Best Retractable Dog Leashes
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Retractable Dog Leash FAQ
Everything you need to know about retractable leashes and if they're safe.
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Overall Best Retractable Dog Leash
Amazon
Flexi Neon Retractable Dog Leash (Cord) 16 ft, Medium, Black/Neon
What Dogs Love:
  • Extends up to 16 feet
What Humans Love:
  • Reliable
  • Strong
  • Single-handed brake
Reviewers Say:

It's not surprising that the best option out there is made by the biggest name in retractable dog leashes. This leash is extremely strong and locks reliably to avoid accidents. It comes in 3 sizes: small for dogs up to 26 pounds, medium for dogs up to 44 pounds, and large for dogs up to 110 pounds. The small and medium sizes have cord leashes, with the large...

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It's not surprising that the best option out there is made by the biggest name in retractable dog leashes. This leash is extremely strong and locks reliably to avoid accidents. It comes in 3 sizes: small for dogs up to 26 pounds, medium for dogs up to 44 pounds, and large for dogs up to 110 pounds. The small and medium sizes have cord leashes, with the large size using a wide tape.

This leash is made from bright neon yellow material with reflective elements for added safety in low light. It has a 4.3-star average rating from more than 2,500 reviewers.
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What Dogs Love:

Extending up to 16 feet, it gives dogs plenty of extra room to roam when safe to do so.

What Humans Love:

The bright yellow leash and reflective handle give better low-light visibility.

Reviewers Say:

It's not surprising that the best option out there is made by the biggest name in retractable dog leashes. This leash is...

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It's not surprising that the best option out there is made by the biggest name in retractable dog leashes. This leash is extremely strong and locks reliably to avoid accidents. It comes in 3 sizes: small for dogs up to 26 pounds, medium for dogs up to 44 pounds, and large for dogs up to 110 pounds. The small and medium sizes have cord leashes, with the large size using a wide tape.

This leash is made from bright neon yellow material with reflective elements for added safety in low light. It has a 4.3-star average rating from more than 2,500 reviewers.
Best Budget Retractable Dog Leash
Amazon
Triton Retractable Dog Leash – 16 ft Reinforced Nylon Ribbon with Collapsible Water Bowl, One Touch Locking System, Tangle-Free, Anti-Slip Rubberized Handle
What Dogs Love:
  • Long
  • Secure
What Humans Love:
  • Comfortable grip
  • No-tangle retraction
  • One-touch locking
Reviewers Say:

This affordable leash has some truly excellent features considering the low price. It has a strong nylon ribbon that extends up to 16 feet, with a tangle-free system so the leash can't tangle as it retracts. The one-touch locking system means you won't be fumbling around in a potentially hazardous situation.

You don't get much in the way of op...

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This affordable leash has some truly excellent features considering the low price. It has a strong nylon ribbon that extends up to 16 feet, with a tangle-free system so the leash can't tangle as it retracts. The one-touch locking system means you won't be fumbling around in a potentially hazardous situation.

You don't get much in the way of options, as it's available in only one size and color, and it is only suitable for small and medium-size dogs. It has a respectable 4.4 rating from more than 1,300 reviews.
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What Dogs Love:

This leash comes with a free travel bowl so dogs won't want for water on long walks.

What Humans Love:

Thanks to the no-tangle retraction, the leash won't get tangled up or trapped when you're trying to retract it.

Reviewers Say:

This affordable leash has some truly excellent features considering the low price. It has a strong nylon ribbon that ext...

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This affordable leash has some truly excellent features considering the low price. It has a strong nylon ribbon that extends up to 16 feet, with a tangle-free system so the leash can't tangle as it retracts. The one-touch locking system means you won't be fumbling around in a potentially hazardous situation.

You don't get much in the way of options, as it's available in only one size and color, and it is only suitable for small and medium-size dogs. It has a respectable 4.4 rating from more than 1,300 reviews.
Most Durable Retractable Dog Leash
Chewy
TUG Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash, White, Large: 16-ft long
What Dogs Love:
  • Long
  • Secure
  • Effective
What Humans Love:
  • Strong
  • Easy Lock System
  • Tangle-Free
Reviewers Say:

Thanks to its patented 360-degree tangle-free system, you won't find yourself in a mess with this leash. It's also hugely durable, with a rugged, ergonomic handle and strong tape even on the smaller models. The small size is for dogs up to 35 pounds, the medium for dogs up to 55 pounds, and the large for dogs up to 110 pounds.

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Thanks to its patented 360-degree tangle-free system, you won't find yourself in a mess with this leash. It's also hugely durable, with a rugged, ergonomic handle and strong tape even on the smaller models. The small size is for dogs up to 35 pounds, the medium for dogs up to 55 pounds, and the large for dogs up to 110 pounds.
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What Dogs Love:

Dogs can roam up to 16 feet, giving them room to sniff and play when they can't be off-leash.

