11 Best Retractable Dog Leashes in 2023 – Guide & Reviews

 

Top Rated Retractable Dog Leash for 2023 – A Comprehensive Comparison

 

Here you’ll find out what the best retractable dog leash is, especially if you’re short on time. After a careful analysis of the reviews of retractable dog leashes, we have concluded that the product that offers the best quality and value for money is the Flexi Giant. It is extremely robust and can handle even the most active dogs up to 55 lbs. The 26th tape offers excellent freedom of movement for your pet to enjoy. As a plus, this model features a convenient single-handed design that will allow you to press the brake button in an instant. If the Flexi Giant is not available for sale, we recommend you bear the Rosmax 16ft-Green in mind.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

11 Best Retractable Dog Leashes (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

If prospecting the market for a good retractable dog leash is too much trouble for you, we have selected some of the popular and critically acclaimed products below. These models offer excellent quality and the best value for money so that you can be satisfied with your purchase.

 

 

1. Flexi Giant Medium Retractable Dog Leash

 

The Flexi Giant is a robust tape leash that is designed to handle even the most active dogs up to 55 lbs. It comes in three sizes which allows you to customize your experience and use it on even larger dogs. With 26 feet worth of tape, this model will provide excellent freedom of movement for your furry companion.

To provide a convenient multi-task experience, the Flexi Giant alternative features a handle that allows operating it with a single hand due to the easy-to-press brake button, the permanent stop feature, and the ergonomic soft grip handle. If you want a product that feels comfortable in hand, this is the choice for you.

When it comes to the experience of the customers, there’s nothing but good things to say. Customers are more than satisfied with the durability that the construction of this unit offers. It allows your pet to explore on his walk safely since all it takes is a push of a button to have him or her by your side again.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Rosmax Retractable Dog Leash

 

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative that can still offer good quality, excellent user experience, and safety for your pet, the Rosmax 16ft-Green is an option that has won the approval of customers due to the many features it comes equipped with. It comes with a nylon tape that extends up to 16 feet.

The nylon tape is strong and durable which makes it perfect for daily use. The spring attached to the tape is strong enough to allow for a smoothly retracting so that you can enjoy the walk while the leash does all the work. With a durable ABS plastic casing with ergonomic grip and anti-slip handle, this model will fit in your hand like a glove.

The one feature that owners love is the free bone-shaped cone that encloses a free roll of plastic bags for you to clean up the mess your pet makes. With the Rosmax 16ft-Green, you’ll get everything you need to make walking your companion a fun experience.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Flexi Neon Retractable Dog Leash

 

When walking your dog in the night, you need a leash that can provide you and your pet with the safety you deserve. The Flexi Neon comes in a design that offers high visibility while walking in the dark since reflective stickers are present on both sides of the casing. This gives additional safety features since they are able to reflect headlights from up to 160 yards away.

Apart from the casing, the cord and tape are also neon colored to strengthen the visibility of dog owners. The flexi brake system puts the owner in total control of their pet since with just a push of a button you can make the leash stop instantaneously. It is also built to be easy to use with just one hand.

The tape is very durable and is constructed to handle powerful and large dogs. At the same time, the tape is designed to follow your dog in every direction so that comfort is never lacking for your darling furry friend.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. TaoTronics Retractable Dog Leash

 

You can enjoy freedom and control with the TaoTronics TT-PA001, a retractable leash that is designed to enable you to have fun and keep your canine under control at the same time. It is easier than ever with the help of this sturdy, high-powered, and straightforward product that is built with the needs of the owner and the pet in mind.

It comes with a release and brake lever that allows you with a simple flick to watch as the leash comes straight back. Pressing the lever repeatedly makes it act as a brake that will let you stop your furry friend from getting yanked by accident.

You can also lock the leash with just one press of a button so that you can keep it at the length that suits you. This is a great feature if your pet likes to wander around and you’re walking in an area that is full of dangers such as cars and bicycles.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Beastron Upgraded Retractable Dog Leash

 

With an ABS plastic casing, the Beastron BP-02 is designed to be durable and support up to 110lbs in weight. The heavy-duty construction is also built to offer the user a comfortable experience. You get a handle that is easy to grip and does not let your hands slip even in the warm summer days when running with your dog might lead to the accumulation of sweat on your palms.

The sturdy nylon leash can extend up to 16ft; this is enough length for your dog to roam around freely without you having to worry about his or her safety since you will always be in control. With a design that allows a hands-free function, all it takes is a button to unleash the features of this high-quality option.

