Owners have been walking their dogs on retractable leashes for many years not always knowing that this isn’t a great choice.
10 Reasons Why We Don’t Recommend Using Retractable Leashes:
1. The length of retractable leashes allows dogs to get too far away from you. That can quickly turn dangerous. Dogs can often run to the other side of the road before the owner can press the lock button.
2. If a dog can get into the road quickly, it can also get to another dog quickly. If they happen to run up to an aggressive dog this could result in a fight long before the owner could get them back under control.
3. The thin cord of a retractable leash can break. When a large dog on a retractable lead reaches the end of the line at high speed they risk their size and strength breaking the cord.
4. The thin cord of a retractable leash can cause injuries to humans and dogs. If the cord gets wrapped around a leg or hand (human or animal) and it is pulled fast it can cause rope burn or even dig into the skin causing lacerations.
5. Dogs with injuries are not easily controlled which could cause them to further their injury. If they have a sore leg or a sore back, the freedom they have on these leashes could allow them to jump, pull and twist and that could be detrimental.
6. Leash walking should be a controlled activity. If a dog is 20 feet away from you, there is not a lot of control and that is not enforcing any form of obedience. Dogs then know that pulling extends the leash line so pulling becomes an everyday behaviour.
7. The handles of retractable leashes are large and bulky, and can easily be pulled from hands and then you have a runaway.
8. Along those same lines, many dogs are frightened by the sound of the bulky handle being dropped or falling. Even if it just fell in the house, this could be detrimental to a fearful pet.
9. The retraction function can stop working. This defeats the purpose for what the leash was purchased for.
10. Traditionally, retractable leads are more expensive than a 4-6 foot fabric leash. Why spend that amount of money for something that can be harmful?
We understand wanting to give your dog freedom and wanting to pull to stop but there are better ways. We advise talking to a trainer or Veterinary staff about walking your dog. Discuss leash lengths, materials, collars, harnesses and face halters. Work out what will work best for your dog’s safety and the comfort of your walks.
Written by Deidre George
