CutePet Window

There are many types of dog leashes out there, and if you're a new dog parent, you may be wondering what type of dog leash is best for you and your pup. Retractable leashes are popular among dog parents due to their adjustability, but are they the right choice for your dog?

We talked to professional dog trainer Emily Muench CPDT-KA of Detroit, Michigan, about what to keep in mind if you're considering using a retractable dog leash.

What is a Retractable Dog Leash?

A retractable dog leash is a type of dog leash that allows owners to adjust the length of their dog's leash while on a walk.

"As your dog gets closer or moves away from you, [a retractable leash] just naturally adapts to that length," Muench says. "Then, it has a button that you can use to lock it into place so it will stay at one specific length."

Compare the design of a retractable dog leash to a tape measure you can lock into place once you've reached the desired length of what you're trying to measure.

Pros of a Retractable Dog Leash

Here are some reasons why dog owners gravitate toward using a retractable dog leash.

• Adjustable length: A retractable dog leash is essentially a big leash in a small package. "It has the option to extend up to around 20 feet or so," Muench says. This gives dogs the ability to better explore their surroundings. But you can also make a retractable leash shorter if you're walking your dog through a busier area.
• Availability: Retractable dog leashes aren't a new concept, so it's easy to find them in nearly any store that sells pet products. If you live in a dog-friendly neighborhood, chances are you've seen a retractable leash in action.
• Owner comfort: The handle of a retractable dog leash is typically more comfortable to hold onto when compared to the end of a regular dog leash, giving owners a more ergonomic grip. Additionally, since the leash naturally lengthens to accommodate a dog's stroll, there's a smaller chance your dog will pull on the leash.
  

Cons of a Retractable Dog Leash

Despite the convenience a retractable dog leash may seem to provide, Muench cautions dog owners to consider both the positives and downsides before purchasing.

Some cons of retractable dog leashes include:

• Weight restrictions: Due to their design, many retractable dog leashes have weight restrictions, so if you have a larger dog, a retractable dog leash would not be the best choice for you. "I don't think I would recommend a retractable leash for any dog heavier than like 15-20 pounds," Muench says.
• No fail-safe: If your dog makes a break for it while attached to a retractable dog leash, it can be difficult to get control of them. While retractable leashes naturally lengthen to adjust to your dog's stroll, they don't automatically retract, so you can't reel them in from unexpected danger.

"I think retractable leashes become an issue when people who are not responsible or paying attention to their dog are using them and their dog is going off and getting into things or approaching other dogs," Muench says.

• Risk of injury: Many retractable dog leashes are made with a very thin nylon leash or cable. If you or your dog get caught in said leash, it can be painful and cause rope burn if not untangled carefully, Muench warns.

While retractable dog leashes aren't her favorite tool, Muench has recommended them to a few responsible dog owners on a case-by-case basis to help with socialization and exploration. But in general, she is not a fan due to the fact many dog owners opt for a retractable dog leash to get out of training their dogs how to properly walk on a leash.

"A lot of people who have small dogs don't think their dogs need to be trained," Muench says. "I wish everyone would train their dog no matter what size."

Tips for Using a Retractable Dog Leash

Retractable dog leashes aren't necessarily off the table if you have a small, leash-trained pup. "You just have to use it responsibly," Muench says.

Here's how:

DO shop around. Not all leashes are created equal, so make sure to do your due diligence before purchasing a retractable dog leash. Is the leash you have in mind designed to handle the weight of your specific dog? How long do you want the leash to be?

DO conduct a trial run. A retractable dog leash can take some getting used to, for both you and your dog. Test the leash by walking around with your dog inside before you test it out in public. "Any kind of training you do starting in a low-distraction environment is going to set your dog up for success," Muench says.

DO NOT clip a retractable dog leash to a collar. "With a retractable leash, there's always tension on it, and sometimes that tension can translate to the dog," Muench says. "It's not a lot of tension, but it's still there. Attaching it to a harness can help take that weight off of their trachea and off their throat."

DO NOT use in a crowded area. Retractable dog leashes are best when used in a quieter area with minimal distractions, where it's safer for your dog to roam around. If instead used while walking through a large crowd, for example, the retractable function of the leash is rendered pointless.

Alternatives to a Retractable Dog Leash

Under the right circumstances, a retractable dog leash could be a good choice for you and your dog. But if not, here are some ways to replicate the features of a retractable dog leash using alternatives.

Long Line Leash

If your walk goal is to let your dog explore, a long line leash is a great choice, especially if you tend to walk your dog in more secluded areas.

"I use a 30-foot long line for [my dog] every single time I walk him, but when I walk him," Muench says. "Having different length leash options is great."

Scent Work

Another great way to encourage exploration is to train your dog in scent work, either indoors or in a secure outdoor area. Scent work encourages dogs to seek out a particular smell by tracking an odor you hide for them. It's like hide-and-seek with their snoot! Muench regularly practices scent work with her dog Oliver. You can buy odors specifically designed for scent work or DIY with some fragrant treats and a jar.

Peanut Butter Spoon Trick

Tired of your dog pulling on their leash? Muench has a fun solution that features one of your dog's favorite foods.

"My favorite trick for loose-leash walking is I take some kind of long spoon, and I will smother it with peanut butter and freeze it, and then I will hold it by my side and walk," Muench says. "That way, the dog is building value to staying by your side."