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The 5 Best Dog Leashes for Biking in 2022 (Tried & True)

Does your dog have boundless energy and a constant need for exercise? If so, have you ever thought about taking your dog for a bike ride with you? A regular leash won’t cut it. Your dog will require a leash specifically made for these activities.

Allowing your dog to get too close to the wheels while you’re cycling can be dangerous for you and your dog. The majority of dog leashes made for bicycles feature a metal armrest to keep your pet at a safe distance at all times.

To help you find the perfect dog leash for biking, we analyzed and chose the top 15 highest-rated dog leashes for biking to test with our dogs. In the end, we narrowed down our selection to the best 5 dog leashes for biking, plus 3 honorable mentions.

Our Top Picks

  Product Details    
01 Best Dog Bike Leash  Best Overall: Best Dog Bike Leash This leash has been certified by the American Pet Association and is quite adaptable. It has a unique design that considers physics principles to minimize tipping, tangling, and steering sideways. Check Price
02 Walky Dog Plus Hands-Free Bike Dog Leash Best For Big Dogs: Walky Dog Plus Hands-Free Bike Dog Leash This high-carbon stainless steel leash has a pull strength of more than 500 pounds and can be fastened to practically any bike with ease. Check Price
03 Springer Dog Exerciser Best For Durability And Convenience: Springer Dog Exerciser Unlike other bike leashes, this one may be tied to either side of your bike, offering you complete flexibility on your bike rides. Check Price
04 DoggerJogger Bike Dog Leash  Best For Dog’s Comfort: DoggerJogger Bike Dog Leash Dogs with a lot of stamina and a love for running are best suited for this dog leash. This leash isn’t rigid metal, but it keeps dogs protected while also providing them with a high level of comfort. Check Price
05 MWY Dog Hands-Free Dog Leash Best For Budget: Videosystem Dog Hands-Free Dog Leash A strong guide pole protects your pet from the risks of the bike’s wheels with this leash. In addition, your dog won’t be able to go too close to the bike with its 15-inch pole. Check Price

How We Chose the Best Dog Leash for Biking

Dog running alongside owner on bike
Bike leashes keep your dog at a safe distance while you bike.

When selecting a leash to test, we looked at brands that produce high-quality dog products, such as Bike Tow Leash and DoggerJogger. Both companies are credited with creating products that help dogs stay active and safe alongside their owners.

Finally, we examined the top-rated dog leashes for biking that dog owners were raving about and created a shortlist. We turned to well-known websites like Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart for price and availability.

We limited our selection to 15 of the best dog leashes for biking on the market today and brought them home for our dogs to try out. 5 of the leashes were among our top choices, with three more receiving honorable mention.

Read More: The Best Dog Bike Trailers. Bring your pup along for the ride with these tested and ranked dog bike trailers!

5 Best Dog Leashes for Biking

1. Best Overall: Best Dog Bike Leash 

Best Dog Bike Leash 

Product Ratings

Affordability5/5
Comfort5/5
Effectiveness5/5
Sizing4/5
Quality4/5

Sizes: 26 x 5 x 2 inches | Fit: Left side | Brand: Bike Tow Leash | Attachment: Standard Clamp  | Features: Crate pad | Dogs: 10 to 185 lbs

What We Liked

  • 5-star safety rating from American Pet Association
  • Fits perfectly onto the side of most bicycles
  • Ideal for dogs weighing 10 to 185 pounds

What We Didn’t Like

  • Bracket doesn’t fit all bikes
  • Harness is difficult to adjust

If you’re searching for the best dog leash for biking, this is it. Even the American Pet Association agrees with us, as this leash received its 5-star rating.

The Bike Tow Leash Bicycle Attachment is a simple bike leash featuring a bent-arm made of high-quality components and long-lasting materials. The leash helps your dog’s body move in tandem with the handlebars to avoid accidents or falls.

It’s incredibly simple to use. All we had to do was attach it to the left side of our bike. This leash can also be attached to most mobility scooters, which we think is a great bonus. Overall, this leash has a large crowd of satisfied consumers.

Size 

This leash should be sufficient for a dog weighing between 10 and 185 pounds. It is 26 x 5 x 2 inches in size. 

We found that this leash worked perfectly with smaller dogs. Because the leash attaches to the bike at a low point, we could easily attach it to a smaller dog, and we had no problems using this leash with medium-sized dogs either. 

When it comes to larger dogs, there’s always the worry that they’ll tip the bike’s balance if they’re tethered to it with a leash. With this leash, we didn’t have to worry about that. Instead, this leash kept us, our bikes, and our dogs in safe and balanced positions.

