Ditch Your Retractable Leash! Here’s Why.

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.
• 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.)

• Many 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.

 

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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 looks 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. 

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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!

 

 

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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

Canines who are well-behaved with great social skills are a joy to include in our daily lives. Engaging in regular training with your dog allows access to a variety of day-to-day opportunities!

In a nod to National Dog Training Month, (which we feel is EVERY month!) Fran Menley explains why on-going training with your dog is so good for your dog (and you!).

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As mentioned in our last blog post, continuing your canine’s training is crucial to nurturing and reinforcing your bond with your dog, regardless if he’s a puppy or older dog.

Dog Training is Never One and Done

Dogs need more than just physical activity for their overall well-being. Dogs also need and enjoy the mental stimulation that comes from regular and consistent training; especially if you make it fun (wouldn’t you rather play than work)!

From puppyhood to adulthood, canines need different kinds of training. After building a solid foundation of puppy training, additional training helps add more complex and desired behaviors for a variety of real-life situations.

Ongoing Dog Training Offers Benefits

Additional and ongoing dog training (beyond the basics) helps:

• Direct your dog’s behaviors into acceptable ones.
• Increase your dog’s confidence.
• Reinforce good manners.
• Keep you and your dog safe.
• Nurture mutual trust and respect.
• Tire your dog out as physical exercise does.
• Give your dog additional chances to socialize in classes or groups.
• Keep the lines of communication open and understood.
• Enhance the bond and relationship with your K9.
• Avoid the creation of undesirable behaviors.
• Enhance social skills and helps avoid dog fights and other negative behaviors.
• Well-behaved dogs stay with their families for their entire life instead of being abandoned because of unwanted, negative behaviors.
• Include your dog in more daily activities like:
  • Travel;
  • Vacations;
  • Hiking;
  • Local outings to dog-friendly places and restaurants;
  • Dog-assisted therapy work; and
  • Dog sports and games like agility, herding, scent work, tricks and more.

Good Canine Life Skills Open Doors

Life skills are critical for every human and dog. When your dog knows better, he can do better. Teaching K9 life skills help dogs understand what their humans want making life simpler for both the dog and human.

Dog life skills teach your dog:

• How to become a successful member of the household.
• How to come when called.
• Not to jump on people.
• Not to mouth or nip people.
• To relax in the presence of guests in the home.
• To pay attention when necessary and ignore distractions.
• To respect your leadership and your things.
• Good social skills in dealing with other animals, people and environments.

Training is Not JUST for the Dog

When any behavior is practiced over and over, the result is a well-executed behavior with better results each time. It’s no different when working with your dog.

Ongoing dog training also:

• Teaches owners how to effectively communicate with their beloved canine on the dog’s level, not from the human’s perspective. You will learn as much as your dog from the training.
• Helps owners set the dog up for success by asking for – and then rewarding – the desired behaviors, instead of negatively reacting to the unwanted behaviors.
• Helps us practice clear boundaries and rules with our dog encouraging both mutual trust and respect.

 

 

Whether you – or your dog – needs some basic training, a refresher course or advanced dog training, Creating Forever Dogs wants to be your dog training partner!

Take advantage of our expert:

• Phone consultations;
• One-on-one dog training sessions; or
• Classes

to grow and maintain your healthy relationship with your canine.

Always remember that the day you bring your new dog or puppy home (yes, even at 8 weeks old) is when they start learning about life with their new people. What behaviors do you wish to encourage and discourage? Consistency and follow through is key from potty training, to appropriate play, to appropriate greetings.

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 Additional Reading

APDT: National Train Your Dog Month

5 Fun Suggestions for National Dog Training Month

January is National Train Your Dog Month!

Keep up Dog Training During the Holidays!

Ahh, it’s the holiday season with so much to do!
But there’s one thing you MUST keep on your holiday list!

In this post, Fran Menley offers tips on continuing your dog’s training
despite the busyness of the season!

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Continuing with your canine’s training, regardless the time of year, is crucial to nurturing and reinforcing your bond with your dog, whether he’s a puppy or adult dog.

While it may be tempting to slack off and take a break, a gap in your dog’s regular training can have disastrous consequences, especially during the holidays when we need to keep all our pets safe and happy.

Consider for a moment the holidays through your dog’s eyes; LOTS of yummy smells and food, lights, music, candles, pretty gifts and snacks all within reach, not to mention all the strangers coming and going and a giant tree that just begs to be peed on (or at least chewed upon)!

Reinforce these 5 Basic Dog Training Skills

All puppies and adult dogs need to know basic commands for their own well-being and safety. Teaching – and reinforcing – these skills before the busy holidays will ensure a happier and stress-free holiday for both your dog and you.

Expecting a dog to listen and obey (without the proper training and reinforcement) when things are at their busiest, is an accident waiting to happen. Set aside time now to work with your dog every day.

(If you need to teach the basics or your dog needs a refresher course,
contact a canine professional to help you make the most of
the time before the holidays. We can help!)

These 5 dog commands below are essential for safely guiding your dog through the hustle and bustle of the holidays with success! Even before your guests arrive, take a few minutes for a quick refresher course with your dog to ensure the best results.

1. Sit

The quintessential command every dog (no matter their age) needs to understand and obey immediately.

