09/11/2021
To be aware of and as always Katrina covers this topic very well
About retractable leads - I have had many requests to post my thoughts on retractable leads, so here goes.....
Retractable leads seem to be rising in popularity and I understand that many people are firmly attached to using them, but please read below.
When used properly, a retractable lead can allow a well trained dog to have a little more freedom to move around, sniff and do their business, while the owner is comfortable knowing they can’t run off. They can be handy for things like bathroom breaks at night or if you are sitting in a quiet park and want to give your dog a little more freedom.
Unfortunately, they are usually not used correctly and can be very dangerous.
THEY DO NOT TEACH PUPPIES OR DOGS HOW TO WALK NICELY ON A LEASH - Retractable leashes do the very opposite as they teach your dog that pulling extends the lead. Unless your dog is trained to walk nicely beside you, they will want to make use of the length of the leash and run ahead of you.
RISK OF ROPE INJURIES TO DOGS & PEOPLE - Most retractable leashes are made from thin nylon cord which can cause burns, serious cuts or strangulation. There have been many cases of amputation of fingers, limbs and tails after being entangled – if you need evidence, have a quick Google.
The bottom photo was posted on FB by Columbia Animal Hospital and shows an awful injury caused to a client who grabbed the lead to try to pull their dog away from danger.
These leashes can easily trip a person or tangle a dog with another dog, which is also very dangerous.
RISK OF NECK INJURIES TO A DOG – if the mechanism is unlocked, and a dog runs to the end of the line quickly, it will jerk backwards quickly and can cause serious damage their neck and/or spine.
THEY ALLOW YOUR DOG TO RUN TOWARDS DANGER – some retractable leads extend many metres, which gives too much freedom and may allow a dog to get far enough away from a human to run into danger. For example, they may run onto a road or approach another dog or human. Larger dogs have been known to break the cord to chase something such as a bike..
THEY STRESS OTHER DOG OWNERS AND DOGS - many people do not want another dog suddenly running up to their dog. This can be very stressful for owners of reactive or nervous dogs who are trying to give their dog space from other dogs. Letting your dog ‘say hello’ to an unknown dog without asking the owner, is always risky. No matter how friendly your dog is, please remember the other dog may not be.
Thanks for reading!
** bottom photo credit – Columbia Animal Hospital
