Disclosure: Dogs of Australia is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we sometimes earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. Learn more
When it comes to choosing the best retractable dog lead for Australians, there are a few things you need to take into account. Not all leads are created equal – some are safer and more effective than others. If you’re unsure about whether or not a retractable lead is right for your dog, read on for more information. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of retractable leads, and provide tips on how to use them safely and effectively.
Retractable leads can be a great option for dogs who have mastered the basics of leash walking. They offer more freedom of movement than a standard leash and can be a fun way for your dog to explore their surroundings. However, retractable leads are not without their dangers. If your dog is not properly trained on how to walk on a loose leash, they can be a hazard to both you and your dog.
Our Top Pick for Retractable Dog Leads
🏆 Our Top Pick
TUG 360° Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Lead
✅ Truly tangle-free: 360° rotating mechanism prevents twisting and tangling during walks
✅ One-button control: Easy brake and lock system for quick stops
✅ Durable construction: Built to last with quality materials and reinforced cord
✅ Highly rated: 4.5-star rating from 57,000+ reviews on Amazon
From $28.99
We’re using the TUG 360 Tangle-Free lead ourselves, and so far, we haven’t had a single problem with it. It’s really tangle-free and works exactly as intended. As a general rule of thumb, I’d recommend going with a lead that has many good reviews from other dog owners. Having a malfunctioning retractable dog lead can be dangerous for you, your dog, and others. So you want to be picky with which one you choose.
When Retractable Leads Work Best
Best Situations for Retractable Leads
✅ Open Spaces with Few Distractions
Parks, beaches, or quiet trails where your dog can explore safely. The extra length allows your dog more freedom to sniff and investigate while still being under your control.
✅ Well-Trained Dogs
Dogs who have mastered loose-leash walking and respond reliably to commands. If your dog comes when called and doesn’t lunge at distractions, a retractable lead can give them more independence.
✅ Low-Traffic Areas
Quiet neighbourhoods or times when you’re unlikely to encounter other dogs, cyclists, or pedestrians. The extended lead length is safest when there’s plenty of space around you.
❌ Crowded Areas or Busy Streets
Skip the retractable lead in areas with lots of people, dogs, traffic, or obstacles. In these situations, a standard 2m lead gives you much better control and keeps everyone safer.
Why Retractable Leads Can Be Controversial
⚠️ Important Safety Considerations
Why are retractable leads sometimes frowned upon?
- Training issues: They can encourage pulling if your dog hasn’t learned proper leash manners first
- Less control: In emergency situations, it takes longer to reel in a dog on 5 metres of lead versus 2 metres
- Injury risk: The thin cord can cause rope burn if it wraps around you, your dog, or another person
- Mechanical failures: Cheap retractable leads can malfunction, leading to uncontrolled situations
- False sense of security: The extra length can give owners false confidence about their control in distracting environments
This doesn’t mean retractable leads are bad – it means they need to be used thoughtfully and with a properly trained dog.
Do Retractable Leads Encourage Pulling?
They can, but it’s not necessarily the leash that’s encouraging the pulling – it’s usually the way that the dog owner uses it. If your dog hasn’t been trained to be engaged with you on a walk, they may think it’s okay to pull ahead of you. It’s important to do obedience training with your dog first, before using a retractable leash, to ensure that they know how to walk properly on a leash.
How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on a Retractable Lead
Training Steps Before Using a Retractable Lead
1. Start With a Standard Lead
If your dog pulls on a retractable lead, it’s best to train your dog with a different type of leash first. Get yourself a normal leash that’s about 2m long – this gives you much better control during training.
2. Join an Obedience Class
Look for local dog training classes that focus on “obedience training”. In these group classes, you and your dog will learn basic obedience skills, including engagement and walking next to you on a loose leash.
3. Master Loose-Leash Walking
Practice walking with your dog on a standard lead until they can walk calmly beside you even with distractions around. This is the foundation you need before introducing the freedom of a retractable lead.
4. Gradually Introduce the Retractable Lead
Once your dog is familiar with the concept of being engaged with you on a walk, and how to walk with you in different environments, it will be easier to switch to a retractable dog lead. Start in quiet areas and keep the lead relatively short at first.
Can You Use a Retractable Lead With a Harness?
Yes, you can! I use a retractable lead with a harness myself. However, keep in mind that a harness can make your dog more likely to pull on any type of leash – that’s actually what harnesses are designed for (distributing pulling force comfortably).
So, as mentioned above, I recommend that you master some dog obedience skills before starting to use a retractable lead with a harness for your walks. The combination of a harness (which makes pulling easier) and a retractable lead (which gives more freedom) means you need solid training to make it work safely.
Common Questions About Retractable Dog Leads
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Retractable Dog Leads a Good Idea?
They can be, but it really depends on you and your dog’s needs. If you’ll be using the lead in an open space with few distractions, then a retractable lead is probably a good idea.
However, if you’ll be walking in crowded areas or around lots of other dogs, I would recommend sticking to a standard leash. Unless your dog is really well-trained to walk nicely on a leash, even if there are many distractions around, in which case it’s entirely up to you which type of lead you prefer to use.
What Length Retractable Lead Should I Get?
Most retractable leads come in 3m, 5m, or 8m lengths. For most suburban walking situations, a 5m lead is the sweet spot – long enough to give your dog freedom to explore, but not so long that you lose control.
Only choose 8m+ leads if you’re regularly walking in very open spaces like large parks or beaches where there are no obstacles or other dogs around.
How Do I Know What Weight Rating to Choose?
Always choose a retractable lead rated for your dog’s weight or higher. If your dog is 20kg, don’t use a lead rated for small dogs (under 15kg). The weight rating ensures the mechanism can handle your dog’s pulling force and the cord won’t snap.
When in doubt, size up – a lead rated for larger dogs will work fine on a smaller dog, but not the other way around.
Can Retractable Leads Break or Malfunction?
Yes, and this is why quality matters. Cheap retractable leads can have brake mechanisms that fail, cords that snap, or handles that break. This is why we strongly recommend choosing well-reviewed brands with thousands of positive ratings.
Always inspect your retractable lead regularly for fraying cord, sticky mechanisms, or cracks in the housing. Replace it if you notice any damage.
Are Retractable Leads Banned Anywhere in Australia?
Retractable leads aren’t banned outright, but many Australian councils have leash length restrictions in public areas. Some areas require dogs to be on leads no longer than 2 metres. Always check your local council regulations.
Even where they’re allowed, many dog training facilities and group classes don’t permit retractable leads as they can create tangling hazards in group settings.
What’s Better: Cord or Tape/Belt Style?
Both styles work, but cord-style retractable leads are generally more popular in Australia. They’re lighter, less likely to get dirty, and the thin cord is less visible. However, tape/belt style leads are less likely to cause rope burn if they wrap around skin.
For most dog owners, a quality cord-style lead like the TUG 360 offers the best balance of functionality and safety.
The Verdict on Retractable Leads
✅ Bottom Line
When used correctly, retractable leads can be safe and effective tools for walking your dog. But it’s important to:
- Choose a quality lead with excellent reviews (don’t cheap out on safety)
- Train your dog properly on loose-leash walking first
- Use them only in appropriate environments (open spaces, not crowds)
- Be mindful of the dangers and stay alert during walks
- Check your local council regulations on leash length
If your dog is well-trained and you use the lead responsibly, a retractable lead can give your dog more freedom to explore while still keeping them safe.