What Humans Love:

It's available in three sizes and even the smaller models have wide tape leashes, instead of a thin cord.

Reviewers Say:

Thanks to its patented 360-degree tangle-free system, you won't find yourself in a mess with this leash. It's also hugel...

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Thanks to its patented 360-degree tangle-free system, you won't find yourself in a mess with this leash. It's also hugely durable, with a rugged, ergonomic handle and strong tape even on the smaller models. The small size is for dogs up to 35 pounds, the medium for dogs up to 55 pounds, and the large for dogs up to 110 pounds.
Our Other Favorites
Chewy
Hertzko Nylon Retractable Dog Leash, Small: 16-ft long
What Dogs Love:
  • Locks Securely
  • Long
What Humans Love:
  • Comfortable Grip
  • Easy to Use
Reviewers Say:

Although it comes in only one size, this retractable leash has a strong nylon ribbon that can hold any dog up to 110 pounds, and it extends up to a total of 16 feet. Its rubberized handle is comfortable to hold, even on long walks. It has a reliable braking and locking system that's easy to use. The handy swivel mechanism helps reduce tangles and snags.

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Although it comes in only one size, this retractable leash has a strong nylon ribbon that can hold any dog up to 110 pounds, and it extends up to a total of 16 feet. Its rubberized handle is comfortable to hold, even on long walks. It has a reliable braking and locking system that's easy to use. The handy swivel mechanism helps reduce tangles and snags.
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What Humans Love:
  • Comfortable Grip
  • Easy to Use
What Dogs Love:
  • Locks Securely
  • Long
Reviewers Say:

Although it comes in only one size, this retractable leash has a strong nylon ribbon that can hold any dog up to 110 pou...

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Although it comes in only one size, this retractable leash has a strong nylon ribbon that can hold any dog up to 110 pounds, and it extends up to a total of 16 feet. Its rubberized handle is comfortable to hold, even on long walks. It has a reliable braking and locking system that's easy to use. The handy swivel mechanism helps reduce tangles and snags.
Amazon
Beastron Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash/16′ Extra Long Nylon Ribbon Walking Tangle-Free Leash for Medium to Large Dogs up to 110lbs, One Button Break and Lock, Dog Waste Bag and Dispenser Included
What Dogs Love:
  • Long leash length
  • Won't tangle
What Humans Love:
  • Comfortable grip
  • Low price
  • Convenient braking system
Reviewers Say:

If you're looking for an affordable leash that's still strong enough for large dogs, this one can hold dogs up to 110 pounds while maintaining a low price point. It has a strong nylon ribbon that extends to 16 foot. It's available in red or blue, but in only one size. It comes with a bonus poop bag holder included, so you'll never get caught short.
<...

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If you're looking for an affordable leash that's still strong enough for large dogs, this one can hold dogs up to 110 pounds while maintaining a low price point. It has a strong nylon ribbon that extends to 16 foot. It's available in red or blue, but in only one size. It comes with a bonus poop bag holder included, so you'll never get caught short.

This leash has hundreds of Amazon reviews with an overall average 4.2 rating.
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What Humans Love:
  • Comfortable grip
  • Low price
  • Convenient braking system
What Dogs Love:
  • Long leash length
  • Won't tangle
Reviewers Say:

If you're looking for an affordable leash that's still strong enough for large dogs, this one can hold dogs up to 110 po...

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If you're looking for an affordable leash that's still strong enough for large dogs, this one can hold dogs up to 110 pounds while maintaining a low price point. It has a strong nylon ribbon that extends to 16 foot. It's available in red or blue, but in only one size. It comes with a bonus poop bag holder included, so you'll never get caught short.

This leash has hundreds of Amazon reviews with an overall average 4.2 rating.
Chewy
Wigzi Nylon Reflective Retractable Gel Dog Leash, Yellow, Large: 16-ft long
What Dogs Love:
  • Tough
  • Smooth Retraction
What Humans Love:
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to Use
Reviewers Say:

This unique retractable leash features a durable soft gel handle to maximize comfort for owners. Smooth retraction and easy-to-use buttons make controlling your pet a breeze, and the quality materials like stainless steel springs ensure this product is built to last.

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This unique retractable leash features a durable soft gel handle to maximize comfort for owners. Smooth retraction and easy-to-use buttons make controlling your pet a breeze, and the quality materials like stainless steel springs ensure this product is built to last.
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to Use
What Dogs Love:
  • Tough
  • Smooth Retraction
Reviewers Say:

This unique retractable leash features a durable soft gel handle to maximize comfort for owners. Smooth retraction and e...

