Dog-walking Safely with Retractable Leashes

Retractable leashes are one of the most loved and hated dog accessories. Used properly, they can give a dog more room to explore and exercise. Without a bit of care, though, retractable leashes can be dangerous to you, your dog, and everyone nearby.

The most common injuries reported from retractable leashes are burns and cuts caused by the extendable lead scraping skin. The lead can also tangle, trip or wind around body parts of both dogs and people, potentially causing serious injury. The stop mechanism on these leashes can either work too well, drawing the dog up short and causing injury, or not at all. When the stop doesn't work, dogs can potentially run into traffic, into the path of an aggressive dog, or escape.

Many dog trainers hate retractable leashes, not just because they're potentially dangerous, but because they so often seem to be used with poorly-trained dogs. Retractable leashes encourage bad behavior by allowing the dog more space to get into trouble, and keeping him out of range of correction. Retractable leashes just don't offer enough control over untrained dogs; they're barely better than no leash at all.

However, in some circumstances, retractable leashes can be used safely. Most importantly, any dog on a retractable leash should be mannerly and well-trained. Dogs should not be on a retractable if they're not already trained to walk politely on a lead without pulling, and without rushing at people, dogs, squirrels or anything else. Potentially aggressive or dangerous dogs should never be on a retractable. This applies to small dogs, too. Tiny dogs can still potentially harm someone with the lead, harm himself or escape.

Even the best-behaved dogs should only be on retractable leashes in some places. Retractables just aren't appropriate in busy areas; downtown, most neighborhood sidewalks, and well-used parks are all places for your standard 6' lead, not the retractable. This is true when walking dogs along roadsides, as well -- if the stop mechanism on the leash doesn't work when you need it to, he could be hit by a car. Finally, I don't believe retractables should be used around young children at all, even with well-behaved dogs. Little kids and retractable leashes just seem to invite injuries!

Where retractable leashes work well is during leisurely walks with well-mannered dogs in fairly open, empty spaces. I've seen them used well and appropriately in wide open green spaces around apartment buildings, where they were not only quite safe, but also allowed these apartment dogs their only opportunity to run. They also can work in parks that aren't busy and open areas of country. They are appropriate on some hiking and nature trails, where 6' leads aren't required and there are few people around.

Finally, when walking the dog on any public property with a retractable, you should carry a standard lead along, too. Have it ready and be prepared to use it if the place gets busy, strange dogs approach, or -- and it certainly happens! -- your retractable lead breaks.