The retractable leash is one of the most popular dog products on the market, but it’s the one that veterinarian Dr Kartrina Warren hates the most.
It’s easy to see why they’ve risen in popularity in the past few years. When used properly, they give the dog more freedom to move around and do their business compared to a conventional leash. All the while the dog owner can take comfort in the fact that their dog isn’t able to run off.
They are handy devices for situations like letting your dog out at night time to go to the bathroom. Or maybe you’re sitting at a quiet park and you want to give your dog the freedom to move around.
However, the danger with using retractable leashes is when they’re not used correctly. And according to Dr Warren, she sees retractable leashes being used incorrectly a lot of the time. Here’s why retractable leashes are Dr Warren’s most hated pet product.
1. Retractable leashes don’t teach dogs how to walk properly on a leash.
According to Dr Warren, they do the complete opposite. This is because retractable leashes teach your dog that pulling on them will extend the lead. This encourages them to pull the leash if they want a bit of freedom.
Over time, your dog will want to use up the slack length of the leash and run ahead of you. And guess what? When that slack runs out, you’ll be pulled along for the ride.
So unless your dog is already trained to walk calmly alongside you, you shouldn’t use a retractable leash when walking your dog.
Retractable leashes don’t teach dogs how to walk properly on a leash.
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2. Risk of injuring yourself and other dogs.
Most dog leashes are made from wider pieces of leather, nylon, or cotton. Retractable leashes however, are commonly made of a thin nylon cord. So when things go wrong, it’s not unusual for humans or dogs to get serious cuts, burns, or even strangled by the cord.
In fact, Dr Warren says there have been numerous cases of amputation to the fingers, limbs, and tails after becoming entangled with the leash.
“A quick Google search and you’ll see I’m right,” Dr Warren says. “For example, have a look at the photos below posted by the Columbia Animal Hospital on Facebook. It shows the injuries to the owner who grabbed their retractable lead in order to try and pull their dog away from danger. They ended up suffering an awful finger injury as a result of it.”
Retractable leashes can also be a danger to those around you. Another person could easily trip over the cord, or the cord can entangle a dog with another dog.
A dog owner suffered a gruesome injury after an accident using a retractable leash. Credit: Facebook/Columbia Animal Hospital.
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3. Injury to your dog.
If the retractable mechanism is unlocked and your dog runs quickly to the end of the leash’s line, the cord will jerk your dog backwards instantly.
“This sudden jerk can seriously damage your dog’s spine or neck,” Dr Warren said.
Most dog leashes are made of thicker material compared to retractable leashes, which are made of a thin nylon cords.
4. Putting your dog in danger.
“Retractable leashes actually allow your dog to run towards danger because it allows them extra metres,” Dr Warren warns.
“The length of the retractable lead gives your dog too much freedom. It may allow your dog to venture far away from you and run into danger. They might run onto the road or chase people for example.”
A retractable leash can actually be more dangerous because the length of the lead gives your dog too much freedom.
5. Stress to other dogs and their owners.
It can be scary for other dogs and their owners if your dog suddenly runs up to them. You don’t know how they’ll react. It can also be very stressful for owners of nervous dogs who are simply trying to give their dog extra space away from other dogs.
“It’s always risky to let your dog greet a stranger’s dog without asking the owner first,” Dr Warren says. “No matter how friendly your dog is, always remember that the other dog might not be.”