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This unique retractable leash features a durable soft gel handle to maximize comfort for owners. Smooth retraction and easy-to-use buttons make controlling your pet a breeze, and the quality materials like stainless steel springs ensure this product is built to last.
Amazon
petacc Retractable Dog Leash, Reuse Design Heavy Duty Pet Walking Leash 360° Tangle Free,16ft Strong Nylon Tape, One-Handed Brake, Pause, Lock (Large), Grey
What Dogs Love:
  • Extends up to 16 feet
What Humans Love:
  • Reflective ribbon
  • Quick brake and Lock system
Reviewers Say:

What stands out about this retractable leash is the removable end clip, so if any part of the leash tears or frays badly, you cut it off above the tear and replace the clip rather than discarding the whole leash. Although, of course, this works better if the tear is nearer the clip end -- otherwise you may lose some significant length. The tape is reflective...

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What stands out about this retractable leash is the removable end clip, so if any part of the leash tears or frays badly, you cut it off above the tear and replace the clip rather than discarding the whole leash. Although, of course, this works better if the tear is nearer the clip end -- otherwise you may lose some significant length. The tape is reflective, and the leash has an ergonomic, anti-slip handle.

It comes in 3 sizes: small for dogs up to 44 pounds, medium for dogs up to 66 pounds, and large for dogs up to 110 pounds. Its 4.2 Amazon rating reinforces its high quality status.
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What Humans Love:
  • Reflective ribbon
  • Quick brake and Lock system
What Dogs Love:
  • Extends up to 16 feet
Reviewers Say:

What stands out about this retractable leash is the removable end clip, so if any part of the leash tears or frays badly...

Read More
+
What stands out about this retractable leash is the removable end clip, so if any part of the leash tears or frays badly, you cut it off above the tear and replace the clip rather than discarding the whole leash. Although, of course, this works better if the tear is nearer the clip end -- otherwise you may lose some significant length. The tape is reflective, and the leash has an ergonomic, anti-slip handle.

It comes in 3 sizes: small for dogs up to 44 pounds, medium for dogs up to 66 pounds, and large for dogs up to 110 pounds. Its 4.2 Amazon rating reinforces its high quality status.
Amazon
Peteast Retractable Leash Small Breed, 360° Tangle-Free Dog Leash Lightweight But Strong with One-Handed Brake/Pause/Lock for Small Dogs/Cats/Small Animals
What Dogs Love:
  • Secure
  • Reliable
What Humans Love:
  • Compact
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Easy to lock
Reviewers Say:

Available in black or blue, this is a basic retractable dog leash that might not be especially innovative, but is strong and has an easy one-touch locking system. This leash comes in sizes x-small to large and can extend to between 10 and 16 foot depending on which size you choose.

It's lightweight, with an ergonomic grip that makes it comfort...

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Available in black or blue, this is a basic retractable dog leash that might not be especially innovative, but is strong and has an easy one-touch locking system. This leash comes in sizes x-small to large and can extend to between 10 and 16 foot depending on which size you choose.

It's lightweight, with an ergonomic grip that makes it comfortable for use on long hikes with your dog. With more than 1,800 Amazon reviews and a 4.3 rating, the leash is considered to be a quality choice.
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What Humans Love:
  • Compact
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Easy to lock
What Dogs Love:
  • Secure
  • Reliable
Reviewers Say:

Available in black or blue, this is a basic retractable dog leash that might not be especially innovative, but is strong...

Read More
+
Available in black or blue, this is a basic retractable dog leash that might not be especially innovative, but is strong and has an easy one-touch locking system. This leash comes in sizes x-small to large and can extend to between 10 and 16 foot depending on which size you choose.

It's lightweight, with an ergonomic grip that makes it comfortable for use on long hikes with your dog. With more than 1,800 Amazon reviews and a 4.3 rating, the leash is considered to be a quality choice.
Chewy
Flexi Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash, Black, Medium: 16-ft long
What Dogs Love:
  • Extra Long
  • Secure
What Humans Love:
  • Versatile
  • Sturdy
Reviewers Say:

If the average retractable dog leash isn't long enough for you and your canine companion, check out this leash with a size option to extend to a maximum of 26 feet. This gives your dog ample room to run and play in hazard-free areas, while still retaining the security of being on-leash.

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If the average retractable dog leash isn't long enough for you and your canine companion, check out this leash with a size option to extend to a maximum of 26 feet. This gives your dog ample room to run and play in hazard-free areas, while still retaining the security of being on-leash.
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • Versatile
  • Sturdy
What Dogs Love:
  • Extra Long
  • Secure
Reviewers Say:

If the average retractable dog leash isn't long enough for you and your canine companion, check out this leash with a si...

