The Hidden Dangers of Retractable Leashes

The extra freedom offered by retractable leashes can make them seem like an appealing dog-walking accessory, but many of those working within animal welfare and humane organizations are concerned with the high level of safety risks retractable leashes can pose, including causing severe injuries to dog owners, other dogs and people.

The Atlanta Humane Society, the Animal Humane Society, and most regional humane societies and animal welfare groups advise against using retractable leashes.

Goal of the Following

When dogs are walked on a retractable leash, owners have less control in an instance where a dog may be triggered to take over, increasing the odds of harm caused to the owner, others and the dog itself. Specific groups of people may be at greater risk if a dog attacks, such as children. Dogs themselves may also have a higher injury risk when being walked on a retractable leash. They can get tangled in the cord more easily and may even suffer from trachea or spinal injuries if they run to the end of the leash.

The goal of the following report is to highlight the hidden dangers of retractable leashes and the scenarios in which it could cause harm to the owner, the dog and society.

Retractable Leashes Increase the Risk of Injury

Retractable Leashes Can Cause Physical Harm to You

According to a 2024 study, retractable leashes were associated with a variety of injuries sustained by dog owners while walking their dogs. Here are some alarming findings from the report.

• Some studies found that 63.3% of incidents resulted from a trip or tangle, with leash pulling accounting for 29.2% of cases.
• Fractures were the most common dog-walking injury, followed by sprains and strains, bruises and abrasions.
• Upper extremity injuries were the most common, especially involving the fingers, wrist, upper arm, shoulder and head.
• In one study, traumatic brain injury was listed as the second most common injury.
• Common lower extremity body parts affected were the knee, ankle and lower leg.
• Most dog-walking-related injuries are minor and don’t require hospitalization, though some may lead to severe injury and even mortality.
• Those aged 65 to 75 years appeared to have higher incidences of fractures.

The Most Common Injuries Caused by Retractable Leashes

Skin Lacerations

Both Northshore Humane Society and Santa Barbara Humane (as well as many other animal welfare groups) advise against using a retractable leash for its rope burn and skin laceration risk. The narrow cord of a retractable leash can easily become wrapped around the fingers or lower extremities, and the cord of a retractable leash poses a risk of cuts, burns and amputations.

Fractures and Falls

In the AVMA 2024 study, musculoskeletal injuries represented over half of the reported cases, and 50% of those were caused by falls due to leash pulling.

Ocular Injuries

One study found that although retractable dog leashes are widely used for their convenience, public awareness of their potential eye injury hazards remains low. In one case, a U.S. manufacturer had to withdraw its retractable dog leashes after a recoil injury caused partial blindness in a 13-year-old girl.

Retractable Leashes Can Cause Physical Harm to Dogs

Dog walking injuries are on the rise, but most research has focused on the injuries suffered by dog owners rather than the effects of improper leash use on dogs. Research suggests that leash pulling can cause permanent damage to a dog’s trachea, larynx, esophagus and eyes. The American Kennel Club explains that if a dog sprints until the leash stops abruptly at the end, it can suffer from neck and spinal injuries.

Retractable Leashes Reduce an Owner’s Control Over Their Dog

A wide range of animal welfare institutions across the U.S. are in consensus that retractable leashes reduce the amount of control an owner has over their dog.

According to the Humane Society, the retractable leash can sometimes break if a dog runs to the end of it. Heartland Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T) suggests retractable leashes can encourage dogs to pull because they learn that pulling makes the leash extend. Northshore Humane Society explains that compared to traditional leashes, retractable leashes delay a handler’s ability to react quickly.

According to Mason Dixon Animal Emergency Hospital, although retractable leashes provide dogs with greater freedom of movement, this added freedom can be counterproductive during training. If a dog becomes excited or frightened, it may run away and ignore its owner’s commands. The longer range of a retractable leash’s length is another factor reducing a handler’s control.

The Physics Aren’t in a Dog Owner’s Favor With Retractable Leashes

Giving a dog more time to accelerate allows it to reach higher speeds. The force of a dog running to the end of a 4-6 foot standard leash is less than at the end of a long retractable leash, which on average extends to 16 feet, with some models reaching 26 feet. They allow a dog more time to speed up while simultaneously limiting the control an owner has over their canine.

Dog Behavior and Traits That Make Retractable Leashes Risky

A dog’s natural behavior may cause them to pull on the leash because they want to sniff ahead, explore their environment and interact with people or other dogs. Public places provide a wide range of sensory stimuli, including smells, sights and sounds. Fear and anxiety may also contribute to leash-pulling behavior, which is a self-reinforcing behavior when it enables dogs to reach desired locations and should be addressed through proper training techniques, such as loose-leash walking.

Many injury prevention recommendations fail to account for factors such as dog size, temperament, leash-pulling behavior, leash type (including retractable leashes), harnesses and even weather conditions. When it comes to proper leash use, many factors should be taken into account, including:

1. The dog’s natural behavior and tendencies
2. Age
3. Size
4. Training status

Dogs Most Likely to Encounter Problems on a Retractable Leash

• Fearful dogs may panic if they become tangled in a retractable leash or if the handle is dropped, increasing the risk that they will run away or attempt to escape
• Larger dogs in general should not be walked on a retractable leash
• Breeds such as Great Danes, Mastiffs and even Golden Retrievers can easily overpower many retractable leashes
• Dogs who have not mastered loose leash training should not be walked on a retractable leash, as they may still have tendencies that make this type of walking incompatible and more risky, such as ignoring commands or pulling the leash

Retractable Leashes Can Increase the Risk of Dog Fights

Several sources suggest that retractable leashes are less effective than standard leashes at preventing attacks. Retractable leashes give dogs more freedom to lunge or pull, which another dog may interpret as aggression.

Severe Behavioral Issues Can Result in Euthanasia

In extreme cases, dogs may be ordered to be euthanized because they have harmed other people or other animals. It is important to understand a dog’s behavioral triggers in order to keep the owner, others and the dog itself safe.

According to North Shore Animal League, using leashes can help restrain your dog from biting or causing harm to others until they are properly trained. In other words, proper leash protocol could save a dog’s life.

Tips for Walking Your Dog Safely

1. Only allow your dog as much leash as needed for the situation.
2. Never allow your dog to sprint to the end of a retractable leash, as the sudden stop can cause neck and spinal injuries.
3. Never use a retractable leash until your dog is trained properly and walks politely using a standard 6-foot leash.
4. Frequent rewards while walking such as treats can encourage and train your dog to remain by your side rather than pulling away from you.
5. Train your dog to listen to proper vocal cues such as:
   1. “leave it” to prevent your dog from running towards a distraction or into danger
   2. “watch me” to teach your dog to focus on you
   3. “heel” to keep them close by your side
6. If your dog is a good fit for a retractable leash, choose one with a handle made of a non-slip material to decrease your odds of accidentally dropping the leash.
7. Look for shorter lengths that can help you regain control while still giving your dog a sense of freedom.
8. Opt for a tape leash rather than a cord because it is less likely to snap and cause injury if wrapped around the owner or the dog.
9. Never grab the extending leash as it is being pulled to avoid skin lacerations and rope burn.
10. Know when to never use a retractable leash: stores, crowded public areas, areas with lots of other dogs, or on the sidewalk.

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