27/01/2022
Extending leads!
In seeing a dog run out into traffic on an extendable lead yesterday (while the owner tried desperately to get the it back under control)…we thought it was time for a reminder about the dangers of using them and why we have it written into our rehoming contracts that our adopters are never to use them!
The purpose of using a lead is to ensure your dog is kept safe and under control when out in public, whereas retractable leads can quite often result in the opposite! They are a popular alternative to owners who don’t want their dogs off lead, but they present many of the same dangers as having them off lead, and more!
If you haven’t had any of the following happen, we are grateful…but we have heard countless horror stories relating to extendable leads and sadly, it was only recently that a greyhound lost their life because of one. May they rest in peace.
So, what makes them dangerous?
- The sudden stop of the lead when it reaches the end can cause injuries, especially if the dog is running. This is particularly dangerous for sighthounds as they can reach such speeds so quickly that when the lead suddenly stops it can damage their necks!
- The cord can snap! Many extendable leads have a thing strap or small clip that aren’t suitable for many of the dogs we see them being used on…any amount of strength can lead them to break, snap or come off the reel when they reach the end!
- The length can put them in danger! Whether it is running out into traffic like the dog yesterday or running up to another dog that may not want to be approached, you have no control over your dog.
- They can lead to dog fights! How many of us have seen someone walking their dog, whether extendable or normal lead, while on their phones…Extendable leads give dogs more of an option to explore away from their humans, who may not be paying attention, and result in them approaching other dogs who may or may not want to be approached…but the cord can also get tangled up in the dogs resulting in a fight!
- The cord can cut, rope burn, or amputate the walker, the dog or bystanders (dogs and humans alike!). This may sound dramatic, but we aren’t kidding…it happens all the time!
- If you drop the lead, the chunky reel box handle will spook your dog on hitting the floor and then continue spooking as it clunks along behind it, it so it'll continue running!!
- It's a trip hazard!!
- The sudden jerk on their neck can cause neck injury and even spinal injury. Whether it reaches the end of the reel, or you hit the stop button, the sudden restriction can be very damaging!
- They malfunction over time. They really aren’t reliable!
- You have less control! Really this should be enough of a reason!
- They teach dogs to pull on the lead.
There are endless reasons why extendable leads are a terrible idea and we’re sure many people have heard the horror stories. Please note, this doesn't just apply to greyhounds, it’s best to just avoid them at all costs!!
