Retractable Leashes Should be Outlawed
Written by Steve Dale
Q: Bullet is our rescued border collie-mix. We’re training to walk him
on our flex-type leash, but he’s always running ahead and wants to pull.
Should we connect the retractable leash to a choke collar? S. H., Rochester,
MN
A: No! Please don’t do that to Bullet. It’s true, that used properly,
a chain-link collar doesn’t literally choke the dog. However, for starters,
not everyone uses the chain- link collar properly. Even used correctly,
there are kinder and gentler ways to motivate a dog. Besides, when you
yank back, it’s natural for a dog to pull forward.
Instead, I recommend the Gentle Leader head halter, or any head halter
brand. Not only is this option more humane, it’s also more effective.
Slipped over your pup’s nose, some people mistake these devices for
muzzles – which they are not. However,
they do effectively prevent dogs from lunging ahead in whatever direction
they choose. Holding a retractable leash, you have little control if
your dog doesn’t listen to voice commands. Halters operate like canine
power steering, since you can easily point the nose in the direction
you’re going. Whatever direction a dog’s nose is pointing, assuredly
the body will follow.
Most dog trainers suggest a standard 6-foot leash attached to a head
halter, and absolutely not a retractable leash. In fact, Chicago dog
trainer Jamie Damato says, “Retractable leashes should be outlawed.”
Damato, who worked at a veterinary clinic for 15 years, said she’s
personally seen dogs who have died or were seriously injured as a result
of running ahead (as these leashes allow), and then the mechanism to
stop the leash fails – while dog keeps going right into a street.
Also, the whole idea of a leash which allows dogs to run ahead in
any direction is what Damato calls “incompatible” with effective training.
Another problem is that sometimes a dog on a retractable leash is
so far out ahead, about 15-feet or more, then the dog turns a corner
and is out of sight of the handler holding the leash. What if your dog
turns that corner and there’s an aggressive dog or a skunk out of view?
There’s nothing that can be done until it’s too late.
“The retractable leash can be very dangerous,” adds Damato. “I don’t
think most people realize these leashes can actually cause serious injury
to people or pets. When people come to class with these, we just point
out the warning on the label, then clients typically throw them into
the garbage.”
One of the most popular retractable leash brands has this warning
on their website: “To avoid the risk of eye or face injury and cuts,
burns, and amputations to your body or the body of another person from
the leash….read and follow these Warnings and Directions for Use before
using.” Additional warnings on the site continue for about 50 lines.
“I understand that people believe the retractable leashes offer dogs
more freedom, but they’re just not worth the risk involved,” Damato
adds.
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