Indoor dogs often get anxious when they only go outside to use the bathroom, but homes without fenced-in yards are not suitable for dogs skilled at escaping. Using a tie-out and stake to prevent your pet from wandering is a practical way to keep it contained outdoors. Tie-outs are also helpful when you go on camping trips or to the beach, and most models are lightweight and easy to transport.

We examined several tie-outs, stakes, and trolley systems and compiled a list with reviews of the best brands on the market.

A Glance at Our Winners (2024 Update)

The 18 Best Dog Tie-Outs and Stakes

1. Frisco Tie Out Cable – Best Overall

The Frisco Tie-Out Cable is made from galvanized steel to withstand the pulling force of massive canines. It won the best overall tie-out, and we also think it deserves the prize for the best tie-out stake for large dogs. The Frisco cable is one of the few models we reviewed that holds up to heavy pulling from giant breeds. It is long enough to attach around a tree, and you can fasten it to a dome or stake. We generally prefer the stake and tie-out combinations, but the Frisco won us over with its heavy-duty design, and you do not need to buy a stake if you have a tree in your yard.

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2. Pet Champion Tie-Out Dog Cable – Best Value

If you are looking for an affordable tie-out for your dog, you cannot go wrong with the Pet Champion Tie-Out Cable. It scored the best tie-out for the money, and it is an ideal choice for a small or medium-sized dog. The cable is made from 100% steel, and the vinyl covers protect the clasp in rainy conditions. Compared to the competition, the Pet Champion is lighter and simpler to install. Although it tethers smaller dogs without issues, it’s not durable enough for large or giant breeds. Customers with smaller dogs were happy with the Pet Champion, but several large dog owners complained the cable snapped when the animals pulled hard.

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3. Petmate X-Large Tie Out Trolley – Premium Choice

Tie-outs and stakes are the most popular dog tethers, but stakes are not suitable in all areas. If your ground is too hard, you can use a trolley system like the Petmate X-Large Tie Out Trolley. The Petmate is simple to install compared to other trolleys, and its cable is designed to withstand 4,200 pounds of force. The trolley has a poly-vinyl coating that protects it from inclement weather, and the 50-foot length cable gives your dog more freedom to run around than the standard tie-outs. Although the heavy-duty trolley is designed to hold large beasts, a few customers mentioned that their giant breeds broke the cable.

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4. Four Paws Puppy Tie Out Cable – Best for Puppies

The Four Paw Puppy Tie Out Cable is made from durable aircraft cable, but it’s light enough to provide unrestricted movement for your little pup. The line has a vinyl coating to protect it from foul weather, and it’s short enough to prevent puppies from becoming tangled in the cord. Some of the products we reviewed are harder to see in dim light, but the Four Paw cable’s red coating prevents accidental trips from humans. Although the cable is perfect for puppies, we do not recommend using it with dogs weighing over 25 pounds. Customers were happy with the Four Paw’s durability, but some dog lovers complained that the clasps were too heavy for their puppies.

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5. Four Paws Walk-About Spiral Tie-Out Stake for Dogs

The Four Paws Walk-About Spiral Tie-Out Stake for Dogs has a 15-foot red cable that’s easily visible in low light. Unlike many competitors, the Walk-About features a shock absorber spring to reduce the tension when your dog pulls hard. It’s lightweight and simple to install. The only downside to the cable is the weight restriction. Several customers were disappointed that the package did not mention the appropriate breed size. Although it’s only designed for dogs weighing under 25 pounds, the manufacturer should label it as a small breed tie-out.

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6. Boss Pet Prestige Dog Tie-Out with Spring

Owners with gigantic pups will love the Boss Pet Prestige Dog Tie-Out with Spring. Several cables are designed for large dogs, but some are not as durable as they claim. The Boss Pet cable is durable enough to withstand tugs from dogs weighing 125 pounds, and the shock-absorbing springs reduce the tension on the line when the dog pulls. Most manufacturers only offer one size for their products, but the Boss Pet comes in four sizes. Customers were impressed that the cable withstood their heavy pullers’ force, but some were disappointed with the clasp design. The clasp is well-made and durable but it’s difficult to open.

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7. Aspen Pet Spiral Stake with 20-Ft Tie-out Cable

The Aspen Pet Spiral Stake is made with a vinyl-coated aircraft cable that will not split or crack in colder climates. Unlike some of the spiral stakes we examined, the Aspen Pet is simple to screw into the ground, and it works on dirt, clay, and sand. It’s rated for dogs weighing 50 pounds or less, but some customers with medium-sized dogs were disappointed that the Aspen Pet was not durable enough. Although some of the comments were from pet parents with dogs that exceeded the weight recommendations, other customers with 25-pound dogs claimed the cable snapped when they tugged. Aspen lists the weight restriction on its packaging, but the company should reduce it by 25 pounds.