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If the average retractable dog leash isn't long enough for you and your canine companion, check out this leash with a size option to extend to a maximum of 26 feet. This gives your dog ample room to run and play in hazard-free areas, while still retaining the security of being on-leash.
Amazon
SENYE Nylon Retractable Dog Leash 17 Foot for Small Medium Large Size Breed Dogs, Ribbon One-Handed Brake Heavy Duty Dog Leashes Tangle-Free, Pause, Lock, Black
What Dogs Love:
  • Long leash length
  • Strong
What Humans Love:
  • Easy-brake system
  • Comfortable grip
  • Durable
Reviewers Say:

Despite coming from an unfamiliar brand, this is a solid retractable dog leash with some great features, such as easy-locking brakes and a comfortable rubberized handle. There's only one size for use with dogs up to 110 pounds with a leash that extends to 16 feet.

Choose between black, green, pink, or red, each with reflective stitching down t...

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Despite coming from an unfamiliar brand, this is a solid retractable dog leash with some great features, such as easy-locking brakes and a comfortable rubberized handle. There's only one size for use with dogs up to 110 pounds with a leash that extends to 16 feet.

Choose between black, green, pink, or red, each with reflective stitching down the length of the leash. It might not have quite as many ratings as some on this list, but this leash has still managed an average 4.2-star rating from a few hundred reviewers.
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • Easy-brake system
  • Comfortable grip
  • Durable
What Dogs Love:
  • Long leash length
  • Strong
Reviewers Say:

Despite coming from an unfamiliar brand, this is a solid retractable dog leash with some great features, such as easy-lo...

Read More
+
Despite coming from an unfamiliar brand, this is a solid retractable dog leash with some great features, such as easy-locking brakes and a comfortable rubberized handle. There's only one size for use with dogs up to 110 pounds with a leash that extends to 16 feet.

Choose between black, green, pink, or red, each with reflective stitching down the length of the leash. It might not have quite as many ratings as some on this list, but this leash has still managed an average 4.2-star rating from a few hundred reviewers.

What Is a Retractable Dog Leash?

A retractable dog leash features a tape or cord that extends and retracts, coiled inside a large plastic handle. In areas where it's safe to do so, you can allow your dog more freedom to roam, which is great when your dog can't go off-leash for any reason. When you need closer control, such as near traffic, you can lock the leash at a shorter length. In general, it's best to use a standard flat leash near cars or busy areas.

Make sure your retractable leash is strong enough to handle your dog's size and energy level. If you don't buy the right retractable leash, it could break and be potentially unsafe for your dog. If you're unsure about the best leash for your dog, consult your veterinarian or dog trainer.

The Flexi Retractable Dog Leash is our favorite because of its safety features and reliability. Flexi produces several heavy-duty retractable dog leashes.

Consult a trainer if you're unsure if your dog is ready for a retractable leash.

Frequently Asked Questions
Are retractable dog leashes safe?

Retractable dog leashes aren't the best choice for all dogs, but they can be safe if you use common sense and vigilance. Always lock your dog on a short leash when near roads or other hazards, don't let your dog run at full speed to the end of the leash as the jolt can cause injuries, and never grab the leash to stop your dog. If you have a high-energy dog and live near a street or crowded area, we recommend choosing a standard flat leash. However, there are some safe retractable leashes to choose from.

How long do retractable dog leashes extend to?

This varies depending on the model. Retractable leashes can generally be anywhere between 10 and 30 feet, but 16 feet is the most common length.

Are retractable dog leashes legal everywhere?

Some cities have laws that require dogs to be kept on leashes of 6 feet or less, so retractable dog leashes are effectively illegal in public spaces in these areas. Check your local leash laws if you're unsure.

What’s the polite way to use a retractable dog leash?

Being polite and aware of what’s going on around you when you use a retractable dog leash is important. You have to pay attention and can’t multitask. You shouldn’t let your dog run up to a stranger on an extended leash. Also, be careful when you’re walking near cyclists who could accidentally ride into the leash.

Why are retractable leashes bad?

If used incorrectly, retractable leashes can encourage bad behavior such as pulling. Retractable leashes can also be dangerous for both dogs and dog owners. Some people have experienced rope burn or severe injury from the thin rope of retractable leashes. Dogs can also be injured, most commonly in the neck. Some dogs will begin running before the owner can lock the leash, causing their necks to snap back suddenly.

How do you repair a retractable leash?

If your retractable leash breaks, we recommend contacting the manufacturer and purchasing a new, more sturdy leash. Your dog may need a standard leash if they are heavy pullers.

Can retractable leashes cause injuries?

Yes, a retractable leash can injure you, your dog, other dogs, and other people if not used correctly. Do not use a retractable leash until your dog is completely leash trained and only use the leash when you aren't around other people or dogs.

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