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Walking your furry friend can be more than just a routine task. It’s an opportunity for bonding, exercise, and exploration. As responsible pet owners, ensuring the safety and comfort of our canine companions during walks is of paramount importance. One tool that has revolutionized the way we walk our dogs is the retractable dog leash. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of retractable dog leashes and why they have become popular among pet owners worldwide.
Retractable dog leashes offer significant advantages to dogs and their owners. They provide a lot of freedom to dogs and allow them to roam, sniff, and explore their surroundings while still under control. Unlike traditional leashes, retractable leashes offer adjustable lengths, which means dogs can move freely and enjoy their outdoor adventures to the fullest whether they are leisurely strolling in the park or briskly walking around the neighborhood.
What is a retractable dog leash?
Retractable dog leashes are leashes that have a cord coiled inside the handle, which can extend anywhere from 10-26 feet. The leash has a lock and stop feature that prevents the cord from extending any further. The difference between the two features is that the lock feature is hands-free once set, while the stop feature requires a push-release action. To retract the excess slack, you can catch up with your dog, and the coil will wrap itself back neatly into place in the handle. If you have set the lock feature, the slack will not retract back into the leash, so you need to un-lock it, and the slack will retract back into the leash.
Think of it like a Yoyo, except your dog won’t retract with the leash unless you have this dog. @furrytailsoffical on TikTok
@furrytailsofficial That’s the smallest dog I’ve ever seen 🥺 #dogsoftiktok #foryou #smalldogs ♬ Funny Song - Funny Song Studio & Sounds Reel
Why should I use a retractable dog leash?
If you want to allow your dog to have more freedom during walks, a retractable dog leash can be a great option. These leashes provide greater flexibility of movement, allowing your dog to explore and move around more freely than they would with a traditional leash. However, it’s important to be careful about how much freedom you give your dog depending on the location of your walk. If you are in a busy area, around lots of people or other animals, or near a street, it’s a good idea to keep the leash shorter to ensure your dog’s safety. With a retractable leash, you can easily adjust the length of the leash to suit your surroundings and keep your dog safe at all times.
When using a retractable dog leash, the legs of your furry friend are less likely to get tangled. This is because with a regular leash, the slack often droops to the ground when you catch up with your dog, leading to frequent tangles. Whenever I walk my neighbor’s dogs with traditional leashes, I often find myself in this predicament. The only solution is to manually coil the leash around your hand, which can be quite inconvenient if you are walking multiple dogs. On the other hand, with retractable leashes, there is no excess slack that droops to the ground since it automatically coils back into the handle when you catch up with your dog.
Are retractable dog leashes safe?
If you’ve never used a retractable dog leash before, you may feel hesitant to buy one. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new can be challenging. You may also be wondering whether these leashes are safe or not. There are arguments for and against their safety, and I will provide an analysis of both sides.
Retractable leashes can be safe for your dog, as long as you are attentive to your surroundings and mindful of the amount of slack you give to your pet. However, it is not recommended to give your dog too much freedom in crowded areas, near other animals, or around people, as this could lead to loss of control. It is essential to be vigilant during your walks to prevent any harm to your dog, other dogs, people, and even yourself.
It’s important to be mindful of your dog’s behavior during walks, particularly if they enjoy chasing or sprinting after things. If the cord is fully unraveled while the leash is unlocked, dogs can suddenly jerk backwards, especially if they were sprinting, causing stress on their neck and spinal cord. Even if the leash is made of strong materials, such as Vibranium, it can still break if your dog is too aggressive. This applies to regular leashes as well.
Although it’s not very common, there is still a possibility for a leash to break if a dog pulls too hard. This applies to regular leashes as well, which can also wear and tear over time. Therefore, no leash type is superior. The leash’s durability, quality, and materials are what determine its strength and longevity.
I am sharing this information because I am passionate about dogs and their well-being, and I want to ensure that dog owners are fully aware of the risks (even if they are minimal) and benefits before buying a retractable leash. Personally, I have used a retractable leash for years without any issues. However, it is important to exercise caution and be watchful while using it. Every dog is unique, and it is essential to make informed decisions based on your pet’s habits and temperament.
Top 10 best retractable dog leashes
I always make it a point to go through both positive and negative reviews before recommending any product. This way, I can ensure that I don’t miss out on any important details. I suggest that you also follow this practice when making a purchase, especially when it comes to products for your pets. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Choosing the perfect retractable leash for your dog can be a challenging task. To help you out, I have compiled a list of the top 5 best options available.
