How to Make a Paracord Dog Leash

With all of the uses and benefits paracord can offer at home and in the wild, it only makes sense that it makes a great Rope for a DIY rope dog leash as well!

Today, we will explain what paracord is and the easiest way of how to make a paracord dog leash for your four-legged friend.  We will also share some other great rope options you can use for creating DIY rope dog leashes for small and large dogs  Let’s dive in!

What is Paracord?

Paracord is a water, mildew, and abrasion-resistant rope historically known for its use as a wartime tactical supply during World War II.  Paratroopers would use this parachute (para) cord for dozens of things, including parachute cord for parachuting out of planes, and once on land, to secure camo nets, create pace counters, or tie rucksacks.

Today, paracord is used in various survival and tactical settings, and at home for crafting and making DIY rope dog leashes!  In fact, there might be more Reasons Why You Need Paracord than not! 

Types of Paracord

Paracord is categorized by both breaking strength, stretch, and minimum length per cord pound. There are six paracord types, but the most commonly used paracord ropes are the following three: 

• Type I Paracord: Minimum breaking strength is 95 pounds, ideal for household use.
• Type III (Paracord 550): Minimum breaking strength is 550 pounds, most commonly used for crafting and survivalist needs.  SGT KNOTS also carries a Reflective Type III Paracord ideal for increased visibility and safety! Therefore, this all-purpose cord is what we recommend for your paracord dog leash DIY!
• Type IV Paracord (paracord 750): Minimum breaking strength is 750 pounds, and it is the best choice for survivalists and outdoor adventurers in need of a heavy-duty, reliable rope.

How to Make a Dog Leash out of Paracord

1. Determine How Much Paracord You Need

The simplest way to account for how much paracord you need is to decide how long you want the leash to be (four and six feet are the most popular) and double the paracord.  Then, add:

• 1/2’ for the handle loop 
• 1/2’ for the splice
• Plus 25% for braid loss

Here is an example: 

A 4’ paracord dog leash would require 8’ of cord, plus one foot for the loop and splice, bringing the total paracord needed to 9’.  Then, you would add 25% to that total to account for braid loss, leaving you with 11.25’ of paracord required to construct a 4’ paracord dog leash.

Following the same math, a 6’ paracord dog leash would require 16.25’ of paracord.

2. Gather Your Supplies

When it comes to making your paracord dog leash, you will need the following materials:

• Paracord 550 or rope material of choice in one or two colors of equal length
• A snap hook for attaching the leash to the new collar
• Scissors
• Paperclip or lacing needle
• Lighter
• Tape Measure

3. Get to Work!

Follow along with our 6-step process outlined below for how to make a DIY rope dog leash out of paracord:

Step #1: Starting with your snap hook and folded paracord, double up the two sets of paracord strands and attach to the snap latch with lark’s head knots.

Step #2: Start creating a four-strand braid, tying the braid until 10” of loose paracord is left.

Step #3: Fold the remaining 10” of paracord around to the main body of the leash, leaving a loop big enough to fit around your hand comfortably.

Step #4: With a flat, straight paperclip or lacing needle, begin weaving the loose paracord back into the leash three or four times. 

Step #5: Trimming the excess paracord and melt the excess paracord pieces into place with the lighter.

Step #6: Voila!  Take your dog for a walk with their new paracord dog leash!

*For helpful photos to walk you through the leash-making process, visit Four Oaks Crafts!

Other Great Rope Options for Your DIY Rope Dog Leash

While paracord is undoubtedly an excellent rope for making your DIY dog leash, there are a few other great rope products that work best for small and large dogs. 

For small dogs, we recommend a 1” or 2” Lightweight Polypropylene Webbing. This webbing will not stretch or break down from the elements.

If you are concerned about rope strength for larger dogs, both Polyester Flat Rope and Heavyweight Nylon Webbing are fantastic options.  Both can be put under incredible amounts of strength, boasting more than 1,800 pounds of breaking strength (5,500 pounds of breaking strength for the ½” nylon webbing). In fact, they are so strong many customers use them to create leashes and leads for dogs, horses, cattle, and more.

Stay in the Loop

Now that you have mastered the art of the Paracord dog leash DIY project, try your hand at some of our favorite Knot Tutorials found at the SGT KNOTS Blog.  Then, check us out on Facebook (SGT KNOTS Supply Co), Instagram (@SGTKNOTS), and the SGT KNOTS Pinterest page to find more of the best ways to use our rope products every day for work or play!