11/02/2021
Retractable leads, on paper they sound like the best invention ever, they allow your dog to have more freedom whilst still being on a lead. But in reality they are one of the most dangerous tools in the dog world and the most misused.
The only place I think a retractable lead should be used is for a well trained dog in an open space where they are required to be kept on a lead. And it’s important your using the correct strength to match your dogs weight and breed.
They should not be used on; strong & reactive dogs, on dogs with no lead manners, for street walks near roads and busy places where there are lots of people. If you are using one use the thick fabric ones avoid the thin corded ones, these cause the most injury.
Why you ask, you’ve been using one for years with no problem. Well that’s great I’ve been sleeping in a bed for years and haven’t fallen out in a while.
Firstly there’s the high risk of dogs getting tangled, which can cause a dog to panic and a panicked dog can bite.
They offer a lot of freedom to a dog but they offer you very little control, so if you have little control anyway at best you’ll get your arm yanked, at worst... your dog could run in front of a car.
The poor design of the leads means they can snap easily and the handle offers no grip, especially if your wearing gloves.
I’ll mention this point with out too much detail, but they can cause children and adults serious injury. If they wrap around a child’s leg or around your finger and the dog pulls then they can cause serious cuts and burns. Feel free to Google ‘degloved by a retractable lead’.
Now, don’t judge everyone who uses them like I said they have their place. But if your using them on your daily walks, maybe your dog would get better stimulation by being on a short lead and doing some training.
If you use a dog walker who walks multiple dogs and uses your lead then please don’t give them a retractable, they shouldn’t be used when walking multiple dogs.
