When it comes to big dogs, you need big dog gear. And the Wilderdog Big Carabiner leash is something that came to my attention and required testing.
So I did.
I’ve been testing this leash for a few months with Indie, through hiking, little stints of reactivity, and with the hounds too. We’ve tried it with harnesses, with collars, and we’re having a really good experience with it in general.
I wanted to give you guys an insight into this product, the good and the bad, because there’s nothing like a bit of proper insight into something before you buy it. Especially when it’s honest!
It’s good to note that this product was a product I purchased and is in no way sponsored. However, it does not change or colour my review in any way. As always? This review is entirely honest to my experiences.
The Metrics…
Clip Type: Carabiner
Material: Climbing Rope
Length: 5ft or 10ft
In short…
This leash is strong, it doesn’t dirty easily, it washes well, and it acts as a really effective tether between you and your dog. I’ve never had questions about it’s strength, sturdiness or how well it performs under stress. It’s even really good for gloved hands or less nimble hands because of the large nature of the carabiner.
In Detail
About The Carabiner
These devices originate in climbing (much like the frog clip of the tactipup extreme), meaning that the strength They’re also super easy to use and a lot less fiddly. So if you have hand mobility issues? These can be a fantastic choice to secure your dog!
They’re also rated for a whopping 17kN of force (3800lbs of force) which is pretty astonishing. And the climbing rope? Well it’s climbing rope. If it can catch a human falling? It should be ok with your dog too.
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What Do I Love About The Wilderdog Big Carabiner Leash
Strength
The strength in this leash is pretty obvious. It feels strong and sturdy. Whilst there’s a little spring in the rope (it’s ever so slightly elastic because of the weave), it’s not that noticeable and it doesn’t impact your average dog walk in the slightest.
The big carabiner of this leash is rated for a whopping 17kN of force (3800lbs of force), which, instinctively I don’t think a dog could get up to- even a tibetan mastiff.
Then there’s the climbing rope? Well it’s climbing rope. If it can catch a human falling? It should be ok with your dog too. So far it’s shown no real weakness or area where I could criticise for how strong it is.
Simple
This leash is super simple. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, then you’ll know that I like simple things (no jokes about my husband please! Only I’m allowed to make that one! hehe), but in all seriousness, simple things create less break risk.
Simply put, the more parts in a system, the easier it is for one piece to fail. And it only needs to be one thing.
So this leash being rope, tied and stitched, with a carabiner looped into it, makes this really simple. and even if the spring goes in the carabiner, you can screw it closed and it works just as well.
Lifetime Warranty
Wilderdog warranty their products meaning that if it fails through the course of normal usage, it will be covered (presumably for a replacement). That is always something I love to see when it comes to any dog product, and even more so when it comes to reactive dogs. Because if Wilderdog are happy to put their money where their mouth is (as such!), and say it will work.
It feels nice in the hand
If you’re not a regular climber like myself, you might wonder if the texture is going to be okay in the hand. And the good news? Is that it is. It’s strong, comfortable, soft but sturdy. The carabiner is nicely made. There’s no flaws, no catches, and the screw sheath is smooth and does the job it’s meant to do.
What Don’t I Love About The Wilderdog leash
It is pricey…
For what it is? It’s pretty pricey for a leash. But – when you compare it to the likes of the Ruffwear knot-a-leash, it’s actually on point, and probably better… And it’s a cheaper than some carabiner products on the market! So, maybe not that pricey. And especially considered that Wilderdog aren’t the biggest company in the world either, it’s not horrid.
Weird length choices
For some reason it comes in 5 and 10 foot lengths. Whilst it’s very true to it’s length, the lengths it comes in are shorter than I’d like, or longer than I’d like. It feels super weird! They also don’t work that well for Indie or the hounds when we’re walking. I think it’s because they’ve been taught a loose leash to a 6ft leash, and I will always allow sniffs and engagement, so this leash there’s a lot more learning to be done. Whilst I’m grateful for the opportunity, it is just a little strange.
The Carabiner is big
Now… it’s kind of one of those things that it says it’s big, so why are you shocked, Ali? But … the size of this carabiner is that big that it is a little cosy on the ruffwear harness.
With larger loops, like the loops on the Landshark sport collar – absolutely fine and with the perfect fit harness too, but if you have a very small attachment point on your harness? It may be worth considering. As you can see, it still fits with the ruffwear flagline, but it is tight.
Do I Recommend It
Yeah, really and truly I do.
The things I love the most about the wilderdog big carabiner is that it’s comfortable and strong. It feels reliable and it’s super simple to use. You have the ability to lock it in place, and truthfully? It’s more than adequately strong for any of my dogs.
My biggest statement? Is that of all my leashes, this is Mr. Rebarkable’s go-to leash.
If you want the Big Carabiner Leash from Wilderdog, go get it. It comes in a number of colours and two lengths!
If you want a little more help with equipment, or want a great harness or collar to pair this with, why not head over to our gear reviews! And if you need any more help, you can always get in touch and book a 1:1.
Author, Ali Smith
Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible
Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.
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