2. Stay

This command usually follows the “sit” command to keep your dog under control and away from unsafe situations.

3. Come

This command will properly be one of the most used during the holidays. To get your dog away from the dining room table, food, people, decorations, the front door, even the Christmas tree and presents and more.

4. Leave it / Off

This command also works well with the situations listed under #3.

5. Down / Settle / Go to Bed

If your dog responds reliably to these commands, they can be a great directive for your dog to leave everyone and everything alone. If they don’t reliably obey this command, put them behind a baby gate or in a crate.

Be Honest About Your Dog

Before you expect your to react appropriately in a noisy and busy household with new smells, sounds and people during the holidays, take an honest assessment of their typical behavior and current skills and abilities.

Here are a few questions to consider:

• Does your dog tend to hide from different people or become anxious?
• Is your dog easily overwhelmed? (CBD & hemp supplements can help too!)
• Does your dog tend to ignore you/your commands?
• Do you have a young puppy?
• Does your dog like to nip or jump?

If you can honestly say “yes” to any of the above questions, be proactive and contain your dog (or puppy) behind a baby gate or in a crate for their own safety and the safety and well-being of your guests.

Nothing ruins a holiday gathering faster than your giant dog jumping on Grandma and sending her to the ER!

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Additional Reading

• 20 Dog Commands You Need to Know
• 3 Commands Your Dog Needs to Know Before Company Arrives
• Preparing Your Dog for Holiday Guests
• 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm During this Holiday Season (& Tips)

Image Credits (Shown in Order)
Image by sabsykorova from Pixabay
Image by T. Jensen from Pixabay
Image by susanne906 from Pixabay
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
Image by andyround62 from Pixabay

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How to Socialize Your Dog
(Even Through Fear)

K9 socialization is a critical phase of your puppy’s life. In fact, it’s so important that it will set the tone for any and all interactions for the rest of their life.

In this post, Fran Menley our Head Training & Behavior Modification Expert, explains how to properly socialize your canine even during periods of fear.

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Canine socialization is when a puppy develops important bonds and relationships in his world and learns how to act, react and behave with confidence (or not).

Dr. Sophia Yin, an internationally recognized pioneer and expert in the field of animal behavior, defines the puppy’s sensitive period for socialization:

“From about 3 weeks to about 3 months of age, puppies are primed for bonding to other animals and individuals, for learning that objects, people, and environments are safe, and for learning what the body cues and signals of others mean.”

But, even the most social puppy can potentially face new fears before the end of their first year. Objects, people and situations he was once comfortable around can suddenly cause him anxiety and fear. But it’s not the time to slack off with their regular socialization!

By properly continuing his socialization, you will help him avoid creating lifelong fears or phobias. Left unchecked, these fears could lead to aggressive behaviors and dangerous consequences as the puppy grows larger and stronger without proper confidence.

What Socialization Must Include

Most vets, dog training and behavior experts encourage socialization classes and practice. But puppy socialization is more than just exposing a young dog to many people, environments and situations.

Critical goals from socialization must include:
1. A positive experience; and
2. Learning something positive.

It’s this kind of socialization that will set the puppy up for success for the rest of his life.

It’s also important to:
• Start socialization early.
• Always supervise all socialization experiences and interactions!
• Always make each experience fun, positive and calm!
• Never force your puppy to accept a new situation, object, person or experience. This can reinforce their anxiety or fear and remain for their entire life.
• Never overwhelm your puppy with sights, sounds and smells, situations, people, dogs and other pets. Allow them to learn and explore at their own comfortable pace.

Puppy Socialization: Recommendations

The more interactions and experiences you can offer your pup in a safe setting increases his chances of being a confident and well-adjusted dog ready to face the world with great social skills. Remember to keep these experiences positive and calm with toy and treat rewards for wanted behaviors!

Socialization should include:

• Unfamiliar people outside the household of all sizes, genders, ages (including children) and ethnicities. Also expose the puppy to different clothing, hats, hoods, boots, etc.

• Other pets and animals and discourage barking, lunging or chasing.

• Walking your puppy on all different surfaces (grass, snow, frost and water).

• Man-Made Objects (garbage cans, bikes, skateboards and wheelchairs), Loud noises (cars, trucks and thunder) and Environments (city vs rural).

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Click here for the “Puppy Socialization Checklist” for more samples of effective socialization experiences.
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Puppy Socialization: Periods of Fear

Even the best socialization experiences and exercises can be challenged by 2 distinct periods of fear your puppy may naturally experience.

1. The First Fear Period
• About 8-12 weeks of age
• This period is usually defined by fear of objects more than situations.
• It may last a few days or a week.

2. The Second Fear Period
• About 8-12 months of age (can also be as early as 6 months)
• This period is usually defined by fear of situations more than objects.
• Lasts longer than the first period; sometimes several weeks.

If your puppy begins to display new fears, reach out to an experienced trainer. Find one who is familiar with canine fear periods (we can help!) for professional help in addressing these newfound fears in a positive way before they escalate and become part of your puppy’s future.

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Additional Reading

Puppy Socialization: Stop Fear Before It Starts
Puppy Behavior and Training – Socialization and Fear Prevention
Puppy Socialization
Puppy Socialization and the Sensitive Period: When Is It and Is It Important?