Yep. Retractable leashes are a big no-no.
In case you're not already familiar with them, they're just like the one in the above image.
You don't want anything to do with them. They only cause trouble.
And yet, you see people with them all the time.
First, learn why you don't want to use a retractable leash:
1. A Severe Injury Waiting to Happen
Retractable leashes have a thin, rope-like cord. This cord has been known to cause severe burns, lacerations, deep cuts, entanglement, strangulation, and even amputation of fingers and limbs of both dogs and humans.
Vets see these injuries all the time.
And believe it or not, that's just a beginning list of injuries these leashes cause.
The leash can also trip people, leading to broken bones and hips.
Two dogs going after each other can also get tangled up in the cord. This increases the risk of injury to the dogs and to the people trying to untangle them.
When dogs get tangled in the cord, they also become more fearful, and therefore, unpredictable. This increases the risk of bites and cord injuries even further.
Finally, the cord can get wrapped around the neck of one of the dogs.
No matter which way you look at it, the scenario just doesn't get any better.
Yikes!
2. Other Dogs Might Find Your Dog Aggressive
This can be the case, even if your dog is a very nice dog.
Why?
Your dog can easily extend their space into that of another dog or person.
Your dog may just be trying to say,"Hello."
However, if they enter into a fearful dog's space, that act may be perceived as aggression. And that fearful dog may respond with aggression of their own.
3. Retractable Leashes Can Cause Dog Fights
Retractable leashes allow your pet to go a long distance away from you.
And dangerous situations can happen in the snap of a finger.
For example, another dog can escape their yard and approach your dog much faster than you can retract their leash and reel them in.
Compare this to having a 6-foot lead where you merely do a quick pull to keep your dog away from another dog.
4. You Can Drop the Leash
Some dogs, as you have seen, will quickly bolt if they see another dog or want to chase an animal.
This sudden force can catch you off guard and jerk the leash from even the sturdiest of hands.
In addition, the built-in locks on retractable leashes wear out over time and eventually break.
This can lead to your dog breaking the retractor itself and escaping into the middle of traffic, for example.
And that could mean the end of your dog's life!
5. Confrontations Can Happen in Small Areas
Imagine going to the vet with your dog on a retractable leash. Think about how confined even the most spacious of vet clinics are.
It would be oh-so-easy for your dog to extend the retractable leash and have a harmful encounter with another animal.
And this goes doubly in vet clinics because dogs may be in pain or feeling anxious. In other words, they just won't be themselves.
6. The Retractable Handle Can Scare Your Dog
Your dog may find the sound of your retractable leash hitting the ground scary.
And then, to top off their fear, this terrifying object chases them as they run away!
Your dog could also associate the fear of the handle with their walk. And they might be afraid to go on walks in the future.
7. Retractable Handles Encourge Pulling
When your dog pulls, the handle allows more of the leash to come out.
So, your dog learns to pull more to get at what they want.
Eventually, they'll get to the end of the leash. Or, maybe someday you switch to a different type of leash.
At that point in time, your dog will have learned to pull to get at what they want.
And pulling is never a desirable behavior when you walk your dog!
So, you now have abundant reasons to not buy a retractable leash for your dog!
What Kind of Leash Should You Get for Your Dog?
You now know exactly why you shouldn't get a retractable leash for your dog.
So what kind of leash should you get for your dog?
Generally speaking, you'll be best off with a 6-foot leather or nylon leash.
This length is long enough to offer freedom of movement, but it's still short enough to give you complete control over your dog, should you need it.
And that's all there really is to it. It really is that simple!
You don't need to get any more complicated. Other types of leashes do exist.
But you really don't need anything more complex than a 6-foot leather or nylon leash.
And that's it!
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