The Best Dog Chains & Tie-Outs for the Yard in 2024
Keeping your dog secure while they’re out and about can be a challenging project, and this is especially true if you have a larger or stronger dog.
We’ve assembled six of the best options available this year and reviewed them for you to highlight their good and poor points. We also put together a quick buyer’s guide to showcase why you want one of these products and what elements to keep an eye on when you shop.
Our Top List
Last update on 2024-09-22 at 18:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. SUREswivel 360° Swiveling Tie-Out
The swiveling base on this tie-out stake prevents your dog from tangling their chain as they run around, and the setup has a very secure anchoring system that involves driving spikes into the ground. The chain connects to the base using a stainless steel eye hook, and you can use this tie-out mechanism for camping, hunting, or in your yard. The product comes tested to hold up to 1,000 pounds of force, but you have to bring your own chain.
Takeaways
- Length – N/A
- Material – Plastic and stainless steel
- Weight – Holds up to 1,000 pounds
Pros
- Secures to the ground with durable stakes
- Easy to move from place to place
- Rotates a full 360-degrees
- Prevents your dog from tangling their chain
Cons
- Setup can be a bit difficult
2. SportDOG Orange Check Cord
This bright orange check cord is easy to spot in all environments, and you get a lightweight but very durable design that will hold both small and large dogs. The cord is 30 feet long to give your dog maximum reach when you put them on it, and the cord is lightweight enough to float in water. The clip is heavy-duty brass for maximum durability, and you have customer support available if you have any questions or concerns.
Takeaways
- Length – 30 feet
- Material – Braided nylon and cotton
- Weight – Lightweight
Pros
- Has a bright orange coloring
- Customer care is available six days a week
- Will float in water
- Has a brass clip
Cons
- Doesn’t have an attachment on the end you hold
- Brass clip is very small
3. Petmate Easyturn Stake with Cable Corkscrew
You secure this system into the ground by driving a stainless steel corkscrew into the dirt, and it features a double-welded design that resists corrosion, rust, or bending. The attachment point spins around the corkscrew to give you dog 360-degrees of movement without tangling, and the wide rubber grip makes installing and removing the stake easy. There are different lengths and styles available to suit different dog breeds as well.
Takeaways
- Length – 20 feet
- Material – Stainless steel
- Weight – Up to 100 pounds
Pros
- Galvanized steel cable is very durable
- Has a rubber grip for easy installation
- Available in different lengths
- Allows your dog to run around without tangling
Cons
- Leash has a plastic coating
4. Four Paws Heavy Duty Dog Cable
This system features an overhead trolley with a galvanized steel cable that allows your dog to walk back and forth, and the cable comes in three different lengths you can customize to fit your space. Any dog under 100 pounds can use this setup without fear of breaking it, and it features a simple and fast setup process. The entire thing is resistant to rust and corrosion, and you can confidently use it in almost any weather conditions.
Takeaways
- Length – 50, 75, or 100 feet
- Material – Galvanized steel
- Weight – Up to 100 pounds
Pros
- Gives your dog more space to roam around
- Difficult to tangle the leash
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons
- Cable can get caught in the pulley system
5. Pet Champion Reflective Cable
This tie-out cable comes in five different strengths that can hold dogs ranging from 35 pounds up to 250 pounds. You’ll get a very strong buy lightweight cable that stretches between 20 to 30 feet, and the steel cable comes with stainless steel swivel clips to prevent tangling. The crimp covers protect the ends of the cable from the elements, and the bright red crimp covers make the cable easy to see.
Takeaways
- Length – 20 to 30 feet
- Material – 100% steel
- Weight – 10 to 250 pounds
Pros
- Comes with swivel clips attached
- Has a lightweight but durable design
- Available in different strengths
- Crimp covers protect the cable end
Cons
- Clips are heavier and tend to drag
6. BV Pet Small Tie-Out Cable
This small tie-out cable comes coated with a reflective and anti-rust vinyl cover that makes it very easy to see in all environments, and the cable itself has an all-steel design for added durability. The clips have swivel capabilities to prevent tangling, and you get a one-year limited warranty with each purchase. This cable comes in several lengths and strengths for all dog breeds, and the crimps protect the ends from breakage.
