Retractable Leashes – Are They Dangerous?

It was a sunny almost spring day and I was on my way to a lesson.  My clients live in a newer development with nice wide sidewalks and beautifully landscaped front yards.  As I was driving down the main road of the development, I saw two well bundled ladies taking a morning stroll with their dogs.  Picture perfect really…except…

I was driving the speed limit as I always do now in residential neighborhoods (have a few wild toddlers and suddenly you know why the limit is 25).  But as I was driving closer to the pair, I saw the one dog looking intently at my car. I slowed a little bit more, but I continued to drive to my destination.  And in that split second as I was almost about to pass, the little dog SHOT OFF of the sidewalk and into the road.

I knew it was going to happen.  I could tell from the moment I saw the dog that it was one of “those” dogs.  It was one of those dogs that LOVES to try to chase cars. He froze, he stared, he braced to explode into action in the second I went passed.  What I didn’t know was what kind of owner he had. And it appears, he had one that has become all too common….A BLISSFULLY NAIVE owner with a love for retractable leashes.  This wasn’t the dogs first time at this rodeo. He clearly had chased cars before. And yet, his owner continued to allow him to have lots of “freedom” with the beloved retractable leash.  

I’m here to tell you…in most cases RETRACTABLE LEASHES SUCK!!!!!!

Had I have not been watching that day, I could have hit and killed her dog.  Luckily, I was driving the speed limit and even slowed as I anticipated this event.  I was paying attention, not distracted by anything at all in the car. And as I passed, I had moved my car to the other side of the street as I waited for the dog to come out.  And…the critical part…I SAW SHE HAD A RETRACTABLE LEASH.

Retractable leashes aren’t really appropriate for most dogs.  They shouldn’t be used for walks around the block. They shouldn’t be used for trips to the pet store.  And they most definitely shouldn’t be used when going to the vet.

Why not?  

Because they are dangerous for both the dog and the person.  

They are dangerous for the dog because

1. You have almost no control over the dog with them
2. I’ve seen the latches break or not catch when you needed them to and in that heartbeat your dog is out and almost under my car
3. Your dog is 26 feet up into someone’s front yard before you realize their dog that is on an invisible fence…let’s hope their dog is friendly!

They are dangerous for humans because

1. It’s easy to see your leash failing and you try to pull them back by grabbing the cord.  This can lead to finger amputations, rope burns or worse.
2. They can get wrapped around legs, arms and necks…not only yours, but other dogs and CHILDREN causing significant lacerations
3. Not every human wants a dog running up to them.  

Do I use and own retractable leashes?  Yes I do. I use them in a few different cases.  

1. When visiting a friend without a fenced yard.  I’ll use it to potty a dog.
2. Occasionally when hiking on remote trails.  

If you do decide to use one, make sure your dog is well trained enough so that when it fails you are able to still keep your dog safe.