Judging by the number of people I see walking dogs with retractable leash devices, it appears the product is popular. It is also unsafe.

Good Intentions

The length of the retractable cord varies from 15-30 feet and may be locked in place. Pet stewards have told me the variable length appeals to them so they may keep their dogs close or let them go sniff about.

But the variable length is also one of the most dangerous features of the product.

First, there may be a local ordinance restricting the length of the leash.

Second, non-professional dog handlers often lack the situational awareness, timing, and motor skills to lock the cord under exigent circumstances or emergencies.

Third, if the dog bolts or the handler jerks the leash, serious injury may occur to the dog and/or people who may be entangled in the long cord.

Fourth, every retractable leash I ever owned broke…leaving me with my dog 20 feet away and no safe way for me to shorten the lead.

I have seen these dangers play out in disturbing ways. For example, while driving to an appointment one afternoon, I observed a lady walking her two small dogs on the sidewalk. The lady was paying no attention to either dog, both of whom were walking in different directions.

One dog wandered about six feet into the street before the lady noticed.

And then she jerked on the leash as a punishment to the dog.

Was that fair? Did it serve the welfare of the dog, who was being ignored on her walk?

Even worse, the dog could have been struck by a vehicle, as happened when a motorcycle struck a dog who was treated by Dr. Garret Pachtinger, a critical care specialist. In the article, Injuries, behavioral problems linked to retractable leashes, Dr. Pachtinger states that he suspects the dog was hurt more by the yanked leash than the motorcycle collision.

Man walking a dog on a retractable leash — There are other hazards, such as when the handler drops the large plastic handle.
(Photo by Viktor Keri on Unsplash)

Dr. Pachtinger stated two types of (canine) injuries are most common. “The first is muscular, such as a neck strain or sprain; the other is a cervical intervertebral disc herniation, which can be more severe.”

For more information, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine has published a fact sheet detailing cervical disc herniation.

Whether the handler intentionally jerks the leash, or presses the lock button as the dog has bolted, or tries to yank the dog back to them, the damage is the same.

Injuries to Pet Guardians

And the concern for dog and human health is well-documented. Dr. Debora Lichtenberg wrote, Why Retractable Leashes Are Dangerous expressing her concern:

“I don’t think most people realize how many injuries they have caused.”

In a Consumer Reports News article, the author wrote:

“In 2007 there were 16,564 hospital-treated injuries associated with leashes, according to Consumer Union’s analysis of statistics collected by the Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC]. Of those, about 10.5 percent involved children 10 and younger; 23.5 percent involved injuries to the finger. The CPSC’s data does not parse the leashes into types but it’s likely that the amputations were caused by retractable leashes.

The most common injuries reported were burns and cuts, usually sustained when the cord came in contact with skin as it rapidly reeled out from the handle of a leash. Others occurred when the cord got wrapped around part of the owner or the dog.”

Insult to Injury

Several of my clients have told me how they were cut by retractable leashes, and my veterinarian reported treating dogs with deep lacerations due to these devices.

There are other hazards too, such as when the handler drops the large plastic handle.

One of my clients took her leash-reactive dog into the neighborhood on a retractable leash. When her dog bolted at something, she lost her grip. The leash hit the sidewalk with a loud sound and then retracted, striking her dog.

The terrified dog ran out of view and was found one hour later, by a search party. The leash had become entangled in shrubs at the edge of the city, where there was little chance he would be discovered by any passerby.

What’s the Alternative?

On another occasion, as I was driving along a four-lane boulevard with a 35-mph speed limit, I stopped in the left lane as a man in a marked crosswalk crossed the street with his German shepherd. The dog walked beside the man on a loose leash, and as he passed in front of my car, the man waved in appreciation to me for yielding the right of way.

With his next step into the right lane, a van whizzed by, and the man had to suddenly jump back, with his dog still beside him. Clearly, the man and his dog had a strong training history, and he did not have to yank on the leash. Had the dog been on a flexible lead ahead of the man, as is nearly always the case with folks using retractable leashes, I worry the dog could have been killed by the speeding van!

So, how can you provide both safety and choice to your dog during walks? My recommendation is to use a no-pull chest harness with a six-foot nylon or leather leash.

For those who want their dogs to enjoy the benefits of sniffing and exploring at a distance, I recommend a long training lead.

Working with a force-free trainer on using a long line might help you and your dog enjoy increased safety during outings, while bonding and having fun together.

Retractable leashes are not often thought of as aversive (shock/prong/choke collars) equipment, but they certainly can cause serious harm to people and pets alike.

About the Author

The author, Daniel H. Antolec, sitting on the floor with a large dog.

Daniel H. Antolec, PCT-A, CCBC-KA, CPDT-KA began teaching dogs in 2011 and founded Happy Buddha Dog Training. He teaches dogs in a way that makes it fun for pet stewards and pets alike.