TUG Retractable Dog Leash
Sizing
Leash Sizes
- Tiny leash: Dogs under 26 lbs
- Small leash: Dogs under 35 lbs
- Medium leash: Dogs under 55 lbs
- Large leash: Dogs under 110 lbs
- Extra Large leash: Dogs under 110 lbs
Tape Length
- 10 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
- 26 ft tape
Leash Dimensions
- 5.5 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches
- 6.69 x 1.38 x 4.33 inches
- 7.5 x 5.2 x 1.5 inches
- 8.2 x 5.8 x 1.6 inches
- 8.6 x 1.8 x 6 inches
The TUG 360° retractable dog leash is one of the best on Amazon. The grip is very comfortable, sturdy and easy to hold. It has 3 different sizes to accommodate all dogs.
The leash is made of high-quality materials that will last for years as long as your dog doesn’t use it as a chew toy. Customers are very satisfied with the product and love how the leash doesn’t tangle and how durable it is. After receiving this leash, dog owners are enjoying their walks more and wishing they would have bought the product years ago.
The only downside to this leash is the large size of the handle. Despite the fact that the handle may be larger than anticipated, it is still comfortable, sturdy, and ergonomic. Overall, this is a great leash that has over 73,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. There are even customers walking their cat with this leash!
Pros
- Tangle-free 360° tape movement
- Ergonomic anti-slip handle
- Quick lock and unlock feature
Cons
- The handle for larger sizes may be larger than expected
- Some reports of the tape fraying or breaking prematurely
Fida Retractable Dog Leash
Sizing
Leash Sizes
- Extra Small: Dogs up to 18 lbs
- Small leash: Dogs up to 26 lbs
- Medium leash: Dogs up to 55 lbs
- Large leash: Dogs up to 110 lbs
Tape Length
- 10 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
Leash Dimensions
- 5.39 x 3.54 x 1 inches
- 6.4 x 1.2 x 4.4 inches
- 7.4 x 5 x 1.6 inches
- 8 x 5.3 x 1.6 inches
The Fida retractable dog leash Is another great option in the leash world. It has a quick lock and unlock button for your thumb. The ergonomic anti-slip soft handle makes the grip extremely comfortable for long walks. The leash tape is embedded with reflective materials that increase visibility at night.
If you are wanting a retractable dog leash that has great quality, look no further. The Fida leash is tangle-free due to its anti-twist inlet, has strong nylon tape, a durable rustproof swivel hook, and ABS material that prevents breaking when dropped. The internal coil spring has exceptional durability allowing for consistent retraction over several years.
The smaller sizes are light and suitable for not only small dogs, but cats too!
Pros
- Chew-proof add-on extension cord
- Reflective leash tape
- Ergonomic handle
- Great color options
Cons
- Very small handle size for the extra small leash
- Some reports of the tape fraying or breaking prematurely
Flexi Retractable Dog Leash
Sizing
Leash Sizes
- Extra Small: Dogs up to 26 lbs
- Small leash: Dogs up to 33 lbs
- Medium leash: Dogs up to 55 lbs
- Large leash: Dogs up to 110 lbs
Tape Length
- 10 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
Leash Dimensions
- 5.12 x 1.14 x 3.23 inches
- 6.5 x 1.34 x 3.94 inches
- 7.4 x 1.54 x 4.57 inches
- 7.4 x 1.54 x 5.08 inches
Flexi is the world’s most reliable retractable leash and rightfully so. This is the brand that I have been using to walk my 20 lb poodle and it hasn’t given me any problems. I have never had an issue with the tape getting tangle once it retracts back into the handle, and the handle is very comfortable.
The tape is neon colored with reflective components for safe walks in the dark. The tape guidance system ensures that the tape can be extended in all directions without getting jammed. It has intuitive handling, thanks to the convenient braking button and ergonomic handle.
