WHY RECTRACTABLE LEASHES DON’T WORK FOR DOGS

You see them in pet stores and big-box stores everywhere. The retractable cable leashes with a large, plastic handle complete with a special button that locks the cord in place, keeping your dog in place.

To the average dog owner, these leashes may look like a convenient option for walking your puppy, allowing your dog the freedom to roam ahead and giving you, the owner, the ability to stop him with the press of the button.

But upon closer look, these leashes are not a healthy option for you or your pet, and at Stone Hollow, we’d like to take a moment to explain why.

Distance

Retractable leashes are sold on the idea that they allow your pet choice in her leash length. She can stay close when the leash is retracted, or she can walk ahead by pulling a little harder.

This may look like a healthy option for your pet, but in reality it’s testing the limits of your dog-owner relationship.

In human-dog interactions, distance does not make the heart grow fonder. Instead it makes your commands more difficult for your dog to interpret, which can lead to confusion and frustration on behalf of both of you.

When walking your pet, it is best for her to stay on your side body. This keeps the leash short, so you can more quickly and efficiently communicate with her through vocal commands or reminders through leash tugs. And as in a parent-child relationship, you should be setting the expectations, which means pace and distance should be determined by you, not the dog.

Safety

In addition to distance, safety is a major concern when using retractable leashes.

Most times, these leashes are constructed with a thin cord, which can snap when under sudden tension from a quick tug or stoppage of the cord. The large handles that the cords are attached too are also bulky, which allow them to be easily dropped or tugged out of owner’s hands.

In addition, the thin cord can cause severe burns, cuts or even amputation if an owner is holding the cord as the leash retracts.

For pets, these leashes can cause a sudden, hard tug on the collar, resulting in possible strangulation or damage to their throat and spine.

The distance allowed by these leases can also pose a safety threat, as dogs can sometimes still be on-leash but far enough ahead to wander onto a roadway, go unseen by a passing motorist, or encounter another, less-friendly dog.

Counterproductive

Lastly, one of major concerns with these leashes is that they are counterproductive to training measures. The nature of these devices allows dogs to pull on the lead rope in order to extend the line, allowing them control on the walk. The ideal walk is one in which the owner is in firm control while the dog politely walks beside him/her.

What can you do?

The best option is to train your dog proper behaviors when on their leash. They should learn to walk politely on a regular leash and stay close to their owners so they remain safe.

So, what kind of leash should you purchase?

We at Stone Hollow recommend rope slip leads that quickly and easily go around your dog’s neck, allowing you to control the length and the pressure put upon the rope so you can communicate effectively with your pet.

Head over to our STORE to see the options we keep in-house at Stone Hollow for you and your four-legged friend!