The Best Retractable Dog Leashes
Retractable leashes give you the flexibility to allow your dog to wander around a wide area while out on a walk or keep them close to you on busy streets. Depending on your needs, you can choose a leash with a lead that's a few inches to several feet long. They're highly customizable, giving you the amount of control you need based on the situation. Moreover, retractable leashes don't tangle, so your dog won't get tripped up while exploring the surroundings. They're also compact, making them easy to store.
What to Look For
There are many types of retractable leashes available, and choosing one isn’t always an easy task. While researching the best options, we focused on three qualities: ease of use, durability, and affordability. Our favorite leash, from Tug 360, meets all of those standards, making it the ideal option for most dog owners. And if you’re looking for something with a little extra visibility to keep you safe on nighttime walks, check out the leash from Mighty Paw. No matter your needs, there’s a retractable dog leash out there that’s perfect for you. Keep reading for our in-depth review of the best models on the market.
Tug 360° Retractable Dog Leash
Comfort meets control
This rugged and durable leash gets just about everything right. Its ergonomic handle means you can walk for long distances without your hand tiring, while its easy-lock button helps you keep your pup exactly where you want it. The 16-foot leash gives your dog plenty of room to move around. Plus, you can use its quick lock and unlock feature to easily control how far your dog goes.
Pros:
- We love that the leash is easy to control and comfortable to use for long periods.
- It works well with large dogs and dogs that aren’t leash trained.
- This leash gives your dog room to explore while giving you control to keep your dog from getting into unsafe situations.
Cons:
- People with small hands may have trouble reaching the buttons on top of the leash.
Alicedreamsky Retractable Dog Leash
Bright and mighty
If you want to add a little color to your dog’s life and your walks, this leash is an excellent option. The leash is user-friendly, and you can choose between a 10-foot and 16-foot lead based on your needs. Whether you plan to take your dog for a walk or go for a jog, this leash’s quick-lock, pause, and unlock buttons make it easy to do. The handle is comfortable to hold, making both long and short walks a pleasure.
Pros:
- We were thrilled that the leash is lightweight, making it easy to handle for people of all ages.
- You can lock and unlock the leash quickly with just the press of a button.
Cons:
- The handle on the small-sized leash might be uncomfortable if you have large hands.
Mighty Paw Retractable Dog Leash
Very visible
When you take your pup for a walk at night, you want to be sure oncoming traffic can see you. This leash comes with a safety ring alert and bright nylon reflective tape to alert drivers to your presence, helping to increase your safety during nighttime walks. That’s not all, either. It has a stainless steel coil that reduces the likelihood of jams and a one-touch quick-lock break that allows you to maintain control of your dog at all times.
Pros:
- We were impressed by how well this leash worked with large dogs, dependably withstanding tugs and pulls without any problems.
- The leash’s bright colors ensure high visibility, making it easy for passersby to see you and your dog.
Cons:
- It’s a bit heavier than other leashes on our list.
Lanney Hands-Free Dog Leash
Look Fido, no hands
This leash is perfect if you like to get in a little exercise while walking your dog. All you have to do is secure the adjustable belt around your waist and attach the retractable bungee leash to get started. From there, you can go jogging with your pup without holding a leash in your hands. It’s strong enough to work with dogs up to 150 pounds, and the shock-absorbing bungee leash withstands the force of large dogs. You can grab one of the two padded handles if you need extra control in emergencies. Plus, it has a waist pouch to store your keys, phone, cards, and more.
Pros:
- We especially like that the leash is hands-free, making it easy to go on long jogs without holding a leash.
- The leash comes equipped with a zip pocket for storing everything from poop bags to keys.
- We love that the bungee is strong enough to discourage dogs from pulling.
Cons:
- The belt will loosen a bit if your dog pulls.
Upsky Retractable Dog Leash
Light the way
If you live in an area that’s not well-lit at night, a leash with a flashlight is indispensable. This leash comes with a detachable flashlight that allows you to maximize visibility along the darkest paths. Its one-touch braking and locking system helps keep your pup safe at all times. Plus, the leash is easy to adjust, so you can easily control the distance your dog can roam. The ergonomic handle has a soft anti-slip grip, making it easy to maintain a firm hold even when your dog is running or pulling.
Pros:
- We were impressed that the leash never tangles and resists dogs pulling or running, making it easy to maintain control.
- The flashlight allows you to keep an eye on your dog when you let it go to the bathroom during a nighttime walk.
Cons:
- The flashlight isn’t very bright, but it’s bright enough to keep an eye on what your dog is doing.
Our Tips and Tricks
Retractable leashes work best when you use them in open areas without a lot of congestion. While retractable leashes allow you to give your dog more freedom, they can be risky in highly trafficked areas with lots of bikes and joggers. We advise carrying a standard leash when you go out, just in case you need it. If you find yourself in a situation with a lot of people, you can easily switch leashes and keep your dog safe. Also, the further you let your dog roam with the retractable leash, the more attentive you need to be to your surroundings. Avoid using two retractable leashes at the same time. They may become tangled, resulting in a complicated situation. Finally, choose a leash that’s easy to see. You want to be sure drivers and pedestrians can see the leash so they don’t mistakenly believe an unleashed dog is running toward them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you use a retractable leash with a puppy?
You should avoid using retractable leashes with puppies because it gives them too much freedom. Retractable leashes work best with trained dogs who are used to going on walks. Instead, use a traditional six-foot nylon or leather leash with your puppy. These leashes give your puppy sufficient freedom to move around while allowing you to keep your pup under control. Your puppy can graduate to a retractable leash once it’s comfortable going for walks and well-trained.
How can I get my dog to stop pulling on walks?
If your dog pulls on its leash, sometimes it may feel like the dog is walking you instead of the other way around. Rewarding your dog for good behavior is one of the best ways to train it. When your dog pays attention to you, you give it a treat. You can also play the “follow me” game with your dog. Hold onto your dog’s leash while taking several steps away. Once you have your dog’s attention, it is likely to turn towards you. Say “yes” or “good dog” and give it a treat. This game teaches your dog to follow your lead. Reward your dog often for good behavior, and soon your neighbors will envy your dog walking skills.
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