Material & Features

This leash is made of a combination of metal and rubber materials. You don’t have to worry about the piece breaking off because the material is very sturdy. It’s also flexible enough to give your dog some room to move around in it. 

The arm is extremely sturdy and the collar has a strong rubber-like material attached to it. Unlike other bike leashes that use cording that will fray over time, this one does not retract or rub against anything, so it is more robust than the others we tested.

Ease of Use

You can easily and quickly attach the leash onto the rear wheel without any need for tools. We found that installation was headache-free.

While the bike leash was originally designed to be attached to the left side of the bike, we were able to attach it to the right side with proper modification. It is also recommended to use a soft padded harness when using it for a small dog. 

Speaking of small dogs, we tried the Best Dog Bike Baskets. If your dog is too small to keep up with you, check out our guide to carrying your dog along for the ride! 

SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

2. Best for Big Dogs: Walky Dog Plus Hands-Free Bike Dog Leash

Walky Dog Plus Hands-Free Bike Dog Leash

Product Ratings

Affordability3/5
Comfort5/5
Effectiveness5/5
Sizing4/5
Quality5/5

Sizes: 14 x 2 x 4 inches | Fit: Both sides | Brand: WalkyDog | Attachment: High resistance clip | Features: Quick lock/release | Dogs: 15 to 105+ lbs

What We Liked

  • Designed to withstand a pull force of 500 pounds
  • Made with strong military-grade paracord 
  • Quick release bike leash

What We Didn’t Like

  • Shorter leash length than we like
  • Steel bar’s threaded screw tends to loosen, so we had to check it often

Walky Dog is a great all-around leash for biking with your dog because it’s a one-size-fits-all design. The high-carbon stainless steel leash pole can be attached to nearly any bike with relative ease in a matter of minutes. The military-grade paracord leash attaches quickly to the dog’s collar or harness. 

It has a pull strength of over 500 pounds making it perfect for Labs, Huskies, Boxers, Retrievers, and other high-energy medium and large dogs. 

When it comes to high-quality leashes like the Walky Dog, they come at a high price. However, in our experience, buying dog products only for the sake of the lowest price almost never pays off. We like to invest in dog products that work right.

Size 

This leash is suitable for dogs weighing 15 to 105 pounds or more. It has dimensions of 14 x 2 x 4 inches, and the bar length is 14 inches. It allows for dogs with a girth ranging from 18 inches to 36 inches.

While the leash can be adjusted to add another 6.5 inches, it isn’t long enough to reach smaller dogs. But, on the other hand, it is built to last for medium and large dogs. Additionally, the oversized hardware of the leash and the 500-lb pull strength will easily handle even the largest dogs.

Material & Features

It is expertly designed and constructed from high-quality materials to last a long time. It is made of high-carbon stainless steel for maximum strength and durability. 

It has quick-lock and release capabilities, making it simple to switch between bikes. The military-grade paracord comes complete with a 550-pound pull power and a 7-strand inner layer of 5/32 to 4mm diameter.

Ease of Use

With this leash, you can move around without using your hands. It has a great attachment feature because it connects directly under the seat mount. It’s also a simple quick-disconnect making it simple to put on and take off.

We had only 2 complaints with this bike leash for dogs. We had a tough time getting some of our more wiggly dogs tethered tightly enough. 

Secondly, it would have been nice to extend the length up to about 12 inches to give our dog more room to get away from the bike, but it only extends about 5 inches. The threaded screw on the steel bar would loosen, so we had to check it frequently.

Overall, we felt this is a great bike leash for dogs with robust construction that works fantastically especially for large-breed dogs.

SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY

3. Best for Durability and Convenience: Springer Dog Exerciser

Springer Dog Exerciser

Product Ratings

Affordability3/5
Comfort4/5
Effectiveness5/5
Sizing4/5
Quality5/5

Sizes: 18 x 8 x 2 inches | Fit: Both sides | Brand: Springer | Attachment: Standard clip | Features: Breakaway safety tabs | Dogs: Small to large breeds

What We Liked

  • Alloy steel construction
  • Heavy-duty steel springs take the brunt of your dog’s pulling power
  • Attaches on either side of the bike

What We Didn’t Like

  • Does not fit other types of bikes
  • The swivel confuses some dogs
  • No harness included

Look no further than the Springer Bike Dog Leash if you want to take your dog for a ride while keeping it secure. This leash is unique in that it can be attached to either the left or right side of your bike, allowing you complete flexibility. 

