Ditch Your Retractable Leash

Ditch Your Retractable Leash! Here’s Why.

Ditch Your Retractable Leash You see them everywhere, retractable leashes for dogs.

But just because they are popular with many dog owners, should you use one with your dog?

Retractable Leashes: The Beginning

According to Slate.com, the first patent for an adjustable leash (called a “leading device”) was granted in 1908 to Manhattan inventor, Mary A Delaney. Interestingly, the patent reveals, “the invention is particularly designed for ladies … to take the place of the present inconvenient leading device or leash.” But it wasn’t until the 1970s where the idea began to gain traction with dog owners wanting to give their dogs greater freedom while still complying with leash laws.

Retractable leashes (or “flexi leashes”) originally became popular with tracking or recall training in isolated areas where the chance of coming across another person, dog or distraction was very low while they still allowing for controlled training at great distances of 15 to 30 feet.

Retractable Leashes: The Bad and Ugly

  • They do not teach good leash manners.Ditch Your Retractable Leash
  • Dogs quickly learn pulling on the leash is “acceptable” (despite being an unacceptable K9 behavior) and some dogs may even be encouraging to pull harder to get to where they want to go.
  • Retractable leashes can easily cause or exacerbate dog injuries including:
    • Neck injuries (wounds or collar burns)
    • Trachea lacerations
    • Thyroid injuries
    • Injuries to the jugular vein/carotid artery
    • Spine injuries
    • Cervical nerves and structures (supplying the chest and forelegs)
    • Tail and/or leg injuries and even amputations
    • Learn about other common issues causing by retractable leashes
  • The thin cord or rope can also cause severe injury to the dog walker and other people/children:
    • Burns and cuts (fingers, hands, legs and more)
    • Amputations
    • Falls, broken bones (wrists, elbows and hips), scrapes, road rash, etc.
    • Eye and facial injuries if the plastic handle or metal clip breaks (The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 223,000 retractable leashessold between 2007 and 2008 (under the name SlyDog) because the metal clasps connecting the leash to a dog’s collar was susceptible to breaking while in use.)
  • Ditch Your Retractable LeashMany of the cords/ropes on retractable leashes are not very strong and can break (especially with strong lunging by a larger dog) exposing the dog to dangers once off the leash (especially traffic).
    • Many of the cords can also be easily chewed through by a dog.
    • The cords can get tangled and entangled with other leashes.
    • Cords wear out and can malfunction over time without warning:
      • Refuse to extend or retract
      • Completely unspool
  • Retractable leashes do not correct bad canine behavior in a timely and effective manner.
  • There is a lack of control over a dog on a retractable leash (especially when walking more than one dog). It is safer and more effective to have a dog on a 4- to 6-foot leash for better control and visibility (especially around corners and objects, over hills/bluffs, etc.).
  • Children should never be allowed to walk a dog with a retractable leash, the risk is just too high for your child and dog.

 

When the dog pulls on a retractable leash, he feels the pressure on the collar and soon the pressure on the collar becomes a cue that means “speed up” rather than “slow down.”

Lisa Radosta, Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist

Remember, your dog loDitch Your Retractable Leashoks to you to always keep him safe!

Retractable leashes give the illusion of control and safety, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Talk to your local dog trainer or behaviorist to purchase – and use – the best leash for your dog!

For these reasons and more we ask that you do not use retractable leashes at the Ken Caryl Pet Spa & our Training Center facility.  A 6-foot leash keeps you, your pet, other clients and our staff safer. 

Ditch Your Retractable Leash

 

Creating Forever Dogs can help you with all your dog training needs including loose leash training.

Our head trainer, Fran Menley, is ready to help you with professional dog training and expert behavioral modification services!

Call us today at (303) 904-0484 or email us here to get started on creating your forever dog in the Littleton and Morrison, Colorado areas!

 

 

 

 

Additional Reading About Retractable Leashes

Preventive Vet: Retractable Leashes – Useful or Harmful

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM: Retractable Leash Injuries are a Serious Problem

Dog Discoveries: Dog Word of the Day: Retractable Leash

DogTime: Retractable Leashes: Dangerous and Deadly for Dogs and Humans

Dr. Karen Becker: Why I Don’t Recommend Retractable Leashes

Image Credits (Shown in Order)
Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels
Photo by Daria Sannikova from Pexels
Image by lauferan from Pixabay
Photo by thevibrantmachines from Pexels
Image Courtesy of Creating Forever Dogs