27/10/2023
Copied from Dr. Becker
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
The purpose of using a leash to walk a dog is to keep the animal safe and under the owner's control, and retractable leashes often do the opposite
On a retractable leash, your dog can get far enough away from you to either get into trouble or into harm's way; in addition, retractable leashes are responsible for many injuries to both dogs and dog walkers
The very nature of retractable leashes trains dogs to pull on the leash to extend the lead
The most important thing you can do to set the stage for a lifetime of enjoyable walks is to help your canine family member learn to be the perfect walking partner
Dogs who are enjoyable to walk with have learned that loose leads are good, taut leads are not, and pulling against the lead is pointless