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8. Säker Dog Tie Out Stake

Most stakes are only designed to hold one dog, but the Säker Dog Tie Out Stake can contain two dogs with a combined weight of 400 pounds. You can use it on any natural surface, and unlike other stakes, it comes with a lifetime replacement warranty. Although the black stake is not easy to see at dusk, it comes with an orange warning flag to prevent accidents. If you prefer always leaving the stake in the ground, the flag helps when you mow the lawn or have several guests in your yard. The Säker tie-out is more durable than most products, but it’s quite expensive for a single stake. However, the sturdy tool and transport case make the price seem more reasonable.

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9. Pestairs Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake

Unlike many of the spiral stakes, the Pestairs Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake sits flush with the ground, so you do not have to remove it when you mow the grass. The tie-out features a swivel head design that prevents tangles, and the heavy-duty carabiner clasp can resist pulling from massive dogs. The cable and stake have a red coating to make them easier to see in low light. Although the manufacturer claims the stake has 300 pounds of pulling force and can accommodate two large dogs, some customers complained that the stake would bend when their giant breeds tugged on the cable. Most customers were pleased with the Pestairs, but the price is higher than other models with more durable stakes.

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10. TOPKNOT Swivel Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake

The TOPKNOT Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake has a low-profile anchor with a swivel head to prevent tangles. It features an unusual mounting system installed by screwing six bolts into the ground. You can mount it on concrete, wood, and soil. The anchor and cable are weather-resistant, and it’s designed to hold dogs weighing up to 150 pounds. Customers with lighter pets were satisfied with the TOPKNOT tie-out, but several dog owners complained that the weight strength was inaccurate. Dogs weighing far less than 100 pounds were able to break free. Also, some mentioned that the swivel head snapped when their dogs tried to run.

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11. Eurmax Swivel Pet Dog Tie Out Stake

The Eurmax USA 360° Swivel Pet Dog Tie Out Stake has a 17-foot cable and a ball joint in the anchor to prevent tangles. The bright orange cap is easier to see in low light than the competition, and the stake can be installed in sand, dirt, and clay. It’s designed to withstand 500 pounds of pulling force, but the plastic cover on the anchor is too flimsy to handle heavy pullers. Although the cable is durable, some pet parents complained that the anchor’s cap broke apart. We were impressed that a manufacturer finally produced a stake with an orange color, but unfortunately, the material is not very strong. Compared to other corkscrew designs, the Eurmax is difficult to turn into the ground.

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12. SHUNAI Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake

The SHUNAI Dog Tie out Cable and Stake comes with a durable powder-coated stake, a tool for turning the anchor, a 30-foot cable, and a cleaning brush. It’s rated to hold dogs weighing up to 100 pounds, and the shock-absorbing spring attached to the anchor minimizes tension when the dog pulls. The SHUNAI tie-out comes with a cleaning brush which comes in handy when you frequently remove the stake to install it in several locations. Although it claims to be rust-resistant, the tie-out rusted after being exposed to bad weather. The stake is designed to be installed in sand, but some customers complained that the stake came out in loose sand.

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13. Petbobi 30 Feet Tie Out Cable

The Petbobi Tie Out Cable is designed for dogs weighing up to 120 pounds. It features a vinyl-coated cable that’s rust-proof and an extension spring to minimize the tension when the dog pulls with all its strength. The anchor has a bright orange sheath that’s easy to see, and the durable clasps have swivel heads to prevent tangles. The Petbobi is rated for large dogs, but several pet parents with dogs weighing under 50 pounds were able to break free. A few customers pointed out with photos that the cable has a defect where the metal is crimped. A heavy pull can cause the line to snap.

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14. SCENEREAL Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake

The SCENEREAL Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake is designed for dogs weighing up to 250 pounds, which is a much higher weight capacity than most cables and stakes. The 10-foot cord has a PVC coating to prevent corrosion, and the sturdy buffer spring prevents neck injuries when the dog rushes toward a squirrel or rabbit. Although the SCENEREAL is durable, the cable is too short for most dogs. Ten feet does not give your dog much freedom to move around. The biggest drawback to the tie-out is the stake design. The metal loop at the top moves around when you try to screw it into the ground.

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15. Eurmax Spiral Pet Dog Tie Out Stakes

The Eurmax USA Spiral Pet Dog Tie Out is designed to support dogs weighing up to 125 pounds. The Eurmax is the only product we reviewed that claims to be strong enough to hold down trampolines, tents, and inflatable playground equipment. The low-profile anchor does not need to be removed when you mow the lawn, and the cable is covered with a weather-resistant coating to prevent corrosion. The Eurmax is not expensive, but it’s overpriced for its poor construction. Several customers complained that their dogs bent the anchor after only a few uses. The 125-pound weight rating is inaccurate, and we suggest not using the anchor to secure inflatable playhouses for children.

