With 65.1 million households in the U.S. being home to dog owners and their furry family members, and vet costs rising, it’s a great idea to take measures to reduce costs. One easy step is simply not using a retractable leash on your pup.
When I adopted my dog, Henry, I saw many people using retractable dog leashes at the park and wondered if they were a good idea. But then a friend told me how her puppy had broken his retractable leash, ran through a busy street, nearly injured her, wounded her pup, and took hours to recover the scared fur ball. That story was enough for me. I know disasters happen in a split second, so I like to minimize those chances.
But why are retractable leashes bad, and are they bad for all pups? What’s the best leash option? Also, are there any cost savings for not using a retracting leash? Today, let’s dig in and discover the answers to these leash questions.
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Budget tip:
Keeping you and your pup safe from avoidable injuries is a great idea. Moreover avoiding giving your pup mixed messages and reinforcing bad behaviors is also a great idea. Amazingly, simply using an affordable standard leash is a major win-win-win for you, your pup, and your wallet.
What is a retractable leash for dogs?
A retractable dog leash (or flexi leash or lead) acts much like a tape measure. It can expand to where your pup or you would like, you can lock it in place, and you can roll the leash up for easy storage. This type of leash is designed with a retractable thin cord and a plastic handle for giving dogs the freedom to roam and sniff more freely.
“…no vet professional would recommend a flexi lead…”
Why are retractable leashes bad?
There are a multitude of reasons that you may decide not to use a retracting leash. These dangerous situations include:
- Lack of control over your dog
- Pup learns to roam without recall (not encouraged to learn the command)
- If your buddy runs to the end of the leash, it can break, and the leash can bounce up into your face with a strong jerk, causing injuries to you
- The extended thin cord can be a tripping hazard on a walk
- Your pup can escape and run into traffic (like my friend’s dog) or encounter an aggressive dog
- Injury to your pup can occur when the leash gets wrapped around other objects or your dog
- A broken leash rope can cause burns or injuries to your pup’s legs or body. This can cause injuries to your buddy’s neck, trachea, thyroid, back, leg, or tail (especially if you don’t use a harness)
- A strong tug can cause you to drop the leash handle or fall, resulting in injuries to you
- The broken or loose leash can become wrapped around other people or dogs, causing injuries
- If the leash breaks, your pup can become scared and run, resulting in a lost dog
A proper dog harness is also critical along with a standard dog lead. This is the type of harness I use with Henry.
Are retractable leashes only bad for big dogs?
No, these mechanical leashes are not great for small and large dogs alike. For example, my dog, Henry, is only 13 lbs. But if he sees something he wants to explore, he can pull like a big dog. Thankfully, his harness, standard leash, and learned commands aid in minimizing this behavior. However, if I used a retractable leash, then I could easily drop it with a strong tug, and disaster would ensue.
Honestly, I’m always amazed at how strong little dogs are when they see or smell something they deem worthy of inspection.
Thus, while a big dog is stronger, even a small dog can get injured with a retracting leash. Additionally, this type of leash can reinforce undesirable behaviors.
Retractable leashes can be particularly dangerous at your vet clinic. Find out how to avoid other vet visit hazards in this article.
What do dog trainers say about retractable dog leashes?
Most respectable dog trainers and behaviorists will advise against retracting leashes. Both for the injury potential and the lack of control.
Retractable leashes give the illusion of control and safety, but nothing could be farther from the truth.
What’s a better alternative to retractable dog leashes?
Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, the leash you select will vary.
Standard leash length 4-6 ft.: This type of regular leash helps keep your dog close and under control. It allows you to practice loose leash walking, which is preferred. This is a great traditional leash for daily walks. It’s what I use with Henry for long walks, hikes, and other outdoor adventure activities.
Long-line leash: This is a great option for safe open areas and for practicing recall. I have a 30’ leash I use with Henry when we practice recall, wait, or stay. This longer leash can also be used in areas where you want your dog to explore but can’t take them off-leash.
Training and Recall Work: While you can use a long leash, you can also practice recall in your home or fenced yard. I often practice with Henry inside when the weather is bad.
What are the costs of using a retractable leash?
While you may not think that the equipment you select can impact your future bills, it absolutely can affect your bottom line. Consider the following possible expenses for a moment.
| Issue | Estimated Cost |
| Amputation of the leg or tail | $100 – 5,000+ |
| Amputation of leg or tail | $1,500 – 4,000+ |
| Your broken bones or other injuries | $2,000 – 5,000 |
| Legal issue from your dog’s broken leash, causing injuries to other people or animals | $200 – 1,000+ |
| Legal issue from your dog’s broken leash causing injuries to other people or animals | $64,000+ |
| Safe furry buddy | PRICELESS!!! |
Related articles:
- 6 Dog Park Etiquette and Unwritten Rules
- 10 Signs You Need A New Dog Park
- Happy Dog Hiking Trails Without Back Pain
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
- Secret Benefit Of Dog Harnesses: Massive!
- 12 Simple Veterinarian Office Safety Tips I Bet You Don’t Know
Paws down on retractable leashes for happy pups
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I’m one of the more than 65 million households with a dog. However, I admit, I did consider a retractable leash for Henry after I adopted him. There were so many dog parents using them that I figured it must be safe.
Then, my friend told me about her and her dog being injured by a retracting leash. She was grateful she was able to find her pup, and they both recovered. But the risk is too high for my best furry friend. We use a regular 6’ leash for walks and a 30’ leash for training.
They both work nicely, and they keep him, me, and all other animals and people safe. It was an easy choice to make once I was educated on leashes. Ditching the retractable leash is good for Henry, me, and my wallet.
Great post! I hate those retractable leashes, I’ve seen both dogs and people get tangled up in them. And if it wraps around a dog’s neck …. catastrophe!
They really should be banned. I’ve heard so many horror stories about retractable leashes. I think folks just don’t get how dangerous these leashes are for pups and humans.
I remember one breaking with Remington when he was a puppy so like 15 years ago. Super scary. I actually prefer 4 ft leashes for neighborhood walks now.
I bet that was very scary. A 4′ leash is probably a great idea for more populated areas. I’m kind of in a rural area and 6′ seems to work well for Henry.
I hate those leashes, have read they are banned in certain city dog parks also. They are so dangerous, Layla got tangled in one in our dog park and the woman blamed me, I have tripped on one and I was blamed, and the list can go on. If I see one now I leave the park or cross the street that is how afraid of them I am. they should be taken off the marked. Nili walks on a regular leash and when I was training her in the park I knotted regular leashes together for training to avoid any accident.
They are an awful invention. That’s a great idea to avoid people who are using retractable leashes. I will definitely be doing this in the future. I usually just pick Henry up. But I like avoiding better.
Great article, Terri! I can’t tell you how I detest retractable leashes! It is such a peeve for me. Especially when they are used on dogs going to the vet and their humans leave them at full extension while entering so their dogs rush right over (to mine, or anyone else’s). I don’t blame the dogs, I blame their humans! I’ve had several bad experiences where dogs have rushed mine while we were waiting, and so many times I had to ask them to retract the leash. Thankfully, my Huskies were well-trained and stayed right by side, but I didn’t know if their dog would attack or was sick! My Mom had a toy poodle who did well on a retractable, but my Huskies I’d never use one. All it would take was a pull and it’d snap and they’d be off. Thanks for writing this! Sharing this with my readers!
Retractable leashes should be outlawed. They’re dangerous for all pups and humans. You’re right to not blame the dogs. Instead educate the humans to do better. Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights. I appreciate it!