Although the ancient Greeks and Egyptians created leashes for their pets, it wasn’t until much later that the first U.S. patent for a specialized dog leash appeared. Since then, the pet industry has quickly expanded and with it the leash options available to pet owners. One such restraint, the retractable leash, was patented in 1908 and its popularity still persists today. Some dog owners prefer retractable leashes for the convenience it offers and for the degree of freedom it allows their dog on a walk. While retractable leashes have certain advantages in more rural areas and in some training scenarios, there are downsides to employing this type of restraint for regular walks in denser urban environments.
The primary concern is the safety of you, your pet, and any passersby. An excited dog on a retractable leash can easily result in tripping, cord burn, lacerations, or worse when a finger is caught. Many retractable leashes are packaged with a disclaimer cautioning of these very incidents. With a standard 6′ leash, you have much more control over your pet in the event that they need to be controlled or protected. A longer leash also means a dog can build up more speed if they see something exciting, and the sudden stop jerk from the leash could cause damage to their neck or spine. With larger and more powerful dogs, there have been reported incidents of cables snapping when the pet sees something exciting. There is also the issue of mechanical malfunction as the locking mechanism in the leash will break down over time. Finally, from a training perspective, retractable leashes can create or exacerbate issues with pulling as dogs learn that pulling results on an extended leash.
While teaching and enforcing proper leash etiquette is the best way to ensure your pet’s safety, many pet owners employ simpler, safer alternatives to retractable leashes. The ideal leash will offer you the most control in any situation and as such should be around 6′ in length and have an opening you can wrap around your wrist. Leather and nylon options are easily found at any pet supply store. When it comes to leash safety for both you and your furry friend, simpler is better.
Blog Author – Paul Burgess
October 2015
