Retractable Leashes
If you've ever heard me talk about dog training information, odds are you've heard my rant about retractable leashes. I had several past dog training clients want me to help train their dog to walk well on a leash with a retractable leash, and I respectfully refused every time. I want to explain the hazards of these mainstream leashes and why you will not see them in my shop or hear me suggest them.
Now, my purpose is to inform, not shame you. If you personally use or have used one, that's great. But just because things haven't gone south with it yet, that doesn't mean the obvious risks aren't still there.
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They can easily get tangled in a thousand different ways, leading to deep cuts, strangulation, etc. I actually almost lost my pinky earlier this year walking a client dog. I did not have a spare leash and all the owner had was a retractable one. The dog got rambunctious when it saw another dog during the walk & we got tangled really fast. My pinky was wrapped in the string trying to reel this dog in and I've got a scar to prove it. You wouldn't think it's easy to get tangle, would you? You've got your handle, button, and Scruffy is walking just fine. Until shit hits the fan, & when something goes wrong you can end up tangled.
2. Simplicity: it should be easy to walk your dog. You shouldn't need a button to tell your dog to walk right beside you, or to reel them out to let them walk 5 feet in front of you. I understand owners like their dog to have "freedom" to walk in front of them, but the button is made of cheap plastic, often malfunctioning. If the leash malfunctions and you can't reel Scruffy in, what danger is he subject to? An unfriendly dog? Somehow ending up in the road? Being stepped on? It's not rocket science to use a leash. And you shouldn't have to reel your dog in and out with a button.
3. Simplicity Pt 2. Dog owners have enough to worry about while walking their dog. Why add a bulky ass handle to it?
4. The cord being so thin and cheap, you have the risk of it snapping whenever real life kicks in. Your dog gets too excited, bolts, pulls, etc. The material tends to fray and become weak over time. Why risk it?
5. From a training standpoint, it's only going to encourage pulling and foolish behavior on a walk. Again, if you have a dog that walks well on one, great. But a large percent of owners have dogs of all sizes that pull.
Whether it be a little or a lot. And these leashes do absolutely NOTHING to help that. If your dog ever need a training aid such as a gentle leader head halter or a prong collar, retractible leashes do not pair well with those training tools.
They hinder the tool from doing what it's supposed to do. Most dog owners also attach this leash to a regular flat buckle collar. If you dog jerks, pulls, or you have to use the button to stop them from going any further, this puts directly pressure on the dogs trachea, which over time can lead to serious trachea damage. Even connecting this leash to a harness is not a good idea.
6. So what can you use instead? A longer leash! Once you've taught your dog where you expect/allow them to be on the walk, "reeling them in" is very easy with a regular leash. Allowing your dog the "freedom" to walk ahead of you is great (if they aren't pulling) but if you need to bring them back to your side, it should be effortless. No button required.
If you have questions about what leash/collar/harness combination might be good for your dog, please ask!
The best way to teach a dog how to walk politely on a leash is to first practice in a calm setting with no distractions. Practice having your dog on leash, rewarding with treats and praise for being walking right next to you. Your dog will pick up on where you want them to be. Gradually increase the distractions. If you dog begins pulling or getting out/away from your desired position for them, say "no" or "eh eh" stop walking, and re position them. Continue praising & rewarding for good positioning and no pulling.
If you already have a dog that goes wild, ask me about a prong collar. We'll have your dog walking at your side in no time!
With Love,
Mel, Mac & Prada
Sweet Paws Outfitters