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Monday, November 9, 2015

4 Reasons Why Retractable Leashes Are Dangerous


If you've been following my blog for awhile you would know how much I preach against the use of retractable leashes because no matter how cute, inexpensive, and easy-to-find they are in just about every store imaginable I advocate against them for many reasons and FOUR of which are painfully illustrated in the above photograph. 

As a professional dog walker of nearly a decade I have to be honest and tell you that I cringe EVERY time I see someone walking their dog with a retractable leash in hand because even if that dog is the most docile walker in town there may come a time when he sees an irresistible dog or human ahead of him and when that moment comes the owner will likely lose grip of that slippery, bulky handle and then danger ensues whether it be that the dog runs away, gets bit by another dog, or worse! And even if the owner manages to hang onto the handle the chances of their dog wrapping the leash around their finger, leg, neck, or ankle are very high! 

Because it is imperative that I keep my four-legged friends safe I have a supply of 4 foot long leashes in the back of my car just in case they only have retractable leashes in their home. 


I hope you will strongly consider tossing those retractable leashes in the trash and buy a good old-fashioned cloth leash!


11 comments:

  1. Ooh, those are nasty injuries. I don't like retractable leashes either. My fiance uses one for his dog and won't budge from that. Oh well. Thanks for the heads up for those that had no idea about the dangers of these. Peace

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    1. Hi Jeanne,
      Thanks for commenting! I'm sorry your fiance won't stop using the retractable leash but maybe he's one of the few who pays very close attention at all times while he's out with his dog and he will continue to be fine! Glad you aren't using one too!

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  2. WOW! I had no idea. When we had a dog, we had a retractable leash. I guess we were lucky, but I won't ever use them again.

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    1. Hello,
      Thanks for your comment! I never knew they were dangerous either until I greeted a dog whose leash wrapped around my legs and caused them to have "rope" burns. I'm glad you aren't going to use a retractable again!

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  3. We moved to shorter leashes after taking a dog obedience class early into Bailey's adopton. It does give you so much more control.

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    1. Hi Bailey,
      I forgot to mention that dog trainers do not recommend retractable leashes so thank you for the reminder! I will have to add that into this post or another one soon! You and your trainer are right in that there's more control with a regular leash!

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  4. Dear Teacher's Pet
    I have never been a fan of retractable leashes. I like to have control at all times - especially since I have a small dog. One time I was walking in Tahoe and we were approached by coyotes. Had my dog been wandering out of my reach on a retractable leash, she would have been an easy snack. Thanks for highlighting the dangers of these leashes.
    Love Noodles

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    1. Hello Noodles!
      I am so relieved that your mom does not take you out on a retractable leash especially in your "backyard" because you'd no longer be here! So glad you've got a good mom who keeps you safe!

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  5. Ours broke one time and I almost got kilt. Mom had a heart attack
    Lily (& Edward)

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    1. Hello Lily,
      I would've had a heart attack too! I'm so glad you are safe and that your mom doesn't use those horrible retractable leashes anymore!
      Thanks for reading!

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  6. HATE them!! Photos really make the point well!

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