Retractable Dog Leads

What is a Retractable Dog Lead?

Retractable dog leads are leads made for dogs and are adjustable in length. The lead is encased in a plastic case with a handle and a button. The button is pressed to lengthen and shorten the lead. Retractable dog leads can be made from cord or tape (webbing) depending on the size rating for the lead. These leads are popular for using with toy, small and medium dogs and generally have a cord for the lead whereas the larger more heavy duty extendable leads are made from a more substantial tape.

We look at the pros and cons of extending leads and why a fixed length lead is better.

Should I buy a Retractable Dog Lead for my dog?

Retractable leads, also known as extendable leads, have garnered a significant amount of bad publicity due to their potential dangers and the injuries they can cause to both humans and dogs. While these leads offer the convenience of allowing dogs more freedom to roam, the risks associated with their use have raised serious concerns among pet owners and professionals alike. Here, we delve into the reasons behind the negative reputation of retractable leads.

Here’s 10 Reasons Why Not To Use A Retractable Leash.

10 Reasons Why Not to use a Retractable Dog Lead

• Retractable leads can extend up to 26 feet (8 metres), allowing dogs to get far enough away to quickly become a dangerous situation.
• It’s nearly impossible to regain control of a dog on a long retractable leash in emergencies.
• The thin cord of a retractable leash can break, posing risks to the dog and human.
• Tangling in or grabbing the cord can cause burns, cuts, and serious injuries to hands and legs.
• Sudden jerks from reaching the leash’s end can cause severe neck and spine injuries in dogs.
• Retractable leashes can encourage dogs to pull, which may provoke aggression from other dogs.
• The bulky handles of retractable leashes can be easily pulled out of hands, leading to runaway dogs.
• Dropped handles can terrify dogs, causing them to run and making the situation worse as the handle “chases” them.
• Retractable leashes often malfunction over time, causing further risks.
• They are not suitable for untrained dogs, as they encourage pulling behaviour.

Injuries to Dogs from Retractable Dog Leads

• Sudden deceleration causing damage to the dogs throat
• Bruise or strain muscles in the chest or neck
• If you drop the handle this can get tangled or scare the dog into bolting
• Displacement of a vertebra
• RTA from running into traffic or any other danger
• Cuts and burns from entanglement

Injuries to Humans from Retractable Leads

• Falling over – brain injuries, broken bones
• Burns to the skin
• Shoulder Injuries

Problems with the Extending Lead design

• Can be Easily dropped
• Can be diffficult to use
• People can grab the cord or tape leading to hand burns
• Cord or tape can break
• Cord or tape can become knotted (it will not retract)
• They can be hard to see
• May reinforce pulling
• Doesn’t teach proper lead walking
• The cord or tape can be a tripping hazard
• Lack of control when extended
• Bulky handle with no safety loop
• I the cord breaks it can snap back at the person
• Not ideal for nervous dogs

Can an Extending Lead ever be good?

Retractable dog leashes offer dogs a sense of freedom while allowing owners to maintain some degree of control. When used responsibly, they can be safe; however, in the wrong settings or with poorly trained dogs and inexperienced owners, they pose significant hazards.

How to safely use a Retractable Lead

To use retractable leashes safely and responsibly, follow these steps:

• Leash Training: Ensure your dog is well-trained and doesn’t constantly pull on the leash. Good lead discipline is essential.
• Behavioural Training: Teach your dog basic commands like ‘heel,’ ‘wait,’ ‘this way’ and ‘leave it’ to manage their behaviour effectively.
• Comfort Around Others: Ensure your dog is comfortable around other people and dogs to prevent spooked reactions.
• Understanding the Leash Mechanism: Familiarise yourself with how the lead works, including the lock, brake and retraction features.
• Control the Slack: Only extend the leash as necessary to avoid too much slack, maintaining control over your dog.
• Safe Environments: Use retractable leashes in open, safe environments, not in crowded, roadside or busy areas.
• Practice: Practice using the lead in a controlled setting to become comfortable with its functions before using it in public.

Avoid using retractable leashes when you need your dog close by, such as in shops, on pavements, in crowded spaces, or around other dogs. By adhering to these guidelines, retractable leashes can provide a balance of freedom and safety for your dog.

Why is a fixed length lead safer?

It’s important to note that aside from the authors preferences, any lead, collar, harness or headcollar can be misused. This blog looks specifically at the reasons to be considered when considering which lead to choose and why your choice of extending lead might lead to injury.

Used with the right skill, safety considerations and circumstances, it is our opinion that a fixed length lead appropriate to its’ use is a far better choice compared to a retractable lead.

We specialise in long dog training leads, so we are well versed in the training, walking and use of this product should you require any advice eat all.

A fixed length lead is better with the above noted, for the following reasons:

• With the right technique and practice, a long line is far easier to use
• No bulky handle to drop
• No buttons to master or to break

It is important to note that some of the problems we see with extending leads, ‘can’ apply to any lead, whether that be a rope or webbing lead, long or short. With the proper practice, common sense and skill you will become proficient.