7 Excellent Reasons to Avoid Using Retractable Leashes
Retractable leashes.
Flexi Leads.
Whatever you call them, they SUCK!
These contraptions are atop my most hated dog things of ALL TIME.
Whenever I see a flexi lead being used, this is what pops into my head:
NOOOO......retractable......LEAAAASHHHESSSS!!
I truly hope you don't use these useless, dangerous, nonsensical, leads.
Here are 7 fanfriggintastic reasons why one should NEVER use a flexi-lead:
1) Lack of Control -
Let's face it, dogs can move WAY quicker than us, and that is especially true if our attention is not 100% focused on them, (**cough cough** checking mobile phone while walking!).
------> If the flexi lead is extended out, it can very easily get tangled on any number of things, thus reducing the handler's control of the dog.
------> Shit happens, but what if a scuffle ensues and your pup is at the end of a 16 foot, or more, lead??
-----------------> You have ZERO ability to gain control of the situation from so far away, and it is virtually impossible to reel in a flexi lead, fast enough, in the midst of an emergent situation.
2) Hard to Hang Onto -
The mechanics of a flexi lead requires a certain amount of hefy to the device. This means that flexi leads, compared to a standard leash, are bulky, and tough to keep a strong grip of.
------> It is FAR too easy for the handle to slip out of your hand!
------> Unlike a standard leash, when a flexi lead gets dropped, it crashes to the ground, making a startling noise.
-----------------> This can spook as dog who isn't moving, or cause a dog who IS moving, to move faster.
-----------------> The bulky handle thumps and drags behind the dog as they attempt to escape what's following them, BUT - that thing is attached to them!
3) Breakage and/or Malfunction -
When a flexi lead is in a "locked" position, you are betting your dog's safety, and potentially their life, on a small piece of plastic holding up.
-----------------> I dunno about you, but I don't have that much faith in a little hunk of plastic!!
------> ANYTHING mechanical can malfunction. At ANY time.
-----------------> What if the lead doesn't lock, or stay locked, when you need it to?
-----------------> What if the lead doesn't retract when you need it to?
-----------------> What if the lead breaks, or gets tangled when you are trying to reel it in?
4) Risk of Injury to People -
The potential for injury while using these leads is ridonkulously high...
Ummm, no thanks!
------> The lead can cause rope burns, lacerations, injured/broken fingers, mangled hands, wrists & ankles.
-----------------> Amputation of fingers is a very real risk, especially if it is a larger dog on a cord-type flexi lead.
------> You risk severe neck/shoulder damage if your dog suddenly bolts, and hits the end of the lead.
Just look at the WARNINGS provided by Flexi North America, a leading producer of retractable leashes:
Again, the risk of using these leads, far exceeds their perceived benefits. In my oh so humble opinion.
------> It is WAY too easy for your dog, (or someone else's), to get entangled in an extended flexi lead. Such entanglement can cause the lead to wrap around a dog's neck, choking them.
------> Just like humans, dogs can get badly cut, or burned by the lead.
------> Injured and/or frightened dogs can easily become aggressive to humans, and other dogs, when in a situation they are attempting to escape.
-----------------> For some of us, this point brings an additional layer of concern. If you have a bully breed dog, and they wind up biting someone, it could very well be a death sentence for your dog!
No, I'm not being dramatic; sadly, it is a real possibility.
Are you willing to possibly have your dog's life taken, because you chose to use a flimsy, nonsensical piece of equipment?
I sure as fuck do not!
6) It's Possibly Against the Law -
Many leash laws require that a leash not exceed 6 feet in length.
------> Flexi leads can EASILY exceed 16 feet when extended.
-----------------> Friends - that is almost THREE times longer.
------> Leash laws, in their entirety, are in place to keep EVERYONE'S dogs safe!
7) Creates Communication Confusion -
EVERY interaction with our dog gives them information about what to do in that moment, and what will be permissible in the future.
------> The use of a flexi lead creates a situation where there is CONSTANT tension on the leash.
-----------------> This makes learning loose leash walking, (not pulling & dragging the human behind, rather, walking calmly adjacent), impossible!!
-----------------> It can be said that the use of flexi leads actually teaches dogs the OPPOSITE of loose leash. walking skills.
There are a couple, very specific situations where the use of a flexi lead CAN BE helpful - confining your dog while they go potty in an unsecured area, and in your own home/yard.
It is NEVER a good idea to utilize flexi leads whilst out in public; there is far too many things that can go horribly, horribly wrong.
Keeping your dog, near to you, AND under your control, while sharing the community with others, is not only the polite thing to do, but the best way to ensure EVERYONE'S safety!