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Best Retractable Leashes for Dogs of All Sizes

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  April 28th, 2021

Take a look at our diverse list of retractable leashes for dogs of all sizes, with different features and styles — any pet pawrent can find what they need!

We all want only the best for our pets- and if it were possible, we’d love for our four-legged companions to have complete freedom to run around, explore, and sniff as many butts as their little hearts desire. Unfortunately, for most, letting their dogs walk off-leash is not a plausible scenario. Be it because of regulations in their are or simply because of their dog’s safety, walking on a leash is an absolute must for the majority of canines. Traditional dog leashes are always a good option, but retractable leashes for dogs have their advantages and benefits. If you want to give your pet the freedom to walk without feeling restricted and yet have control over their movement and safety, retractable leashes are the way to go.

How Do Retractable Leashes Work?

The way retractable leashes work is that they have a wound ribbon inside the handle that can give your pooch the ability to walk 20 to 30 feet away from you. Almost like there’s no leash between you and your pet, letting them explore the world on their own terms. With a click, though, you can control the length of the leash and keep them close to you when the need arises. In a way, retractable leashes offer the best of both worlds- safety and freedom. Of course, that freedom and leisure that pooches have also mean that you have to keep your eyes open for any lurking danger.

If not used with care, retractable leashes can be dangerous in the same way off-leash walks are. Your dog could come face to face with an aggressive dog or run off the sidewalk in front of a speeding car. That’s why it’s important to be careful when using a retractable leash in the city. Use the locking mechanism to keep your pooch restrained at a leash length of few feet, same as you would with a traditional plain leash. Retractable leashes are ideally suited for hiking and walks in nature, where there are no cars speeding or hundreds of people on the pavement whose legs could get tangled if you let your leash go long.

How to Choose the Right Retractable Leash?

As for the quality and design of retractable leashes, there are a few key factors to pay attention to if you want the best bang for your buck. The handle should not be too heavy and needs to be comfortable to hold- you don’t want to be straining your wrists multiple times a day. If your dog is prone to tangling and pulling, you don’t want a cord retractable leash that could be painful if wrapped around a leg- opt for ribbon-style instead. Different locking features, reflective fabric, lamps, poop bag dispensers- these are all additional bonuses whose appeal will vary with individual preferences.

We’ve put together a diverse list of retractable leashes for dogs of all sizes, with different features and styles, so any pet pawrent can find what they need in minutes. Take a look and make your pick- you can’t go wrong with either of them!

1. TUG Patented 360° Tangle-Free, Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash

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Durable, simple to use, and affordable- TUG retractable leash ticks all the boxes for the majority of dog owners. The length of the tape ribbon is 16 feet, which is more than enough for most doggos, and the patented 360 design of the opening makes sure your leash doesn’t get tangled when your pooch is running amok. The handle is ergonomically designed to be anti-slip, so it feels good in the hand and gives you a firm grip. TUG locks quickly and easily with one push of a button, so you won’t have to worry about your pet getting too far from you when you don’t want them to. This retractable leash comes in small, medium, and large, to accommodate dogs from under 25 pounds to over 110 pounds.

2. Tao Tronics Retractable Leash with a Poop Bag Dispenser

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When out on a walk with your dog there is one thing that you do not want to be – unprepared! That’s why we love the Tao Tronics Retractable Leash with a Poop Bag Dispenser included. The durable ABS plastic handle with an anti slip, ergonomic grip fits perfectly in your hand. It is both lightweight and durable and its nylon leash will extend up to 16 feet. It has a one button system so that you can break, release and recoil with just the move of your finger. The Tao Tronics leash makes your dog’s walks easy on you! The core spring works in all weather conditions even in freezing temperatures in case you wanted to try out dog sledding one day. The leash comes with a bone shaped poop bag dispenser already filled with bags so you are always on the ready when your pooch is prepared to do their business.

