Why you should ditch the retractable lead

Photo by Brett Sayles (Pexels)

For many years, retractable (extendable) leads have been marketed as a way to give dogs more freedom. However, the growing consensus among vets, trainers, and responsible owners is that the risks far outweigh the benefits.

Johns Hopkins University researchers reported that injuries related to walking a dog on a lead in the US between 2001 and 2020 quadrupled. Analysis of data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) went further, specifically highlighting the danger to hands and fingers, a hallmark of injuries from the thin cords of retractable leads, with fingers accounting for 23% of injuries in their sample year.

This article will explore why retractable leads have fallen out of favour, the dangers they pose, and why a high-quality, fixed-length lead is the best choice for the safety and well-being of you and your dog.

• The dangers of retractable leads
• Are retractable leads suitable for training?
• Vets’ opinions on retractable leads
• The alternative: Fixed-length leads
• Safety and security on every walk

The dangers of retractable leads

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Lack of control

One of the main features of a retractable lead is to give your dog a sense of freedom while still having the security of being on a lead. However, with the lead fully extended, this creates a large and uncontrollable radius around the owner, making it difficult to avoid cyclists, pedestrians, other dogs, or hazards like broken glass.

Risk of injury

If your dog is running at full speed and reaches the end of the lead, the sudden stop and forceful jerk backward could cause a range of neck and back injuries. This could be especially dangerous for small dogs or puppies who are still developing.

Owners are also at risk when trying to grab the extending lead to protect against hazards. The thin material and speed at which it retracts could cause severe injuries, particularly to hands and fingers.

Entanglement

With such a long length of cord extended (typically retractable leads are more than 10 feet long), it's easy for your dog to accidentally get its legs, tail or body tangled up, which could lead to cuts and friction burns.

Another challenge with the very thin cord is that it can be hard to see, especially for pedestrians and cyclists who don’t know it is there, creating a serious trip hazard.

Scaring your dog 

If the handle of a retractable lead was dropped, the noise could startle a pup into running away, feeling as if the lead being dragged behind is chasing them. This may sound like a minor concern, but sometimes a single incident can be enough to encourage anxieties or fears in young dogs.

Are retractable leads suitable for training?

No. Retractable leads can have the reverse effect and actually encourage bad habits, particularly pulling, as puppies trained on a retractable lead will quickly learn that pulling on their lead is a way to get more space and freedom.

If you do have to use a retractable lead, lock the mechanism at a short, safe length, rather than allowing the dog to dictate the lead’s length.

Expert opinions on retractable leads

“We don't recommend extendable leads – they can be dangerous for both you and your dog, especially around busy roads.” - PDSA.

“[Retractable leads] are particularly risky when walking your dog by the road – if the lead is extended more than arm’s length from your body it’s highly likely they could get onto the road before you could stop them.” - Laura Playforth, Vets Now.

“Retractable leads, slip leads, and long lines are not appropriate for this [lead walking] training.” - Battersea.

“Retractable leads have caused injuries not only to dog owners, but also to the dogs themselves… For that reason, they are never recommended. Shorter leads allow you to read your dog and react to their body language to prevent bolts and starts that can lead to injuries.” - Dr Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer at the North American Veterinary Community.

The alternative: Fixed-length leads

Photo by Jonathan Petersson (Pexels)

The safest and most effective tool for walking your dog is a traditional fixed-length lead. Unlike their retractable counterparts, fixed-length leads provide a consistent and predictable connection between you and your dog, which is fundamental for control, training, and safety.

Fixed-length leads are available in a variety of lengths for different circumstances, including:

• Standard leads (4-6 feet) - For daily use, balancing freedom for exploration and maintaining control/

• Short leads (203 feet) - For crowded spaces, a short lead will keep your dog close by your side.

• Long lines (15-30 feet) - for recall and training, long lines are a much safer alternative.

Benefits of a fixed-length lead

• Control. Having a lead fixed at a manageable distance allows you to react quickly to your dog’s body language and changes in the environment, preventing bolts and starts that can lead to injury.

• Training. Rather than reinforcing bad pulling habits, a fixed-length lead provides clear, gentle feedback to encourage good walking etiquette.

• Reliability. With no mechanism to fail, a fixed-length lead is less likely to jam or snap.

“For everyday walks, the safest combination is a well-fitted harness, paired with a fixed-length lead, as this removes pressure from your dog's neck area and avoids the risk of accident and injury.” says TopDog co-owner, John Skinner.

What about slip leads?

While they are different from retractable leads, slip leads also require careful handling for safety. They are not recommended for general walking and should only be used for specific types of training. 

For more information, check out our guide “Are slip leads safe? The pros, cons and safety advice”.

Safety and security on every walk

By choosing a high-quality, durable fixed-length lead, you are making a responsible decision for the safety of your dog, yourself, and the people around you.

Take control of your walks and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your best friend is safe by your side.

Explore our full range of rope leads and stylish design collections of matching leads and harnesses, to find the safest combination for your best friend.

For more tips from our TopDog experts, check out the range of guides on our blog.