Best retractable dog leashes

Top pick: FIDA AutoBrake — the one I'd hand most people for daily walks. The auto-brake tape stops the leash paying out the moment your dog surges, which is the thing that makes retractables feel risky on a busy sidewalk, and it's the best-rated of the bunch with a soft, easy-to-hold handle.

Who the others suit:

• Mighty Paw Retractable 2.0 — the simple, light choice for a small-to-medium dog and a short walk around the block.
• Kong Terrain — soft grip and a smooth brake; good if you walk long distances and want comfort over features.
• FIDA LED Lighted — for early mornings and dark evenings, with a headlight that lights the path ahead.
• Dial-A-Distance — if you want to cap how far your dog can range, in one-foot steps.
• Dual leashes (HighPeak, Pawtique DuoWalk) — only if you walk two dogs at once.

Whichever you pick, keep the tape short near roads and other dogs — that's where retractables go wrong.