11/25/2023
Let's talk about retractable leashes for a moment. They have become very popular over the years, but not because they are safe. To be honest, they are one of the most dangerous pet items you may own. Because we are all about keeping pets safe and healthy, we wanted to share some of the biggest concerns about retractable leashes...
- These leashes allow dogs up to 26' distance to walk ahead of you. If an off-leash dog is around the corner, there is little you can do to get control of your pet quickly enough to avoid an issue. And the further your dog is away from you, the less control you have.
- The safety of your pet is put on a very thin cord. These cords can snap or be chewed, resulting in your pet running off.
- Speaking of safety, that thin cord can also become wound around your fingers, hands, legs, etc. Most of these "leashes" come with an amputation warning on the package or handle. There's a reason they need to warn you; it's sadly happened many times.
- Getting rewarded for pulling by getting more leash distance is not a great way to train your dog. Most dog trainers encourage walking your dog close to you on a loose leash. Retractable leashes always have tension on them, and your dog will learn to pull against that tension.
So those are just a few reasons to ditch the retractable leash and get yourself a 6' nylon leash for your dog. When you come to visit us, we ask that you bring your dog in on a regular nylon leash for their safety, and yours.
