Dangers of Retractables
Retractable Dog Leash Warnings and Information
Author: Brooke Thivierge
If you have ever thought that a retractable dog leash sounded like a good idea, this article is for you. Those who have used one most likely have a story of a minor incident they have experienced while operating these supposedly convenient contraptions. Unfortunately, too many have stories to tell of much more horrific injuries and experiences. The numbers are staggering with injuries effecting humans and dogs alike. Some users were burned literally, learned our lesson, and threw out the product. Next to burns and lacerations, amputations are also common. People of all ages have lost parts of fingers when entangled with the cord that becomes incredibly sharp and tight during disarrangement of the doggy kind. We love our dog’s excitement but for some it has resulted in lost limbs. With all of the love that I have for my own dog, I am glad that I sustained the wound and scar that would have been much more difficult to treat and possibly costly if done to himself. This is the case for many dogs who have also sustained burns and lacerations. More common injuries to dogs related to retractable leashes are the result of the leash cord or ribbon snapping and the dog getting loose. You can image all of the trouble a dog can get himself into. Some have been hit by cars, injured by other dogs, and caused injury themselves. This now becomes a huge liability for the dog owner that had previously taken the responsibility to retain their dog per most laws. Veterinary bills can be overwhelming for all involved.
It is not only the dog owners with experience using the retractable leashes that heed these warnings. Dog trainers across the world cringe when they see these leashes being used. They defeat the entire purpose of lead training. While training a dog to obey and perform on a leash they must first know that you are in control. This truly is not possible with the retractable leash variety. They must also learn that the pull they feel on the leash is their signal to let up, to know they have gone too far and return to their owner’s side. Even if you haven’t nor want to implement the heal training with your dog, I’m sure you would at the very least request that your dog not pull at the end of the leash. This makes walking the dog an unsafe chore instead of the pleasant exercise we would like to enjoy with our trusted friend.
ABC news interviewed certified dog trainer and behavioral consultant, Jamie Damato of Chicago for their article titled, “Dog Leash Dangers: Blindness, Amputations Blamed on Retractable Dog Leads”. Damato said it’s not just the injury factor that drove her away from retractable leashes. Letting a dog roam too far, especially when training, allows the dog to find all sorts of trouble. Some owners, she said, have watched in horror as their dogs darted into traffic while on a retractable leash while they fumbled with the lock. “If your dog is 16 to 18 feet in front of you … it’s almost impossible to have the response you want,” she said.
Over the last few years there have been recalls on certain brands of these retractable dog leashes. Please do yourself and your pet justice by doing the research necessary to keep yourself and your dog safe before buying a leash. We suggest examining your needs, using sound logic, and finding a sturdy, functional, correctly weight rated leash and collar.
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Retractable Dog Leash Warnings and Information
I simply had no idea, and I am very grateful for the info. I’ve been using a retractable leash and I thought I was doing a great thing for the pooch by giving him a little more freedom when conditions warrant but keeping him close at hand in touchy situations like traffic. I did not know about all the injuries and malfunctions that can occur, as I never had a problem beyond getting tangled up in the thin cord, but now I see how they can happen sooo easily! I also see how heel training could be compromised by this product. Okay, I’m converted back from the retractables, and I will let other dog lovers know about this problem, too.
Wanda
Thumbs up on this article. I dispise retractable leashes. My mom has 3 boston terriers so when they come to visit it is like we are all dancing around trying to avoid our legs getting intangled. At a baseball game holding a canine event my son ended up getting a laceration on his neck do to a man with a pug allowing his dog to run around in a crowd attached to his retractable leash. I hate to imagine what would have happened if it was a large dog.
I give this article 5 paws up. I have a havanese about 1.5 years of age. For those not familiar a havanese is a small dog, mine being 16.5 lbs and he is fully grown. While walking my precious dog on the now dreaded and discarded retractable leash, he took notice of a bird and while I was disengaging him from his leash the cord on the leash circle around my lower leg and with him running it created a sawing motion back and forth along with tightening and left a complete circle cut around my leg. I can only imagine what could have happened had my dog been larger in size. I now use the non retractable leashes. Retractable leashes may be for some but not for me anymore. I am only glad it was me and not my daughter walking the dog.