Best Retractable Dog Leash

Importance of a Good Leash

The best retractable dog leash must fit your dog to a tee. Any pet owner who walks their dog needs a leash, but the leash you choose should be sturdy and reliable. Read on to learn all about how to choose the best fit for your pet!

Choosing the wrong leash can actually put your dog in danger. A poorly-made or improper leash could mean your pet ends up loose or in a dangerous situation.

Conversely, if you choose the right leash it can make walks with your pet so much more fun. However, if your dog pulls while on leash, you should see our Best Dog Harness article to ensure they do not harm themselves.

A Warning on Using Retractable Leashes

You should NEVER use a retractable leash without remembering the immense danger it potentially puts your pet in. The only dog owners who should use these leashes are responsible pet owners in areas with NO traffic. You should NOT use this type of leash unless you are in a region where your pet cannot dash into the street. Your dog IS faster than your reaction time.  

If you think your dog would be best suited by a standard leash, see Best Dog Leashes.

Five Best Retractable Dog Leashes

As a certified dog trainer, I’ve spent lots of time walking with dogs on leash, and I know what works best for some dogs and what simply doesn’t. Using trial and error, I have worked to find the best dog leash for your pet.

Each of these leashes has a certain scenario or feature that sets it apart from the rest: durability, all-around use, value, etc. It is difficult to provide an all-encompassing choice of which dog leash is best, but we have ranked them in terms of quality, price, versatility, ergonomy, and more.

Here is our unbiased review of the top 5 best retractable dog leashes available!

All-Around Favorite Dog Leash

Review Highlights:

“… Excellent quality, the handle is very comfortable with a nonslip rubbery feel and big enough to accommodate any size hand …”

“… The handle is sturdy yet not heavy, with an easy grip. This is a great leash, especially for the cost …”

“… Works great for my medium/large dog… so far it has been nice and sturdy and comfortable to use. The travel bowl is a nice bonus for longer hikes …”

This product is a great, standard, all-around choice if you’re looking for a retractable leash. It has a durable nylon lead and good durability for regular use. In addition to a sturdy product, you also receive a collapsible dog bowl for travel and a dispenser for your dog poop bags.

Feature Highlights:

  • Durable nylon material.
  • Has a break and a lock setting to better control your pet.
  • Anti-slip handle helps you keep your grip.

Again, you should never use any retractable leash near a street of any kind. Your dog can move much faster than you can react, and near a street this can literally mean life and death. Please, only use a retractable leash in areas with open space, like parks, and do so with caution.

You should always monitor your pet to ensure they do not chew on any retractable leash. Thankfully, this product uses durable nylon material to keep your pet from snapping the leash. The added leash and doggie bag holder makes this a great all-around choice for your pet. Recommended for: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retriever, Bulldogs, Pitbulls, and more.

Most Durable Retractable Leash

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Review Highlights:

“… The handle is big enough for me to comfortably hold the lease without my fingers getting cramped… The brake button is larger than any leash I’ve previously used, and is very easy to use …”

“… Well designed! Comfortable to hold and very smooth operation. The temporary lock is very easy to lock… The hold lock feature is smooth as well, easy to manipulate …”

“… The leash was very sturdy and feels great in my hand. The retracting mechanism worked like a charm and I definitely would recommend… Can’t beat the price either! …”

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$17.99

Durability is incredibly important in a retractable leash. Though all the products listed in this list have great durability, this product takes it up a notch. This tangle-free heavy-duty leash keeps standard sized dogs safely restrained while on leash.

Feature Highlights:

  • Measures 16 ft. long fully extended.
  • Uses durable ribbon-style nylon for long-term use.
  • Easy and smooth locking mechanism.

Again, you should never use any retractable leash near a street of any kind. Your dog can move much faster than you can react, and near a street this can literally mean life and death. Please, only use a retractable leash in areas with open space, like parks, and do so with caution.