3. UPSKY Retractable Dog Leash with Flashlight

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When it comes to retractable leashes for night walking, it is hard to beat the UPSKY. With its detachable flashlight, this dog leash doesn’t only help your pet (and you) be more visible in the dark, but it also makes it easier for you to see your surroundings clearly. The bright light shines directly on your pooch, so you won’t have to worry about your pet picking up something nasty in the dark. With its easy lock system, keeping your pet close to you also won’t be an issue, as it only takes one click of a button to lock the tape. This illuminating retractable leash is 16 ft long and it’s suited for small breed dogs.

4. Unico Retractable Dog Leash

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You don’t always need tons of tricks incorporated into your leash when you take your dog out for a walk. Sometimes all you need is a great, sturdy retractable leash. We picked the Unico Retractable Leash for its simplicity. Even though it doesn’t pack itself with a million pop-up options it does not skimp on the important details. While the leash is made out of durable nylon, we find that the handle is just as important. How good can a leash be if it is uncomfortable or difficult to hold? The handle on the Unico Retractable leash handle is ergonomic, anti-slip and safe to grip. The quick lock, pause and unlock button can be easily engaged simply with your thumb. You can choose the size that is best for your pet as it comes in both a 3- and 5- meter size. The leash will swivel 360 degrees and with the easy retraction you never have to worry about your dog getting twisted up while walking. It gives him the freedom to walk around you without you having to untie and untangle the tableau.

5. URPOWER Upgraded Retractable Dog Leash

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In case you don’t need whistles and bells and need a reliable, affordable retractable leash for average use, you can’t go wrong with URPOWER. The durable nylon tape won’t tangle thanks to a 360 degrees rotational system and it will hold pups up to 55 pounds or up to 110 pounds- depending on which of the sizes you get. With this leash, your dog will get 16 feet of distance from you- or less, if you decide to brake or lock with one button press.

6. Idepet Anti-Chew Retractable Dog Leash

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For dogs who tend to chew on their leash, a regular retractable leash is not an option. The tape can be chewed through much more easily than a regular leash- which is why Idepet boasts a chain end that connects to your pet’s harness or collar. This way, you get the best of both worlds: the flexibility of a retractable leash and toughness of an anti-chew classic leash. And don’t let the chain fool you- this leash is really lightweight and feels comfortable in the hand. With 16 feet of length, this retractable leash is suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds.

7. LEMKA Retractable Dog Leash

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The innovative design of this anti-slip handle makes it comfortable and convenient, and you’ll have a firm grip on your pooch throughout the walk. You can choose between pink, orange, and white for the handle- a welcome variety that meets different personal tastes. But what might be the best thing about LEMKA retractable dog leash is its built-in bright LED bulb that illuminates the path for your pooch and you on night walks. The length of the strap is 16 feet and it is suitable for medium and large dog breeds.

8. Dogness Smart Retractable Leash Kit

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The Dogness Smart Retractable Leash kit is more than a retractable leash, it has all the accessories you may want or need during your walks! Bluetooth speaker? Check. LED light? Check. Convenience box? Check. The leash itself has a metal switch constructed from stainless steel that is so durable it can withstand pulling of up to five times of your companion’s weight. So, fill up the convenience box with some poop bags or snacks, throw some tunes on the Bluetooth speaker and head out for a night time walk with your LED light leading the way.

9. Flexi New Classic Retractable Dog Leash

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A tried-and-true classic in an upgraded version, this Flexi dog leash features a cord with a flat tape ending, instead of flat ribbons like most do. This means that it’s less likely to wear out with time, and smoother release and retraction. Rugged and smooth- a winning combo for retractable leashes. However, this also means that dogs who tend to get tangled in their leash are not going to love this one- the cord can be harsh when tightened around a dog’s body. Flexi New Classic has 16 feet of cord and suits dogs up to 44 pounds.

