Retractable dog leads are a popular choice and can seem like a godsend when you have a slow dog or one that can’t come off the lead. The problem is, they aren’t always the best option and sometimes cause more problems than they solve.
Firstly, it’s important to say that using a retractable lead is not always bad in itself. It depends on many factors. If your dog is generally well-behaved, calm and listens to instructions, then a retractable lead is fine, in the correct environment. If not, then retractable leads can be problematic, and we’ll explore why in this article.
What is a retractable dog lead?
Unlike training leads (
which Potter Paws stock here along with many other presents for your pooch), retractable dog leads are made up of thin cord that’s wound around a spring-loaded device, concealed within a handle. On the other end, the cord clips onto the dog’s collar or harness. Buttons on the handle enable you to control the flow of the cord by either releasing it or stopping it. When released, the cord will reel in and out as the dog moves further and closer.
Why retractable leads can be a problem
Thin, cheese-wire like cords
The thin cords of retractable leads can be hazardous. If grabbed when releasing quickly, or if scraped against bare skin, they can cut, burn or - in extreme, but true cases - amputate fingers. I have witnessed burns first hand and also heard many horror stories. This isn't just a risk to you, but other people within the vicinity.
Strong dogs, thin lead
To the above point, thin cords can also easily break especially if your dog is strong and suddenly bolts at full speed. If this happens, you’ve not only potentially lost your dog, but you’re also likely to injure yourself as the cord snaps back. Even if your dog is only little, retractable leads wear over time and become flimsy making the above even more likely.
Tangles
It might seem cartoonish, but tangled dog leads are common, especially with long, thin leads. Not only can the cord get tangled around you - and pull you off your feet (!) - but dogs can get tangled with each other. This might not seem like a big deal, and mostly it’s simply just a nuisance, but it’s a problem if the cord tightens around your or the other dogs body (see previous point), what if a fearful dog gets tangled with an aggressive or overly playful one.
Injuries to the dog
Unfortunately, neck injuries are not uncommon with retractable leads. If a dog is running fast and suddenly comes to the end of the leash, it can incur injuries to the trachea and spine from the jerking motion. This risk is lessened with a harness over a collar, but can still cause whiplash.
Roadside risks
Some retractable leads can extend up to 10 metres. While this gives your dog lots of freedom to trot about, it also means you can’t get control of a situation quickly when you need to. This is especially problematic at roadsides. If you turn a corner and find a road or if a vehicle creeps up on you and your dog is at the end of the leash, the situation could quickly turn dangerous. It’s worth remembering that however far your dog can go ahead of you, then can also move to the side of you – when walking alongside a road, it takes a second for your dog to be in the middle of the road – I have seen this happen and thankfully the car driver was quick thinking and no damage done.
Encourages bad behaviour
Sometimes retractable leads can be counterintuitive, especially in training. They can actually teach your dog to pull because he/she learns that pulling gives them more freedom (except when they reach the end of the cord, which then causes confusion).
Anxious dogs
As well as confusion, the sudden shock of the recall on the cord can cause anxiety for your dog. Although dogs are intelligent creatures and they know they’re on a lead, when they’re in the throes of playing and running freely for several metres, a sudden jolt can be a nasty shock.
Instils a fear of other dogs
The mechanism introduces lots of quick and sudden jolts to your dog when it is retracted quickly by the handler, this is likely to be an unpleasant experience for your dog. Say your dog is already nervous or cautious around other dogs, you may feel inclined to retract the lead when one approaches. Unfortunately, this could teach your dog that other dogs equal an uncomfortable feeling- which could further prevent it from relaxing around other animals.
When is it safe to use a retractable lead?
Only use a retractable lead if your dog is calm, relaxed, well-mannered and recalls easily. Ensure you only use a retractable lead in large open spaces, away from roads and other people/dogs to avoid tangling. Always attach to a back-fitting harness and not a collar.
What can I use instead?
When on roads, paths or in busy places use a classic 2 or 3metre lead, or a
Halti Training Lead (particularly good for dogs who pull).
If you’re in a wide open space and want to give your dog a chance to sniff around freely, you can use a
training long line which is a safer alternative to a retractable leash. These are often made of the same material as a short lead so less chance of injury if tangled and can be safety shortened and lengthened. They also give more sense of freedom to work on recall and support techniques to reduce lead pulling. Whilst available in lengths up to 50metres, I would recommend 5 or 10metres to be plenty for most dogs and during recall training.