Dog Walking Duel: Classic Versus Retractable Leashes
Man’s best friend has been by our side for a long time with a little help from a humble dog leash. But if you’re looking for a leash to fit your new pet, what type of leash should you turn to: the old classic or the newfangled?
Competition
There are quite a few reasons why you can choose between the classic dog leash and its modern counterpart, the retractable leash. Both let your dog roam the world with you, and both offer the same level of control over short distances. The differences become apparent the further you want your dog to travel.
Classic leash
The anatomy of your traditional leash usually involves a rope made of nylon or leather with a loop at one end and a collar clip at the other. Leashes come in a variety of lengths, sizes and materials, so you can find one that suits your style.
You really can’t go wrong with a classic leash, but its consistent length is not very suitable for situations where you want your dog to run free or free.
Retractable leash
The Retractable Leader is a reeled line lead that is stored in the handle. They usually stretch from 10 to 25 feet and have a built-in lock button to prevent your pet from traveling further than you are comfortable with. It looks more like a tape measure than a winch, so you won’t be able to reel in the dog, but it will keep the leash taut while the dog explores the area.
Retractable leashes are incredibly handy if you like to let your dog explore without being in control every step of the way. They are ideal for use in large open spaces where the environmental hazard is minimal. However, convenience comes at a price and is often not worth the cost.
Dog leashes are safe but short
Classic leashes are the easiest way to physically control your pet. The shorter length allows you to steer the dog away from dangerous situations and to control the dialogue between the dog and other animals or people. Shorter leashes can be used for training, while longer leashes act as retractable ones: they give the dog some freedom.
When it comes to entanglement, there is no real danger in a traditional leash. Unlike retractable leashes, your dog won’t have 15 feet of towline to wrap around trees and people like the AT-AT on Hoth.
The worst thing about a classic dog leash is its inflexibility. This 6-foot leash will stay on a 6-foot leash and keep your dog from taking risks in areas you’d rather let him explore with minimal supervision. This leash is great for walking in an urban environment, but if you’re in the wild or open field and want to let your dog explore, it won’t cut him.
You can purchase longer leashes, called tracking or training leads, but you’ll have to wrap and carry them around when you’re done with it, or bring a shorter leash with you if you want to regain control of your puppy. Adjustable leashes like Kurgo’s Quantum leash allow you to adjust the leash length from three to six feet: great for training and walking, but not really travel.
Retractable leashes are comfortable (and dangerous)
Retractable leads are great for letting your dog explore the outside world without much supervision. Instead of forcing your dog to stay within 6 feet of you on a traditional leash, they can explore the backyard or park while you rest and relax. The retractable leash lock button allows you to control your desired length, so you can use it like a regular leash when you are in town.
Some leashes have additional attachments, such as flashlight or dog bag holders. Depending on what you’re looking for, both add-ons can save you a lot of hassle if you’re out in the evenings or tend to forget to restock your poop bags like your real one.
Unfortunately, what makes retractable leashes such a useful tool also makes them dangerous for dogs and humans alike.
You cannot predict when accidents will occur, and letting your dog roam a few tens of feet away from your observation can lead to minor accidents or even serious injury. In an emergency, the leash cannot be removed quickly. Children approaching yours too far from the dog can be injured if they are incorrectly positioned. If your dog collides with another dog while cornering, both animals could be seriously injured. Freedom can allow your dog to run after a car, bike, or person, leading to a potentially dangerous run-in or accident. In short, the retractable leads are too long by themselves.
You should also be careful not to drop the retractable leash, which could infuriate your dog. Your dog may flee when he sees the hard plastic handle of the leash fly towards him like a deranged chew toy.
Retractable leashes are also detrimental to leash training . Dogs are encouraged to pull on their leashes as this is the only way to broaden their horizons, and this can lead to behavioral problems in the future.
Serious injuries, ranging from cuts to complete amputation of toes , have also been reported with retractable leads. They are quite rare, but there is always a threat of rope burns or deep cuts due to the leash coming off.
Verdict: classic leashes are safer
In almost all cases, a classic leash is the ideal choice for walking your dog. Not only does it allow for better control of your pet, but it also does not carry the risk of injury inherent in the retractable leash, and does not pose as great a threat to your dog’s physical and mental health. There is also no real danger of being amputated or being tied up with a 20ft nylon rope.
Retractable leashes should be used in open areas such as fields and parks where potential hazards such as cars or other dogs are few and far between. You should not use it in the city or with other dogs. If you still need a retractable leash, just remember where you walk the dog.