As a dog owner, you’ve likely come across the retractable leash. This type of lead extends and retracts from a plastic handle using a thin cord or tape on a spring-loaded mechanism, which allows a dog to move several meters away from the person walking them. The length can be locked or left to extend freely, depending on how much freedom you want to give your dog. While this might seem like a great option for your dog, it’s important to consider the potential downsides, as these types of leads can pose real risks.
Not a good fit for every dog and every environment
Dogs that have a tendency to pull, or are known to be fearful, are not ideal candidates for a retractable lead. An anxious or fearful dog can easily become startled if they accidentally get tangled, and in their struggle to get free, they may manage to escape. The handle of the lead can also be dropped, and the sudden noise and motion of the lead dragging behind them may cause further panic as they try to flee from it. The lead dragging behind them, will make them feel chased, and in this panic they can get lost and/or hurt.
Retractable leads are also not a good option for dogs that pull because they often encourage them to pull more. This is because this type of lead unintentionally reinforces the behavior, as many people give their dog more lead when there’s tension, which teaches the dog that pulling works.
Last but definitely not least, retractable leads are not suitable in certain environments. If you’re walking your dog in a busy area, the distance between you can make it harder to keep them safe. Your dog might bolt toward a road or get into trouble by turning a corner before you can see what’s ahead. In crowded places, there’s also a higher risk of the lead getting tangled around people, objects, or other dogs. Retractable leads can also pose a serious risk around elevators, there have been cases where a dog bolts into or out of an elevator while the owner is still on the other side as the doors close. For these reasons, it’s always best to choose a lead that suits your dog and the environment you walk them in, so you have full control and can keep your dog safe.
Design
The overall design of a retractable lead can be problematic and even dangerous. The handle isn’t made for a secure grip like a traditional lead, which you can wrap around your wrist for extra safety as it will help you handle unexpected pulls. If the handle is dropped, it can make a startling noise when it hits the ground, and will keep producing a noise while being pulled over the floor. This can cause your dog to bolt, and because the lead is still attached, they may feel like they’re being chased, adding to their panic.
Retractable leads can also easily become tangled, which can lead to dangerous situations. When dogs get tangled together, tensions can rise and fights may break out. Dogs can also get tangled around objects, which can lead to dangerous situations such as near a busy street, where it can quickly become very risky.
Lastly, retractable leads are generally more prone to breaking than traditional ones. The internal mechanism that extends and locks the lead can fail over time, and the lead itself is often made from a thin cord that can snap, especially if your dog builds up speed or if the line gets caught or rubbed against something sharp.
Injury Risk
Because of the design of retractable leads, they can cause abrupt stops when a dog is running. Since dogs are able to pick up a decent amount of speed, a sudden jerk from reaching the end of the line can lead to injuries to the throat, neck, or even the spinal cord.
The thin cord itself also poses a cutting risk, it can cause burns or cuts to your dog, other pets, or even people if they become tangled in it. And if your dog is at the end of the lead and you need to pull them back, you’ll often have no choice but to reel them in by hand, as the lead won’t retract if your dog is pulling in the opposite direction.
Another concern is visibility: the thin line is hard to see, especially in low light, making it a tripping hazard for you, your dog, and others around you.
Conclusion
Retractable leads are great for dogs that love the extra freedom and space to move around. However, the use isn’t without risk, and while retractable leads might work for some dogs in very specific situations, they aren’t the safest choice for most. A traditional lead offers more control, better safety, and fewer risks, for both you, your dog, and those around you.
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