10. ThunderLeash Dial-A-Distance Safe Retractable Dog Leash

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We’re only human- and sometimes it can be difficult to keep your eyes on your pet at all times. Not to mention that it can be near impossible to gauge the distance of the leash! That’s why ThunderLeash Dial-a-Distance makes your walks more carefree. You can simply use the dial to set up the automatic point of locking- anywhere between 0 to 15 feet. When your pet gets too far, the leash stops to a halt, forcing them to be right where you want them. This innovative dog leash is designed to support dogs that weigh up to 50 pounds.

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Use of "home-grown" meat draws ire from followers and falls on the heels of last year's negative press.

Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston got a big surprise when they found a dog trapped inside a shipping container. While inspecting the containers, Lucas Loe, Bryan Wainscott, Jose Reyes, and Ryan McMahon heard scratching and barking coming from inside one of them. After bringing the container down to ground level—it had been roughly 25 feet up—they opened it to find an adorable dog desperate to get out.A Dog Rescued Against All OddsThe poor dog had been stuck in that container, which had junked vehicles and was set to be shipped overseas, for at least eight days without any food or water. How she got in there in the first place is a mystery, but they think she might’ve been in one of the cars that was put in the container.What makes this story even more incredible is the fact that there were thousands of shipping containers along with the one that the friendly dog was trapped in, so she’s very lucky that the inspectors heard her and rescued her in time. They named her Connie, and her story quickly went viral. She’s even referred to as Connie the Container Dog. A video posted on Facebook shows her rescue.According to a U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Facebook post, Connie was thrilled and grateful to be free, but she was also tired and hungry. She was taken to Pasadena Animal Shelter to be examined before being flown to Forever Changed Animal Rescue (FCAR) in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She was diagnosed with heartworm and was found to be underweight.A New Discovery: Connie the Container Dog Is PregnantAfter her rescuers noticed that Connie’s mammary glands were swollen, they worried that she’d given birth to and lost her puppies while she was trapped in the container. But an ultrasound revealed that she is indeed pregnant.Once she’s healed and ready to be adopted, Connie will be looking for a forever home. And her puppies will also be looking for homes once they’re old enough. In the meantime, she’ll stay with a veterinarian who will keep a close eye on her and make sure that she and her puppies are doing well.To keep up with Connie’s journey, you can follow FCAR’s Facebook page.You can also watch this video to see Connie and her rescuers:

What Should I Include in a Pet First Aid Kit?

As loving pet parents, we do everything possible to keep our furry companions safe and healthy. However, life is unpredictable, and accidents happen, so we must be prepared for unexpected emergencies. This includes ensuring we have a fully stocked, pet-friendly first aid kit available. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential items you should have on hand to care for your pet in those unforeseen moments. From basic cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries, you’ll be prepared to act as your pet’s first line of defense when it matters most. Can You Use a Human First Aid Kit on Dogs and Cats? Yes, sort of. Most of the items included in a human first aid kit can be used to treat your pet in the case of an emergency. You may be wondering – if they can use the same supplies, why do I need a first aid kit specifically for pets? Some items you won’t find in a human first aid kit may be necessary depending on your pet’s injury or ailment. These could address a problem that only a dog or cat could experience, or they may involve finding alternatives for human products that are unsafe for our pets, like human medications. What Human First Aid Products Can Be Used on Dogs and Cats? Most standard items in your first aid kit can be used on dogs and cats. For example, bandages, gauze pads, ice packs, and medical tape are all suitable for pets. They are the exact same items often included in both human and pet first aid kits. Tools like scissors, latex gloves, and tweezers will also be helpful when performing first aid on a pet. This means that if you currently have a standard human first aid kit at home, you are already well on your way to being prepared to take care of your pet in an emergency. To update your human first aid kit and make it suitable for pets, you will just need to add a few important items:

How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

Possible Cancer Vaccine for Dogs in the Works

Mark your calendar because May 2024 marks the end of a 5-year clinical trial that may put an end to many canine cancers.

