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?
- 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.
- They cause accidents. People often get tangled in the cord, resulting in rope burns, cuts, or trips.
- 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.
Hi Debi, first of all, thank you for your posts. I appreciate the useful information.
I have been using a 15 foot retractable leash and hadn’t thought about the issue of control. I watch carefully and lock the leash in a shorter length when I pass people and dogs.
I am definitely reconsidering its use. I do have fear that Roxy may dart after a bunny, bird, or squirrel. I give her plenty of freedom at the dog park…
On another note, do you have suggestions on a dog restraint for car rides? I purchased a booster seat that I will be returning because it is not sturdy enough.
Over the years, with dogs having high prey drive, I have discovered a great way to adapt my leash. I get one that’s a little long (8-10 ft) which can be knotted. I then make tight knots about every12-18 inches. These provide numerous “lengths” /stopgaps so I can vary the part of the leash I’m using & the control & closeness of my dog. If another dog is aggressively approaching, I can have her right next to me. If we are calmly walking, she has use of the approximately 6’ long leash. This gives me many options. I always have the loop on my wrist.
Any leash is only as safe and useful as the handler at the other end. I have seen dogs on 3 foot leashes totally out of control. I have been using retractable for 20 years and not once have I been hurt, hurt a dog, had one break or lost control. The trick with ANY leash is to be aware of your surroundings, plan ahead and above all, know your dogs. My current pack has some challenges, namely when critters pop into the picture. I know them, their behavior, and I can keep one step ahead. Their response would be the same no matter how long the leash. As would mine. I have not had a single incident I was not in control of. With 3 or 4 in our pack at any given time, I’m able to walk /hike with all of them by myself – confidently. Considering they range from 45 to 75 pounds, I think we are doing pretty good 🙂
I do agree that many people have no business using retractable leashes, but there are those of us out there that it works well for.
I like the simple rope slip-leads for my dogs. There is direct control. Retractable leads should be banned in Public places. There are often people walking large powerful dogs here on the promenade in Spain on shoelace-thin retractable leads. It’s ridiculous. They have no control.
100% agree with you Paul! Sounds like this is an issue world-wide, not just here in the US. We use the rope slip-lead when we go to agility and it’s great.
Hate these leashes. I work in an animal hospital and clients don’t pay attention to their animal on the other end of the leash. They allow the dog to roam. You have to tell the owner to retract it. I have seen dog fights occur because of owners lack of control over their dog.
Thanks for sharing Nikki. While we walked the 5K this past weekend there was one dog owner that ignored the no retractable leash rule and low and behold that was the only dog lunge/growl that I witnessed.
A friend was holding on to one of my border collies while I ran another in flyball. She wasn’t familiar with the locking mechanism and when my pup became frantic ’cause mom and sister were running and she wasn’t – got tangled up and severely cut her muzzle. I threw away the flexi leashes the next day and my pup had muzzle scar to remind me of my stupidity.
Oh no Pamela, I am so sorry! I’m glad she is okay though. Thanks for sharing your story, hopefully it will help someone else not make the same mistake.
I have a love/hate relationship with retractable leashes. On one hand I love the freedom it gives dogs to explore when they’re young and have bad recall and on the second hand I hate that they’re long and hard to use. But if you’re a responsible owner you’d clip it when coming up to other dogs, people, birds and whatever else. I used one for six months, switched it out for a six foot rope leash and ended up going back to it a few months later. I use for it walks in large parks and the countryside and use the rope for street walks.
I also feel that retractable leashes are dangerous but I see so many people using them that I thought maybe I was missing the point? But whenever I used one I never felt in control and whenever the dog would start running off my instinct would be to grab onto the cord which in turn gave me rope burn. So glad to hear that there’s other people who feel the same way I do.
We are not huge fans of the retractable dog leashes either with one exception: we do have a retractable leash we use during training when working on recalls. We also use long lines when working on recalls, but the flexi can be a little easier since it retracts as your puppy (hopefully) returns to you. We like using our adjustable 4/6 foot leather training leash for most other activities.
Great point Colby. I’ve heard other trainers say they use the retractable leash for recall work too. We use the long line, and it does get messy sometimes. Our long line has many knots in it from getting tangled.
I’m so glad to see that somebody else shares the same view I have on retractible leashes! Its so refreshing to see. I hate the idea of them. My pup on leash tries to lead a charge, how would I ever get that to stop if I let her lead on a 30 foot leash where I have no control over her?! My first leash was a leash and harness all in one and as a first leash at a spur of the moment adoption event I don’t think it was that bad of a choice considering I could have walked out with a retractable leash and never knew what kind of mistake I was making!