East Valley K9 Services

DOG TRAINERS HELPING TO MAKE HAPPY, CONFIDENT, WELL-MANNERED DOGS

The Dog Leash that Leaves a LOT to be Desired!

Name: East Valley K9 Training Services
Address: 4120 East Fairview Circle, Mesa, AZ, 85206, USA
Telephone: 480-382-0144
Price range: $$$

Are you using the popular retractable dog leash for

walking or training your dog? If you are, you’re using the dog leash

that leaves a LOT to be desired!

Keep reading to learn why the retractable leash is NOT the best option

for you or your four-legged best friend!

Retractable Dog Leash: The Beginning

In 1908, Mary A. Delaney filed the first dog leash patent with a drum and spring to allow the chain to be extended in stages. This dog leash was designed specifically for ladies to retain easier control over their dogs especially with those long dresses and well-heeled shoes!

Retractable Dog Leash: The One Pro

For many, the popular retractable or Flexi leashes are still viewed as convenient in allowing our canines to easily explore far beyond their walker. With some of these leashes extending up to 26 feet, many dog owners feel better at letting their K9s freely explore while remaining somewhat connected to them. But that convenience comes with some serious risks!

Retractable Dog Leash: Risks

While retractable leashes represent convenience and freedom for many dog owners, retractable leashes offer more negatives than positives when it comes to you and your dog. In some cases, they can be downright dangerous!

Below are the top 3 reasons to avoid using retractable leashes with your dog!

The primary purpose behind any dog leash is to offer control of the dog for the human holding the other end. But the retractable leash offers little to no real control because it extends to unsafe distances!
These leashes do not reinforce proper leash training or your dog’s focus on you.
And finally, these leashes pose safety risks to the dog, the walker and other humans and animals nearby.

Let’s take a closer look at each one of these below.

There is nothing safe about letting your dog extend his leash beyond the standard 6’ training leash unless you’re in the middle of nowhere with no one and nothing around you. What if you suddenly need to reel your dog back to your side? How quickly can you do that especially with a dog who is still focused on exploring or pulling back?
Good leash training is critical to dog obedience and focus. Using a retractable leash sends mixed messages to your dog about what you expect from him when walking. It could also set up some bad habits and undo all the good leash training you’ve invested in!
Retractable leashes pose potential injuries to both the dog (jerking back on their collar as you reel in your excited dog leading to windpipe and even spinal cord injuries); the leashes can wrap around human or dog appendages and injure or even amputate fingers, hands, paws and more. Fully extended leashes can also wrap around other animals, dogs (encouraging dog fights) and people resulting in falls, leash burns or cuts and other serious bodily injury.

Learn More about the Hidden Dangers behind Retractable Leashes from Rover.com!

While retractable leashes may be a good option for some people, remember you are responsible for keeping both your dog, you and those around you safe from injuries and dangers. A standard 6’ leash will help you keep your pup under close to you – and under control – before things spiral out of control with too much distance.

10 Reasons Not to Use a Retractable Leash from the

Heartland Animal Rescue Team!