Updated: January 20, 2023
For most dogs walking on a leash suits them just fine. Other dogs like to roam. They like their freedom to walk without the restriction of a short leash. This is where a retractable dog leash comes in handy.
Table of Contents:
What Is A Retractable Dog Leash?
A retractable dog leash is a leash that is stored in a plastic holder. There is a coil in the holder that the leash wraps around. The leash attaches to your dog’s harness. When your dog walks, the leash pulls out from the holder. As you walk with your dog, the leash will increase and decrease in length. Retractable dog leashes come in various lengths and usually range from 16 feet to 26 feet. This allows your dog to walk out as far as the leash will allow while you continue to have a hold of them.
Why Would Someone Want To Use A Retractable Dog Leash?
- There is a lock that allows you to determine how much slack to allow your dog while walking.
- The leash can be locked to stop your dog from chasing after another animal or running into the street.
- You can sit in one spot and your dog has the freedom to roam for as long as your leash allows without you having to walk with them.
- Since you are holding this by a plastic handle, you don’t have to wrap a leash around your hand and risk it being injured if your dog pulls too hard.
- You can play fetch with your dog in a park or at the beach, allowing your dog to run without them being able to run away from you.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Retractable Dog Leash?
- Most are not strong enough to hold a large dog. Dogs have snapped these leashes in the middle and also right out of its enclosure when running after something.
- These leashes are definitely not made for chewers or teething puppies, as dogs can easily chew through the nylon material they are made of.
- This type of leash is not good to use for training puppies. It teaches them to pull on a leash while walking.
- Due to its long length, dogs and people alike can get tangled up in them resulting in falls or other injuries.
- They tend to only last a few months.
- Retractable dog leashes are usually made of a thin material so they are able to be rolled up into its holder and therefore, are easier to tear.
- If the leash rubs up against a tree or other abrasive surface, it may cause the leash to fray.
- Any slight fraying can lead to a tear sooner rather than later.
- If your dog is on a retractable dog leash and they are several feet ahead of you and they get into an altercation with another dog or run into the street, you may not be able to pull them back in time.
- You need to be coordinated enough to be able to lock and unlock the leash.
- If your dog runs and you lock the leash or they run until they reach the end of the lead, it will cause a sudden jerk. This may result in your dog being injured. There have been cases of dogs having spinal injuries, lacerated tracheas, and neck injuries.
- You can be injured by the leash. For some of us, if our dog runs, our knee jerk response is to grab the leash. This may result in cuts, burns, or even amputations.
As you can see, there are many more disadvantages to using a retractable dog leash. With so many opportunities for injuries to occur, it is best to avoid using them altogether.
Best Retractable Dog Leashes
While we do not recommend using a retractable dog leash, we do realize that people do like them and prefer to use them over a traditional leash.
We have included a list of some retractable leashes out there. We have also included a few alternatives for you to try instead of a retractable dog leash.
Best Overall Retractable Dog Leash
Fida Retractable Dog Leash
It is 16ft long and is for dogs up to 110 lbs.
Pros/Features:
- This has a one hand lock and release button.
- It has a tangle free design so the leash won’t get caught when it retracts.
- The plastic case is scratch resistant.
- There is an anti-slip handle for ease in holding the leash.
- A 360° swivel clip to attaches to your dog’s harness.
- Reflective light strips are embedded in the leash for you to be seen better at night.
Cons:
- Not good for strong pullers or chewers.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Retractable Dog Leash With A Light
Retractable Dog Leash With Rechargeable LED Light
This is 16 feet and good to use in dogs up to 66 lbs.
Pros/Features:
- This uses only one button to lock and unlock the leash for better control of your dog.
- Designed to be tangle free so the leash will not get caught in the mechanism when retracting.
- Ergonomic, anti-slip handle for greater comfort when walking your dog.
- LED light charges by USB with 1.5 hours of charging time lasting about 3 hours.
- 20 inch chew proof cable included for use at end of the leash to keep your dog from chewing the leash.
- Reflective stitching on both the leash and wire cable.
Cons:
- The light is placed underneath the leash, so when walking at night, you may get a shadow from the leash in your view.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Tangle Free Retractable Dog Leash
TUG 360 Degree Tangle Free, Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash
This is 16ft. and comes in 3 sizes. Small: for dogs up to 35 lbs. Medium: for dogs up to 55 lbs., and Large: for dogs up to 110 lbs.
Pros/Features:
- This design allows for 360° movement of the leash to avoid tangles.
- It has an easy one button lock and unlock feature.
- There is an anti-slip handle for comfort when walking your dog.
- This has a stainless steel internal coil for more reliable leash retraction.
Cons:
- Some people had issues with the locking mechanism getting stuck.
- Reviewers had issues with the leash fraying after a few months of use.
Check Price At: Amazon, Walmart
Best Retractable Dog Leash For Heavy Chewers
PUPTECK Dog Leash With Anti Chewing Steel
This leash is 16ft. long and for use in dogs up to 110 lbs.
Pros/Features:
- This dog leash comes with a 15 inch detachable steel wire rope that attaches to your dog’s harness.
- It has a 360 degree tangle free design.
- Reflective stitching on the main leash helps you be better seen at night.
- An anti-slip handle is included for your comfort.
- There is one button to lock and unlock the leash.
