Double-ended lead or a figure of eight?
Updated 16 September 2026
A double-ended lead clips to a harness at both ends and turns a pulling dog towards you. A figure of eight loops over the muzzle and gives head control, worn for short stretches with a gentle hand.
A dog training lead gives you control while you teach, and these two go about it differently. One steers a dog round from a harness. The other works from the head, which is why handlers reach for it with a strong dog on a busy route.
Steering a dog round is easy to reward, which is why the double-ended lead is where we would start. The figure of eight earns its place on the days when you want the head, and it comes off once the busy part is done.
Side by side
Double-ended lead
One lead, two clips, joined to the front and back rings of a harness.
Suits
- Everyday pulling you want to redirect
- Reward-based training, with the dog facing you
- Dogs happiest with nothing on the muzzle
Ones we like
Halti
Training Lead, 2m
A double-ended training lead with two trigger clips, so it fastens to a harness at both ends.
Clip it front and back on a harness, and a puller turns towards you, which is the moment to reward.
Halti
Control Lead, 2m
A double-ended control lead with two handles, made for everyday walks with a settled dog.
Take the second handle when you reach a pavement, and let the full length out again once you are back on the green.
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Figure of eight
A rope lead that loops over the muzzle and round the neck for head control.
Suits
- Short bursts of control with a strong dog
- Handlers with a light hand
- Passing a busy road, then coming off
One we like
Total Pet
Figure of Eight Lead
A figure of eight lead that loops over the muzzle and round the neck for head control.
Fit it loose, keep your hand soft, and slip it off once you are past the busy stretch.
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Common questions
How does a figure of eight lead work?
It loops over the muzzle and round the neck, and it takes up gently when your dog pulls, releasing as soon as they come back to heel. Total Pet pad the nose section, and a collar attachment comes with it. Fit it loose and use it in short spells.
Do head collars stop pulling for good?
They give you a calm walk from the day you fit them, and the lasting change comes from rewarding your dog for walking where you want. The headcollar makes those weeks of training possible, because the walk is pleasant enough to practise on.
Harness or collar for a dog that pulls?
A harness with a front clip, every time. It spreads pressure across the chest and gives you a way to steer, so the dog turns towards you and into the reward. Pair it with a double-ended lead for the most control.