Many pet owners find themselves housing new puppies in an effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
That is, of course, until a howling husky wakes you up at 6 o’clock in the morning for a sprint around the block, or your stubborn Jack Russell paws at the bottom of your duvet when you’ve finally settled down for the evening because he needs to go outside. Suddenly, the active pup-owning lifestyle isn’t what you thought it would be.
Nevertheless, our fur babies are family, and we’d do absolutely anything for them - 6am walkies and 11pm emergency potty breaks included. Just like humans, every dog has their own idiosyncrasies that define their habits. Your anxious Poodle might only be able to sleep in a high-sided doughnut bed, while your larger-than-life Golden Retriever may require a special harness system to prevent them from walking you, when you’re supposed to be walking them.
Though these oddities are often unpreventable traits that are innate to a dog’s breed, some discomforts can be alleviated by introducing positive associations from as early on as possible in puppyhood. This is especially the case when it comes to early lead and harness training to make all future walks an absolute breeze.
Though there are a variety of different leads to choose from which have been designed with every size, shape, and breed of pup in mind – let’s go back to basics.
What’s the difference between retractable and non-retractable leads?
Retractable dog leads operate using a pully system relatively similar to your standard tape measure, just with more comfortable, pup-friendly materials for the cord. Often manufactured with lengths from three to eight metres, these leads provide the ability to keep your dog close and at heel when necessary while allowing them to roam relatively freely. The lock button can be used to lock in the length of the lead and will also retract the cord when slack.
On the other hand, non-retractable leads may not provide the same free-roam flexibility, but they certainly deliver on safety by providing a firm grip and the ability to keep a close eye on your pup.
What to consider when buying a retractable dog lead
- Training your dog with a regular lead first: Due to the fact that retractable leads can sometimes teach dogs to tug and pull once they understand the mechanism, it’s important to engage in proper lead training as early as possible with a standard lead.
- Using a harness: No matter how well-trained your dog is on a lead, it’s incredibly important to fit a harness rather than a standard collar when using a retractable lead. This prevents potential neck or back injury if your dog lurches suddenly or becomes distracted by something off in the distance.
- Understanding the length and power of your retractable lead: Consider just how far your retractable lead can stretch to prevent tangles. Keeping your lead from stretching too far also ensures you can maintain slack to retract the cord gently and slowly when necessary.
What to look or in a retractable dog lead
- Length: Choose a lead between three to eight metres in length depending on the size of your pup.
- Strength and suitability for your dog’s size: Extra-strong retractable leads with reinforced bungee cords might be more suitable for large dogs, while regular retractable leads are great for smaller dogs and puppies.
- Durability: Choose a cord material that isn’t prone to fraying or snapping and a handle with a firm yet soft grip.
What are the benefits of using a retractable dog lead?
Retractable leads provide the ultimate best of both worlds when it comes to flexibility and free roaming while remaining safely in control.
As such, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best retractable dog leads on the market, to make walkies with your fur baby more enjoyable than ever.
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Maxbone Speedy Retractable Leash
Lead length: 5 metres
This wonderfully stylish, pastel-hued retractable leash comes courtesy of the chic dog experts over at Maxbone. Uniquely finished in smooth silicone with an adorable smiley face motif and silver hardware, this speedy and incredibly easy-to-use retractable lead comes equipped with a fuss-free break and lock system. The lead itself has been finished with reflective webbing and is suitable for dogs weighing up to 44 pounds, or approximately 20kg.
The price listed below includes international shipping rates for the LA-based brand. Give your pup the Malibu Barbie treatment.
Buy now £56.06, Maxbone
TUG 360° Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Lead with Integrated Waste Bag Dispenser
Lead length: 5-8 metres
One of the most popular and well-loved manufacturers of dog leads, TUG takes the biscuit with this strong, sturdy and sleek retractable lead system with a built-in waste bag dispenser. Available in small, medium, and large depending on the size and weight of your pup, this tangle-free lead allows for 360-degree control over your dog no matter how far they roam.
Buy now £20.99, Amazon
Alder Alpha 360° Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Lead with Detachable Poo Bag Holder
Lead length: 5 metres
Coming in close behind the TUG lead is the Alder Alpha 360-degree retractable lead. We’re big fans of the stylish black and white colourway, as well as the fact that the waste bag attachment is removable. The ergonomic non-slip grip, tough nylon lead and impact-resistant lead box make this fantastic piece of kit suitable for dogs up to 30kg.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Flexi Leather Extending Lead Brown Medium
Lead length: 5 metres
Retractable leads aren’t normally nearly as stylish as classic leather and rope leads – or at least this was the case before we happened upon the smart extendable brown leather lead from Flexi. Though definitely on the more expensive side, we think that the fashion-forward leather and chrome finish certainly delivers bang for your buck. Plus, the lead box has an additional safety retraction mechanism that prevents the line from going slack, which means no more tangled battles with toes and paw pads.
Buy now £140.00, Pets at Home
Moestar UFO Retractable Dog Lead 360° Tangle Free
Lead length: 3-10 metres
This futuristic piece of kit may look like a hamster wheel or alien spaceship at first glance, but there’s more to this 360-degree, tangle-free dog lead than meets the eye. Crafted from shock-proof ABS material and capable of extending up to 10 metres, this lead can handle weights of up to 80kg. The ergonomically designed loop handle is comfortable to hold on long walks, and can also be slipped over the wrist for hands-free walking.
Buy now £24.59, Amazon
3 Peaks Retractable Extending Dog Lead Black Large
Lead length: 7.5metres
With a sturdy locking clip to prevent accidental release for even the largest dogs, the 3 Peaks Retractable dog lead also has a wide, sturdy tape complete with a reflective trim for the utmost safety. Though capable of extending up to 7.5 metres, the brand recommends keeping the tape short when in busy public places to prevent entanglement. Nevertheless, the intuitive braking system will help to keep your pup’s unexpected lurches at bay.
Buy now £20.00, Pets at Home
Makife Retractable Dog Lead with LED Light
Lead length: 5 metres
Though we’re partial to the bright pink colourway, this handy LED light retractable lead is also available in blue and black. The Makife lead comes with a two-button control system for length adjustment and braking, as well as a roll of waste bags that come discretely hidden away in an attachable bone-shaped holder.
Its crown jewel, however, sits atop this lead’s proverbial head. A beacon of safety, walkies at night have never felt safer than with a Makife and its fantastic LED light source for maximum visibility at all times.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Flexi Giant Neon Tape Black Large 8m Retractable Dog Lead
Lead length: 8 metres
It’s all in the name. This giant retractable lead is suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds – though is particularly handy for owners of XXL pups. The neon yellow tape can be spotted from a great distance, and the innovative hand-breaking and recoil system allows you to keep your pet under control no matter the circumstance.
Buy now £25.48, Amazon
