My Sidekick and Me: Why I Do Not Use a Retractable Leash

By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC

As I was driving the other day, I saw a man walking a very large dog, paying more attention to his cell phone than he was the surroundings. He also happened to be attached to his dog by a retractable leash.

I’ve got to say, it made me worried for the potential of what could have happened unexpectedly. Sure, unexpected misfortunes can happen with a regular flat leash too – especially when the handler is not aware of the environment. But retractable leashes can break, cause restrictions and more. Frequently there is tension on the line too and that can cause a dog to react in bigger ways.

I thought I would share reasons why I prefer a flat leash in different lengths to a retractable leash for my own dog and client dogs. Especially with large breed dogs.

Keep in mind that the handles, the mechanisms to lock and release it, all have the potential to break, especially if a handler pulls it in too fast or yanks it. These leashes typically have thin lines and those can also break. If a dog takes off for something he sees, there is a good chance he will bust free from the handle – or take the handle with him, which can cause it’s own problems. A snapped cord can injury the handler, the dog or a passerby. It could also topple the person holding it.

Additionally, there have been many cases of dogs wrapping the chord around objects – or humans. If these dogs take off in a chase, I shudder to think about what could happen. 

If the dog is given a lot of line (these can extend up to 26 feet), or the handle is not locked (remember, that handle can malfunction), the dog could run toward traffic or another dog or person. Of course, this can happen with any 26 feet leash or with a leash that is not securely held.

If the handle gets dropped, I have seen dogs spooked by the clunky, noisy piece of plastic hitting the ground and trailing them. If a dog already is afraid or anxiety issues, this can be especially terrifying.

One more point is that, if you are wanting to teach your dog about walking on a loose leash, this is not a good tool to use. The handle is clunky. If you are extending and shortening it, you are not giving your dog good information needed to learn. These leashes also tend to have tension on them.

Personally, I prefer regular leashes.

Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC, with So Much PETential was voted 2024 Cincinnati’s Best Community Choice Award winner in pet training. She is a certified dog trainer, a certified Family Dog Mediator, and the first trainer in Hamilton County to earn Fear Free certification. She is also a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator. She is committed to using and teaching the most positive, science-based approaches to changing behavior. For more information, visit SoMuchPETential.com.