Choosing the Right Slip Lead for Your Dog’s Walk — Length & Diameter Explained

A Complete Guide to Lengths, Diameters & Walking Styles

Choosing a Slip Lead isn’t just choosing a leash. It’s choosing how you and your dog move together. With a one-piece leash like the bump up Slip Lead, the length and diameter you pick will directly shape:

• your walking rhythm
• your dog’s comfort
• the distance between you
• and how smooth your communication feels

If you’re deciding between 50 cm, 120 cm, 150 cm—or between 8 mm and 10 mm—this guide will help you choose the perfect one for your dog and your walking style.

1. Start with the most important question: How do you and your dog usually walk?

Every family walks differently.

Some dogs stay close.

Some like to explore a few steps ahead.

Some people walk fast, some slow.

Some walks happen in crowded streets, others in quiet parks.

Choosing the right Slip Lead length is not about picking a number—it’s about choosing the right distance between you and your dog. bump up’s three lengths represent three very different walking experiences.

2. 50 cm — For Close Walking, Fast Reactions & Big Dogs

50cm might look short at first glance, but it exists for a very real purpose:

• medium to large dogs with high energy
• dogs that get excited as soon as they step out the door
• crowded city streets, elevators, staircases
• situations where quick reaction and close control matter
• busy environments with cars, people, or narrow paths

The goal of 50cm isn’t to restrict your dog. It’s to create steady, reliable proximity when the environment demands it.

For large or powerful dogs, this distance often feels safer and more grounding—for both of you.

3. 120 cm — The Classic Everyday Walking Length

If we had to recommend one length for most people, the answer would almost always be 120 cm. This is the “balanced” length—ideal for everyday use:

• neighborhood walks
• city sidewalks
• parks and community paths
• café lines and waiting areas
• normal-speed walking

120cm gives your dog enough space to move comfortably while still keeping the walk organized and predictable.

If you’re new to Slip Leads or not sure what to choose, 120 cm is the safest, most versatile starting point.

4. 150 cm — For Explorers, Small Dogs & Slow, Relaxed Walks

150cm is for a different kind of walk—the kind where you’re not in a rush, and your dog gets a bit of “freedom within boundaries.” Perfect for:

• small or medium dogs
• evening strolls
• parks, beachfront paths, open spaces
• sniffing-heavy walks
• people who naturally walk slower

This length isn’t about letting your dog run ahead. It’s about giving them breathing room while keeping a loose, comfortable rhythm.

If your walks feel like wandering rather than commuting, 150 cm is the happiest choice.

5. Now choose the diameter: 8mm or 10mm?

Length defines distance. Diameter defines feel. Here’s the simplest way to choose:

8 mm — Light, Soft, Flexible

Best for small to medium dogs, and for owners who prefer a softer, lighter hand feel. If you want the leash to almost “disappear” in your hand, go with 8mm.

10 mm — Strong, Solid, Stable

Best for medium to large dogs, especially those with power, speed, or sudden bursts of energy. 10mm gives you calm, steady feedback—you don’t need to grip hard; the rope naturally stays balanced.

6. A quick shortcut if you’re still unsure

Here’s a simple guide you can decide in one glance:

• Large dog? Strong pull? Fast pace?

  → 50 cm or 120 cm + 10 mm

• Medium dog? Balanced pace? Everyday walking?

  → 120 cm + 8 mm or 10 mm

• Small dog? Slow walks? Lots of sniffing?

  → 150 cm + 8 mm

• Completely undecided?

  → Choose 120 cm. It always works.

7. Why bump up’s sizes make choosing easier

bump up lengths weren’t decided by industry standards—they were shaped by real walking behavior.

• 50 cm was built for big, powerful dogs in busy environments
• 120 cm was shaped around the average city dog’s daily routine
• 150 cm was designed for relaxed exploring and gentle strolls
• 8 mm feels light and effortless for smaller dogs
• 10 mm offers stability and confidence for larger dogs

bump up didn’t create more options. We created the right ones—each one representing a specific walking relationship.