Retrievist / Reviews / Leashes / Best Retractable Dog Leashes for Walking Your Dog
Best Retractable Dog Leashes for Walking Your Dog
While you must use them responsibly, retractable dog leashes can be great tools to use in uncrowded environments to allow your dog to wander farther when it isn’t possible to go off leash. Quality retractable leashes have a strong tape or cord and a reliable locking system.
To find the top retractable dog leashes on the market, we did extensive research, inspecting hundreds of options online. What you’ll see below are the ultimate retractable dog leashes.
Overall Best Retractable Dog Leash
- Extends up to 16 feet
- Reliable
- Strong
- Single-handed brake
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...
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.
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.
It's not surprising that the best option out there is made by the biggest name in retractable dog leashes. This leash is...
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
- Long
- Secure
- Comfortable grip
- No-tangle retraction
- One-touch locking
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...
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.
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.
This affordable leash has some truly excellent features considering the low price. It has a strong nylon ribbon that ext...
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
- Lets them roam up to 16 feet
- Strong
- Easy-lock system
- Tangle-free
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.
You can choose f...
You can choose from 4 color choices: red, blue, white and black, and white and orange. It has more than 5,000 Amazon reviews, with an impressive 4.4 rating.
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.
Thanks to its patented 360-degree tangle-free system, you won't find yourself in a mess with this leash. It's also hugel...
You can choose from 4 color choices: red, blue, white and black, and white and orange. It has more than 5,000 Amazon reviews, with an impressive 4.4 rating.
Our Other Favorite
- Long
- Safe
- Locks securely
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to lock
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.
Buyers have high praise for this leash, with more than 2,600 reviewers giving it an average 4.2 rating.
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to lock
- Long
- Safe
- Locks securely
Although it comes in only one size, this retractable leash has a strong nylon ribbon that can hold any dog up to 110 pou...
Buyers have high praise for this leash, with more than 2,600 reviewers giving it an average 4.2 rating.
- Long leash length
- Won't tangle
- Comfortable grip
- Low price
- Convenient braking system
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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This leash has hundreds of Amazon reviews with an overall average 4.2 rating.
- Comfortable grip
- Low price
- Convenient braking system
- Long leash length
- Won't tangle
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...
This leash has hundreds of Amazon reviews with an overall average 4.2 rating.
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Long
- Comfort grip handle
- Easy to lock
- Durable
Searching for a brighter color than many of these retractable leashes offer? The BABYLTRL is available in bright turquoise blue and neon pink, so you and your dog will stand out from the crowd. You'll also receive some handy freebies, including a reflective collar, a waste bag holder, and a portable water bowl.
It comes in just one size, with ...
It comes in just one size, with a 16-foot ribbon that's suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds. It has a 4.3 average rating on Amazon from almost 800 buyers.
- Comfort grip handle
- Easy to lock
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Long
Searching for a brighter color than many of these retractable leashes offer? The BABYLTRL is available in bright turquoi...
It comes in just one size, with a 16-foot ribbon that's suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds. It has a 4.3 average rating on Amazon from almost 800 buyers.
- Extends up to 16 feet
- Reflective ribbon
- Quick brake and Lock system
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...
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.
- Reflective ribbon
- Quick brake and Lock system
- Extends up to 16 feet
What stands out about this retractable leash is the removable end clip, so if any part of the leash tears or frays badly...
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.
- Secure
- Reliable
- Compact
- Comfortable to hold
- Easy to lock
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...
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.
- Compact
- Comfortable to hold
- Easy to lock
- Secure
- Reliable
Available in black or blue, this is a basic retractable dog leash that might not be especially innovative, but is strong...
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.
- 26 feet of freedom
- One-handed braking
- Ergonomic grip
- Well made
If the average retractable dog leash isn't long enough for you and your canine companion, check out this leash that extends 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. You'll only find one color (black) and one size that suits all dogs up to a maximum of 1...
It locks easily and is reliable all-round, with a 4.5-star average Amazon rating to back this up.
- One-handed braking
- Ergonomic grip
- Well made
- 26 feet of freedom
If the average retractable dog leash isn't long enough for you and your canine companion, check out this leash that exte...
It locks easily and is reliable all-round, with a 4.5-star average Amazon rating to back this up.
- Long leash length
- Strong
- Easy-brake system
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
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...
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.
- Easy-brake system
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
- Long leash length
- Strong
Despite coming from an unfamiliar brand, this is a solid retractable dog leash with some great features, such as easy-lo...
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.
We can't say they're 100 percent safe in general, but they are 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.
This varies depending on the model. It can generally be anywhere between 10 and 30 feet, but 16 feet is the most common length.
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.
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.
