Dogs love going out for walks, and owners find a special joy in indulging their exploratory instinct, patiently following as the dog huffs and sniffs on countless surfaces. When it comes to leash types for such efforts, retractable leashes are a popular choice, as they give dogs a lot more freedom than a traditional leash.

Retractable leashes are made of a long, thin cord that’s wrapped around a spring-loaded device. A plastic handle houses the whole mechanism, and a button on the handle controls the cord’s length. These extend up to 8 meters (26 feet), allowing dogs to roam and explore much more freely.

Dogs can significantly benefit from having more freedom during walks—but unfortunately, there are dire risks related to these kinds of leashes. In fact, veterinarians, dog behaviourists, and owners alike do not recommend their use, especially if you live in a crowded city or if you’re taking your dog into enclosed spaces.

To shed some light on the situation, here are six reasons why you should avoid using a retractable leash for your dog:

1. Too Much Distance

Letting your dog get up to 8 meters away from you can lead to many accidents. Your dog will be able to run across the street with no heed for incoming traffic or chase down another dog and start a fight. It’s almost impossible to control a dog at the other end of such a long, thin cord!

2. Dog Injury

Retractable leashes can cause many injuries to your dog. A dog that’s running full-tilt will experience a sudden, violent jerk on their neck when they run out of the leash. This can lead to spine injuries, neck wounds, or a lacerated trachea.

The cord in a retractable leash has to be thin to wound around the mechanism and still fit in a human’s hand. This thin cord can be easily tangled or wrapped around a dog’s neck or leg, leading to cut-off circulation or serious injuries. Trapped dogs turn scared and frantic, and it can be difficult to stop their movements even as they’re getting injured!

These accidents usually occur too quickly for a handler to be prevented or resolved quickly—which is why it’s better to avoid it entirely.

3. Human Injury

Humans can similarly get cord burns or wounds if the cord wraps around their hands or other body parts. When the cord is being pulled uncontrollably, some people would instinctively grab the line to make it stop—which can possibly lead to an injury.

A dog exerting a forward force on the leash can also pull an owner right off their feet. This can cause bruises, broken bones, road rash, or worse!

4. Breakable Mechanism

Any mechanism that involves constant twisting and turning will malfunction over time. The damage wouldn’t immediately be evident because the cord always remains inside the handle, so there’s no way to check before you take your dog out for a walk.

If your leash suddenly unspools in the middle of a walk, you may have a difficult time controlling your dog.

5. Bulky, Noisy Handle

Handles on retractable leashes are bulkier than traditional leashes. It can be easily pulled out of an owner’s hand as the dog runs away. If your dog is especially fearful, the sound of the retractable handle bouncing on pavement can further spook them—making for an extended loop of fear that may traumatize your dog!

6. Behavioral Problems

Leash training is all about teaching a dog discipline as he or she is walked with a traditional, limited leash. Retractable leashes teach dogs to keep pulling until they get what they want and ignore the owner’s commands. This may lead to a deterioration in your dog’s training!

The control afforded by a standard leash is vital in a polite, well-behaved dog.

Conclusion

Retractable leashes offer a lot of freedom for dogs, but there is a time and place to use them. Always assume that your dog will reach the end of the leash, so make sure you’re walking in an open space that can accommodate that. If you live in a city or you’re taking your dog to the vet, a traditional leash would be best for both you and your dog’s safety.

Are you looking for a provider of dog training services in Brandon, MB? The Paw Resort & Wellness Centre is the perfect place for your dog to play and learn new skills. Your pet’s comfort is our priority—because they are family too! People trust us, and pets love us. If you have any questions about our pet care services, give us a call today!