Retractable Leash Dangers

Walking Berlin is the highlight of my day. It is a stress reliever for me, exercise for both of us and great bonding time with my best buddy. Berlin easily heals by my side and in turn I let her periodically have the reigns and sniff freely, no more than the length of our 6ft nylon leash or Illumiseen light up leash of course. Where she wants to sniff (with in reason), we go. When the walk needs to resume I say, “leave it”, she listens and we’re off.

We never leave the house without our leash..but I would never use a retractable leash. Why?

Control. There is a significant lack of control. This is first illustrated in the “retractable” element. How do you recall your dog if you have allowed him/her to explore at the length of the leash? Some are up to 26 feet long! The leash does not retract unless there is slack, and yet owners often use these leashes to allow their dog freedom to explore farther..and..farther away from them. The second is illustrated in the handle. It does not allow to securely hold the leash. There are grip alternatives but, like the other versions, you would not be able to grip the spaghetti sized retracting leash element in an emergency without risking injury.