Retractable dog leashes are a popular tool, yet there’s some controversy about using these devices as they pose some potential dangers to both humans and dogs that traditional leashes don’t.
However, if used correctly and responsibly, retractable dog leads are safe!
And they can be useful as they can satisfy your canine’s innate instincts and curiosities by providing your furry friend with more room to wander and explore while still ensuring that you have some degree of control.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the best extendable dog leashes on the market, listed down things you need to look for, and give you tips on how to walk your dog with one of these leads to ensure both you and your fido’s safety.
Here are the 6 top-rated retractable dog leashes in 2023.
| Our Top Picks | Product | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick | TUG 360° Tangle-Free Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash |
(S) 35 lbs (M) 55 lbs (L) 110 lbs |
(S) 16 ft (M) 16 ft (L) 16 ft |
| Best Value | TaoTronics Retractable Dog Leash | (L) 110 lbs | (L) 16 ft |
| Best Overall Performance | ThunderWorks Dial A-Distance Retractable Dog Leash | (M-L) 70 lbs | (M-L) 15 ft |
| Longest Retractable Dog Leash | Flexi Giant Tape Leash |
(M) 55 lbs (L) 110 lbs (XL) More than 110 lbs |
(M) 26 ft (L) 26 ft (XL) 26 ft |
| Best for Early Morning or Night Time Walks | Flexi Neon Leash |
(S) 24 lbs (M) 44 lbs (L) 110 lbs |
(S) 16 ft (M) 16 ft (L) 16 ft |
| Best for Large Dogs | Hertzko Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash | (L) 110 lbs | (L) 16 ft |
** Best Retractable Dog Leashes Comparison
1. Our Top Pick - TUG 360° Tangle-Free Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash
Does your dog like to move sideways, and sometimes you can’t predict where they want to go next? Then, you may want to consider the TUG 360° Tangle-Free Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash.
With the 360 degrees tangle-free retraction design, you don’t have to worry about your furry friend getting tangled in the leash when they move in an unexpected direction. It can extend up to 16 feet long, plus it has a quick lock and brake system that allows you to free, pause, lock, and unlock the leash, giving you full control over how far your dog can wander from you.
This retractable dog leash is durable, made of high-quality internal parts to ensure it can withstand your fido’s pulling force, as well as to achieve consistent retraction. Also, it has an ergonomic anti-slip handle, making it one of the best options for daily walks.
Features:
- Extends up to 16 feet
- Impact-resistant nylon plastic with fiberglass
- Stainless steel coil spring
- Nylon woven tape
- 360-degree tangle-free system
- ABS plastic casing
- Lock and unlock feature
- Ergonomic anti-slip handle
- Four sizes available
- Most owners are pleased with its quality and noted that it holds up well against tugging
- Its locking and braking system is easy to use
- The handle is large and comfortable to hold
- It may not be durable enough to handle strong pullers
2. Best Value - TaoTronics Retractable Dog Leash
Not only is the TaoTronics Retractable Dog Leash affordable, but it also has all the features you would want in a retractable lead. Plus, it comes with a bone-shaped waste bag holder, helping you make the most out of your money.
It is a 16-foot long leash, equipped with a durable plastic casing, chrome-plated snap hook, and reinforced joint plastic for added strength and durability. And it also has a unique release and recoiling system, allowing you to apply the brake and lock the lead at a distance that you consider safe.
Additionally, this extendable dog lead is weatherproof. Meaning you will be able to walk your dog in any weather conditions without affecting its functionality. What’s more, it has a 1-year warranty!
Features:
- Extends up to 16 feet
- Unique release and recoiling system
- ABC plastic casing
- Non-slip handle
- Suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds
- Includes a free roll of plastic bags in a bone-shaped cone
- The locking button is large and easy to operate
- It comes with a free roll of bags and a poop bag holder
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- A few owners reported that it is a bit heavy and recoils relatively slow
3. Best Overall Performance - ThunderWorks Dial A-Distance Retractable Dog Leash
You don’t like most retractable leashes as you worry that your canine will get used to tugging to get more length and lead to some behavioral problems down the line? Check out the ThunderWorks Dial A-Distance Retractable Dog Leash.
It has a dial on the side that allows you to lock in a safe range between 0 and 15 feet, in which the leash will automatically stop when your four-legged friend reaches the predetermined distance. And it also includes a manual push-button brake, giving you the ability to stop your pup short of the set safe range whenever necessary to ensure safety.
This retractable lead uses a ribbon-style leash rather than a cord, which is more durable, and it also has a wide, ergonomic rubber handle that can provide a secure grip.
