This blog from Dogster starts an important conversation about retractable leashes.  We at Sarah the Pet Sitter like to walk your dog with the leash you use in order to maintain a consistent walk experience, but occasionally I will use my own leash if I struggle with an owner’s.  As far as retractables go, I’m not a huge fan. I find it hard to pull the dogs back if they suddenly lunge for a cat, squirrel, other dog, or person or run for the street.  It’s not that I can’t stop them in their tracks (retractables are great for that) but I find it more effective in those instances to actually pull the dog closer to me to redirect them.  It’s harder to do that with a retractable.  When I can’t let dogs off leash but want to give them a long lead, I can attach them to a super long leash.  I have a 30-ft one I love and I can pull my distracted dog-client closer to me with that one. Do you use a retractable leash? What do you think of these horror stories about retractable leashes?  Is that a sufficient reason not to use one?

by sarah | Jan 29, 2012 | News