Just Say No to Retractable Leashes
As a trainer, retractable leashes make me cringe! When I’m out with my dogs and see an owner heading my direction with a dog on a retractable leash I immediately head the opposite direction, give them a wide perimeter, and wait for them to pass.
There are several solid arguments against retractable leashes and the benefits just don’t outweigh the risks.
They are dangerous for you and your dog
People have received serious burns, lacerations, and even amputations (I will spare you the photos… but if you’re brave google it) as a result of trying to handle a bolting dog attached to a retractable leash.
Dogs have received injuries to the throat/neck as a result of abruptly hitting the end of a retractable leash.
Dogs have also received burns and lacerations as a result of being tangled in a retractable leash.
They ruin your dog’s loose leash walking skills
Retractable leashes function through tension. When on a retractable leash your dog is literally being trained to pull against the tension in order to reach their goal. This means that when your dog is put on a regular leash they will continue to pull based on their previous experience that pulling against tension works!
Locking the retractable leash into a fixed length is not a viable solution for this issue. Unless you are able to lock the leash at the exact same length every time you will risk confusing your dog. Your dog will be unable to learn the proximity at which they can move in relation to your body in order to keep a loose leash because the length is constantly changing. Not only this, but if your plan is to keep the leash locked then you should probably just use a regular leash anyway.
They break
These products are not fail-safe!
Given enough wear and just the right amount of force retractable leashes can and do break.
The typical scenario involves the dog hitting the end of the retractable leash and the mechanism inside that anchors the leash rips out. Now the dog is loose!
They are rude to those around you
Retractable leashes make it very challenging for you to control who/what your dog interacts with.
You should never use a retractable leash in an area with other people moving about.
Sure, you can attempt to remain hyper-vigilant and “reel” your dog in when you approach something/someone that your dog should stay away from, but you’re only human! It isn’t possible to do this 100% of the time and you risk getting your dog into trouble.
Some scenarios include:
Running up to another leashed dog that isn’t friendly toward other dogs, or worse, your dog is unfriendly toward other dogs and runs up to another unsuspecting dog!
Cutting across the paths’ of other people and tripping them with the cord of the retractable leash.
Suddenly bolting into the road just as a car passes by.
Running up to greet a person that doesn’t like dogs or is afraid of dogs.
They can be scary
Retractable leashes can be difficult to keep a good hold on. Therefore, it is quite common for the handle to be dropped at some point. The trouble lies in what happens after the handle hits the ground.
As your dog moves forward they will take notice of the handle clattering across the ground behind them. Unfortunately, many dogs panic at the object “chasing” them and take off running in response. This can result in your dog being lost, injured, or worse.
Unique scenarios
Is there a scenario where a retractable leash is appropriate? Sure.
An elderly dog being taken out in their own yard on a retractable leash by their owner.
A small dog in an open field being exercised by their owner while wearing a harness and retractable leash.
An owner with a physical disability which makes handling a regular leash challenging.
If you fit into one of these scenarios or something similar and want to use a retractable leash, go for it!
Better alternatives
Ready to ditch the retractable leash and try something better? Check out these suggestions!