Pressing and holding the multi-function button will maintain the leash at your current length while pushing it forward will lock the button and keep the leash at the current length.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Triton Retractable Dog Leash Reinforced

 

What’s great about the Triton 16ft is that you get two products at the price of one. You get a high-quality dog leash with a free collapsible water bowl. This nifty gift is something customers love since it makes it easier than ever to hydrate their furry friends when taking long walks. Since the container is collapsible, it takes little to no space, and it can even be kept in your pocket.

The leash can be adjusted from 0 to 16ft which will allow you to give your dog the freedom necessary for him to roam while also allowing you always to be mindful of his whereabouts. It is designed to be used for any situation and in any place.

The one-touch locking and the unlocking system allows you to control the mechanism of this model with a simple push of a button. You can extend the leash to your desired distance and then push the button again to lock it in place.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. Basic Oasis Tangle Free Retractable Dog Leash

 

The Basic Oasis Tangle-Free is a tempting alternative for people that want an affordable and high-quality dog leash that also comes equipped with all the useful accessories to make any outing a fun and trouble-free experience. Aside from the leash, you also get a waste bag holder with bags and a flashlight that will make it easier for you to walk your pet at any time, even in the dark.

With the Basic Oasis Tangle-Free, you get a cord that is fully adjustable and measures up to 16 ft. It is the ideal size to give your furry friend the space he needs to explore the surroundings without the change of him getting so far that you lose sight of him.

The lock and release smart lock button will allow you to adjust the leash quickly so that your pet never feels hindered. The unique design of the handle will fit your hand like a glove to make your walk a comfortable experience.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Hertzko Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash

 

As the name probably gives it away, if you have a dog that is active and strong, and you need a product that can control them without making them feel uncomfortable, the Hertzko Heavy Duty is the ideal choice for you. The 16 ft worth of nylon ribbon gives plenty of space for both you and your canine friend to enjoy a safe and fun walk.

The leash has a secure locking mechanism that allows you to adjust it to whatever length you wish. If your dog is getting excited and you want to keep things safe, just press the brake button with your thumb. It will remain locked as long as the button is pressed.

The ribbon is built to be durable and safe so that your dog can roam freely while you’re maintaining control. The anti-slip and comfort-grip handle will help provide a secure gripping that will make it so that the Hertzko Heavy Duty never slips out of your grip.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Flexi New Classic Retractable Dog Leash Small

 

The Flexi New Classic is a gorgeous looking product that prides on the quality and comfort that it can provide, all at a price that is more than fair. The ergonomic grip handles will make holding this model feel nothing like what you’re used to. If holding other leashes can get tiring after a while, the ergonomic handle featured with this product ensures that the user feels comfortable at all time.

With a new and innovative short-stroke braking system that responds reliably and fast, you will always be in control and able to keep your silent companion safe. The brake button is very intuitive and can be used with one hand. The permanent stop function will allow you to walk your dog at heel.

The Flexi New Classic can be upgraded with an additional LED lighting system that can increase visibility in the dark tremendously. As a plus, you also get a multi-box that can be used to store waste bags or treats.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Flexi New Classic Retractable Dog Leash Medium Large

 

In the words of some of the customers that have tried the Flexi New Comfort, once you try this excellent product once, you will not be able to go back to other alternatives. The reason for this is that, as the name implies, this leash puts a lot of emphasis on comfort.

The handle can be adjusted which is a great thing because each hand is different and what the adjustable handle does is allow you to tweak it until you get the level of comfort that makes you feel satisfied. This will make walking your dog a fun activity that you will start to look forward to since you’ll no longer have to worry about clunky leashes that are a pain to use.

The tape measures 26ft and with this length, your dog will be able to wander to his heart’s content. The efficient short-stop one handed braking system will provide you with a reliable handling that will let you be in control permanently.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

11. URPOWER DL-004

 

With a one-button brake and a lock safety system, the URPOWER DL-004 is a reliable alternative that will give you the ability to adjust the length of the leash according to your needs and those of your pet. It is also a great choice for people that are on a tight budget seeing as this model is one of the most affordable on the market. All that without actually sacrificing on quality and reliability.

The leash can extend up to a distance of 16.4ft and can be used with dogs that are up to 66lbs. The 16.4ft ribbon offers great freedom of movement to your pet, long enough for him to explore his surrounding without you losing sight of him for one second.