Cons:
- Retraction of the leash is a bit slow. Some reviewers had an issue with their dogs getting tangled in the leash due to the slow retraction.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Long Length Retractable Dog Leash
Flexi New Classic Tape Retractable Leash
This leash is 26 ft. and good for dogs up to 110 lbs.
Pros/Features:
- It contains a one hand braking system.
- This leash can be accessorized with LED lighting, sold separately.
- There is an ergonomic grip handle for your comfort.
Cons:
- Flexi re-designed their leashes and these are not as durable as the old design.
- Some reviewers felt the handle was a bit small for their hands.
- The leash began to fray for some users after a few months of use.
Check Price At: Amazon, Chewy, Walmart
Best Retractable Dog Leash For 2 Dogs
WIGZI 2 Dog Retractable Leash
This is 10ft. long and good to use for dogs up to 100 lbs. (The total weight of both dogs together).
Pros:
- There is a built in coupler that attaches the two leashes to the main lead and swivels 360 degrees to avoid tangles.
- It has reflective stitching embedded in the two leashes for greater visibility at night.
- Each leash is color coded to the stop button, so you know which button controls which dog.
Cons:
- You cannot remove one of the leashes if using it with only one dog.
- Dogs can get tangled together when walking.
- Not good for dogs that pull or chew.
What Can I Use Instead Of A Retractable Dog Leash?
The following are a few recommendations as alternatives to a retractable dog leash.
Traditional Dog Leash
BAAPET Strong Dog Leash
- This is available in 2, 4, 5 or 6 FT lengths.
- Comes in 9 colors.
- Suitable for dogs up to 120 lbs.
- Padded handles.
- Reflective stitching.
- 360 degree swivel hook.
Check Price At: Amazon
Bungee Dog Leashes
These next few leashes are bungee style leashes. These will allow your dog some extra space to move (or pull as it may be for some – including my dog!). While it may not let them roam as far as a retractable leash, it will allow for you to get better control of your dog quicker in case of an emergency. The bungee also provides shock absorption if your dog pulls hard, resulting in less hand/ arm/ shoulder discomfort for you.
Best Traditional Bungee Leash
Rabbitgoo Tactical Bungee Dog Leash
- Available in 2 sizes:
- 4 Ft.
- 5.2 Ft.
- Comes in 3 colors.
- Small extends from 37 to 49 inches.
- Large extends from 45 to 62 inches.
- Traffic handle lets you quickly control your dog if needed.
- 360 degree metal hook to avoid your dog getting tangled.
- Reflective stitching for visibility.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Heavy Duty Bungee Leash
Sparkly Pets Heavy Duty Rope Bungee Leash
- Comes in a single or double leash.
- Available in 4 colors.
- This is a rope leash 43.3 inches with a 25 – 30 inch bungee extension.
- Includes an extra handle to quickly control your dog if needed.
- Reflective stitching for night visibility.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Dual Bungee Leash
iYoShop Dual Dog Leash
- Comes in 2 sizes:
- Small size to be used in dogs up to 25lbs.
- Large size for dogs up to 150lbs.
- This is a 35.5 inch rope with a double 20 – 35 inch bungee extension.
- Available in 6 colors.
- Reflective stitching for increased visibility.
- Padded handle for comfort.
- 360 degree metal ring that attaches to the bungee extension to avoid tangles.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Hands Free Bungee Leash
iYoShop Hands Free Dog Leash With Zipper Pouch
- This leash ranges from 4.25 – 5.6 feet.
- Can be used for dogs up to 150 lbs.
- Comes in 2 sizes.
- Available in 10 colors.
- Has 2 shock absorbers to reduce the amount of tug you feel when walking your dog.
- Reflective threading throughout the leash to increase visibility at night.
- 2 inch heavy duty clip on the side of the waistband to attach any other essentials you may have.
- Has 2 built-in padded handles for extra control of your dog when needed.
Check Price At: Amazon
Training Dog Leash
This next one is a training leash. These can be similar in length to that of a retractable dog leash. The difference is without the recoil, there is less of a chance for you or your dog to get hurt.
Taida Nylon Training Dog Leash
- Available in 20, 30, 40, and 50 feet.
- Comes in 6 colors.
- Made of nylon.
- Stainless steel hook with 360 degree swivel.
- Leash is 1 inch wide for all lengths.
Check Price At: Amazon
Double Handled Dog Leash
Lastly, is a 2 handled or traffic dog leash. These are good to use if you are walking somewhere with your dog and you may need to quickly grab your dog, like in a high traffic area or someplace with a lot of people.
Max and Neo Double Handle Traffic Dog Leash
- Comes in 2 sizes: 4 Ft and 6 Ft.
- Available in various colors.
- Reflective stitching.
- 2 padded handles.
- D ring to attach waste bags or other accessories.
- Designed to be used as both a regular leash and a short leash to hold your dog closer when near the street or high traffic areas.
It is great to be able to take our dogs with us for walks, to the park, and the beach. While it is nice to be able to give them space to explore their surroundings, their safety and yours are important to consider.
Retractable dog leashes may not be the way to do this, but if you must use one, please be careful. Always inspect the leash for fraying or tears. Practice using it if you have never had experience with one. Make sure you get the correct size and strength for your dog.
If you are not set on getting a retractable dog leash, please try one of the alternatives listed above. May you and your dog be safe during all of your journeys together.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.