Retractable leashes, also known as extendable or flexible leashes, are a popular choice for many dog owners because they allow the dog to have more freedom to roam and explore while still being kept under control. However, retractable leashes can actually be quite dangerous for both the dog and the owner, and it is essential to consider the potential risks before using them. Here are some reasons why many trainers and experienced dog parents feel retractable leashes are not ideal for walking dogs:
Lack of control: With a retractable leash, it is difficult to keep a close eye on your dog and maintain control over their movements. The leash extends to a certain length, which can vary depending on the brand and model but can reach up to 26 feet. This can allow your dog to wander far away from you and potentially into dangerous situations, such as encountering other animals or getting too close to busy roads. For example, if your dog sees a squirrel and takes off after it, you may not be able to react quickly enough to prevent them from running into the street and getting hit by a car.
Risk of injury: The thin, flexible cord of a retractable leash can easily become tangled around your dog's legs, causing them to trip and fall. This can lead to scrapes, bruises, and even broken bones in severe cases. In addition, if your dog suddenly lunges after something, the leash can reach its length limit and cause injury to their neck or back. The force of the leash retracting can be powerful, especially if your dog is large or strong. For this reason, if you do walk your dog on a retractable leash I would recommend using a harness instead of a dog collar.
Risk of injury to the owner: If your dog suddenly takes off after something, the leash can snap back and hit you in the face or body, causing injury. This can be especially dangerous if you are not paying close attention to your dog or if the leash is fully extended. In addition, if the leash becomes tangled around your legs, you may trip and fall, potentially causing serious injury. It can also cause burns to your hands if you need to suddenly pull your dog away from danger. The locking mechanism can get stuck making this a serious problem.
Difficulty training your dog: Retractable leashes can make it difficult to effectively train your dog because they do not provide a consistent level of resistance. This can make it challenging for your dog to understand when they are supposed to stop or come back to you. For example, if you are trying to teach your dog to heel, it can be confusing for them if the leash is sometimes loose and other times tight. A great option if you are trying to teach a dog to come to you from a distance is a long flat standard leash. This gives you the control and safety you and your dog need for training.
Poor for socialization: Retractable leashes can make it difficult for your dog to interact with other dogs and people while on a walk. If the leash is extended, your dog may be too far away to socialize properly, and if it is retracted, they may be too close and become aggressive or anxious. If your dog is fully extended it may be difficult to adjust in a hurry to avoid a potentially awkward or dangerous situation. For example, if you are walking past another dog and your dog is on a retractable leash, it can be difficult to gauge the appropriate distance for them to be from the other dog.
Creating a fear of their leash: If your dog makes a sudden motion and you are not ready for it, the leash handle can come out of your hand. This leads to the leash bouncing behind your dog which not only creates a potential for loud noises, the handle hitting your dog and getting caught on objects, but the dog becoming fearful of the handle that is chasing them. I know it sounds crazy, but our first corgi was with us on a hike and my husband had the leash locked (yes, we did use a retractable leash a long time ago before we knew better) and he pulled it out of my husband's hands in a quick pull to get a squirrel and went running. He quickly forgot about the squirrel as he was very panicked by the plastic handle banging around behind him. He was not a fan of that leash going forward and this was a dog that was not fearful by nature.
Overall, while retractable leashes may seem like a convenient choice for walking your dog, they can actually be quite dangerous and should be used with caution. If you do decide to use a retractable leash, be sure to use it responsibly and never let your dog wander too far away from you. It is always best to use a standard leash to ensure that you have full control over your dog and can keep them safe at all times.
Happy walking!
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