In addition, the quality of the product is impressive given the low price. Both the alloy steel and the heavy-duty spring are built to withstand the test of time. 

This leash does not include a harness. Instead of taking a chance with a standard collar, the company suggests utilizing a harness made specifically for your breed. Safety is paramount when you’re out for a ride on two wheels with your dog in tow.

We love that the spring absorbs most of the sideways energy produced by a dog running alongside the bike. This was great for our less-experienced bike riders who helped us test these leashes.

Size 

This leash measures 18 x 8 x 2 inches, and while the manufacturer’s description states that it can be used on small dogs, we had a little more trouble with our small dogs. The leash has some swiveling motion along with the spring to absorb tugging, which was hard for our smaller dogs to run with. 

On the other hand, medium and larger dogs will have no trouble with this leash. In addition, we found it possible and easy to use several of these leashes to exercise multiple dogs at once.

Material & Features

Made of alloy steel, the Springer Dog Exerciser can be used on either side of your bicycle. A wide range of touring and mountain bikes are compatible with this product.

It has a heavy-duty steel spring to help absorb a dog’s tugging and lunging, and it was simple to put on our bikes and to take off once our rides were complete.

As far as durability goes, the leash does a fantastic job. In addition, the ability to raise and lower the arm is a very convenient feature that prevents us from banging our feet against the arm while pedaling.

Ease of Use

Setting up the leash kit is a bit of a challenge because of the number of parts included. However, the quality of the leash justifies the hard work you have to put in when installing the leash. 

While the breakaway safety tabs are a great safety feature for dogs that may run around the opposite side of obstacles, they probably make this leash a bad choice for dogs prone to running away from leashes when released.

SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

4. Best for Dog’s Comfort: DoggerJogger Bike Dog Leash 

DoggerJogger Bike Dog Leash 

Product Ratings

Affordability5/5
Comfort4/5
Effectiveness4/5
Sizing5/5
Quality4/5

Sizes: 11 x 6 x 2 inches | Fit: Both sides | Brand: DoggyJogger | Attachment: Snap hooks | Features:  Two attachment points | Dogs: Small to large breeds

What We Liked

  • Durable fabric
  • Small enough to fit in a pocket when not in use
  • Attaches on either side of the bike

What We Didn’t Like

  • Weak clasp
  • Accidental breakaways

You’ll need the proper gear if you want to ride your bike with your dog and get some serious exercise. DoggerJogger helps keep your dog secure while you’re out exercising.

The leash attaches to a bike’s frame at the bottom to ensure optimal stability. Therefore, we found we were able to maintain control and speed while our dogs jogged in comfort. Then, we could simply snap the leash off and store it in our pockets when not in use.

Size 

Even though this leash is suitable for dogs of all sizes, smaller dogs have difficulty with it. If you have a medium-sized or larger breed of dog, this is a better option.

It may appear that the leash will not be able to handle larger and stronger dogs, but it is very durable. It’s also strong enough to keep an active dog under control while keeping you stable on your bike.

Material & Features

Two security points are provided by the Doggerjogger Bike Dog Leash, which wraps around the seat mount and the pedal. Also, no need to worry about scratching and scuffing your bike’s frame because this leash has nylon straps. No metal bracket is required, so it can be mounted on any bike.

The leash is made of nylon and should last for a long period. In addition, the nickel-plated hardware should be able to withstand wear and tear. The clasp, however, is made from weaker metal that may break with heavy use.

Ease of Use

Assembly doesn’t take long because no tools are needed. Twenty seconds is all it took us to attach and detach the leash from our bikes. Installing it is also simple and easy because it doesn’t require additional hardware or tools.

In the event of entanglement, a breakaway feature allows the dog to safely separate. Although this is a wonderful feature, there is a chance that a dog will break away unexpectedly.

SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

5. Best for Budget: Videosystem Dog Hands-Free Dog Leash

MWY Dog Hands-Free Dog Leash

Product Ratings

Affordability5/5
Comfort4/5
Effectiveness4/5
Sizing5/5
Quality3/5

Sizes: 15-inch pole & 30-inch cord | Fit: Both sides | Brand: Videosystem | Attachment: Standard clasp | Features:  15-inch guide pole | Dogs: Small to large breeds

What We Liked:

  • Effortless set-up and take-down
  • The dog’s safety is protected with a guide pole
  • Removable leash included

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Does not last long as some others we tested

With a sturdy guide pole, this low-cost dog leash protects dogs from the hazards of a bike’s wheels. In addition, this leash’s 15-inch-long pole prevented our dogs from getting too close to our bikes during rides, which was a reassuring feature.