Pros
- ergonomic handle
- Variety of sizes
- Made in Germany
- Fast and reliable response to the short-stop one-handed braking system
Cons
- Some reports of the tape fraying or breaking prematurely
- A few customers reported the tape being quite sharp
Mighty Paw Retractable Dog Leash
Sizing
Leash Sizes
- For dogs 0 - 50 lbs
- For dogs 50 - 110 lbs
Tape Length
- 16 ft tape
- 16 ft tape
Leash Dimensions
- does not specify
- does not specify
Mighty Paw is a great retractable dog leash that is built mighty strong. Both sizes have a 16 ft nylon tape as well as a durable stainless-steel coil that reduces jams for a smooth walking experience. The leash has a super reflective safety ring and heavy-duty nylon tape for the ultimate visibility during your night walks.
Featuring an ergonomic anti-slip handle, you can rest assured that your hands will stay comfortable on those long walks. The leash is equipped with a bonus d-ring that holds poop bags or keys.
Another plus is the tangle-free swivel clip and U-shaped leash guide that makes tangled leashes a thing of the past.
Pros
- Bonus d-ring for poop bags
- ergonomic handle
- Super reflective ring for nightime
Cons
- Some reports of the tape fraying or breaking prematurely
Ruff 'N Ruffus Retractable Dog Leash
Sizing
Leash Sizes
- Large leash: Dogs up to 110 lbs
Tape Length
- 16 ft tape
Leash Dimensions
- 7.3 x 5.4 x 1.57 inches
What’s great about this leash is that it comes with a FREE bone-shaped poop bag dispenser, one roll of plastic waste bags, and a travel water bowl. The poop bag dispenser conveniently clips onto the handle of the leash. If you usually stuff poop bags into your pockets, or forget them altogether, the clampable dispenser will be a lifesaver. I have a bag dispenser on my leash and it really comes in handy.
The leash is made of extra-tough nylon ribbon with a chrome-plated snap hook reinforced at the joint. This basically means that the leash is tough and can control dogs up to 110 lbs on the daily.
Pros
- Great customer service
- Included poop bag dispenser, collapsable water bowl, and LED light
- Anti-slip handle with enhanced comfort
Cons
- Some reports of the tape fraying or breaking prematurely
Which retractable dog leash is the best?
You can’t go wrong with any of the leashes above, as they are all reputable brands. I can’t say which one is the best because they all have their own unique features. I personally use the Flexi brand and haven’t had any issue with it, but feel free to explore other options that may tailor to you and your dog’s needs.
Before buying, I recommend reading the sizing guidelines, directions, and reviews to make sure the leash is perfect for you. I want you and your dog to be safe, so please use retractable dog leashes responsibly.
Sources
Gibeault, Stephanie. “Retractable Dog Leashes: When and How to Use Them Safely.” American Kennel Club, 22 Mar. 2022, www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/retractable-dog-leashes-use-safely/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.
“The 10 Best Retractable Dog Leashes to Buy in 2023.” Pet Mag, 23 Nov. 2022, petmag.com/best-retractable-dog-leashes/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.
“Retractable Leashes: Are They Dangerous?” PetMD, 14 Nov. 2016, www.petmd.com/dog/retractable-leashes-are-they-dangerous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.
Son, Katelyn. “Https://Www.Veterinarians.Org/Retractable-dog-leash/.” Veterinarians.Org, 1 Sept. 2023, www.veterinarians.org/retractable-dog-leash/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2023.
FAQs
If you are still on the fence, here are some common questions asked that I have answered to help you decide.
Can retractable dog leash cause injuries?
A retractable dog leash can cause injuries if you are negligent when using it or if your dog isn’t properly leash trained. If your dog takes off running and the leash isn’t locked, the dog can sustain spinal injuries when the tape fully extends because of the sudden jolt. Even locking the leash before your running dog manages to fully unravel the tape can cause problems since it is still an abrupt stop and puts a lot of tension on their spine.
Are retractable dog leashes safe?
Retractable dog leashes are safe if used with maximum supervision and care. Make sure to not allocate too much slack for your dog around busy streets, around people, or other animals. If you walk your dog somewhere busy such as in a city, you may have more peace of mind with a standard leash.
Do retractable dog leashes break?
Although unlikely, it is possible for retractable dog leashes to break. This can be due to a frayed tape, too much force exerted on it, your dog chewing it, poor quality, etc. Don’t shrug off any wear or tear to your leash as the next walk could be the catalyst to its breaking point. Don’t let this deter you from retractable leashes because any leash is susceptible to breaking from defects including standard ones.
That’s the unfortunate reality of manufactured products, but reading testimonials, conducting research, and being vigilant, you can make an informed decision on what’s best for you and your dog.
