When it comes to properly using retractable leashes remember one thing; DON’T.

Walking your dog has many mental and physical benefits. Have you thought about what kind of leash you are using and how your dog walks on a leash? The retractable leashes dog owners use because they think allowing their dog a little extra freedom to fully experience Sniffapaloozah will be good for their dog and easier on themselves.
As with most things in life that are touted to make your life easier, there are some unintended consequences of retractable leashes.

1. Some retractable leashes come with up to a 26-foot cord, allowing the dog to get far from you it could get hurt due to lack of control. Too many Bark Busters dog trainers have seen dogs bolt into the street narrowly avoiding cars or approach a dog who wasn’t friendly.
2. The thin nylon cord of a retractable leash can break. Retractable leashes have been known to cause rope burns, sever fingers and have caused pet owners to fall as the dog pulls them along. Unfortunate retractable leash users have experienced cuts, burns, bruises, broken bones, and road rash.
3. If you suddenly have to yank the leash, your dog could sustain a neck injury, a lacerated trachea or an injury to the spine. Dogs have also been injured when they get twisted in the cord causing injury to their tail and legs.
4. If your dog is at all fearful, the sound of a retractable leash falling out of your hands may frighten him, causing him to take off running not to mention the handle then chasing him, potentially causing him to be fearful of walks.
5. Retractable leashes can easily break either refusing to extend, retract or unspool at all.
6. Like many behaviors, walking correctly on a leash is a learned behavior. It is harder for a dog to learn to walk quietly by your side if he has a leash that gives him too much lead.

Good leash manners mean the leash is a safety tether and not anything that controls the dog’s pace or restricts their movement. If your dog is not on a loose, fixed length leash and you want to learn how to teach your dog to walk properly, please consider giving us a call. If you do have to use a retractable leash, just remember the title of this article and DON’T.