Walk Your Pup With One of the Best Retractable Dog Leashes

If your dog is a puller, you know all too well how vital a good leashing system can be to keep him safely contained in his yard.

Unfortunately, not all retractable leash systems are the same, so it’s important to understand what makes one system superior to another.

That means determining which type of metal is best for the dog, what adjustments you should make, and what other features will make your life easier in finding the right leashed pup for you and your home.

Fortunately, our team is here to help. We‘ve written this handy guide to choosing and using retractables to ensure you get the most out of your money s worth.

If you're looking to buy a retractible leash for your pup, please see our top recommendations.

TIPS

If your dog has a restricted movement and refuses to sit down, try a retractable leash. These may only be adjustable up to a certain height, so be careful. They also tend to be much more expensive than standard leash attachments.

Leashes should be the easiest thing to adjust. If your pup has trouble getting onto a leash, or can’t hold it in place for long periods of time, he might become frustrated. He might also try to pull on the leash as he runs away, which isn't a good idea.

Some retractables have a plastic sleeve that sits over the end of the handle, keeping it from slipping out of your hands. This can be handy if you have particularly short or tall dogs.

 CONSIDERATIONS

The following are a few other products we considered during our research.

The Yard Works Home Leash is our favorite retractable leash on the list. It features a durable nylon webbing that gives you plenty of slack and a quick-release buckle.

The leash also comes in three colors, so you can match it to your yard or apartment décor.

We also like the Brindle Hollow Point Retractables Dog Leashes. This set of four leash loops has a snap-lock mechanism for convenient and secure clip-on leashing.

These leashed dogs come in an attractive red and white design, and the fabric is machine washable.

PRICES

Retractible leash prices generally range from $25 to $200. These products are largely made of plastic and tend to be high-quality and durable.

Inexpensive

Most retractable leashing options start out around $30. At this price, you’re likely getting a lower-grade leash that may or may not be retractible.

Mid-range

For $50 to around a $100, the products tend towards higher-end features, such as additional retractibility features and tethers that extend the length of the leash.

Expensive

If you spend over $150, be sure to get a retractability leash with all the bells and whistles, including color, color-coded retracting mechanisms, and extra tether attachments.

FEATURES

The weight of a leash will dictate the ease with which you can carry it. You need something lightweight and easy to handle.

Length 

This will determine where the leash attaches to your dog. The length will also dictate where you attach the collar. Tail Length is also a factor and determines how far the dog can pull.

Color 

Most retractable leashing works on the color combination of your leashed animal. For example, a blue leash may work better with a tan or black dog, etc. If the leash color does not match your animal, you may run into problems.

Material 

One of two materials is used for retracting the chain: plastic or metal. Both have their pros and cons. Plastic is more durable, but it is less comfortable to hold. Metal is much sturdier, and it does the job just as well.

Comfort 

Comfort is the most important feature to look for in any retractible leash. This is because dogs of different sizes and breeds will have different reactions to the cord. Some leas will not retract the full chain past the clasp, while others retract it all the way to its original attachment point.

Leashes with retractability features also give you more flexibility when it comes to how you carry the lead.

ABOUT

The first thing you’ll want to do is find out the length of the leash that your dog should have. This will vary depending on your size, so you need to research this before buying.

Smaller dogs typically need a leash no longer than 6 feet, while large dogs need leashed lengths of at least 10 feet.

The next thing to consider is the maximum weight your pup can carry. Some leashing systems are designed to hold just as much weight, and some are specifically designed not to allow the dog to over-haul. You'll then need the correct type of harness for your particular dog.

Types

There are two main types of retractable leash systems: clip and harness.

A clip leash system is basically a long leash clipped onto a harness that fits your pet”s neck. In most cases, it‘s easy to adjust the clip so your pooch can pull at the collar, but it can be more difficult to remove from the harness if your little guy starts to get a little too carried away.

On the other hand, a full harness system has a wide collar with a heavy weight sewn into it. These kinds of leash systems tend to be better for big dogs who need lots of physical effort to pull. However, with this type comes a high price tag.

As for the strength of these leasings, they re usually comparable to the non-reinforced varieties.

Price

You can find retractables for as little as $10 to $20. Retractables with higher-quality harnesses can cost as high as around $100.

Reinforced leashes are made from thick nylon that s welded into the appropriate places on the body of your animal. Their strength is comparable with that of clip leazes, though they also tend not be as easy for little pooches to break free of. They also take up more space, which is a drawback if you have a large dog (and if space is limited in your home, too).

Price Reinforcement leashes start at around around a dollar per leash and can reach up to several hundred dollars. There is some variation between brands, of course, as some manufacturers are more concerned with selling as many retractibles as possible than they are with making the best-fitting harness.