Are Retractable Leashes Bad?

Risks and which Leashes to Use Instead

My journey in animal welfare began in 2009. Since then I have learned so much and the one thing that is extremely important are the collars and leashes we use with our dogs. I don’t believe in the last 15 years I have ever seen a professional dog trainer, handler, rescue or shelter use a retractable leash and here are some of the reasons why.

What is a Retractable Leash?

The retractable leash is made of a plastic handle that contains a spring-loaded spool of thin cord, thin rope, flat tape or possibly a combination. The line is controlled by a button on the handle. The button controls the line’s length. When unlocked, it allows the line to extend and retract freely. In the locked position, the leash’s length is fixed regardless pf tension or slack. The end of the leash has a traditional clip that attaches to the dog’s collar or harness.

Are Retractable Leashes Bad?

When choosing a leash for your dog, retractable leashes have risks and safety issues you must consider.

1. They Can Lead to Injuries

The line cannot be retracted when there’s tension. If something happens, like if your dog lunges into the street, and you must pull your dog back, you may have no choice but to grab the leash with your bare hands. But, because it’s so thin, the line is difficult to secure, and it can slide through your hands and easily cause a burn or cut on your hand. If you lock the leash as the dog is running, it can cause an abrupt stop. This can cause the dog to jerk back on the leash and result in an injury to the neck or throat.

2. They Can Malfunction or Break

A button, a torsion spring, and a plastic spool are the only things between your dog and dangerous situations. With a retractable leash, there’s a risk that the internal mechanism could jam or break, allowing the leash to become detached. Once the mechanism jams, pet parents will be unable to retract the leash, giving their dog the ability to run ahead. The dog could also snap the line if they get enough momentum. This can be especially dangerous when walking in high-traffic. You also run the risk of loosing your dog if they are able to take off without your control.

3. They Can Get Tangled

Slack and tension must be actively managed when using a retractable leash, and the line can easily become tangled. This makes on-leash interaction difficult. For example, if you encounter another person with a friendly dog, your pup could run in a circle and wrap the line around them, possibly injuring one or both dogs.

4. They Are Hard To See

These lines are difficult to see because they are thin and dark. Having slack on the leash that is just a few inches from the ground is a tripping hazard; pet parents and friendly strangers could fall.

5. They Are Easily Dropped

The design of the retractable leash’s handle can also be problematic. Some have thick handles and no extra grip. They are easily dropped and the noise of the hard plastic handle hitting the ground can easily spook timid pups. A scared dog may run, dragging the handle behind them, thinking they are being chased.

6. They’re Not a Good Fit for Frightened Dogs

Fearful dogs are especially at risk; they can become scared if they accidentally tangle themselves in the leash. They may run to escape by backing our of their collar. And in the event of a dropped handle, these dogs could be frightened by the loud noise and run to get away.

7. They Can Reinforce Pulling

There’s a misconception that retractable leashes prevent pulling by giving dogs more freedom. The Opposite Is Tue. When dogs are walked on retractable leashes, the tendency is to release more of the line when the dogs starts to pull forward. When the line is released at the first sign of tension, pulling is reinforced and the dog learns that pulling works to get more freedom. Once the dog is at the end of the line, they will become frustrated and will pull harder. This is an impossible situation for pet parents because they are both out of line and have no way to retract the lead.

What Is the Best Alternative to a Retractable Leash?

In general, look for a leash made of a thicker material like nylon or neoprene that comes in fixed length. Thicker leashes won’t cut into bare or furry skin. The best length for your dog is based on your situation. For urban areas, select a leash length that will keep your dog closer to you, like a standard 6-foot leash. The closer they are, the easier it is to reinforce them to walk near you. They make leashes that have two handles. One at the end and another closer to where the leash is attached to the collar. This is what I choose to use. It gives me better control by using the handle closer to the dog when I need it. Especially with large, strong dogs.

In spacious environments like a beach or our desert, try a long training line. They come in various lengths ranging from 10 feet up to 50 or even 100 feet. Once you learn simple techniques to manage the slack as you walk, these will allow you to secure your dog when needed and give them freedom when it’s safe. Educating yourself prior to use the training leash is always best. 

Gail Moscato

Founder & President of Positive Paws BHC

11-08-2024