Ezydog Vario 6 Adjustable Dog Lead Review
Looking for a versatile, durable dog lead? The EzyDog Vario 6 offers comfort, control, and adaptability for every walk—whether you’re training, hiking, or managing a strong puller.
About EzyDog
EzyDog is known for creating high-quality dog gear, built for adventure. Founded by Luke Hatcher in 1995 as a garage startup, their first product was a bungee leash—now the “Original Shock Absorbing Dog Leash.” That technology evolved into the Zero Shock leash, which we found encourages pulling in pups due to the bungee effect.
Vario 6 vs. Vario 6 Lite
The Vario 6 range is designed for durability and outdoor use. The standard Vario 6 suits medium to XL dogs, while the Lite version (with 12mm webbing) is intended for small dogs under 12kg.
Usability, Comfort & Safety
The Vario 6 features EzyDog’s Soft Touch™ webbing, making it comfortable to hold, even on long walks. The material provides a secure grip, preventing slipping, while remaining gentle on the hands. Like most EzyDog leads, it has reflective stitching, which is a key safety feature for early morning and nighttime outings. The combination of comfort, grip, and visibility ensures a better walking experience, rain or shine.
That said, depending on the size of your dog, and the level of control you need, there are some instances where it may not be the best option.
When Not to Use the Vario 6 Lead
1. Slip Lead Replacement
In theory, the Vario 6 could function as an emergency slip lead, however, it’s not ideal for this due to its fixed clip points. If you’re worried about your dog slipping its harness or collar, the fixed clip points make it difficult to adjust the size to fit.
2. Unsupervised Tethering
While the lead can be used for temporary tie-outs, I wouldn’t recommend leaving a dog tethered outside unsupervised. It’s too easy for a dog to be stolen. This is one of those: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should sort of things.
3. Child-Friendly Handling
The Vario 6 Lite is suitable for small dogs up to 12kg, but this version is for medium to XL dogs. I wouldn’t encourage children to handle large dogs on this lead without an adult present. If the kids insist on helping, let them hold the traffic handle on the lead, while an adult keeps control.
Even with a few limitations, the Vario 6 still offers plenty of value for everyday use, training, and controlled outings.
With so many functions possible using the Vario 6, it’s best in the hands of responsible dog owners.
Why the Vario 6 Stands Out as a Great Adjustable Dog Lead
This lead adapts to any situation, whether you’re jogging, hiking, or strolling. Made from high-quality nylon, it holds up against wear and tear. Reflective stitching boosts visibility for night walks. Strength-tested materials ensure reliability, even for strong pullers.
The adjustment is manual, safer than dangerous retractables, taking just seconds to switch from a 3′ lead to 6′ and vice versa.
The 6 Core Uses of the Vario 6 Lead – and Several More I’ve Found
The 6 intended functions are these:
- 6’ long lead
- Hands-free lead
- Traffic lead
- Double lead
- Long tether
- Short tether
We’ve used them all and found multiple other practical uses too.
1. Traffic Lead
The Vario 6 comes equipped with a special traffic handle designed to give you more control when walking near busy areas. Short enough to hold your dog by your side. It’s ideal near traffic or walking past people.
We’ve used this function countless times when passing horses on trails, other dogs, or people with prams and wheelchairs. The ability to quickly shorten the lead is invaluable for taking swift precautions as preventative measures.
With Staffies, this is invaluable because people’s general perception (who don’t know the breed) is that they’re terrible and a potentially dangerous breed. People’s attitude are better when they see you have complete control of the dog(s).
2. Standard Lead
This is the 100cm length for everyday walks. Works well on pavements. We’ve trained our dogs to walk on the inside of the pavement, away from the kerb. Early on, we used the traffic handle to steer them to the inside of walkways, away from traffic, reinforcing the “in” command to stop them from straying too close to the road.
3. Long Lead
This is the 180cm length for extra freedom on trails or near livestock. We use this length on countryside walks, especially where sheep are present or when we can’t see around a bend up ahead. Same if we’re on a riverside trail and it looks like they could run and slide down the banking.
The long-lead lets them explore the surroundings, but not to the extent they could put themselves in danger.
4. Hands-Free Lead
Worn around the waist, it’s better for weight distribution and control. This was a game-changer for us. My better half was finally able to walk one of our dogs without struggling with their strong pulling. When the lead is worn hands-free, body weight replaces arm strain, meaning when you stop, your dog stops too.
5. Over-the-Shoulder Hands-Free Carry
Another hands-free option that naturally shortens the lead and encourages dogs to walk by your side. I’ve used this style often, with a shoulder bag on the opposite side for treats.
6. Double Dog Lead
It can be used in place of a coupler/dual lead, but we found it’s too short. There’s enough room for the dogs to walk side by side, but not one in front of the other. With male dogs, when one piddles, the other often wants to mark the same spot. This can sometimes lead to awkward moments!
I’d imagine for people with smaller dogs, either this, or the Vario 6 Lite would be fine for dual dog walking. For medium breeds and up though, there’s not enough length.
That said, it does come in handy in emergencies. When we found a loose dog that had bolted from its owner, we were able to put our two on one of the leads and used the other for the loose dog. It wasn’t long before being reunited with its owner safely.
7. Tether
Multiple clip points allow easy tethering when needed. This is particularly useful on solo walks when there’s no-one else there to hold the leads while someone does the poo pick-up duty. Whether it’s a lamppost, fencepost, or park bench, it makes clean-up hassle-free.
8. Training Aid for Loose Leash Walking
This lead is excellent for leash training. The different lengths help reinforce good habits, providing more freedom as the dog learns not to pull.
9. Drag Line for Recall Training
Great for recall training in controlled environments. I’ve used it in large, open grassy areas, tethering one dog while training the other. The full 6ft length gives just enough freedom while allowing me to step on the lead if distractions become too tempting.
What I wouldn’t do is use it as a drag line on rough terrain like woodland trails. The reason being, the lead is fabric. The Soft Touch™ webbing is technically – double-density nylon blend. Being fabric, dragging it across stones, concrete, and other rough terrains would likely damage it.
Final Thoughts
The EzyDog Vario 6 is a practical, durable, and adaptable lead for active dog owners looking for both control and freedom on their walks. Whether you’re training a pup, handling a strong puller, or managing multiple dogs, it delivers control and convenience in one smart design. We’d struggle without it.
If you’re ready to experience the versatility and quality of the EzyDog Vario 6 for yourself,
click here to check it out on Amazon!
