Figure of 8 Dog Lead vs Slip Collar or Slip lead: What Actually Works (And When)
Slip leads. Slip collars. Figure of 8 dog leads. If you have ever Googled any of these, you have probably fallen into a black hole of conflicting advice, diagrams drawn in MS Paint, infographics and forum posts from 2012 written by someone called “DogDad88,” I know I have.
So let’s talk about these tools properly. Calmly. No judgement. Just how they behave on real dogs in real life.
I make both slip collars, slip leads for dogs and figure of 8 dog leads by hand, so I see the pros and cons every day and receive a lot of feedback. And yes, I’ve made every mistake with my own dog too when Boris was a puppy.
Start here: they are not trying to do the same job
A figure of 8 dog lead and a slip collar or slip lead are both training tools, but they communicate differently.
One gives direction. (figure of 8 dog lead)
One gives feedback. (slip collar and slip lead)
Understanding this difference is where things instantly get easier.
What a figure of 8 dog lead actually does
Imagine guiding your dog gently by the nose rather than the neck.
A figure of 8 dog lead loops over the nose and behind the head, giving:
- Steering
- Redirection
- A calm way to interrupt pulling
- More control with less arm strength
This is why trainers often recommend the dog lead figure of 8 for:
- Strong pullers
- Sighthounds
- Nervous dogs that need clarity
- Dogs who drag you like you’re late to a meeting
It is not harsh, and it shouldn’t look tight. When fitted properly, it’s a conversation, not a correction.
You can see a handmade and customisable version here, this is my top pick and that is purely based off the feedback I receive:
👉 https://www.greendog.pet/products/notting-hill-nose-slip-lead-customisable-figure-of-8-slip-lead-6mm-rope
These 10mm rope options are also available to customise into a figure of 8 slip lead:
👉 https://www.greendog.pet/products/luxury-dog-lead-greenwich-yarn-customisable-rope-lead
👉 https://www.greendog.pet/products/custom-dog-lead-rope-lead-slip-or-clip-for-dogs
What a slip dog collar actually does
A slip dog collar sits higher on the neck, just behind the ears (the point of control). It tightens with pressure and releases instantly when the dog relaxes.
It’s a feedback tool — not a strength tool.
Slip collars for dogs and slip leads are generally used for:
- Loose-lead training
- Dogs who back out of flat collars
- Quick correction + release
- Controlled sessions (not long walks)
When used correctly, it should release more than it tightens. That part gets lost in the chaos of the internet.
Here is the adjustable version I make:
👉 https://www.greendog.pet/products/10mm-adjustable-dog-training-slip-collar
I've just launched the precision option in the 6mm rope due to popular demand:
https://www.greendog.pet/products/6mm-precision-training-slip-collar
Which one is “better”?
It depends entirely on your dog.
Here’s the honest breakdown people actually find helpful:
| Situation | Best Tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Strong pulling | Figure of 8 dog lead | Gives direction, not pressure |
| Backing out of collars | Slip dog collar, slip lead | Tightens safely and predictably |
| Early training | Both | Different dogs respond differently |
| Nervous or reactive | Figure of 8 | Helps redirect attention smoothly |
| Quick structured walks | Slip collar, slip lead | Clear on/off feedback |
The right tool is the one that lets you both relax.
Where hands free dog leads fit into all this
Hands free dog leads are not training tools — they’re what you graduate to.
Once pulling reduces and the walk becomes calmer, a hands free dog lead gives:
- More natural movement
- Better posture
- Freedom without chaos
Most people use them once their dog understands direction and pressure properly.
Explore hands free dog leads here:
👉 https://www.greendog.pet/collections/hands-free-dog-leads
How most people get these wrong
This bit is important.
Most “problems” with these tools come from:
- Incorrect fit
- Putting the lead on backwards
- Choosing the wrong thickness or rope
- Using it too low on the neck
- Leaving it on at home (never do this, it's so confusing for your dog)
If you’re unsure, message me. I’ll talk you through it with zero judgement. I would much rather help you fit it correctly than see you wrestling your dog like you’re auditioning for a Britain's Got Talent.
Why I make both tools by hand
Because cheap versions behave unpredictably.
The rope thickness affects pressure.
The hardware weight affects release.
The finish affects how smoothly everything runs.
The stopper/slider, whatever you call it simply does not work properly.
A figure of 8 dog lead, slip lead for dogs or slip dog collar is only as good as the material it’s built from. Mine are slow-made, predictable, and built with hardware that releases cleanly, which is the entire point.
If you want to explore them properly, here are the two core styles and the full collection of training leads for dogs:
👉 Training leads for dogs
https://www.greendog.pet/collections/training-slip-leads-for-dogs
👉 Figure of 8 dog lead
https://www.greendog.pet/products/notting-hill-nose-slip-lead-customisable-figure-of-8-slip-lead-6mm-rope
👉 Slip dog collar
https://www.greendog.pet/products/10mm-adjustable-dog-training-slip-collar
And if you aren’t sure which will suit your dog, just message me. I’m always up for helping someone find the right fit.