As the name suggests, a retractable dog lead essentially extends as your dog moves and enables you to retract the lead when you want your pooch closer. Because of this, they're a great way to give you the safety of your dog being on a lead, while still giving them some independence to roam and explore.

There are a few types of retractable dog leashes: nylon, tape, and chew-proof designs with steel wiring. It depends on your needs, but we don’t recommend nylon for tough or heavy dogs as they can more easily snap or break. Go for a chew-proof with wiring if your dog is prone to chewing. Brake settings A retractable dog lead is the perfect way to give your dog the space and freedom to roam in situations where they need to stay on lead. Extending dog leads easily extend and retract as your dog goes for their walk, giving them more freedom and you an easy tangle-free way to walk your dog on a longer lead. A. We'd generally recommend using a harness rather than a collar with a retractable dog leash. You should avoid letting your dog run and jerk to a stop at the end of the leash, but it's much less likely to cause injury if the leash is attached to a harness. Your dog's safety is reliant on this piece of mechanical equipment so don't go for the cheapest one you can find. The best retractable dog lead is a brand you can trust so do your research. The two biggest names in the extendable dog lead market are the Flexi lead and KONG retractable dog leads. The main variable that affects the price of retractable dog leashes is the maximum weight limit, though the overall leash length can be a factor, too.

Are retractable dog leads bad for big dogs?

You can maintain better control of a dog that can't safely run off leash due to aggression toward other dogs or poor obedience to the recall command. Retractable dog leads are designed to keep your dog close by and in your control, while still giving them plenty of freedom – so yes, they do work for that purpose. Give your dog freedom to enjoy their walk whilst you stay in control. Kong Retractable Leash - Ultimate You can use this Kong leash for dogs up to 150 pounds, comparable to a Mastiff, American bulldog, or Leonberger. It also comes color-coordinated with reflective stitching for added safety, which you’ll need with those heavy pullers in low-light conditions. We would have liked a keyring slot for a baggie holder, but that’s not a dealbreaker. What to look for in the best retractable dog leashes Type Give your dog freedom to enjoy their walk whilst you stay in control. Kong Retractable Leash - Reflect

For dogs who will munch on anything, this 16-foot chew-proof retractable dog leash from Puptek features 15 inches of detachable chew-proof steel wire rope. Compared to alternative stainless steel rope, the wire design rope is overall lighter making it a more user-friendly experience when going for long walks and the best chew-proof retractable dog leash. Kong's Ultimate extendable dog lead is super strong, designed especially for extra large dogs up to 70kg or very strong dogs. Very large dogs often require a lead with heavy duty strength. This retractable lead offers a rugged design and is built to last. It offers 5m of freedom on a wide colour coordinated tape with reflective stitching for low light conditions. A retractable dog leash lets your dog wander in open spaces while still on the leash, particularly important if your area has leash laws. Why it made the cut: Extra durable, extra rugged, and extra powerful dog leash for dogs up to 150 lbs, suitable for most large dog breeds like Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, and Rottweilers. And with reinforced tape, it promises to withstand intense use, so you can be completely confident that it'll hold up and in no way be flimsy.Why it made the cut: With 15 inches of chew-proof steel wire, this retractable dog leash promises to keep your munch-happy pups from chewing through their lead.