Features:
- Large dial to determine leash length from 0 to 15 feet
- Manual brake thumb button
- Ergonomic rubber grip
- Suitable for dogs up to 70 pounds
- It retracts quickly
- Comfortable in hand
- The braking is smooth and responsive
- Most owners stated that they feel much safer as they can dial in a maximum length
- It costs a bit more than other retractable leashes
4. Longest Retractable Dog Leash - Flexi Giant Tape Leash
Want to give your furkid a bit more room to wander? Look no further than the Flexi Giant Tape Leash.
It is a very long, 26-foot leash, offering your pup plenty of freedom and space to run around while still keeping them secured, making it an excellent option for walking dogs in wide-open spaces. You also notice where the leash comes out sits closer to the handle instead of opposite your hand. That is to allow for smoother operation and reduce the chances of tangling.
And as you would expect, there’s a brake button that you can use with just one hand and comes with an ergonomic soft-grip handle for your comfort. Plus, it has a highly reflective neon-colored belt to help keep your dog safe.
Features:
- Extends up to 26 feet
- Robust tape leash
- Neon-colored belt
- Chromed snap hook
- Single-handed use of the brake button
- Ergonomic soft-grip handle
- For dogs up to 110 pounds
- It allows dogs to explore a little farther than most retractable leashes
- It comes with a neon-colored belt that provides improved visibility and safety
- Most owners are pleased with its quality and noted that it extends and retracts smoothly
- It is a little heavy and comes at a higher price tag
5. Best for Early Morning or Night Time Walks - Flexi Neon Leash
Have a full-time 9 to 5 job and the only time you can walk your pup is in the early morning or late evening? Then, you would probably want to consider the Flexi Neon Leash.
It is a 16-foot lead that comes with a bright neon yellow belt, and the casing is covered in highly reflective stickers to help both you and your dog stay safe when walking in low-light conditions. It also has a short-stroke braking system, allowing you to lock the leash in place and temporarily stop it from extending further.
This German-made retractable dog leash comes in three different sizes, small, medium, and large, and is suitable for dogs weighing up to 26, 44, and 110 pounds, respectively.
Features:
- 16 feet neon-colored cord (S, M) or tape (L)
- Chromed snap hook
- Single-button brake with permanent stop mechanism
- Reflective stickers
- Available in three different sizes
- It has a reflective cord or tape and completed with neon-colored components, which is especially great for walks in dim light situations
- Most owners stated that it is very responsive and held up well against pulling
- The bottom part of the handle is flat enough for attaching a doggy bag dispenser
- The handgrip is relatively narrow, which may be less comfortable for people with big hands to hold
6. Best for Large Dogs - Hertzko Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash
Do you have a large dog and need something more durable to secure them? Check out the Hertzko Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash.
It can hold large dogs of up to 110 pounds and has a robust nylon ribbon that can smoothly glide in and out of the mechanism. It also includes a metal swivel hook to reduce tangling and has a reliable braking and locking system to allow for instant retraction of your four-footed friend whenever needed.
Additionally, this 16-foot retractable leash features a rubberized handle to ensure you have a firm grasp on your pooch, even in wet conditions. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Features:
- 16-foot high-strength nylon ribbon
- Easy-to-use brake and lock button
- Non-slip, ergonomic grip
- For dogs weighing up to 110 pounds
- It has a maximum dog weight capacity of 110 pounds and a durable nylon ribbon, making it an ideal option for large dogs
- Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Some owners complained that the grip is a little small, which can be uncomfortable to hold for lengthy walks
Benefits of a Retractable Dog Leash
- The length is adjustable. One of the key benefits of a retractable dog leash is that you can extend or shorten the lead’s length whenever required. In other words, you can choose to give your pooch more space to explore when you are in an open field or keep them next to you in places you consider not safe for them to roam a bit farther.
- It gives your canine more freedom. Using a retractable leash can provide your furry friend with more room to wander and explore, which your pup will surely appreciate and happier as they can go on their sniffing adventure without you pulling them from time to time.
- It is less likely to get twisted into knots. Does your furry friend always get their traditional leash tangled up? With a retractable leash, it is less likely to happen as you can retract the lead back into the casing to keep any unused slack to a minimum, and as a result, minimizing the chances of twisting and tangling.
- It ensures your dog has adequate exercise. As you may have already known, dogs who don’t get enough exercise can lead to many problems. But there will be times you are too tired and don’t have the energy to walk as far as your dog could, especially after work. That’s when you will find a retractable dog leash handy. It allows your pup to run and exercise within the extendable range, and at the same time, letting you slack and rest while still keeping them under your control.