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16. NEECONG Dog Tie Out Cable Overhead Trolley System

Most Trolley products are more expensive than tie-outs, but the Dog Tie Out Cable for Camping is an affordable option when you take your pet into the woods. Tie-outs with stakes are convenient, but some models damage the landscape. Unlike other trolleys that require screwing bolts into the trees, the NEECONG trolley line wraps around the tree and stays secure with a clip. The manufacturer claims that the trolley can withstand 200 pounds of pulling force, but several customers disagreed. Customers with one or two dogs complained their pets were able to break free. The tug-of-war toy seems like a practical accessory for a tethered dog, but many pet parents could not figure out how to attach it.

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17. Peolewey Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake

The Peolewey Dog Tie Out Cable and Stake features a zinc alloy carabiner and vinyl-coated cable. It’s rated to withstand 200 pounds of pulling force and designed to work in sand. The padded handle is intended to make installation less painful, but the poor design of the stake does not screw into soil easily. Most customers did not have problems installing it in the sand, but harder surfaces were more challenging. Like many tie-out makers, Peolewey does not give an accurate weight estimate. Dogs under 100 pounds were able to escape, and some customers complained that they were not refunded when they talked to customer service.

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18. Petmate Easyturn Stake with Cable Corkscrew

The Petmate Easyturn Stake is an affordable option if you own a small dog that’s not a heavy puller. The stake is easy to install, and the 20-foot cable is long enough to give your dog plenty of space. However, the Easyturn has several problems with its design, and it’s unsuitable for heavy pullers or dogs over 50 pounds. The clasps are not rust-proof or tangle-proof, and the stake is not durable enough to withstand tugs from medium-sized dogs. Several customers complained that their lightweight dogs bent the corkscrew when they tried to run at full speed. Others mentioned that the cable broke at the soldering point. The Easyturn is only designed for low-energy pets.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick Best Dog Tie-Outs and Stakes

Before selecting a tie-out for your dog, you can read on for critical factors that could impact your decision.

Weight Ratings

Some of the products we reviewed were only designed for small breeds, but most manufacturers boasted that their cables were durable enough for dogs of all sizes. Unfortunately, very few models seem to support the weight mentioned in the product descriptions. We only reviewed highly rated models, but several had comments from upset customers whose medium-sized dogs escaped the heavy-duty tie-outs and stakes.

A tie-out with a pulling capacity at least twice as much as your dog’s weight is a safer gamble than buying one closer to the dog’s weight. For instance, if you have a 50-pound dog, look at models that can withstand 100 pounds or more.

Durability

If the stake or any of its components start to bend after only using a tie-out a few times, you’ll have to purchase another brand. A metal corkscrew that bends or cracks is a sign of poor design and inferior steel, but most breaks or cracks occur in the welding spots on the cable and the clasps. Selecting a brand with stainless steel or a rust-resistant coating can reduce the chances of a malfunction after heavy rain.

Freezing weather and wet conditions can wear-down cables and stakes, but you can remove them when your dog is indoors and store the components in a cool, dry place to extend their lifespan. Unscrewing the stake and winding the cable after every outdoor session is irritating, but it can keep the unit from rusting and breaking unexpectedly.

Visibility

Although we were impressed with the durability of several tie-outs, we were surprised that most manufacturers did not use bright colors to make the cables more visible. Orange or red cords are safer to use in a home with young children, and they’re much easier to see on grass when dusk approaches.

Weather Conditions

When we examined customer reviews, we found some that complained their dogs broke the cables in sub-zero weather. A few breeds like the Samoyed can tolerate frigid temperatures, but most dogs and tie-outs are not designed to function when the temperature drops below freezing. Metal contracts and becomes brittle at lower temperatures, and we suggest only using a tether when the temperature is not freezing or blistering.

Surface Type

Although several manufacturers claim their tie-outs can be installed in any terrain, we suggest testing the surface before attaching your pet to the cable. Some soil may be too wet to use an anchor or too hard to penetrate. The paddle stakes that resemble excavator drills seem to hold in sand better than the corkscrew stakes.

Temporary Use

Using a tie-out exposes your pet to fresh air and provides a break from indoor life, but it should not be used to confine the animal for several hours or longer. Dogs can become stressed when confined for too long, and they’re more likely to injure themselves on the cable or stake when they panic. In some states, using a tether in below freezing or hot weather is illegal, and others limit the number of hours canines can be restrained outdoors.

Conclusion

We hope our reviews and buying guide help you find the ideal tie-out for your furry friend. Our research uncovered several excellent products, but our top pick was the Frisco Tie Out Cable. It’s one of the few units durable enough to support giant breeds, and the cable’s diameter is much thicker than the competition. Our best value selection was Pet Champion Tie-Out Dog Cable. It’s perfect for smaller breeds, and the reflective cable makes it more visible in low light.

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