Retractable leashes are popular and available at every pet store and online. Unfortunately, many pet parents are unaware of the dangers of using a retractable leash. People often choose them thinking they will give their dogs extra freedom to sniff and poke around on walks. However, retractable leashes are dangerous for both pups and humans.
Dangers to Humans
• Pet parents and dog walkers can easily get tangled up in a retractable leash, causing serious injury from falling.
• If a human grabs the cord to reel in a pup, the result can be burns, cuts, and even amputation.
• Pet parents and dog walkers have been pulled off their feet by a dog that reaches the end of the leash, resulting in “road rash,” broken bones, and worse.
Dangers to Dogs
• Retractable leashes allow pups to be too far away from their humans, allowing for dangerous situations to occur. A pup can run into the street or make uninvited contact with other pups or people. If this were to happen, it is nearly impossible to get control of the situation. It's much easier to regain control of – or protect — a dog at the end of a six-foot standard flat leash than it is if he's 20 or so feet away at the end of what amounts to a thin string.
• A powerful dog can break the thin cord of a retractable leash. Can you imagine the dangers? The dog could run away, run in the street, or attack another dog.
• Dogs have received terrible injuries when the leash runs outs. The sudden jerk on the neck can result in neck wounds, lacerated tracheas, and injuries to the spine.
• Retractable leash handles are bulky and often dropped by a pet parent or dog walker. The result is a runaway dog.
Keep your pup, yourself, and your dog walker safe by using only a leather or synthetic leash.
