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Before you clip on that retractable leash: know the risks

A goal for most pet parents is for their dog to walk nicely on leash so that everyone remains safe and the leash stays relaxed, loose and free of constant tension. Bringing a dog into your home means accepting the responsibility of keeping them safe when you take them out into your community. A properly fitted collar or harness and a suitable leash help you do that.

Some pet parents choose a retractable or extendable leash because they feel it allows their dog to roam, sniff and explore more freely. And that freedom can be appealing. However, retractable leashes are not the safest choice for most community walks. They can create avoidable risks for the dog, the pet parent and others nearby. In some municipalities, the extended length may also fail to meet local animal by-law requirements.

As mentioned above, the goal of a comfortable walk is usually a loose leash. A retractable leash works against that goal because the dog must add tension to make the leash extend. In effect, pulling is what earns the dog more distance. The design also allows a dog to move much farther away while giving the pet parent less immediate control.

Here are five dangers of using retractable leashes:

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1. Lack of control

Retractable leashes can compromise a pet parent’s ability to control their dog effectively. The handle and storage mechanism are bulky, which can make the leash difficult to transfer between hands or manage if the cord becomes tangled. When the leash is fully extended, it can be very difficult to respond quickly if a dog moves toward traffic, another animal, a cyclist or a pedestrian. Dogs have run into roads while at the full extension of these leashes. A shorter, fixed-length leash gives the pet parent a much better opportunity to prevent an accident or unwanted confrontation.

2. Entanglement and other hazards

The thin cord or tape can easily become tangled around a dog, a person or an object. If it moves quickly across skin, it can cause painful cuts or friction burns. In crowded areas, a long extended leash can also create a tripping or collision hazard for pedestrians, runners and cyclists who may not see it.

3. Injuries to dogs

A dog running at full speed can reach the end of the leash abruptly, placing sudden force on the neck, spine or body. The cord or tape can also become wrapped around the dog’s legs. If the pet parent drops the rigid handle, it may bounce and clatter behind the dog. This can frighten the dog and cause them to run farther while dragging the retractable leash through a park, trail or street.

4. Unpredictable reactions and unwanted greetings

Dogs on retractable leashes may react unpredictably when they encounter other animals, people or exciting stimuli. The extra distance can also allow a dog to rush up to someone before the pet parent has time to assess the situation or ask permission. The dog being approached may be timid, fearful, in pain or uncomfortable with greetings. Even a friendly dog should not be allowed to approach another dog or person unexpectedly.

5. Safety concerns for pet parents

Pet parents can be injured too. If a dog suddenly bolts or pulls, the force can cause a fall or other injury. Grabbing the cord or tape with a bare hand can cause cuts or burns. The bulky handle can also be easier to drop than a standard leash, particularly when gloves are worn or the pet parent is carrying other items.

Retractable leashes and animal by-laws

Some towns and cities require dogs to be walked on a restraining device no longer than a specified length, often two metres, attached to a collar or harness and strong enough to restrain the dog. A retractable leash that extends beyond the permitted length may not meet the animal by-law, even if the handle has a locking feature. Pet parents are responsible for knowing the rules in every community where they walk their dog. If you are unsure, check the current municipal animal by-law or contact your local Animal Services or By-law department.

Safer choices for everyday walks

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For most neighbourhood and community walks, choose a standard fixed-length leash that is four-to-six feet long, attached to a properly fitted flat collar or harness. This provides enough room for comfortable movement and sniffing while helping you maintain safe, predictable control.

Depending on the individual dog and the walk, good options may include:

• A four- or six-foot fixed-length leash for everyday community walks.
• A sturdy, properly fitted harness, particularly for dogs who are still learning leash skills or who may place pressure on their neck.
• A 10- to 15-foot long line for supervised exploration in a safe, open area away from traffic and crowded pathways.

Providing freedom with a long line

Off-leash freedom comes with risks, so when I want to give my own dog, Skye, more room to roam on a trail or in a park, I use a 15-foot long line. It lets her explore and sniff while she remains safely connected to me.

A long line still needs to be managed carefully. Keep it gathered so it does not drag into the path of other people or dogs, feed out only the amount of line the environment safely allows, and avoid wrapping it around your hand. Wear gloves if helpful, stay aware of where the line is, and shorten it well before approaching roads, dogs, people or narrow sections of a trail. A long line should be attached to a well-fitted harness rather than a collar if the dog may reach the end at speed.

BEWARE: If you continue to use a retractable leash

Please understand that using a retractable leash carries significant risks, even when it is handled carefully. If you choose to continue using one, be constantly aware of your surroundings, maintain a secure grip and lock it at a short length before approaching traffic, people or other animals. Never grab the cord or tape with your bare hand. Regularly inspect the leash, collar and harness for wear or damage and replace equipment when necessary. Most importantly, confirm that the length complies with the animal by-law wherever you are walking.

The goal is not to take away a dog’s opportunity to explore. It is to provide that freedom without creating unnecessary risk. A standard leash for community walks and a carefully managed long line for safe, open spaces are better choices than a retractable leash. Thoughtful equipment, good leash-handling skills and active supervision make walks safer and more enjoyable for the dog, the pet parent and the community.

Written by

Corey McCusker, CPDT-KA, Licensed Family Dog Mediator®

Corey McCusker, CPDT-KA, LFDM, is the founder of Muttz with Mannerz Canine Training Academy in Stouffville, Ontario. She specializes in enrichment-based daycare, positive-reinforcement training and family dog mediation, helping dogs and their people build lasting, trusting relationships through science-based, welfare-focused methods.

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We’re raffling off two tickets to the Toronto Sceptres game on Friday, December 12 versus the Boston Fleet.

Section 100, Row R, Seats 6 and 7 (centre ice) valued at $58.50 each.

Raffle tickets are one for $10 or three for $25.

Purchase your raffle tickets from November 3–23 by emailing Lorraine at speakingofdogs@gmail.com

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Meet November’s featured dog — April

April is an adorable, super sweet young Shih Tzu (three-to-four years old). She came into the rescue with several other dogs from a puppy mill. She was diagnosed with a large bladder stone which was causing severe discomfort. After having surgery to remove the stone, this playful girl has never looked back.

Like most puppy mill Shih Tzus, April has really thrown herself into her new life as a pet. She’s full of joy and mischief. She soaks up belly rubs, cuddles, treats and toys. She’s up for anything new and loves every new dog and person she meets. Now that she’s found her footing, nothing phases her. That being said, she does not like being alone (understandably, as she never had been) and will cry incessantly if she’s left by herself. It’s fine if the humans are away as long as there’s at least one other dog with her.

April is having fun making up for her lost puppy years. She’s very curious and will investigate anything within reach. Puppy proofing your home is essential.

April is currently on a prescription diet to prevent a recurrence of bladder stones and requires daily lubricating eyedrops, which are very easy to administer. Her housebreaking is nearly complete — she’ll use a pad if absolutely necessary, but prefers regular trips outside especially if she has the example of other dogs!

April’s must haves:

• A fenced yard
• At least one other dog in the home

She would prefer to be somewhere where there is someone at home more of the time than not.

If you’re looking for a super sweet, playful dog, April may be the dog for you!

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