Retractable Dog Leashes: How Safe Are They?

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Pic courtesy wagsandwoofs.wordpress.com
Pic courtesy wagsandwoofs.wordpress.com

I’m starting to hate my dog’s retractable leash. I bought it for Apollo as a Christmas present last year. His old one had broken, and he had been relegated to his 6 footer for several months. He seemed to miss the freedom his old leash provided so I figured it was time to spring for a new, retractable one. Now I’ve got buyer’s remorse.

To be honest, this leash is a bit of a lemon. It doesn’t retract all that well and will often get tangled around Apollo’s legs, the wheels of our stroller … pretty much anything within a few foot radius of the dog. Also, the button that should stop more of the leash from unfurling is unpredictable. I’ve had to grab onto the webbing to stop Apollo from running into the street, and on those times when it does engage it takes its own sweet time deciding when to release.

You might be wondering why I don’t just go out and buy a replacement. First of all I’m cheap, but I’m also starting to appreciate that retractable leashes are not the best option for many dogs and owners and in many situations.

 Dogs, especially big dogs, can build up an enormous head of steam over the typical 16 to 26 foot length of a retractable leash. Anybody remember the equation for momentum from high school physics?

momentum = mass x velocity

Nothing good is going to happen as a result of that momentum when a dog running at top speed hits the end of a retractable leash. The handle may come flying out of the person’s hand, at which point it “chases” the dog down the sidewalk making a terrifying (to many dogs, at least) noise. Good luck getting them to stop running under those conditions. Dogs have also suffered severe injuries due to sudden jerks on their necks, including lacerated tracheas (windpipes) and spinal injuries. Many people report being pulled completely off their feet, suffering bruises, abrasions, and worse as a result.

Injuries can also occur when the leash becomes wrapped around part of the dog or dog walker. Cuts and friction burns are frequently reported, but more serious outcomes are also possible. For an especially grisly report, check out thisConsumer Reports story from 2009. Fair warning — those of you with weak stomachs may want to take a pass.

Retractable leashes only provide the illusion of control. Many dogs have been hit by cars, involved in dog fights, etc. when on a retractable leash. Picture this scenario. You are standing on the sidewalk and your dog is 20 feet to your left peeing on a neighbor’s tree. He sees a dog come out of the house on the opposite side of the street and makes a break for it, running in a semicircle in front of you as you madly pull on the leash. Within seconds, your dog will be 20 feet out in the road. Better hope the driver of the oncoming SUV is paying attention.

I’m coming to believe that there is really only one occasion when using a retractable leash is appropriate: A handler has impeccable voice control over his or her dog and simply needs to comply with a leash law.

I have to be honest. Apollo and my family do not fall into this category, so it’s back to the 6 footer we go.

Dr. Jennifer Coates writing for PetMD

About Post Author

Dr. Jennifer Coates

Dr. Coates is a veterinarian based in the other “Sunshine State” – that's Colorado to the rest of you – where she lives and plays with a varied range of animals.
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9 years ago

[…] Featured image credit: MadMikesAmerica […]

Jeramiah McCarthy
9 years ago

The original retractable dog leash had a metal housing and had a much more secure, metal interior catch mechanism. It had a strong strap not a round, cheap rope, or fabric twine. It did not go more than 12 feet. It was never intended for strong, untrained dogs. As usual when a product becomes popular; inexpensive, poor quality imitations become the norm. As usual, owner expectations and poor use become the problem.

“To be honest, this leash is a bit of a lemon. It doesn’t retract all that well and will often get tangled around Apollo’s legs, the wheels of our stroller … pretty much anything within a few foot radius of the dog. Also, the button that should stop more of the leash from unfurling is unpredictable. I’ve had to grab onto the webbing to stop Apollo from running into the street, and on those times when it does engage it takes its own sweet time deciding when to release.”

Please cite the brand name of the product you purchased. You obviously had an inferior quality product. Anything within a few foot radius of the dog would also include non-retractable leashes and poor handler control. Injuries, cuts and friction burns also happen with non-retractable leashes and poor handler control. You should never allow your dog to get so far away from you (20 feet !) no matter what type of leash you use. Any leash is to help handler control and is not in itself able to control a dog, especially untrained, or poorly trained dogs.

I was one of the first in America to market the retractable dog leash and spent years testing, qualifying, and getting approval from city animal controllers to endorse the retractable dog leash. That was all background material for the marketing and sales of the retractable dog leash. I did try tests of police using the retractable dog leash to train their animals. It became very clear that the retractable dog leash had its limitations and that was clearly stated in the original marketing promotional explanations. As usual the original intent and expectations have become exaggerated by inferior imitations and marketers not concerned about the reality of animal safety and handler control.

I would be happy to communicate more about the origins, testing, and use of the original retractable dog leash.

Please contact me.

Jeramiah McCarthy
President of Federated Merchandisers
jbm479@gmail.com

Reply to  Jeramiah McCarthy
9 years ago

Thanks so much for this information. I will be in touch.

9 years ago

I just use a normal leash for crossing busy roads. Other than that Lacey stays by my side all the time unless we go in a field for a run about. Wouldn’t use one of those retractable things.

Reply to  Norman Rampart
9 years ago

Good practice again Norman. Those retractable leashes are dangerous to both you and your dog.

9 years ago

I agree. I’ve refused to buy one for those and other reasons. I have two small dogs, and they could tangle long leashes beyond untangling. I am also concerned that the mechanism inside the plastic handle is only as strong as its weakest component. When it’s all said and done, that fabric leash is wrapped around, at best, a metal spool. The spool has a slot in which the leash webbing is folded and sewn to prevent it from slipping out of the spool…or it’s anchored to the spool with a bracket and screw or rivet. Somewhere inside that mechanism, steel inevitably gives way to plastic, and the plastic must be able to withstand the same shock forces you describe that can inure a dog. A simple 4′ to 8′ leash can be inspected every time you use it. The weak point in the system is the swivel snap…and you handle that every time you hook up the dog. And retractable leashes use the same swivel snaps.

Meanwhile, the retractable leash is really just a tool to enable dog owners to be lazy and stand in one place while the dog explores. Walking the dog involves walking….WITH the dog…not standing in one place while the dog prescribes a 16 foot circle around you. 🙂

Reply to  Jim Moore
9 years ago

I’m with you Jim. I used one about 10 years ago, and realized it gave me little control over the dog, so what was the point? I’ll stick with the six footers.

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