The ribbon that this model uses is constructed out of durable and eco-friendly nylon. The outer casing is built from ABS plastic that is friendly to the environment, non-toxic, and odorless. What’s more, the anti-slip handle is not only easy and safe to grip, but also incredibly comfortable.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Finding a cheap retractable dog leash that can offer high quality, comfort, and reliability can be a real adventure. With so many options that you can choose from, it is no wonder why most people tend to settle for the first choice that meets their budget without going through the pros and cons that those models offer.

Because we believe that knowing what features to focus on can make all the difference in the world, we have compiled the following buying guide for you. To help us identify the features that matter the most, we have gone through the most popular retractable dog leash reviews, consumer report, surveys, and a variety of similar resources. If you want to learn more, take a quick read below.

Lightweight design and comfort

If you’ve ever used a leash before, you probably know that choosing anything but a model that is lightweight is a big mistake. First of all, you need to remember that you want walking your dog to be a fun activity that both of you enjoy, and using a product that makes you feel comfortable while using it can take you a long way in this regard.

Furthermore, a lightweight unit will not make you feel tired after just a few minutes, and that can leave you in control and sharp enough to react to the environment around you and the actions of your dog. A product that is uncomfortable will have you shifting around, and that can lead to things you would instead want to avoid. You can drop the leash and once freed, your dog could end up injuring himself.

A lightweight alternative is also more portable which will allow you to have your dog leash with you at all times. This is a great thing because you never know when the opportunity may arise and the one thing that a dog leash should offer you is control.

Another thing that you should pay particular attention to is the handle of the unit. Seeing as that will be your sole contact with the device, we recommend you that you test your unit if possible to see how it feels in your hand. You can also consider getting an option that features an adjustable handle. This way you can be sure that the handle will offer the best possible comfort for you to enjoy your daily walks.

Length and weight limits

The length of the retractable leash is also an important factor to consider. Most options come with at least 16ft of cord which is more than enough to satisfy the needs of the average dog owner. This length, in particular, is good because it offers the dog enough freedom to explore the environment around while also allowing the owner to keep a close eye on their canine friend.

If you want to give your dog more freedom of movements while walking in open environments that have no possible hazards around, you can find options that feature a longer cord.

When shopping for such a product, you should also keep the weight limits in mind. Remember that the weight limits are not flexible so if a manufacturer states that the weight limit is 50 pounds you should not use it with a dog that weighs more than that. If you’re looking for the best retractable leash for large dogs, be mindful of the weight limit.

 

Other features to consider

In a race to make their models more attractive to customers, some manufacturers offer certain nifty features that are both practical, and that can save you a lot of time. You can find models that come with small boxes attached to the leash. These boxes can be used to store waste bags and even treats. A collapsible water bowl is another accessory ideal for long walks.

If you tend to walk your dog in low light conditions, or during the night, we recommend you consider getting an alternative that features a reflective cord and stickers. Similarly, some manufacturer will provide you with a flashlight to use during your nightly walks.

 

Consider getting a related product

Before you’re done prospecting the market for the ideal leash, you should consider also getting a new dog collar to go with it. If you want to put a lot of emphasis on the comfort of your furry friend, you should also compare dog harnesses to find the perfect unit since some retractable dog leashes can also be attached to harnesses.

A dog harness is a great purchase if your pet has a lot of energy and is not trustworthy with just a collar. Slipping out of the collar comes easily to some breeds due to their head and neck shape. A harness will give you the control you need and keep your dog safe.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about retractable dog leashes

 

Q: How do retractable dog leashes work?

A retractable dog leash works similarly to any dog leash, with the added advantage of having the ability to adjust the cord to your desired length. This can ensure that your dog can enjoy the best freedom of movement and you can always keep your eyes on him to make sure that no danger will ever happen while the retractable leash is used.

Adjusting the length of the cord is done in a straightforward manner with the simple use of a button. Since most models only use one button, using a retractable leash for the first time is smooth and effortless.

Q: Are retractable dog leashes dangerous?

If used properly, a retractable dog leash is anything but dangerous. In fact, the main purpose of such a product is to keep your canine friend safe while walking in environments that are full of hazards such as moving vehicles, people, and other pets or animals.

They are designed to be comfortable for both the pet and the owner, and some models even come with a safety collar for increased protection. The best thing about this alternative is that you can adjust the length of the cord so that your dog is always near you, safe and sound, while you’re in control.

 

Q: Who invented the retractable dog leash?

The first retractable dog leash patent was first filed in the United States in 1908, and it was simply called a “leading device.” Back then it used a chain, and it had an ingenious design that used a drum and spring to allow the string to be paid out in stages. The filler of this patent was a woman named Mary A. Delaney that even to this day remains a mystery.

