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!

 

It’s got a really fancy term (anthropomorphism), but
it simply means projecting human characteristics
onto a non-human entity (i.e., your dog).

Let’s be honest, we all do it, but is it really in the best interest of our canines?

Psychology Today defines anthropomorphism as attributing “human behavior to animals.” But, do our dogs really experience life in the same way humans do? Or is it merely a natural attempt to better understand, relate and bond with our K9s using our own perspective of intent, motivations and emotions?

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Does your dog really feel guilt or shame over getting into the garbage, eating your couch or favorite pair of shoes?

Is your dog really angry with you and ignoring you as “payback?”

Or are they simply taking their cues from us and naturally reacting?

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What Do Dogs Think?

It’s often easy (and fun!) to imagine what our dogs are thinking or feeling based on what we perceive to be telling facial expressions and body language. This is the essence of anthropomorphism; transferring our own human characteristics. Countless memes on social media have perfected this into a fine – and yes, hilarious – art form!

However, the canine’s body language is sophisticated and evolved over generations in order to predict and communicate with other members in the pack. Even after they were domesticated to become our best furry friends, it seems Fido has modified his uncanny ability to understand – and react to – human body language as well.

So the next time you’re scolding your dog for unwanted (“bad”) behavior, dog cognition expert Alexandra Horowitz offers this scientific explanation, “What looks like a guilty look in dogs is actually prompted by human scolding.” In other words, what we often interpret as a “guilty” reaction on the part of the dog, is actually more a fear response to the owner’s reaction. (This response is similarly used in undomesticated dogs when another dog is disagreeing with a certain behavior; the offending dog will react by backing down and offering submission to placate the offended party.)

So DO Dogs Have Emotions?

Absolutely! Dr. Stanley Coren, winner of the Writer of the Year Award from the International Positive Dog Training Association and author of “How to Speak Dog,” explains:

“Dogs have all of the same brain structures that produce emotions in humans. Dogs also have the same hormones and … chemical changes that humans do during emotional states. Dogs even have the hormone oxytocin, which, in humans, is involved with feeling love and affection for others.”

But the actual range and depth of emotional range is much different. Research places a dog’s emotional mind at the approximate level of a human child around 24-30 months old. Imagine how a toddler at that age acts, displaying natural and basic emotions like happiness, love and fear.

Perhaps the real question here is do our dogs actually have – and use – intent? When questioning whether a dog feels the emotions of guilt, shame or anger, these are emotions tied to intent, typically human tendencies. It’s important to remember ALL dogs live in the moment and unlike humans, they don’t analyze the past or plan out the future. A dog’s true intent is to live in this very moment.

Resist Oversimplification

Our canines are amazing creatures. But it’s important to avoid oversimplifying and assuming both dogs and their humans feel the same emotions in the same way. This is especially true when training or modifying unwanted behavior. Without properly understanding your dog’s reactions and body language, it’s possible to overreact confusing your dog more than helping him to understand what you really want.

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Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language Will Help You
Better Understand Your Dog!

Creating the Forever Dog is ready to help you with professional training services including:

• Puppy classes;
• One-on-one dog training; and
• In-home K9 training.

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There’s no better way to understand
what your dog is trying to tell you
with his body language and behavior!

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Just call us today at 303-904-0484 to get started!

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And remember, we also offer dog walking, house sitting and dog grooming!

Schedule Dog Walking & House Sitting Services with Distinctive Pet Care:
303-904-0484 or info@DistinctivePetCare.com.

And always keep your dog groomed with The Ken Caryl Pet Spa:
720-981-7387 or info@KenCarylPetSpa.com.

Additional Reading:

1. What is Anthropomorphism?
   www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/anthropomorphism
2. In the Minds of Dogs
   www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201709/in-the-minds-dogs
3. Which Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?
   www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201303/which-emotions-do-dogs-actually-experience
4. Let’s Journey Through the Mind of a Dog
   blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2018/03/22/what-do-dogs-think/#.XL32NIlKi00
5. Book: Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz (New York Times’ Bestseller)

Muttly Mysteries: How Dog DNA Tests Can Improve the Lives of Our Pets

If you own a mixed breed pup, you know that small talk at the dog park inevitably leads to breed speculation– everyone offering their two cents. Maybe you’re the type to stick to your best, well-researched theory– “we’re convinced she’s a swedish vallhund-polish lowland sheepdog mix…” or maybe you are content to shrug your shoulders because “who knows, he’s just a lovable mutt!”

April 25th is National DNA Day— honoring the discovery of the double helix in 1953– so we’re celebrating by taking a closer look at canine genetics and how they may help us improve the lives of our pets. Deciphering your pup’s origin story is a fun and interesting way to understand their behavior, their needs, and their health. Even if your dog looks like a half-and-half cross between a miniature pinscher and a Siberian husky, she might have parents or grandparents who’s characteristics aren’t visible, but underlying. These hidden breeds can be determined by a Dog DNA tests like Embark or Wisdom Panel, which offer pet owners insight into breed make-up and disease markers. Additionally, they use the information gathered from consumers to build genetic databases that contribute to veterinary medicine and human medicine too!  If you want to know more about your pet’s past and gain a glimpse of their possible future, a DNA test might be for you. Let’s take a look at how test results can lead to healthier, happier lives for our best friends.

Probably the most exciting component of a DNA test, knowing the breeds that make up your mystery dog can explain aspects of his personality, and help you make decisions that will maximize his fulfillment. The most common breeds that pop up on DNA results are German Shepherds, Bully breeds, Labs, Chow Chows, Chihuahuas, and Boxers, but the top tests can identify hundreds of breeds. Knowing the temperaments, traits, and health concerns that are unique to each breed found in your dog’s ancestry can help you make sense of their quirks and brainstorm solutions to meet their instinctive needs. Maybe you’ve always wondered why your Pomeranian mix bosses your Labradors in and out of rooms? Finding out that she has an Australian Cattle Dog hiding just under her fluffy coat may help you adjust her playtime so that her surprise herding instincts are fulfilled in a more peaceful manner.

An added benefit to DNA testing– and a great reason to spend $90 – $189 to satisfy your curiosity– are the potential health conditions the results can identify. It’s important to note that while the DNA tests can illuminate possible health conditions, they cannot diagnose or accurately predict disease. Research is ongoing and there are several super interesting organizations working to create a more robust and accurate database, so we may see improvements in this area soon. Regardless of the imperfections, the results may help us anticipate possible developments and take precautions that will improve quality of life.

In celebration of National DNA Day, which raises awareness for the amazing potential behind genetic research, Embark is offering $30 off their services, so if you’ve always wondered what wonderful mix concocted your perfect pup, now might be a great time to investigate!

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