There are countless options available on the market for dog leashes in every size, color, and purpose imaginable. Simple rope leads and designer brand leashes and collars are among them.
Retractable leashes are one kind of dog leash to avoid. Retractable leashes have raised concerns from trainers, doctors, and pet care specialists. In recognition of National Walk Your Dog Month, let’s examine the dangers associated with using a retractable leash when walking your dog and consider more secure options.
With a retractable leash, you can extend and/or retract the lead that is fastened to your dog. They typically have a spring-loaded housing to store the coiled-up leash and a plastic grip with a brake and release mechanism. Although the leads on retractable leashes typically consist of thin cords so they can be stored inside the housing, they still have a standard clip at the end that attaches to your dog’s collar.
Retractable leashes are produced under numerous brand names, with prices ranging from $15 to $50 and higher, depending on particular features.
Retractable leashes have caused concern among dog experts in a variety of fields for a number of reasons. Most are motivated by the potential harm they pose to the dog or the owner. Retractable leashes may be problematic at best and dangerous at worst for the following reasons:
Your dog’s neck and throat could be harmed by the motion of pulling on a retractable leash, which could result in chronic health issues. These wounds may make your dog cough or even experience breathing problems. Similar to how getting tangled in a retractable leash’ cord can lead to burns and cuts The cords have the potential to amputate limbs in the most extreme situations by cutting off blood flow!
Retractable leashes put people at risk as well as dogs, so be careful. Retractable leash cords, especially on the hands, can result in severe burns and cuts. Even people who have had their fingers amputated by retractable leashes have complained to Consumer Reports. The length of these leashes can also be a trip hazard for you and other people, which could result in injuries like cuts, bruises, or broken bones.
Retractable leashes have more parts and/or moving parts than a lead, so there are more chances for a product to malfunction. A retractable leash’s cord can be broken by a large dog, which could put the dog in danger. Additionally, over time, the leash’s spring-loaded housing may deteriorate or crack, which could render the feed-and-retract mechanism inoperable. About 223,000 retractable leashes from the SlyDog brand were recalled in 2008 due to faulty clasps after five people suffered serious injuries.
Although it may seem appealing to let your dog roam further ahead of you, it is generally not appropriate to do so. A retractable leash would be ideal if you’re alone in an open field with no other animals or environmental dangers. Unfortunately, the real world rarely operates this way. You can encounter other people, animals, and vehicles even on a routine walk. It’s rarely possible to retract the leash quickly enough to prevent a potentially dangerous encounter if you encounter a potential emergency. Similarly, using a retractable leash in a constrained space, such as the lobby of a veterinarian’s office, encourages dog aggression in a stressful and unfamiliar setting.
Lawless continues by saying that retractable leashes teach dogs to use their body weight to move forward because they operate on a pulley system. Leash tension that is constantly tight indicates that the dog has been taught to resist tension in order to achieve their goals.
She enjoys reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, and paddleboarding when she’s not obsessing over dogs.
As Preventive Vets dog behavior expert and lead trainer at Pupstanding Academy, Cathy focuses on helping humans and their pets build a strong relationship based on trust, clear communication, and the use of positive reinforcement and force-free methods. With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization.
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Cathy holds the CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA certifications from the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. Cathy is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the Pet Professional Guild, and the Dog Writers Association of America. She is also a Fear Free Certified Certified Professional.
Manheimer claims that while walking Stella, there have been no problems, but he is nonetheless cautious. “My biggest worry is that Stella might wander off after an alluring scent or, worse yet, lunge for a squirrel.” ” Cars are another issue, he says. The stealthy Prius in electric mode is unknown to either of us. ”.
Retractable dog leashes also come in a variety of different styles to suit individual preferences. Traditional leather or nylon leashes are available in enough colors and lengths to suit the preferences of any pet owner. However, selecting the dog’s safest leash should be your top priority.
When taking their dog for a walk, some dog owners prefer using a retractable leash over a standard one. For Josh Manheimer, a direct mail copywriter for J. C. Using a retractable with his 2-year-old basset hound Stella at Manheimer & Company in Vermont makes sense so she can continue to explore all the smells she wants.
There are benefits for both the dog and the human walking them, says Phil Blizzard, CEO and founder of ThunderWorks, which makes a retractable ThunderLeash. In addition to exercise, Blizzard says a retractable leash allows the human to keep a steady pace while the dog can freely sniff things that interest them.
He claims that too frequently, people struggle with thumb controls before panicking and losing control of the dog. Owners risk suffering painful rope burns when they reach forward to grab the line of the extending lead with their free hand. A retractable dog leash accidentally severed a woman’s index finger in one case that garnered attention a few years ago.
Retractable Leashes Can Teach Dogs to Pull
Retractable leashes actually train dogs to pull because there is constant tension on them. This is extremely counterproductive and may harm your training plan.
FAQ
What kind of leash is best for a small dog?
The traditional, 6-foot Nylon or leather leash is the ideal kind to use when walking a dog. 6 feet is a sufficient length to allow for mobility while keeping your dog close by and under your control. Whether Nylon or leather…that choice is up to you. However, stay away from materials like rubber and cloth because they aren’t as sturdy or long-lasting.
Do vets recommend retractable leashes?
Retractable leashes, despite being common, are harmful to dogs when used in a veterinary setting. Our veterinarians explain why our hospital only permits standard 6-foot leashes. When used in the appropriate setting, retractable leashes (also known as Flexi leads) are very popular for walking dogs and offer wonderful benefits to dogs.
Should you train a dog on a retractable leash?
The use of a retractable leash during dog training is not recommended. In fact, since these gadgets are accidents waiting to happen, it’s probably best if you never use one. Unfortunately, many pet parents prefer these potentially dangerous devices.
When should I use a retractable leash?
Wide Open, Empty Spaces are Great Places for Retractable Leashes. There are undoubtedly circumstances in which a fantastic and enjoyable tool to use is an extendable leash. Take out the retractable leash and use it to keep control if you want to give your dog a little more freedom, for instance, in a quiet park.