Not much is known about her apart from the fact that she was a New Yorker and most historians never even heard of her. What it is known is that her invention has made the lives of millions of dog owners a lot easier.

 

Q: How are these products made?

For the most cases, retractable leashes that come from reputable manufacturers are made using a process that is fully automated. This allows the customer to get a high-quality product that follows strict quality guidelines. Since these products are not overly complicated in their design, manufacturers can offer their products at affordable prices.

To ensure that each product put on the market can be used safely, they are carefully examined to ensure that they follow specific safety guidelines. This means that when purchasing your product, you can be sure that the option you chose offers the quality, safety, and reliability that you need.

 

 

Benefits of using a retractable leash over a standard one

 

Freedom and safety

Retractable leashes are the go-to choice nowadays for most dog owners since there’s no way to deny the multitude of benefits that this alternative has, compared to the classic option. It gives you an enormous amount of control, and when you love your pet, there’s nothing that you value more than his safety. This product gives you just that and more.

With a retractable leash, your dog can walk freely as closely or farther away from you as he likes without you having to worry for one second that he can escape your grasp. He can do its thing and sniff wherever he wants to while remaining permanently on the leash.

You can easily control the length of the leash and if you observe that your dog has gone too far or that there are possible dangers nearby, you can stop your pet from getting into trouble with a simple push of a button. Since the unit is small and easy to use, you will not have overly complicated mechanisms to focus on which means that you can concentrate all your attention on your dog.

Comfort

Aside from safety, another equal factor that should never be overlooked is the comfort of your pet and this is an area where the retractable leash excels at. You don’t have to apply force to control your dog since most leashes can be operated in a gentle manner that will not harm your dog in any way.

It’s not just the comfort of the pet that you have to keep in mind, but also your own. Since there are several lengths available, you can easily choose the one that is more convenient to you. The beauty of the retractable leash is in its length. You will not have to bend to unleash the dog because the dog will be able to run around as if he is off leash due to its length.

You will not have to adjust the length of the leash manually as is the case with the classic alternative and you will even be able to use the leash while inside the home for when the dog needs to go outside to urinate. You can just put the leash on, open the door and he’ll do his thing. All the while, you’ll know that he won’t wander around too much since you can give him exactly the amount of freedom he needs.

 

 

Disadvantages of using a retractable leash

 

The main disadvantage of a retractable leash is the fact that if your dog is overly active or hard to manage, it can be quite difficult to control him. If you have a large dog you should choose your product accordingly. The best retractable leash for small dogs offer a lot more control but mainly due to the fact that these dogs are more manageable.

Customers and experts recommend you avoid using a retractable alternative if your furry friend is over-active and can be distracted quite easily. You need to consider that you are likely to encounter many people, other dogs, and other animals such as squirrels. All these can turn your walk into a nightmare.

Another disadvantage is the fact that you can easily tangle the cord around objects such as trees or even on yourself. If the cable gets tangled on your leg and the dog sprints and you don’t have enough time to react, you can end up getting friction burnt.

Another thing to consider is that retractable leashes should not be used when first training your dog to walk on a lead. To train your dog, you can use a training or shock collar. To find out more about shock collars and how to train your dog, we recommend you get in touch with a professional trainer since we don’t support training your dog by yourself.

 

General tips when walking with a retractable leash

 

Plan ahead

To make sure that you make the most out of your brand new purchase, it is vital that you are aware of a few general tips that can make your walks more fun and keep you and your canine friend safe. With these tips in mind, you will learn how to use a retractable leash the right way so that you don’t have to worry about things such as the cord getting entangled.

First off, you want to plan your walks so that you always know what to expect. Extendable leashes should not be used in areas that feature high traffic or lots of obstacles that the cord can get entangled on. To avoid these unfortunate events, it is crucial that you plan your walk.

Choose places that you are familiar with so you never have to worry about the unexpected. This will allow you to make a mental picture of the area so that you can avoid any hazards or obstacles that could pose a danger to the safety of your furry friend.

 

Be mindful of your surroundings

Since the main idea of a retractable leash is to give your pet the freedom of movement to explore his surroundings, you need to make your own mental exploration before you give him free rein. Look to see if there are any potential obstacles around and make adjustments in the length of the cord accordingly. You should only allow him to go as far as you deem it safe.

 

Get a high visibility leash

Getting a leash that offers good visibility is a must since most people will notice you but might not notice your dog or notice that he is on a leash. A leash that features a highly visible cord or one that features reflective material can save you a lot of troubles.

