What do dog trainers think about retractable leashes?
Sigrid Schiller
2025-06-01 17:56:17
Count answers: 2
As a trainer, retractable leashes make me cringe. When I’m out with my dogs and see an owner heading my direction with a dog on a retractable leash I immediately head the opposite direction, give them a wide perimeter, and wait for them to pass. They are dangerous for you and your dog. People have received serious burns, lacerations, and even amputations as a result of trying to handle a bolting dog attached to a retractable leash. Dogs have received injuries to the throat/neck as a result of abruptly hitting the end of a retractable leash. They ruin your dog’s loose leash walking skills. Retractable leashes function through tension, when on a retractable leash your dog is literally being trained to pull against the tension in order to reach their goal. They break, these products are not fail-safe, given enough wear and just the right amount of force retractable leashes can and do break. They are rude to those around you, retractable leashes make it very challenging for you to control who/what your dog interacts with. You should never use a retractable leash in an area with other people moving about.
Read also
- Why do vets not recommend retractable leashes?
- What leash do K9 handlers use?
- What leash do dog trainers recommend?
- What leash do service dogs use?
- What is the best alternative to a retractable leash?
- What kind of leash does animal control use?
- What leads do police dog handlers use?
- Why do dog trainers not use harnesses?
- Why do dog trainers use leather leashes?