Retractable Dog Leashes - The pro's and the Con's

Retractable leashes have become one of the most popular restraining devices used to take your dog for a walk, but are they safe? The answer to this question depends on your purpose for using the retractable leash. Although there are many ways to use a retractable leash, there are some dangers you should be aware of. In this article we will consider two different ways of using a retractable leash safely.

     The most common reason people use a retractable leash is to give their dog more exercise when out on a walk permitting their pet to sniff around, run and play. I am an advocate for exercising your dog but using a retractable leash to do so is both a blessing and a curse. Let me explain. Dogs are referred to as “conditioned response animals” which means that they learn primarily through repetition. Every time you take your dog for a walk on a retractable leash your dog is learning it has more freedom to run and play. It is precisely for this reason that retractable leashes are potentially dangerous.

      Every time you permit your dog to run free (within the limits of the leash) your dog is actually developing an impulsive response to visual, olfactory (sense of smell) as well as audible stimuli.  If you are walking or playing with your dog in a park or someone’s back yard there is little chance that your dog could get injured and it is a great way to give your dog exercise. However, the danger arises when you walk your dog down a busy street on a sidewalk while using the retractable leash. Permitting the same level of freedom while walking down a busy street is a recipe for disaster. Dogs that have learned it is permissible to be impulsive will be inclined to bolt into the street to chase a car, follow a scent or react to a loud noise.

     One of the most devastating emotional experiences any pet lover could go through is to see their own dog hit by a car while holding the other end of a retractable leash. Check with your vet. You would be surprised to learn how many dogs are rushed to the nearest animal hospital seeking emergency care that are still connected to the retractable leash. We all want to provide exercise and playtime for our dogs, however walking your dog down a busy street on a retractable leash is not the place to do so.

     Some would argue that retractable leashes have a brake which is designed to stop the leash from extending and a lock which locks the leash at whatever length you set it at. These two features of a retractable leash have been developed to help prevent the type of injuries I have mentioned and have been known to malfunction. Unfortunately, for those who have had their dogs hit by a car while on a retractable leash; these arguments will only contribute to the guilt they feel for being responsible for an accident that could have been avoided.

      Although I have painted a dim picture of the potential dangers of retractable leashes, there are a couple of situations where this type of leash has its place. In a park or an open field you’ll be able to provide the freedom and exercise your dog needs without exposing your dog to any risk of injury.

One of the other applications of the retractable leash which is useful is transitioning from on-leash obedience training to off-leash obedience training. Generally, controlled obedience training is done using a six foot training leash. Once a dog has reached a high level of proficiency with the six foot leash, you could introduce the retractable leash in order to work your dog at greater distances before you move to off-leash training.

      As with all training equipment, it is important to understand the advantages of the equipment as well as the limitations. Any training device has the potential of injuring a dog if not used properly. Once you have determined your own training goals with safety as a major consideration, you can proceed with the expectation of having fun with your dog.

Contact Information

Tom Beitz is the owner of the Academy for Puppies and Dogs and is an authorized dealer for Pet STOP Hidden Dog Fences. Tom can be reached at (716) 628-0651 to answer your questions or he can be found on the web at www.smartdogtrainer.com . E-Mail: Tom@Smartdogtrainer.com

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