 

Reasons not to use a retractable leash

While a retractable dog leash can be a great purchase that both you and your pet will enjoy using, there are some downsides that you should pay close attention to. This does not mean that you shouldn’t get yourself such a product but that you should be mindful of some of the reasons why certain owners and experts prefer the standard flat leash.

 

The length of the retractable leash

The length of the cord is the main advantage of this product as it can allow it not to be as confining as regular leashes, and for your pet to enjoy the freedom to poke and sniff around without limitations. What can be perceived as an advantage to some, can be a big downside to others.

Seeing as some alternatives can extend up to 26 feet, this can allow dogs to get far enough from their owner to the point that you are no longer in control and there is nothing that you can do to avoid a situation that can turn dangerous quite quickly. With so much freedom, you could potentially miss particular hazards such as traffic, other dogs, and humans.

In the case of encountering other dogs, if the other dog happen to be aggressive, with so much distance between the two of you there is nothing that you can do. You lose your control, and that can end up badly. With a standard leash, such a situation can be avoided easily.

It is much easier to regain the control of your own dog when you only have to handle a standard six-feet leash than it is if he’s 26 feet away. When encountering other dogs that might be aggressive, with the standard alternative you can step in and protect your pet, something that is just not possible when he’s 20 or more feet away.

 

The cord

To ensure that their product can end up being lightweight enough to offer great comfort to the owners, the cord that a retractable alternative uses is thin and can break easily. This is even truer if you have a large and powerful dog that likes to pull.  If the dog takes off at full speed, when the cord runs out it is quite likely for it to snap.

This is can end up badly for both the dog and the human. With the cord snapped, the dog will be free to run and depending on the area that you find yourself in, it could pose grave dangers to the pet. Similarly, the cord can snap back and injure you since most cords are somewhat flexible.

Another danger that comes when you have a long cord is the risk of it getting tangled in various obstacles or even the dog getting tangled up in it. This can end up causing cuts, burns, and even amputation to your dog. Furthermore, even people can be the victims of the cord, a long one can be a serious hazard, especially if it is thin enough not to be observed easily.

 

 

How to properly use a retractable leash for your dog

 

Many people believe that retractable leashes can be harmful, or at least can put your pet in hazardous situations, which can be as true as it can be a false presumption. Most of all, what matters is how much attention you pay to your pet while you’re outside playing together.

It is your duty to keep your pet from being harmed, so unless you’d like some unfortunate accidents to take place, you’d better get well informed before setting off to buy a retractable leash. There are some basic rules you have to follow when using one and we’ve made it our purpose to deliver a brief guide to help you act correctly in any situation.

Protecting your pet from harm starts first of all with his education. If you know that your dog has a bad temper, acts aggressively around strangers or can’t keep himself from picking up and eating everything he finds on the ground while you’re walking him, then it might not be such a good idea to buy a retractable leash.

If you’ve educated him properly and he knows how to behave himself in public, then there’s nothing to fear. You can attach the leash and make sure that the collar or harness fits perfectly because otherwise, you’re going to cause pain or even discomfort to your pet.

The next step would be to make sure that you only hold the leash by the handle and never, under any circumstances, pull your pet closer by grabbing the belt, because this is how you’re likely to cause injuries.

Keep your pet within a comfortable walking distance and remember to always lower your arm before pulling him closer, after locking the brake button of course. It’s essential to keep him close in order to be able to quickly pull back in case of a hazardous situation.

Having control is crucial, but it’s just as important to allow your pet to roam freely, while under your supervision of course. Make sure that he has enough personal space and that he can explore his surroundings, but be on the lookout for any unusual situation that might occur.

In case you see a vehicle, another dog or a pedestrian approaching, or if you know your pet reacts unpredictably to these circumstances, you need to lower your arm and keep him close, allowing the leash to extend only to a short length. This way you have full control and after the danger has passed, you can allow him to distance himself again.

Letting the leash too loose isn’t a good option either because if it’s not tight it might get tangled, knots might appear or your pet might interfere and get tangled in it, resulting in an unpleasant situation.

An extra tip that few dog owners know but many might find useful is that in case it starts to rain while you’re outside walking your dog, you need to extend the leash to its maximum size when you get home in order to allow it to dry properly.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) The Benefits of Retractable Leashes for Small Dogs

2) Advantages of Retractable Dog Leashes

3) Pros And Cons Of Retractable Dog Leashes

4) How to Properly Use a Retractable Dog Leash