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This is our review of the best retractable dog leash.
Our staff at Dog Training Boss receives several questions about leashes, particularly while training. Many dog trainers we listened to don’t use retractable dog leashes, especially while training, but others enjoy the flexibility of retractable leashes for properly trained dogs.
Hours of research were completed to offer our recommendations so you can make the best choice for purchasing the best retractable dog leash. We sifted through reviews from customers and trainers, as well as looked at the materials and durability of many leashes.
Many of the products we researched for the best retractable dog leash all seem to have similar features. Since so many of the leashes had similar qualities, this review will be aimed at analyzing the few top retractable leashes with four different valuable features instead of a long list of similar products.
We handed our Overall Best in Show review to the Flexi Comfort Retractable Dog Leash. The ability to adjust the handle size added extra comfort and safety to the leash and most dog owners found it to be a valuable feature.
Overall Best In Show: Flexi Comfort Retractable Dog Leash
Best Additional Feature: Tug 360 Oval Tangle Free Retractable Dog Leash
Best New Design: ThunderWorks Dial A Distance
Best For Low-Light Walks: KONG Ultimate Reflective Retractable Dog Leash
Let’s take a closer look at our reviews of the best retractable dog leashes and we’ll explain what made them stand out from others on the market.
Flexi Comfort Retractable Dog Leash
Sizes: Up to 110 lbs
Leash Length: 10-26 ft.
Leash Material: Nylon
Additional Features: Adjustable handle size.
To help address the importance of a comfortable and well-fitting handle. The Flexi Comfort Retractable Dog Leash has an ergonomic design and the handle is adjustable to help provide the best fit for your hand.
Finding the best retractable dog leash for properly trained larger dogs can be a challenge. The Flexi Comfort Retractable Dog Leash allows you to choose from a variety of sizes to help find the best fit for your furry friend. There is a longer leash length option for larger dogs, allowing up to 26 feet of leash for roaming and exploring.
Customer ratings for the Flexi Comfort Retractable Dog Leash are consistently pretty high and mention the good quality of this design.
As with all leashes, discontinue use if you notice fraying or damage.
Tug 360 Oval Tangle Free Retractable Dog Leash
Sizes: Up to 110 lbs.
Leash Length: 16 ft.
Leash Material: Nylon
Additional Features: Built-in waste bag dispenser (holds 3-5 loose bags).
Generally, the 360 degree tangle-free design is well-liked by dog owners and does well at keeping the leash nylon straight as it moves through the reel mechanism.
The Tug Oval 360 Tangle Free Retractable Dog Leash has an ergonomic grip design and a quick lock/unlock button to help dog owners be in control while allowing extra leash length to let their dog roam.
While many users liked the built-in compartment for waste bags, some customers noted that it’s quite small and had trouble fitting in a few bags.
If your dog is a chewer, it’s important to know that the Tug Oval 360 Tangle Free Retractable Dog Leash is not a chew-proof leash. Watch for any leash fraying or damage as it can cause the leash to snap and other safety concerns. Do not use if you notice fraying or damage.
ThunderWorks Dial A Distance
Sizes: Up to 70 lbs
Leash Length: 15 ft.
Leash Material: Nylon
Additional Features: Dial to set leash length
While this leash works in a similar way to other retractable leashes, for many dog owners, the most valuable feature is the large dial that allows you to set and lock the leash distance you are comfortable with for your dog.
The ThunderWorks Dial A Distance also has a manual thumb break when you need to quickly stop the length. Many users describe the brake button as large and easy to use.
Some customers have noticed that the weight is a bit heavier and the handle a bit bulkier than non-dial retractable leashes.
As with all the retractable leashes we reviewed, Discontinue use if you notice fraying or damage as that can cause nylon leashes to be a safety concern.
KONG Ultimate Reflective Retractable Leash
Sizes: Up to 110 lbs
Leash Length: 10-24 Feet
Leash Material: Nylon
Additional Features: Reflective stitching in leash tape.
Leash tape uses reflective stitching to make low-light evening walks more safe for you and your canine. As with most nylon material, owners can wipe it clean with damp cloth.
Soft-grip handles provide a comfortable fit, especially for long walks. Similar to other retractable leashes we reviewed, the KONG Ultimate Reflective Retractable Dog Leash also has brake and lock buttons to help keep the owner in control at all times. Some owners say the brake and lock buttons take a bit to get used to.
We also liked the extra large sizing for larger dogs.
As a safety reminder, if you notice fraying or damage, discontinue use.
Guide to Buying The Best Retractable Dog Leash
There is no one-leash-fits-all when it comes to shopping for a leash. Retractable leashes have several features to consider, but which features are really beneficial to you? Here’s a look at some of the features we researched while reviewing products and why (or why not) they can be helpful for you and your dog’s needs.
Durability
Retractable leashes have mechanisms inside the handle that need to be durable and work properly. Many of the best retractable dog leashes we looked at had very similar features, brake/lock buttons, and reel designs.
While the retractable leashes we reviewed generally receive consistently high ratings, there are incidences of mechanisms wearing out, becoming stuck/twisted, or simply just breaking.
Handle Design
When it comes to the best retractable dog leash handle designs, not all handles are created equal. It’s important to have a leash handle that fits securely in your hand without slipping.
Bulky or heavy handle designs are also problematic for some dog walkers to safely grip and can also be uncomfortable, especially for long walks.
Locking Buttons
There are two points to consider when testing out locking buttons on a retractable leash.
First, you want to be easily able to reach and engage the locking button on the handle, so handle size and button location are important to test out.
Second, make sure the button moves and locks easily with one hand. Buttons that ‘stick’ or require extra wiggling or strength to engage can cause safety issues.
Retractable Leash Concerns
There are a few concerns that some dog trainers and dog walkers have pointed out and should be considered before investing in a retractable leash.
- Too much leash length for control, particularly in crowded areas or by traffic.
- Long leash length can cause tangling around limbs and create leash knots.
- Retractable mechanisms can break or become loose leading to injuries.
- Pulling behavior is rewarded by extra length.
As with all leashes, do not allow the leash to become wrapped around any body parts. Stop using the leash if you notice fraying or damage to the leash. It’s especially important to inspect your leash before walks if your dog has a habit of chewing or biting.
While Working On Leash Training
If your dog pulls while on a leash or if you are working on training your dog not to pull on a leash, we suggest using a traditional leash instead of a retractable leash. Retractable leashes can be easier for dogs to pull out of your hands if they become excited or scared.
If your dog pulls, check out our reviews on the best collars and harnesses specifically for dogs that pull to help you find a good fit for your companion.
Our Final Thoughts
After filtering through a lot of information and feedback from dog trainers and dog walkers, it’s important to make sure your dog is trained well and that you choose the best retractable dog leash that is durable and has a properly fitting handle.
When it comes to those key features, take a look at the Flexi Comfort Retractable Dog Leash to see if it’s a good fit for you and your dog.
Hope this helps provide valuable information to lead you in the right direction for the best retractable dog leash for your lifestyle.
