The Flexi Retractable Dog Leash: Dangerous or Convenient?

Retractable leashes may seem convenient, but they’re dangerous and give you little control over your dog. A sturdy 6-foot leash is always the safer, smarter choice.

You may look at a retractable leash and think, Wow, what a great idea! My dog can roam while I walk, and I don’t have to worry about pulling or tangles.

I admit, I thought the same thing when we adopted our first dog many years ago. But wow, was I wrong. The truth is, retractable leashes are dangerous.

They put your dog in control, not you. The whole purpose of a leash is to keep your dog safe and under your guidance… not to let them wander 20 feet ahead while you hope for the best.

The only time I recommend using a retractable leash is during recall training, and only if you know how to handle it properly.

Why Are Retractable Leashes Dangerous?

1. The cord can snap. Even a small dog running full speed can break that thin cord, leaving you with no leash and possible injury from the snap-back.
2. They cause accidents. People often get tangled in the cord, resulting in rope burns, cuts, or trips.
3. No control. You can’t react quickly enough if your dog runs toward another dog, a child, or across the street.

I’ve seen this happen too many times. A friend of mine was pulled down her stairs when her dog bolted after a squirrel, and she ended up with broken ribs.

And then there was the night my daughter and I were walking Ginger and Bear. It was dark, so we had our dogs on 6-foot LED light-up leashes. A couple came toward us with their dogs. Normally, I’d cross the street, but there wasn’t a safe spot to do so. They stepped aside to let us pass, so I thought we’d be fine.

What I didn’t see until it was too late was that their dogs were on retractable leashes. One lunged, barking at us. The woman couldn’t pull her dog back, the leash broke, and suddenly the dog was loose. Everyone panicked. Luckily, her husband was able to grab the dog before anything worse happened.

That night cemented it for me: I will never use a retractable leash.

Questions to Ask Before Using One

• Could you stop your dog from rushing another dog?
• What if that other dog is aggressive or scared?
• What if your dog bolts toward a child or pedestrian?
• What if they dash into the street after a squirrel?

If your answer is “I don’t know” to any of these, then a retractable leash is not worth the risk.

What’s the Best Kind of Dog Leash?

I always recommend a high-quality 6-foot leather leash. It’s comfortable in your hands, durable, and will last for years. We’ve had leather leashes for over 20 years that are still in great shape… outlasting several of our dogs.

Nylon leashes may look cute, but they wear out quickly. A solid leather leash is an investment in your dog’s safety and your peace of mind.

Check out this leather leash from Leatherberg. It even comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Final Thoughts

Retractable leashes may seem convenient, but they’re unsafe and don’t provide the control you need. Stick with a 6-foot leash, and you’ll protect your dog, yourself, and everyone else around you.

Have you had an experience with a retractable leash? Share your story in the comments. I’d love to hear it.