Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
We've all seen the viral videos online; an unsuspecting dog mom holds a retractable leash in one hand while locking her front door behind her with the other, as she prepares to take Fido for a walk. Fido, meanwhile, sees something off-camera and makes a run for it, quickly using up all of the available footage of his retractable leash until, with one jerking motion, dog mom is yanked unceremoniously to the ground, losing her grip on the leash and injuring herself while Fido uses his newfound freedom to chase after the object of his desire.
While these videos might earn a sympathetic gasp or even a small chuckle from some viewers, they are indicative of a bigger problem: retractable leashes. There are a number of reasons why retractable leashes can be harmful and dangerous to you and your dog, but it all boils down to one simple, hard truth: people don't use them responsibly.
The idea of a retractable leash can be credited to Manfred Bogdahn, who invented the original Flexi leash in the 70s. He designed this leash as a way for owners to provide more freedom to their dogs while out on walks, while still maintaining some form of control over them. But misuse of these leashes can lead to serious injury or complications for you and your beloved canine, so here are some things to consider when it comes to using even modern retractable leashes.
As a golden rule, a responsible dog owner should only use a retractable leash with a dog that is well-behaved, calm and has a strong recall. A strong recall means that when you call your canine, the dog immediately comes to you, no matter what distractions, stimulus or temptations are present. A hyper, easily excitable or highly reactive dog should never be walked on a retractable leash, because they can become entangled in the leash, entangle others in the leash, and can be impossible to control, leading to serious injury.
Risks associated with irresponsible retractable leash use:
-You have less control. A dog at 20 feet away from their owner is more likely to wander into dangerous areas nearby, like roadways. They are also far more likely to make unwanted contact with other dogs, people or wildlife. Even with a good recall, 20 feet away from you is 20 feet away from their greatest source of safety and protection in any emergency situation.
-Retractable leashes do not comply with most leash laws. A dog on a retractable leash has considerable freedom, which allows a dog to get far enough away from their owner that a situation can escalate and quickly become out of control and extremely dangerous. This defeats the purpose of leash laws, which usually recommend standard six-foot leashes for public areas.
- You or others could be injured. One of the features that makes a retractable leash, well, retractable, is a thin flexible cord that makes up the leash itself. This cord is either released or retracted back into the handle as the dog moves closer or farther away. Entanglements in this thin leash can cause serious rope burns, cuts and even amputation of the fingers should your dog pull on the leash quickly enough.
- Your dog could be injured. 20 feet is a good opportunity to build some serious momentum. The problem with this is that your dog doesn't know how to measure the space of freedom, and sooner or later, that freedom ends. Abruptly. The sudden jerk when running on the leash or when an owner activates the retraction feature can cause serious neck and spine injuries for your dog. Also, that momentum can yank the leash handle right out of an unsuspecting dog owner's hand, leaving your dog completely free to find trouble, with a 20-foot head start!
- The thin cords are not built for strength, they are built for retractability. As such, they can easily break, and the snap back can cause injury to both you or your dog. Additionally, if a leash is yanked out of your hand, or if the leash cord snaps, it can scare your dog, who may decide to run away in fear, dragging the remaining leash or handle behind them, which could scare them even more.
Retractable leashes encourage pulling. Their design teaches your dog that when they are on a leash and they pull, they get more lead. This can exacerbate bad walking behavior, and can limit your control over your canine while using any leash, not just a retractable one.
It is important to understand that not all situations are ideal for giving your dog freedom to roam. Avoid any crowded areas where they can easy entangle others or themselves on benches, bushes, posts or other people or animals. If you do decide to use a retractable leash, be aware that they are not “one size fits all.” You'll need to buy a leash that is designed with your dog's weight in mind. This is crucial when it comes to the leash actually being capable of stopping your dog. Do not try and skimp on a cheaper model, either; they are far more likely to fail.
Using a retractable leash with a dog that is untrained or difficult to control will always make the situation more chaotic and dangerous for everyone involved. The payoff of being able to offer your dog a little extra freedom just doesn't outweigh the risks.
When it comes to enrichment for your canine companion, a sturdy, six-foot leash is usually sufficient for most walks. If you would like to offer your dog a little more freedom, bring along a retractable leash and only use it in wide open spaces that are free of entanglement risks. A dog should not be encouraged to run or behave in a hyperactive manner while on a retractable leash; it should be used for calm exploration only. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of your best buddy, a retractable leash should only be used in wide-open spaces, and only if your dog is well-behaved, well-trained and has an excellent recall.
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