The problem: Need more leash
Dogs love to go on walks, but we’re sure it can be frustrating for them to deal with just six or seven feet of clearance between themselves and their owners.
After all, there’s so much of the outside world to see, so why settle for such a confined space?
The solution: Retractable leashes
While more traditional fixed length leashes are quite a bit safer for use in busy city streets, retractable dog leashes are great tools that allow your dog to explore his or her environment unimpeded.
They’re also quite a bit longer, so once you properly train your dog to use one you can satisfy their curiosity while still keeping them close at hand.
Popular retractable dog leashes reviewed
In this article, we’ll be examining and reviewing the top five popular options in the market, to give you a better idea of what’s out there. Without further ado then, let’s get started.
#1 – Hertzko Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash
Our first leash is a great one to kick things off because it’s a very basic, classic design that does everything you want a retractable leash to do.
The plastic housing is thick and sturdy, the nylon leash is reliable for even large dogs, and it provides a lot of clearance in any direction for your pup to roam.
One key thing you’ll appreciate when training your dog is that the handle is quite ergonomic. Your fingers naturally find a resting place and the soft contours means it remains quite comfortable for long stretches of time.
Pros
- Locking mechanism is secure
- Metal attachment for the collar is thick and sturdy
Cons
- Nylon construction is fine for walking, but if your dog has access to it at home they can chew through it quite quickly
Customer feedback
The key selling point for this product is undoubtedly its durable construction because that’s what customers find most comforting about their purchase. Many of them exclaim that the leash has held up flawless across many different dogs, and the locking mechanism itself has also never failed in all that time.
It’s so strong in fact that even strong, scared dogs trying desperately to escape couldn’t break through the line, which means you don’t have to worry about tracking down a loose pet. Some complain that the brake button is too stiff at first, but it should quickly break in over time.
#2 – TaoTronics Retractable Dog Leash
Another solid option that borrows much of the design philosophy of the Hertzko is this leash from TaoTronics.
The nylon is marketed as “tangle-free” which might actually be true since in our testing it never got caught or wrapped around itself, which makes it hassle-free and quite fun to use.
The leash itself, however, is probably on par when it comes to the nylon build of our previous entry, so don’t expect it to stand up to aggressive biting.
Pros
- Included doggie bags are a nice bonus
- Action on the leash is quite smooth
Cons
- A bit heavier when compared to other models
Customer feedback
A majority of owners are quite satisfied with the TaoTronics leash. The ABS plastic holds up well to both the weather and wear and tear of everyday life, and the nylon itself is remarkably strong and is quite capable of holding back bigger dogs.
Some customers do state that over the course of a few years the locking mechanism begins to break down, which can be cause for concern. Still, if you have a smaller dog than you shouldn’t experience this problem.
#3 – TUG 360-Degree Tangle-Free Dog Leash
If you have a big dog and you don’t want to worry about your leash wearing down, then consider this high-end product from TUG.
From top to bottom, this leash is made of extremely high-quality materials like stainless steel and fiberglass, which adds quite a bit of strength to the retracting mechanism.
The retracting mechanism component is what’s most likely to break over time, so the extra help here will greatly improve the lifespan of the product, which is always quite appreciated.
Pros
- Leash works in any direction and orientation
- Small, but powerful
- Many different buying options for dogs of different size
Cons
- Smaller sizes seem to be quite weaker than the largest one
Customer feedback
Those looking for premium feel and looks have found it in this retractable leash, which has won over the hearts of skeptics with its incredible performance.
All the buttons and locks are easy to use even for those with weaker hands, and the 360-degree design of the leash belt means owners no longer have to snap their arms in position to pull their dog back.
Some customers have expressed concern that even small dogs were able to snap the nylon on the smaller models of this leash, which means it might be worth it to go for the strongest version to keep some peace of mind.
#4 – TRDL Triton Retractable Dog Leash
That thin piece of nylon is all that tethers you to your beloved canine, so you never want it to fail. Luckily, this leash by TRDL offers an impressive lifetime warranty against any failures in the product.
A new leash won’t bring your lost pup back, but the guarantee does show that TRDL is quite confident in their product. Aside from that, it has all the features you would expect. It’s 16-feet long with a reliable lock, so you’re getting everything that you pay for.
Pros
- Affordable considering the quality of the construction
- Guarantee is a sign of quality and confidence
Cons
- There is no specified weight limit for dogs, so if you have a large breed you might not want to risk testing it out.
Customer feedback
For owners of small and medium-sized dogs, this leash has proven to be a solid purchase that stands up to the rigors of regular walks quite well. Owners comment that even large dogs are held in place by the strong nylon ribbon, which, while not chew-proof, can withstand the occasional bite.
While there are quite a few of these reports, there is no manufacturer guarantee that the product will work for large breeds, which means you’re using it at your own risk. There have been some customers that broke their unit quite rapidly, so if you’re the owner of a big dog, it might be worth it to try something else.
#5 – URPOWER Retractable Dog Leash
Our final product doesn’t reinvent the wheel but instead refines that same style that we’ve seen before with some small quality of life improvements.
The single button on the top performs all the actions that would expect, which is a nice elegant improvement over some other clunkier models.
This makes it easy to operate with just one hand, leaving your second free for a coffee in those wee hours of the morning.
Pros
- Button holds up well over time
- Lock is very strong and can stop your dog on a dime if needed
Cons
- While the outside of the leash is weatherproof, the internals are not
Customer feedback
Most customers love this product, and for good reason. It’s strong, attractive, reliable, and convenient. If you buy the large size you shouldn’t experience any problems with your bigger breeds, which makes it the wise investment even if you just need it for a Chihuahua.
That doesn’t mean the leash is perfect though. At full extension, a dog with powerful jaws can rip through the leash quite easily, so while it’s advertised as being 16 feet long, you’ll never want to use its full length.
Retractable leashes, the final tug
A retractable dog leash can be a great investment for your pet if you live in open areas or love to frequent parks where there’s little risk in letting him or her sniff around unimpeded.
While they all share similar designs and functionality, there are subtle nuances that change how effective they are for owners and their pets.
This article tore into the pros and cons of some of the most popular models of each to inform you before buying, so pick out your favorite and have at it!