- You can use it for recall training. While calling your dog’s name and getting them straight back to you is vital, a reliable emergency recall can take a while to train. When the training progresses to the stage where you need your canine to stay farther away from you, you clearly will need a longer lead to secure them. That essentially means you have to buy multiple leashes with different lengths for different stages of training. However, a retractable dog leash can save you from all that hassles.
- It is useful for owners with limited mobility. Owners who have difficulties walking, especially those who need to use a wheelchair or are physically impaired, obviously can’t exercise their dogs as much. While the disabled dog owners can surely hire a professional dog walker or get their pups a dog treadmill, a retractable leash for dogs can come in handy when needing to walk their furkids outdoors themselves.
- It may aid in elimination. As absurd as it may sound, some dogs would love to have privacy and don’t like their owners standing right next to them when they need to do their business. Or else, they may choose to hold it up and refuse to potty. A retractable leash allows them to find a more private place to urinate and defecate.
Best Retractable Leash for Dogs Buyer's Guide : Important Features to Consider
When shopping for the best retractable leash for your pup, there are some features you need to have in mind before making your final decision. Here are some of them.
1. Type of the Retractable Leash: Cord vs. Tape
Cord
Pros
- It won’t get tangled inside the housing
- Strong and can resists rubbing
- Cheaper than belted leashes
Cons
- It can cause severe burns or cuts if you grab the robe, depending on how strong and powerful your dog is
Tape (Belted Leash)
Pros
- Lighter than corded leashes, which is excellent for long walks
- It is a lot easier on body parts. If it wraps around, say your arms or legs, and your canine takes off running, you are less likely to get nasty burns or cuts
- Typically more durable than corded leashes
Cons
- More expensive
- It can sometimes get tangled while wrapping up inside the spool, but it really only happens with the cheaper ones
2. Length
Then you would want to check how long the lead is. Most retractable leashes on the market can extend up to 16 feet, which should be more than enough in most cases. However, if your four-legged friend would love to have even more freedom and you usually walk them in a wide-open space with less traffic, choosing a longer lead like the Flexi Giant Leash may be a better option.
3. Weight
Also, make sure to check the maximum weight limit. You will find some retractable leads are designed for pooches less than 50 pounds only, while some can handle dogs up to 110 pounds. And of course, you would want a leash that can accommodate your dog’s weight to prevent your canine from breaking it when they run at full force.
4. Anti-Slip Grip
It is also crucial to look for a retractable leash with a non-slip, rubberized handle. With that, it can ensure that you have a firm and comfortable grip and won’t become slick when it rains or if your hand gets sweaty.
5. Braking and Locking Mechanism
The best retractable leash for dogs should have a button that allows you to brake or lock the lead’s length. If you come across one that doesn’t, which is very unlikely, but if somehow you do, don’t even bother looking at it. Why? Because using a retractable lead with no locking mechanism is pretty much like letting your furkid walk or run off-leash, so what’s the point of buying it when you can’t even stop or keep your four-legged friend close on busy streets?
6. Reflective Components
Remember, now that your pup can roam farther away from you than they are allowed if kept on a conventional lead, you would want to make sure they are visible to motorists at all times. That’s especially true if you tend to walk your fido at night. So, getting a retractable leash with reflective materials like the Flexi Neon Leash and Flexi Giant Leash is a good idea.
Tips & Tricks
for Walking Your Dog With a Retractable Dog Lead
- Lock the leash and keep your dog close to you in high-traffic areas.
Make sure to lock the leash and keep your four-legged friend close to you when walking them in high-traffic areas or places where there are obstacles that can cause the cord to become entangled. - Never let your canine walk on the opposite side of the road.
As much as you want to give your furry friend more freedom to explore and sniff spots that interest them, you should never allow them to wander across the street by themselves. The reason is that if a car zooms down the road and hits the cord, your furkid can get heavily injured. - Get rid of the slack.
Your fido will probably end up wrapping you around with the leash if you leave too much slack, which can cause you to fall and injure if they decide to charge forward after you get tangled in the lead line. - Keep your hands off the tape.
Never attempt to grab the lead line, and make sure to keep your fingers away from it as it can cause burns or severe cuts, particularly when your dog is running at high speed. - Beware when unhooking your dog.
Ensure the lead is fully drawn back into the casing before taking it off your dog. Otherwise, the metal swivel clip may hit your hands and cause bruises when the leash retracts.
Retractable Leash FAQ
Are retractable leashes suitable for all dogs?
What are the dangers of retractable dog leashes?
Are retractable dog leads legal everywhere in the US?
No. Some cities require your four-footed friend to be attached to a 6-foot or less lead. And that essentially makes retractable leashes illegal in public. So, make sure to check your local dog leash laws before buying a retractable lead.