Newfoundland Dogs Deliver Your Tree at This US Christmas Tree Farm

“It’s a great way to expose people to the joy of Christmas but also teach people about Newfoundland dogs,” explained Lindsay Eshelman when asked about her family farm. “They’re big, and sometimes people are scared of big dogs, and we want to show that they’re gentle giants.”The Esheman family’s love of the breed is evident, with four Newfoundland dogs currently among their ranks. But they didn’t want to stop there. By inviting Newfies from far and wide to come together, they have rightfully earned the title “The Newfoundland Farm.” The event has become a big part of what they do, a tradition they excitedly look forward to year after year.“We are a destination for these dogs,” Eshelman said. “We actually have had people drive all the way from Vermont, Maine, Ohio – those are ten-plus hour-long drives.”Are you interested in joining the festivities next year, but your dog doesn’t quite fit the breed? Don’t worry! Their Facebook states that all dogs are welcome, not just Newfies. If your dog isn’t keen on public spaces, that’s okay too! Dog lovers are welcome to join in with or without a dog. There will be plenty of adorable pups eager to enjoy your attention.So, start planning your trip to Pennsylvania next year to participate in Newfoundland Day and make some unique holiday memories.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Shows These Dog Breeds Most Likely To Have an Extra Row of Teeth

Is your pooch more likely to sport a second row of teeth? The so-called “Shark Teeth” is a little-known dental condition that can affect up to 7% of doggos around the world. The “disorder” is officially known as persistent deciduous teeth (PDT) and it means that instead of falling out as you’d expect, baby teeth remain in the gums when adult teeth come through. The condition is not particularly dangerous, but even so, it can be odd or cause slight discomfort to a dog. Recent studies revealed that the dog breeds most likely to suffer from PDT are the Toy Poodle, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, and the Chihuahua. What exactly is PTD? And what does it cause? The disorder causes  malocclusion, or - in simpler terms - a misaligned bite. In the long run, this can cause your pet’s mouth to bleed, and also increase the risk of periodontal disease, which is considered a serious gum infection.The research team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in Leicestershire, led by Corrin Wallis, released their new study that focuses on PDT specifically. “Dogs use their teeth for a multitude of tasks and, as such, it is vital for their health and wellbeing that their oral health is maintained,” Wallis and colleagues  say.  “Persistent deciduous teeth (PDT), those that fail to fall out at the appropriate time, are associated with malocclusion (misaligned bite), soft tissue trauma and increased risk of periodontal disease.”In the course of their extensive study, which has been published in the journal  Research in Veterinary Science, the team from Leicestershire examined medical records from up to 2.8 million dogs in the US, in just a span of five years, from January 2010 to December 2014. The study itself was a major undertaking. Ultimately, it was revealed that the prevalence of PDT was 7%. When it comes to individual breeds, it was revealed that the highest prevalence is amongst the Yorkshire Terriers with 25.1%, followed by the Maltese and the Poodle, both with 14.8%.On the lower end of that spectrum, the lowest prevalence was with the Greyhound, with 0.1%, followed by the Rhodesian Ridgeback with 0.2%. Amongst those breeds with lower percentages were also the English Bulldog, the Boxer, and the Great Dane, with 0.4%. All of this reveals that the smaller the breed, the higher the percentage. The team is not certain why smaller breeds have a higher percentage, but it could be linked to their genetics. The team said that it was crucial for owners of smaller breeds to have a thorough oral examination at around six months of age. This can help them identify and remove PDT in its early stages. “Once identified, PDT can be removed and if this is carried out by six months of age, the chances of problems associated with PDT, such as the development of periodontal disease or malocclusion, can likely be greatly reduced,” they said. 

San Juan Puerto Rico’s Iconic Stray Felines to Be Evicted

One-year deadline imposed by the US National Park Service to shift almost 200 cats from 16th-century El Morro fortress.

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