A lot of dog owners use standard dog leashes to walk their dogs. It is unfortunate how many don’t know about the existence of retractable dog leashes. This incredible tool offers various options which you need to take into consideration. A retractable dog leash can be difficult to pick and use. Many factors must be taken into consideration. In fact, depending on your dog’s size you may be better off with a standard leash. And if you have two dogs, you might need a dual-retractable leash. Answers for these questions and many more can be found in this article.
What to consider when buying a retractable dog leash?
There are four important questions which need to be answered before buying a retractable dog leash. They will help you narrow down your search for the one that can fit your needs:
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Do you walk your dog at night or during the day?
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How many dogs do you have?
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What’s your dog’s weight?
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How much space do you want between you and your dog(s)?
At this point, you sure have walked your dog a lot of times. You know exactly what you like and dislike about your dog’s behaviour when outdoors. That is why you need to consider if a retractable dog leash will help you improve the overall experience. Usually, this is the case.
Dangers of retractable dog leashes
After you purchased the retractable dog leash, you must read any documents that come with it. No matter how ‘secure’ it may look, a retractable leash is very dangerous, especially if it can extend far. People can trip, fall, get cut, burned, among other serious injuries when encountering a retractable dog leash. That is why it is extremely important to use it properly and safely. Here you have some tips to avoid any major problems.
Don’t take a retractable leash to a congested area
It really doesn’t matter ‘how well’ you use a retractable leash, there are simply some places where you don’t want to use one. For example, highly trafficked areas pose a lot of risk to retractable leashes. Any joggers or bicyclists can easily trip! It is better to use a standard leash just in case. If you don’t have one, and you are forced to use a retractable leash, shorten it immediately. Also, make sure you locked it before it is too late.
Stay alert of your surroundings
You need to stay alert to any distractions that can catch your dog’s attention. That is why it is important that you know exactly what is within your ‘circle’, meaning the whole distance that your dog can walk in 360 degrees with the retractable leash. Remember, the more leash you let your dog have, the bigger the radius of the circle, thus the bigger the area that you need to watch. Lastly, make sure that if you have two or more dogs, do not use different retractable leashes because this increases the potential for tangles and complications.
Don’t give your dog more leash than you can handle
If your dog doesn’t respond well to the ‘come command’, it is best to avoid giving him much leash. Even if he is discipline, you can never be too sure! It is advisable to never get a leash that is more than 20 feet long.
Make sure to choose a highly visible leash
You may have seen a retractable leash made of a narrow black cord that can be hard to see. This poses a threat to pedestrians and drivers on the road which might not see the leash in time! As you know, this can make them think that a dog could be running unrestrained towards them. Who knows what they might do! That is why a brightly coloured wide tape leash is perfect! Not only is it strong, but also highly visible.
Final thoughts!
At the end of the day, you just have to remember that a retractable dog leash is a powerful tool that requires training and discipline! If you choose to use it, you need preparation, patience and an excess of courtesy and caution. Otherwise, its wrongful handling can lead you to trouble and expensive fines.
Furthermore, regardless of what type of leash you have, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise throughout the day. Dogs need regular walks for their overall health and well-being. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to guarantee this! Anyhow, just follow these pieces of advice and you should avoid any major problems when using a retractable dog leash!
