• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Retractable leashes: Useless and dangerous

Posted January 22, 2017

 

By Karen A. Soukiasian

It is amazing the number of people using retractable leashes. It is also amusing to watch how frustrated they get, because they have so little control over their dogs.

retractable leashes.
Using a leather leash gives you more control over your dog than using retractable leashes.

Actually, it is rather comical to watch even the smallest Chihuahuas and Yorkies drag their owners around. Then you have the ones with the Labs, Shepherds and other larger breeds, running behind their dogs, tripping over their flip-flops, arm stretched out, hollering for them to “STOP!”

Most fascinating though is the tangled mess the dogs manage to get themselves into! The owners look like fishermen untangling their lines. “Oh no! Look at the mess! I’ll pass my dog through there; you pull yours under the loop.”

Here is something to gnaw on – In 2007 there were over 16,000 hospital treated injuries related to retractable leashes in the U.S. They included burns, broken bones, bites (trying to untangle dogs), cuts, eye injuries and amputations. You read correctly, amputations. That was just the human count. Every day, veterinarians treat dogs injured by leashes, most commonly retractable! They include the same types of injuries as human.

No doubt we’ll be hearing from die-hard retractable leash aficionados, blustering about their military-style precision retractable leash techniques. Well, good for them!

However, if you are serious about obedience training your dog, if you are serious about having control of your dog; toss that silly thing out! Knowledgeable, experienced dog trainers do not allow retractable leashes when training a dog.

Retractable leashes encourage your dog to pull. Your dog will learn quickly; by pulling you will let out more line. Therefore, your dog associates a tight collar/leash is the way they are suppose to walk…rather than loose leash walking.

Do yourself a huge favor; invest in a quality 6-foot leather leash. It is much easier to control your dog, when they are six feet away from you, than when they are in another county!

Follow Karen A. Soukiasian on Facebook

Save

 

Related Posts

  • get your dog's attention
    Dog training: Get your dog's attention

    To get your dog's attention, don't yell. Speak in a…

  • Make it a habit especially in the summer, to have SEVERAL water bowls or buckets, filled with clean, cool water, located where your dog will most likely need them and use them.
    Dehydration can be dangerous for your dog

    Dog dehydration poses dangers. Help your dog stay hydrated in…

  • Depending on where you live, coyotes, dogs, raccoons, skunks, porcupines, rats, snakes and scorpions can pose threats to dogs.
    5 ways to keep your dog safe from dangerous wildlife

    Dangerous wildlife: Take steps to keep your dog safe and…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Training, Home Page Tagged With: Dog training tips, Dog walks

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

WaterPet parentsWorking dogsVacation dog caretraining tipsTwo dogsPomeranianValentine's DayVeterinarianOld dogsOutdoor activitiesYorkshire terrierPoodlePuppy-proofSmall dogsPotty trainingService dogsRescue dogPuppy kindergartenPit bullSeparation anxietyPet sitterThanksgivingSheddingPawPandemicSocializationPetfinder.comTicksRottweiler

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Use 5 tips to help choose a family dog
    Ready to choose a family dog? If you are, read on for tips and tricks to help you select the best option for your family. […]
  • 5 canine care tips to help your Pitbull live longer
    Prolong your Pitbull's lifespan by providing a positive environment, exercise, health care and proper nutrition. […]
  • 7 ways to sedate dog to keep calm when using nail clippers
    To make nail trimming easier, sedate your pup and use a good pair of nail clippers. There is no need to spend money paying a groomer or your vet. […]
  • Take steps to help older dog adjust when you add new dog
    Older dogs usually accept a new dog, but some struggle. Let the dogs work it out. Step in only if the situation could become violent. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.