The Pros and Cons of Using a Retractable Dog Leash

Retractable dog leashes are a hot topic in the dog owner community. Many owners don’t like them, claiming they cause more problems then they fix.

Others support them for the exact opposite, that life is easier for them and their dog because of the retractable dog leash.

To help you decide on the retractable dog leash, here are some things to consider.

Pros

Your Dog Will Have More Freedom to Explore

With the retractable dog leash, your dog has more mobility than on a standard leash.

They can run off and smell and explore whatever they want while you stay on the path.

Small Dogs Are Less Likely to Get Tangled

There isn’t any excess leash for your dog’s legs to get caught by because you control the leash length. This saves some hassle for both you and your dog.

Great for Letting Your Dog Run Around in Open Areas

All you have to do is stand on the trail and watch you dog rush off to sniff trees. Or better yet, from your couch as you let your dog out in the backyard during wet or cold weather.

It’s Easier for You to Keep up the Pace with Your Dog

You can let your dog safely go ahead of you on walks, knowing that all you have to do is press a button to get them to slow down or stop for you.

Cons

It Can Be Harder to Control Your Dog

With more freedom to roam comes more opportunities for your dog to misbehave.

Without the shorter leash length, it may be harder to get them to heel or from jumping on other people or dogs.

Hard to Use in Cities or Urban Environments

When you walk your dog in areas with lots of distractions like cities, you want to keep your dog close to your side.

It can be harder to keep your dog from running into traffic or other dangers on a retractable dog leash.

Bigger Dogs Can Trip Themselves Up

When you walk big dogs with a standard leash, excess leash isn’t a problem.

With their big strides, it can be difficult to keep their legs from getting tangled in the retractable wire.

Retractable Dog Leashes Can Cause Injuries to Both Dogs and Humans

You can sprain your dog’s neck if you stop the leash too suddenly when they’re running.

Retractable dog leashes can give owners burns, cuts, and sometimes amputations if they get tangled in running wire.

These injuries have been less frequent because of the shift from wire to retractable tape, but they are still known to occur.

The Verdict

When deciding on getting a retractable dog leash, it mostly comes down to where you live and how well trained your dog is.

If you live in an area with open spaces for your dog to explore, then a retractable dog leash is a good fit for you. If your dog is overactive or not well trained, or you live in a city, you probably will want to stick with the good old standard leash.

Whichever choice you make, be sure to consider you and your dog’s needs.

Do You Walk Your Dog with a Retractable Dog Leash?

What are your experiences with walking your dog on a retractable dog leash? Do you love it? Hate it? Tell us your stories in the comments section below!