are lightweight, easy to clean, and good for puppies or short-term handling. Leather is stronger, hypoallergenic, and built for longevity — ideal for strong adult dogs. Choose based on your dog’s size, strength, and sensitivity.

Padding / Comfort:

Some slip leads, like figure-of-8 designs, include neoprene padding to protect the snout. Padding prevents rubbing, hair loss, and discomfort, especially important for sensitive breeds like Staffies, and they could inadvertently cut their noses if they have sharp nails and attempt to paw it off. Gradually acclimate the dog to the lead.

Control / Safety:

Consider if the lead has anti-pull features, a stopper, or a backup clip to prevent escape. Figure-of-8 and some leather leads offer extra security, while simple rope leads are best for controlled environments or emergencies.

Sizing / Fit:

Measure your dog’s neck before purchasing. Some leads are one-size-fits-all, others have adjustable loops. Puppies and small breeds can use lighter leads, but medium to large breeds (like adult Staffies) need durable, well-fitted leads to avoid slack or accidental slipping.

Conclusion

For puppies or small dogs, the Ancol Heritage Rope Slip Lead is a simple, quick, and effective choice for training or emergency handling. For medium-sized dogs that need more control and security, the Total Pet Figure of 8 Slip Lead offers padding, anti-pull design, and a backup clip for peace of mind. And for long-term durability with strong pullers, the Wellbro Real Leather Slip Lead is the premium option — hypoallergenic, strong, and built to last.

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