The Best Retractable Dog Lead For Australians: Which Leads Are The Safest And Most Effective?

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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 โ€“ 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.

Which retractable dog lead is best?

We’re using the TUG 360 Tangle-Free, Retractable Dog Lead . It’s fairly priced and has a 4.5-star rating from more than 57,000 reviews on Amazon. So far, we haven’t had a single problem with it. It’s really tangle-free and works as intended.

The Best Retractable Dog Lead For Australians: Which Leads Are The Safest And Most Effective? 819AR4awlfL. AC SL1500
Image: TUG Store | Available in different colours and sizes from $28.99 on Amazon

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.

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.

dog wearing a retractable dog lead and collar
Image: Tug Pet Products

Why are retractable leashes frowned upon?

There are a few reasons. First, as we mentioned before, they can be dangerous if your dog is not properly trained on how to walk on a leash. Second, retractable leashes can encourage pulling. If your dog knows that they can get away with pulling on the leash because it’s retractable, they can be more likely to do so. Finally, some people find the clicking noise and handling of a retractable leash to be annoying.

Do retractable leashes encourage pulling?

They can, but it’s not necessarily the leash that’s encouraging the pulling โ€“ 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 do I stop my dog from pulling on a retractable 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, and join a local dog training class. You want to look for “obedience training”. In an obedience training group class, you and your dog will learn basic obedience skills, including engagement and walking next to you on a loose leash.

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 leash.

dog wearing a retractable dog leash and harness
Image: Kevin Lehtla on Unsplash

Can you use a retractable lead with a harness?

Yes. I use a retractable lead with a harness! However, keep in mind that a harness can make your dog more likely to pull on any type of leash. 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.

What’s the verdict?

When used correctly, retractable leashes can be safe and effective tools for walking your dog. But it’s important to do your research, train your dog properly, and be mindful of the dangers before using one.

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