Retractable leashes sound like a great idea, right? Your pup can tug and pull as much as she wants and you just hold that sturdy, plastic handle while she wanders around. But imagine if another, less friendly dog approaches your dog or she runs into the street after a squirrel while she’s at the end of that 10-30 feet of rope. You’ll have zero control over your dog because of the retractable leash. Your instinct will likely be to grab the fabric or rope of the leash and pull, which will cause you, at best, minor discomfort, or at worst, severe rope burns on your hands- we have seen it happen.
While your dog is a perfect angel who loves all people, other dogs and even the neighborhood-wandering cat, not all dogs (or people, for that matter) love your dog, and you never know when one of those dogs or people will cross your path.
A nylon or polypropylene 6-foot leash is your best bet. Simple! And your dog can’t get too far away from you- I know I’ve scooped up my dog super quickly from 6 feet away once or twice!
Allison, CVT