Retractable Leads – Do’s and Don’ts.
Many dog owners use retractable leads for exercising their dogs. However, while these types of leads can have their uses, they do have their downsides. Read our Holidays4Dogs article to find out more.
Only the other day, as I was reversing out of my drive, a lady was passing by on the other side of the road. Because of this, I was extra careful. I decided to stop and wait – mid-reverse – until the woman was safely past the back of my car. The problem was, I didn’t she had a Bichon Frise on the end of a retractable lead. It was lucky I stopped the car, because almost immediately, the little dog darted behind the wheels!
An accident waiting to happen.
The lady was visibly shocked, as her little dog suddenly skipped sideways into the road. She obviously deemed the incident to be entirely my fault, because she glowered at me as she continued on her way. The little dog was, by now, twelve feet ahead of her on the pavement. This is very dangerous and many accidents have occurred with dogs wandering into the road.
I have seen people walking dogs around busy towns on retractable leads – weaving in and out of people on the end of a 10-foot invisible wire. Indeed, at a distance, it isn’t always easy to see whether the dog is on an extendable lead.
Safety and dog walking etiquette.
Do bear in mind, the mechanisms on these leads can – and do – fail. Always purchase a quality lead and check it regularly for signs of wear and tear which might suggest malfunction.
Not everyone appreciates being approached by other dogs, even if they are on a very long lead. If the dog in question is unfriendly, for instance, the presence of such a long cord can complicate encounters, especially when passing other, less sociable, dogs.
I have also heard of large dogs running to the end of these long leads so fast – the owner is unable to keep hold of the handle. Catching hold of the line can then be difficult and injury, or burns to the hand possible.
On top of this, the large plastic handle bouncing around adds to the confusion and can frighten dogs into running away. There have also been tragic instances of other dogs running into the extended lines attached to much smaller dogs and causing fatal whip-lash injuries.
Extendable leads certainly have a place when it comes to dog walking equipment. However, they should be kept locked short in busy areas and only used for dogs to roam further in open spaces.
Are there any benefits to using a retractable dog lead?
Yes, absolutely. A long lead can provide your dog with much more freedom while retaining control of your dog. They can also be useful training aids when it comes to teaching skills like recall.
Some people find flexi leads easier and more convenient to handle than long lines. Retractable leads don’t drag on the ground and get dirty in the same way long lines do when they trail on the ground.
Don’t stop training.
Try not to rely too heavily on a retractable lead to control your dog. Instead, teach your dog recall skills and basic obedience. Try not to haul your dog back to your side as if they were a salmon on a fishing line. Instead, encourage your dog back to you and reward. It’s still important that your dog has a reasonably reliable recall and will stop on cue.
What to look out for when buying a retractable lead.
Extending leads are often made of cord, or nylon. Therefore, they are not ideal for puppies who are likely to chew their lead.
Retractable leads with a wide width leash section are preferable to the ones with very thin cord. Thin, black cord isn’t always visible to other people, or dogs.
This one from TUG has a wide ribbon/tape type lead making it tangle free. Likewise, MIGHTYPAW make a tangle-free lead made with reflective material – great for night time walks.
Leads like this one from TUG, have ribbon/tape type leads and are favourable to ‘invisible’ cord ones.
Make sure you buy the correct size of lead for your dog. It needs to be robust enough to keep your dog secure, even if they pull, but not so large that it hampers the movement of smaller dogs.
A good alternative to retractable leads are long lines. Usually, these dog leads are made from strong webbing. This means they can be used to good advantage, when it comes to training your dog to recall.
Retractable leads – Good manners and safe use;
DO –
Make sure you check retractable leads frequently for signs of malfunction because they can snap, or break.
Train your dog in basic obedience skills and recall. Avoid relying on an extendable lead to manage your dog and to get him back.
Remember – not everyone will want your dog to approach them. When passing other walkers, keep the mechanism locked on the shortest setting.
Buy the best quality extendable lead you can afford. Those constructed with a webbing lead are preferable to the ones made with a cord.
Use these leads in farmland or woodlands, especially with dogs that tend to chase wildlife or livestock. Again, keep them on the short-locked setting when livestock are visible.
Use retractable leads – and long lines – with a harness, rather than a collar.
DON’T –
Use retractable leads on dogs that tend to be reactive, or aggressive. Things can happen quickly and before you have had time to operate the locking mechanism.
Let the lead become tangled around a person’s legs, (or another dog). This is very hazardous and has the potential for conflict – (with dogs and other dog owners).
Expect to stop your dog from pulling on this type of lead. No lead will prevent your dog from pulling – it’s all in teaching the dog how to walk nicely, whatever lead or harness, they are wearing.
Allow your dog to wander too far in public places and always be aware of what your dog is doing.
Use these leads on the extended setting anywhere near public highways. Your dog could step into the path of a car, or dart into the road. This can happen, long before you have a chance to reel your dog in, or grapple with the lock.
Conclusion.
Remember, if you have difficulty controlling your dog in general, retractable leads are probably not the most suitable lead to have. Try to be vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. When walking in busy areas, or near roads, it might be an idea to take a short lead along too and swap over, so you have more control and peace of mind that the retractable lead won’t fail.
If your dog pulls while out walking – find a good dog trainer who will be able to help you train your dog to walk nicely, (on any lead).
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