Retractable Dog Leash, Yes or No?

Retractable dog leashes provide the likelihood of tension on the leash.  Whenever the slack appears it quickly disappears into the handle.  You can apply a brake but due to safety I don’t recommend this type of leash for another few reasons.

If the locking mechanism stops working you may suddenly have your dog up to 20 or 30 feet away at a moment when you need him close to you.   I have seen a lady on a busy street corner turning her body around with the leash wrapping around her in an attempt to keep her dog away from a hazard.  And often excess length on a lead is more likely to entangle or ‘hogtie’ your dog.  These leashes have also been responsible for friction burns and also breaking at the dog end with the clip bungeeing back fast enough to strike the owner in the face.

A handle grip without a wrist strap is more likely to be dropped.  Also, due to Fido’s reflexes being faster than ours, by the time you’ve applied the brake he may be well on his way to a neighbor’s cat.  Keeping your dog closer to you will make it easier for you to spot things you don’t want him to be near like that broken glass or something on the ground you don’t want him to eat.  Even if you have the most well behaved dog, please consider a strong leash where all parts are visible so you know if anything is worn/fatigued etc.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)