Should you use retractable leashes to walk your dog?
Going for a walk with your dog is one of the best times for you two to connect. It’s a time to exercise and play together. More literally, there’s also a physical connection between you two: a leash. There are so many options when you look at the leash market, but one has caused a great deal of debate.
Retractable leashes are marketed as safe, freer options for your pooch, but others see it as a danger. So, should you be using retractable leashes when walking your dog?
What are retractable leashes?
Retractable leashes are designed to fit comfortably in your hand while giving your dog freedom to not just walk right next to you. The plastic handle has a button which releases and retracts a cord, making the length of your dog’s leash more versatile. You can even lock the leash at a certain distance. Depending on the brand, some retractable leashes can extend 16 to 30 feet.
Why do some owners use them and what are the benefits?
As the saying goes, no one wants to be kept on a short leash. Many owners think this is true for dogs as well. Retractable leashes give dogs the option to roam a wider area. By nature, dogs are inquisitive about the world around them and want to explore as much as they can. Retractable leashes give them the option to have more interesting, lively walks that are not confined to your hip.
When walking your dog, you give them the option to get out of the house for the first time in hours. You want them to have as much freedom and have as much fun as they can, and these types of leashes enable that to happen.
What are the dangers of a retractable leash?
It’s important to note that with great freedom comes great dangers. The wider you make your dog’s circle, the more hazards they will encounter. Not only will they encounter these hazards, but they will encounter them with you 20 to 30 feet away!
For example, your dog can turn the corner before you do because they are way ahead. Since you’re far behind, you have no idea what’s on the other side. There could be an aggressive dog or other hazards waiting around the bend. It’s important to stay close to safeguard your pet.
There’s also the mechanic aspect to consider because retractable leashes often break. You may not be able to retract the leash at a moment’s notice, or the lock button may not work and the leash will unspool without your control.
Lastly, but probably most importantly, retractable leashes can hurt your pups. Other dogs and even other people can get tangled in the lengthy cord, creating an unnecessary hazard. Additionally, there have been instances where dogs run at full speed just as you’re pressing the lock button. This will jolt them back and can cause injury to their neck and head.
Verdict: Should dog owners use the retractable leashes?
The dangers greatly outweigh the positives of using a retractable leash. If you’re interested in giving your dog more freedom on your walks, that’s great! But, a retractable leash is not the answer. Instead, bring them to an open and enclosed area that you know and trust. Letting them off the leash here is safer than giving them freedom in an unfamiliar area tied to your retractable leash.
There are many other leashes on the market that will help you better connect with your pup in a safer, happier way. Your dog will thank you in the long run!
Frank Olito
Is it possible to train the dog so he is more aware of the leash? I don’t want to limit his trip to enclosed areas, so maybe we can have a training period with the retractable leash. We bring him to a relatively quiet and closed block so I can see how both of us adapt to the varying length.
There are many handlers that use this tool with success and it happens to be such a debated tool in the industry. We can condition a dog to just about anything such as tension on a leash. For example; many will teach/condition a dog that slight pressure on a flat collar means come with me.
I personally have used a retractable leash successfully with many dogs. I very diligent to scan my environment constantly and most of the dogs taht I handle have great responses to my verbal cues. If someone wanted to use a retractable leash I would probably suggest using the tool in quiet areas and always scan the environment for any triggers that your dog will most likely chase.
Nice discussion also going on in the DR forum section for anyone that will like to join and get a free pro membership.
Good article on retractable leashes.
The recoil on these leashes can be tough on the dogs. Also I have had them lock on me before. Not fun when a dog wants to walk, its locked and you get pulled.
I’m all for a retractable leash if I’m in a spacious area and want the dog to be able to go A LITTLE farther than just the limited space of a traditional leash. I wouldn’t let the dog run while wearing one of these leashes, that seems too dangerous. If I want to let the dog run and have its freedom, then the leash is coming off, but we have to be in a safe enough, and large enough space to do that. As far as letting the dog gallop along thinking that he’s free as a bird, only to be snapped back by a leash, that’s a no-go for me. Too traumatic for the dog AND for me.
The issue of retractable leashes is debatable because sometimes it works, but sometimes it doesn’t. I can understand that people have different takes on this type of leashes. Can it be possible that the breed of the dog also has a factor whether the retractable leash can work well or not? I wouldn’t let a Beagle be on a retractable leash because it is very inquisitive about anything. On the other hand, a Shih Tzu can be trained well on a retractable leash as it is not as inquisitive as the Beagle.
I always saw retractable leashes as being quite useful. When no one else is near, let the leash out. When other people are animals are coming down the sidewalk, retract the dog back close to you.