Having a shock-absorbing device onboard gave us the confidence to stay in control even when our dogs are active and prone to sudden movements. This unit’s base is non-slip and will not scratch the paint on a bicycle, a favorite feature for pairing with our nicer bikes.

The only disadvantage of this leash is that it does not last very long compared to some others we tried. On the other hand, the fact that the leash itself can be replaced rather than requiring an entirely new unit is a big selling point.

Size 

This leash is suitable for dogs of all sizes, but it is recommended that smaller dogs be exercised at a slower pace to avoid pulling too hard on them.

On the other hand, medium and larger breeds will have no trouble with this leash no matter how fast you bike. Furthermore, it allows you to have better control over your energetic and stronger dogs while riding your bike.

Material & Features

The flexibility of the leash let us know if our dogs could keep up and set the pace, so we always knew we were cycling at a good speed. The 15-inch guide pole kept our dogs at a safe distance from the wheels while still providing them with plenty of room to run alongside our bikes.

It has a connecting base and a stick handlebar covered in rubber, which provides a good grip effect while also protecting the bike from bruising and scratching. 

There is no need to worry about a dog’s sudden jerking movements. A rider can maintain control while riding because of the shock-absorbing system, which protects them from the sideways pulling of an energetic dog.

Ease of Use

By simply screwing and unscrewing the attachment, we could connect and disconnect this dog bike leash from a bicycle in seconds. It can also be used with any type of bike. If you want a longer leash or if it has worn out, you can replace it with a new one without having to buy an entirely new leash assembly.

This leash isn’t very durable, but for the price, it’ll suffice if you only need one for a short time until you can invest in a higher-quality but more expensive leash.

SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

Comparison Chart

ProductBest OverallBest for Big DogsBest for Durability and ConvenienceBest for Dog’s ComfortBest for Budget
Overall Rating4.6/54.4/54.2/54.4/54.2/5
Affordability5/53/53/55/55/5
Comfort5/55/54/54/54/5
Effectiveness5/55/55/54/54/5
Sizing4/54/54/55/55/5
Quality4/55/55/54/53/5

The Winner

The Best Dog Bike Leash meets all of the requirements for a great dog leash for biking, keeping dogs at a safe distance away from the bike. This leash has been certified by the American Pet Association and is extremely adaptable in length and width. 

In addition, it has a one-of-a-kind intelligent design that uses physics to minimize tipping, tangling, and steering sideways.

Honorable Mentions

Here’s a list of 3 dog leashes for biking that we tested. We found these were nice options for biking leashes, but they didn’t make our top picks.

1. Bike and Dog Store Bike Dog Leash – Considered for Budget

You don’t need any tools or technical knowledge to set this up. Attach the leash to the axis of the bicycle’s rear wheel for maximum safety while exercising with a dog. 

Because there are no rigid elements, you’ll be able to ride your bike with your dog while having fun. When not in use, the leash folds up and can be stored in a small space. 

This bicycle dog leash from the Bike and Dog Store is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. However, we chose the Videosystem Dog Hands-Free Dog Leash because the longer length keeps dogs further away from bike tires.

2. Unicam Retractable Bicycle Dog Leash – Considered for Convenience

The rod on this leash measures 16.5 inches and is constructed with stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about rust or corrosion forming over time. The flexible leash end is nice, but for less-predictable dogs, it was not easy for us to ride safely.

Also, we like retractable leashes better for walking or jogging, so we chose the DoggerJogger Bike Dog Leash for the win in the biking category.

Read our related article on the Best Retractable Dog Leashes for All Breeds! We put the top leashes to the test to see how they performed.

3. Lumintrail Dog Bike Leash  – Considered for Power

Dogs of medium and large sizes can benefit from this bike leash. To use this leash, simply use the universal mount and hardware that come with it. Even when traversing rougher terrain, you’ll be less likely to feel vibrations and pulls with the high-performance spring. 

However, this leash broke easily during our testing, so we opted to recommend the Walky Dog Plus Hands-Free Bike Dog Leash instead.

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Jesse Hopping, CCDT

Jesse is a natural-born dog-lover certified dog trainer (CCDT), dog foster, and former volunteer at Richmond SPCA and surrounding dog shelters for over 10 years. Her pack includes a Bernedoodle and 3 Boston Terriers. She’s sipping caramel coffee and watching her pack play in the sun when she’s not writing blogs. Jesse has her Certified Dog Trainer designation from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy since 2018 and and majored in English from the University of Virginia.

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