Takeaways
- Length – 20 to 30 feet
- Material – Steel with an anti-rust cover
- Weight – 10 to 250 pounds
Pros
- Has a reflective coating in a bright color
- Available in several sizes
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
- Has a warranty attached to each purchase
Cons
- Cover tends to crack and split
- Clips are weak points
Verdict & Review
SUREswivel 360 degree Swiveling Pet Tie-Out
Pros
- Durable stakes, secure in the ground
- Easy to relocate
- Rotates in 360°
- Chain can't be tangled by the dog
Cons
- Setup can be a bit difficult
Our top pick is the SUREswivel tie-out because it has a unique anchor system that swivels as your dog moves around during the day. You get several spikes to secure the base, and it can hold up to 1,000 pounds without breaking.
We recommend you take a look at our six product reviews and compare them to see their high points because this will give you a good idea of what you have available. You can take a look at our buyer’s guide to see what essential features you want your dog’s chain and tie-out cables to have. This will ensure you make the best choice possible.
Buying Guide
Some dogs prefer to be outside, but you have to have a containment system that will give them freedom to run while keeping them safe. This is where an outdoor chain or tie-out cable come in. They come in several different sizes and strengths that makes it easy to match your cable to your dog’s needs.
Why Use an Outdoor Dog Chain or Tie-Out
Security is one big reason many dog parents choose to use an outdoor chain or tie-out system with their dog. They know that their dog won’t get out, run off, and get lost or bite someone. These chains also allow your dog to roam and get exercise without restricting their movements, and this can keep them in great shape throughout their lives.
Buying Considerations
There are a few considerations you should have when you shop for your new setup. This will ensure your dog stays safe and you get peace of mind.
Weight
The weight of your dog’s chain matters, especially when you have a smaller breed. The goal is to find a chain that is strong enough to hold your dog without being heavy enough to drag them down when they walk around. Most cables or chains come with a weight rating based on your dog’s weight.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors like heat, snow, or wild fluctuations can wreak havoc on any cables or chains left outside, and the environment can break down and weaken your chain over time. Look for one that has stainless steel, galvanized steel, or a weatherproof coating on it because they’re less likely to rust, corrode, or snap. Some of these weatherproof coatings also make the chain or cable easier to see.
Strength
Compare the different strength ratings of each cable or tie-out system you look at because they can vary. Smaller and thinner cables usually have a lower strength rating that makes them suitable for small or medium dogs. Larger dogs need a higher strength rating to ensure they don’t snap the cable when they pull on it.
Connection Points
The connection points on your dog’s cable can be a weak point, and this is why it’s so important to pay close attention to them. You want to see connectors made out of steel or brass, and they’re less prone to breaking if they can swivel around to prevent tangling. The connectors should be in proportion with the cable’s strength rating and size.
Visibility
You don’t want to trip over your dog’s chain, and you don’t want to lose it in the snow or bad weather. A lot of chains come with a grey hue, and this hue can be very difficult to see against some backdrops. If it’s possible, get a chain with a bright red, yellow, or orange coating on it that improves the visibility factor all year round.
Length
You want to give your dog enough room to walk or run around during the day, but they shouldn’t have too much room that allows them to tangle their chain around trees, yard ornaments, or shrubbery. Double-check your cable’s length and compare it to the amount of space you have where you want to tie your dog out. Remember that longer chains are more prone to kinking, knotting, or bending, and this can develop weak spots where the chain snaps with repeated use.
Type
Tie-out cables and chains come in several different types ranging from thin cables, stakes, or bases that anchor into the ground or simple clips. Decide which type of cable you want right away because this can quickly narrow your choices down and make shopping much easier.
We are the Pet Dog Pals, a group of avid pet owners, bloggers, product testers, and writers for all your canine needs! We own a collective 16 dogs and 21 cats to help us test and review pet products. Our top lists and tips come from experience to help you be the best dog owner you can be!