***What Everybody Ought to Know About Retractable Leads

What are Retractable Leads?

Retractable leads or leashes consist of a cord or belt that automatically rolls up into a plastic case with a handle. They have evolved with technological advances and come in a range of styles relative to the size and strength of the dog. Pet owners also base their selection on color or “skins” and ergonomic design. Retractable leads are advertised as a great product for walking your dog with ease as they give your dog that extra running space from 10 to 26 feet but at the same time ensure that you have complete control. Some trendy retractable leads come complete with night lights, matching collars, and waste bag holders.

How Are Retractable Leads Made to Work?

The best-selling brand flexi leads are assembled by hand and must pass 100 different quality tests before they leave the factory in Germany. They come with soft grips as well as the standard grips. The retractable leads can extend from 1 1/2 feet and up to 26 feet. For example, the flexi click has no separate handle, has a 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 foot belt leash and clips onto the dog’s collar when it’s not in use.

Many other retractable leads are manufactured in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The LeashLocket is made in China but initially designed and promoted by an American company. The only retractable lead that LeashLocket promotes is the LeashLocket belted lead. This lead extends less than 6 feet and clings to a magnet attachment on the collar when it’s not being used to control the dog on walks. The LeashLocket allows the dog to carry its own leash in an unleashed environment.

Retractable leads require skill to use. They come with a brake button that is operated by your thumb. The brake will only stay locked as long as the button is pressed unless you use the permanent lock to have the dog walk in the heel position. (The leash makes a loud clicking noise as the dog tightens the leash in the locking mechanism.) When the leash is fully extended and you want the dog to return to you, it requires some effort with arm movement both forward and back, pulling the dog in your direction and alternately releasing and pressing the brake button to take up the slack in the cord or belt.

How Are Retractable Leads Used?

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers states that retractable leads are useful for teaching your dog to work at a distance from you or for allowing exercise at a distance. APDT recommends that these tools be implemented for distance work and exercise AFTER your pet has been trained on a traditional leash. Retractable leads are not recommended for running with your dog.

Trainers who use retractable leads to reinforce recalls, an exercise where the dog is taught to come back to the handler, use a lead made with wide webbing to lessen the chance of injury from a corded lead. Corded leads can easily sever a finger or slice through the skin of an ankle or elsewhere if the cord does not properly retract and the dog suddenly tightens the lead while going full force in an opposing direction. Retractable leashes are not allowed in competition and, as in the case of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, they are not allowed on the show grounds.

Steven P. Appelbaum, president of Animal Behavior College and Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc., has found that retractable leads can be used successfully for housebreaking, loose-leash walking, distance work and control for physically challenged clients.

What Precautions Should be Taken When Using a Retractable Lead?

Retractable leads come with special precautions and directions to reduce the risk of injury. Here are some points to consider:

They should be used by responsible people.
The dog should be under control.
Small children should not handle or play with the retractable leash.
Only one dog should be attached to the leash at a time.
No accessories should be attached to the leash housing unless sold or approved by the manufacturer.
Avoid contact with the cord/tape/belt and never let it wrap around any part of your body.
Always keep tension in the lead to avoid becoming entangled in any slack.
Do not grab the lead to control your dog.
Use the safety collar that comes with the lead. Eye and face injuries can occur if the leash or the collar breaks allowing the hook to snap back onto your head, face or body.
Bystanders can become entangled in a retractable lead. Keep the lead short and locked.
Avoid using the lead near small children and strollers.
They are not recommended for front-attachment harnesses.
The leash and collar must be inspected before each use and when done using the leash, be sure the leash is fully retracted.
Do not attempt to repair the leash. Be prepared to buy a new leash periodically since they come with a limited one-year warranty.
Retractable leads reinforce dogs for pulling. Dogs soon learn that the leash will extend whenever they pull on it.

Here Are 15 Reasons Why You Should Not Use a Retractable Leash If Your Dog Pulls:

1. Your dog can suddenly gain momentum while forcefully pulling on the leash and dislocate your shoulder!
2. Your dog can pull you into the street or other dangerous situations.
3. Your dog can pull you toward other dogs or people you encounter.
4. Your dog can pull you to investigate dangerous things or roll in stinky ones!
5. Your dog, not you, decides when to stop for sniffing breaks and when to keep walking.
6. Your dog and you will get less exercise because you will not enjoy being pulled around.
7. Your dog risks damaging his esophagus from choking on a collar or develops sores from rubbing against a harness.
8. Your dog puts stress on your spine and his spine too.
9. Your dog is walking separately from you rather than together with you—in partnership.
10. You will not be able to push a baby stroller and walk the dog at the same time.
11. You will not be able to ask a physically smaller/weaker person to safely walk your dog.
12. Your dog will transmit a challenging message to other dogs that you encounter while on walks.
13. Your dog will have access to possibly dangerous “rewards” while on the walk.
14. Your anxious dog will feel your own anxiety through the lead if you see something that makes him reactive.
15. You will not be able to walk your dog on a crowded street.

When Can You Use A Retractable Leash Safely?

For potty breaks so that a dog can go to a bathroom zone at home or on the road without you being right by their side.
To reinforce the command “Come.”
To give your dog more freedom on a loose leash once he has been taught not to pull using a standard 6 foot cotton, nylon or leather leash.
To compensate for physical challenges that you may have.

Now that you know more about retractable leads, you will be able to choose the retractable lead that works best for you and your dog once your dog no longer pulls on a leash or you just want your dog to be able to carry his own leash for a change!