Retractable Dog Lead Safety
Retractable leads can give a dog more freedom to explore while still attached to its owner. They can be useful in suitable open spaces, but they are not appropriate beside roads, in crowded places or whenever the dog needs to remain under close control.
Near Roads, Keep the Lead Short and Locked
A retractable lead may extend several metres. A dog can therefore reach a road, cyclist, person or another dog before its owner has time to react. The brake can stop more line extending, but it does not quickly bring a dog back once it is already at the end of the lead.
Use a fixed-length lead beside roads and in busy public areas. If a retractable lead is used near a potential hazard, shorten and lock it well before reaching that area.
Possible Risks
- A dog may approach another dog or person who does not want contact.
- The thin cord or tape can wrap around legs, hands or fingers, causing friction burns, cuts or more serious injury.
- Grabbing the moving cord with a bare hand can cause severe injury.
- A dog running at speed may jerk the handler off balance when it reaches the end of the line.
- The sudden stop can place force on the dog's neck, particularly if the lead is attached to a collar.
- The line can become tangled around trees, street furniture, people or other dogs.
- If the handle is dropped, some dogs panic when the noisy handle bounces behind them and may run away.
- A worn cord, damaged mechanism or unsuitable lead may snap or fail.
When a Retractable Lead May Be Suitable
A retractable lead can be useful for a calm, trained dog in a quiet open area away from roads, livestock, cyclists and other hazards. It may allow more freedom where letting the dog off lead would not be safe or permitted.
It should not be used as a substitute for recall training or for a fixed lead where close control is required.
Using a Retractable Lead More Safely
- Choose a strong lead intended for your dog's weight and strength.
- Inspect the cord, tape, clip, brake and handle before each walk.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Hold the handle securely and use any safety strap provided.
- Never wrap the cord around your hand or fingers.
- Never grab a moving cord or tape.
- Do not allow the line to cross a road, path or cycle route.
- Shorten the lead before approaching people, dogs or entrances.
- Keep the dog close in car parks and beside roads.
- Avoid letting two dogs play while attached to retractable leads.
- Teach a reliable recall and a cue that asks the dog to return to you.
Collar or Harness?
Attaching a long retractable lead to a collar can put sudden pressure on the dog's neck if it runs to the end of the line. A well-fitting harness may spread the force across the body more evenly.
The harness must fit correctly so the dog cannot back out of it. Dogs with neck, back, breathing or mobility problems may need individual advice from a veterinary surgeon or suitably qualified professional.
Choose the Lead for the Location
No single type of lead suits every walk. A standard fixed-length lead provides closer and more immediate control in streets, car parks, veterinary waiting areas and crowded places. A long training line may be more suitable for recall practice because it can be handled in a controlled way.
Whatever type of lead is used, remain aware of the surroundings and do not allow the dog to approach another person or dog without permission.