Why You Might Want to Reconsider Using a Retractable Leash

It makes sense that while you’re walking with your canine companion, you’d want them to explore and smell as many scents as possible. Not only is it good for their overall health and well-being, but of course you want them to have fun.

So it can be tempting to reach for a retractable leash. But there are actually a few surprising reasons you might want to reconsider.

A retractable leash is not really a leash. They consist of a length of thin cord that is wrapped around a spring-loaded device that is housed inside a plastic handle. There is a button on the top to lock the cord in place and allows you to control the extension of the cord. They vary in length from around 10 to 25 feet and allow you to gauge how far you allow your dog to roam.

So what makes them so dangerous?

Retractable leashes Offer minimal control

Letting your dog get a head start on sniffing might sound appealing, but letting him get away from you makes him vulnerable and exposes him to potential danger.

Would your dog choose not to engage an angry snake or eat something harmful without you being there to immediately influence his behavior? Or what if an aggressive dog, who doesn’t play well with others, walks with its owner and your playful pup has had enough slack to approach? It’s almost impossible to take control from so far away.

Retractable leashes don’t give you much control, and giving your dog too much leeway can be a recipe for disaster. 10 to 25 feet is even long enough for your pup to walk through oncoming traffic. Although it may seem unlikely, or you might think it’s not common, it actually happens to unsuspecting owners all the time.

Keeping your dog four to six feet away (the length of most traditional leashes) allows you to better protect your pup and see exactly what he will soon encounter on your walk.

Retractable leashes are prone to malfunction

It might not seem like it, but retractable leashes are incredibly prone to malfunction. It’s common for their built-in lock to wear out quite quickly, and even the thin cord can easily break. This is especially true when a strong and powerful dog is cut at the end. But even small dogs can tug enough to wear and break the thin cord.

Additionally, retractable leash handles tend to be bulky. Their large plastic handles can be quickly pulled out of your hand and can hurt or further scare your pup when he lunges at or even kicks him.

According to dog trainers, retractable leashes actually encourage your dog to pull. Over time, your four-legged friend will understand that the more he pulls, the more leash length you give him. Even the best-trained dogs can be unpredictable when frightened, and pulling too hard or getting wrapped in the cord can be devastating.

Retractable leashes can cause catastrophic injury to you or your pet

Perhaps the most compelling reason to reconsider their use is the risk of serious injury. Not only is the lead holder at risk of injury, but the dog as well. Users commonly have reported rope burns on their limbs, tripping or becoming entangled in the cord. But fractures and amputations also occur if the cord is too tight around appendages or fingers.

Your immediate reaction when the cord is pulled may be to snag, but snagging or snagging while it rewinds or retracts could result in your feet jerking or other serious injury.

Your dog also runs the risk of becoming entangled, strangled or cut if there is enough cord available. Also, if the mechanism breaks inside the handle, the metal parts could fly straight at you or your pup or dog could break loose and end up in a dangerous situation. It’s the same if the cord breaks. They can run away and get lost, or find themselves in danger.

Dogs can also be injured from the sudden jolt to their neck that occurs when they are off the leash. They may sustain neck injuries, lacerated trachea, or even an injury to the spine.

While it might be appealing to allow your dog a little more freedom, the potential consequences just aren’t worth the risk. Stick to a traditional four to six foot leash if you’re looking for the option that best protects you and your dog.

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