This product uses durable materials that work well for most standard-sized dogs. Its tangle-free feature keeps the leash retracting easily, no matter where your dog roams. Three different sizes allow you to walk different sized dogs safely. Recommended for: Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, German Shepherds, Maltese, and more.

Best Value Dog Leash

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Review Highlights:

“… It’s a strong leash. I bought it for my elderly golden retriever, and while I was nervous that it wouldn’t be strong enough for her, I am now confident it’ll work out great …”

“… This is probably the best leash we’ve ever used! great quality and strong! We’ve used it for about a few months now and it’s not gotten tangled or anything. love it …”

“… Have used a few time now and this is really a great leash. It retracts easily and the stop button works great. Price was great and shipped fast …”

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You want a good value dog leash, but you don’t want to sacrifice quality either. This leash uses a durable nylon ribbon and includes features that you need in any retractable leash. It provides a great product at an equally great value.

Feature Highlights:

  • Measures 10 ft. at full extension.
  • Bright color is easily visible in low light.
  • Easy-grip handle for better control.

Again, you should never use any retractable leash near a street of any kind. Your dog can move much faster than you can react, and near a street this can literally mean life and death. Please, only use a retractable leash in areas with open space, like parks, and do so with caution.

This product is a great value, but it is only appropriate for small to medium-sized dogs. It has durable construction, but you should ensure your pet does not chew on the leash to prevent any weakness. For most dogs, this product gives you a great product at a great cost. Recommended for: Yorkies, Beagles, Frenchies, Schnauzers, Shih-Tzus, and more.

Best Dual Retractable Leash

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Review Highlights:

“… leash works great. It is very easy and comfortable to hold on to. The braking system is easy to use. Definitely recommend …”

“… WOW! Very surprised with the quality of this package…
the lock is high quality… it feels so secure! The leash is pretty heavy and steady, I like it …”

“… I have an over 100 pounds golden retriever it works perfectly on him,and is really comfortable to hold in the hand. I would highly recommend this leash …”

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If you have two dogs, you know that it can be a handful to walk both of them at once! Thankfully, this leash allows you to clip both dogs to the same handle and gives you better control. It also rotates to keep them from tangling.

Feature Highlights:

  • Durable nylon leashes on rotating head to prevent tangling.
  • Built-in flashlight for top visibility in low light.
  • Reflective bright colors increase visibility.

Again, you should never use any retractable leash near a street of any kind. Your dog can move much faster than you can react, and near a street this can literally mean life and death. Please, only use a retractable leash in areas with open space, like parks, and do so with caution.

This leash is perfect for handling two dogs easily. The rotating head allows your pets to move about freely without tangling or crossing their leashes. The bright colored reflective material also keeps your pets easily visible, even in low light. Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Spaniels, Dachshunds, and more!

Longest Retractable Leash

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Review Highlights:

“… The florescent green material is bright and is easily seen in the dark. After a year… my now 105lb dog has failed to break this leash. It’s still going strong !!! …”

“… If you have a large Dog, this is the retractable leash for you… Love the high visibility lead as well. I love it and am VERY pleased… Great product! …”

“… This has been perfect for all of my hiking and running. It is really sturdy and continues to operate perfectly. Thanks for the great product! …”

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$43.54

For most pet owners, the point of a retractable leash is allowing your pet a little extra freedom. If your dog is well behaved and listens to you, then you might want an extra-long leash to let them run and play while hiking or at the park.

Feature Highlights:

  • Comes in three sizes for different dog sizes/weights.
  • Measures 26 ft. long fully extended.
  • High quality, durable materials for long-lasting use.

Again, you should never use any retractable leash near a street of any kind. Your dog can move much faster than you can react, and near a street this can literally mean life and death. Please, only use a retractable leash in areas with open space, like parks, and do so with caution.

Before you go and let your dog take off running across a field, you need to remember one thing. The longer your dog can run, the more momentum they will garner. This is why it is important that your dog listens when you call, and you should use the leash as a last result to avoid injury to yourself or your pet. Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and more.