Why Retractable Dog Leashes Don’t Work

Oh, I know I’ll ruffle some feathers with this topic, but it needs to be said again. Stop using retractable dog leashes in public. They’re dangerous. Never use a retractable dog leash at the vet’s office, park, festivals, farmers’ markets, large retail pet stores, neighborhood or any public area where your dog comes into contact with other dogs or people.

Terrible Retractable Dog Leash Story

Today, I had a run-in with a Terrier mix wandering inside a large retail store on a retractable dog leash and it didn’t end on friendly terms. Thankfully, I didn’t have a dog with me or it would’ve been much worse.

As I browsed through dog toys, I heard dog nails tapping along the concrete floor next to me, which was followed by a low deep growl. As I slowly turned around, I saw teeth and a little dog lunging for the back of my leg. When I stepped away to throw a toy between us, I noticed his pet owner wasn’t standing there. He was on a retractable leash that extended from the next aisle.

I prayed for patience and then shouted, “Somebody better come get this dog now.” A 20-something woman causally walks over, picks up her dog, smiles and attempts to walk away like nothing ever happened. Oh, no honey, this happened to the wrong person today. She got an ear full about the dangers of retractable dog leashes and I further explained I had every right to file charges and a complaint.

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Honestly, You Know You Can’t Control the Leash

Retractable dog leashes are impossible to control. The stop button never really works, especially when a dog is charging forward. To make matters worse, once pet owners realize their dog is running forward, it’s too late to press the stop button. Face it, you have no control–even the best dog trainers are unable to properly control a retractable dog leash.

Plus, retractable leash burns are painful and happen quite often. If you haven’t experienced a burn from a retractable leash, consider yourself lucky. They feel like rope burns. Not only can leashes cause you or a dog harm, but they can also lead to a lawsuit if they wrap around a  stranger’s leg. I’ve watched young children knocked off their feet when a dog charges past them wearing a retractable leash. These things are downright dangerous. Understand, this is not a big dog problem. Little dogs can cause just as much harm by tripping someone. Little dogs are usually the ones getting hurt by wearing this type of leash, as they can easily get stepped on or walk up to the wrong dog.

They also break easily! I’ve watched hundreds of dogs charge forward and break the leash off their retractable device. The pet owner just stands there shocked, holding the retractable handle. Yes, many of these dogs ran into moving traffic and didn’t survive.

Lastly, if your dog wanders over and attacks another dog, person or child, you’re 100 percent liable. If you knowingly walk an aggressive dog on a retractable leash, you should be prosecuted.

Your Dog Must Stay Four Feet Next to You in Public

When asking dog owners why they use retractable dog leashes over conventional leashes, most mention they want to offer their dog more freedom during walks. I’m totally for allowing dogs to sniff and explore things, but putting a dog on a long retractable leash is going a bit too far. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “Give someone too much rope and they’ll hang themselves.” Well this most certainly applies to retractable leashes. Dogs don’t understand other dogs and people aren’t dog-friendly, so offering them free reign to wander about is a recipe for disaster. Also, if your dog encounters a chicken bone, you’ll never know he gobbled it up because he was 15 feet away.

Please leash your dog with a sturdy four- to six-foot leather or nylon leash instead of using a retractable leash. Dogs should stay next to you. Allow sniffing and exploring, but with supervision.

Where Can You Use a Retractable Leash?

Only use a retractable leash in a fenced backyard. Yes, they’re that unreliable. I’m angry because these types of accidents can easily be prevented by not using retractable leashes ever.

Thanks for listening. Please pass the message on. No more retractable leashes please!

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