Are retractable leashes safe?
The answer depends on how and where the retractable leash is used.
Dogs are “conditioned
response animals,” which means they learn predominantly through
repetition. A retractable leash allows your dog a bit more freedom than a
traditional 6’ leash.
Therefore, every time you
take your dog for a walk on a retractable leash, your dog is learning it has
more freedom to run and play; which is precisely why retractable leashes are
potentially dangerous.
If you and your dog are walking in an open area, a retractable leash
should be okay, as long as certain precautions are followed. Most
retractable leashes come
with a disclaimer that warns
dog owners of possible dangers:
The
locks on many retractable leashes have a tendency to unlock; often at the most
inopportune time!
In
an instant you and your dog could find yourselves in a dangerous situation:
your dog could dart out into
traffic
or get too close to vicious dog. Another common lock malfunction is when
the lock refuses to
unlock
quick enough.
Serious
injuries can and have occurred when the cord of the retractable leash becomes
wrapped around
the
dog and/or owner’s leg(s). And instinctually grabbing the cord with one’s
hand can cause acute (rope)
burns
and can even cost that individual a finger or two.
It
is important to maintain a firm grip on the handle of a retractable
leash. However, be aware that this type of handle
has
a tendency to slip out of your hand much more easily than that of a regular
leash. And it is imperative to keep
a
close eye on your dog; keep your finger on the stop button at all times.
If a dog’s collar breaks, the leash can retract at full speed; and
the end of the line that does not go into the handle
can whip around at top speed, causing injuries to the owner’s
face, eyes and/or teeth.
It is important to note
that countless injuries occur where equipment malfunction is not the
cause. In these instances, it is the user him/herself who is at
fault. When people choose to use
retractable leashes in
certain settings (mostly urban) and in a way (fully extended, up to 40 feet)
that is unsuitable considering the amount of commotion, accidents can and do
occur.
Circumstances where
retractable leashes are most likely dangerous include environments with busy
streets, children, other dogs, other people, or any other obvious
distraction(s). Allowing
the same level of freedom
in these areas as in an open field is a recipe for disaster. In each of
these scenarios, a regular leash affords the owner more control.
Having the ability to grab the leash
close to the dog is
critical in these situations, which cannot be safely done with a retractable
leash; you will hurt your hand; the question is, how seriously.
