The Dangers of Extendable Leads

Ringwood Dogs

Potential Dangers for the Dog:

We often get asked what our view is on using extendable dog leads. It’s quite simple really, they pose a danger to both the dog and the walker and should not be used.

Extendable dog leads have become more popular in recent years. This is probably because as dog owners see them as a way to provide exercise to their dog without worry of allowing them free run off lead.

So, what are the Dangers of Extendable Dog Leads:

  1. Over time the cord will become frayed. In the worst case they will break when put under strain. This is of course a risk with all types of dog lead but as the cord is hidden when the lead is retracted, the damage will not be noticed.
  2. Extendable dog leads rely on a locking mechanism to stop the lead from extending. If this “lock” is not engaged properly, then walker will lose control of the dog. There have been cases of dogs running into traffic on extendable leads with tragic outcomes.
  3. When fully or even partially extended, the cord can become a danger to the dog. It can get caught around a limb causing friction burns, lacerations or even breaking a limb.
  4. When attached to a collar, a dog can incur neck and/or spinal injuries. Dogs love to run and will do so until the lead extends to its full length. At this point the dog is jarred to a halt, much like a human who suffers whiplash in a car accident.

Potential Dangers to the Dog Walker:

  1. The cord can become tangled around a leg or finger. When pulled tight by the dog, this can cause friction burns, lacerations or in the worst case very deep cuts.
  2. If the dog runs and hits the end of the extendable lead, the walker could incur a jarring shoulder injury or at worst be pulled over.
  3. Other people are in danger too as the dog could run around the back of another person taking them off their feet as the extendable lead tangles around their legs.

What are the Alternatives to Extendable Dog Leads:

In the first instance we would always recommend recall training with a properly qualified dog trainer. So that your dog can be walked off lead where it is safe and sensible to do so. Assuming that your dog is not ready to be walked off lead; then we have a couple of suggestions to avoid the dangers of extendable dog leads:

  1. Swap your extendable dog lead for a “Biothane Long Line”. These can be purchased from us in a variety of lengths and colours. This will reduce many of the dangers posed by extendable dog leads.
  2. Utilise “safe and secure” dog walking fields. These are becoming common place and for a small charge you can walk you dog off lead in a fenced area.

I look forward to meeting you and working with your dogs.

Isabelle Papé IMDT, ISAP, KAD
Ringwood Dogs, Three Legged Cross on the Dorset, Hampshire and New Forest border.
Puppy Training Consultations, Dog Training Consultations, Puppy Training Courses, Dog Training Club Classes, Kids Around Dogs, Doggie Daycare, Dog Boarding, Dog Shop

Ringwood Dogs  Home Dog Boarding with PetStay Dorset & Bournemouth   IMDT - Institute of Modern Dog Trainers   Ringwood Dogs - adheres to the IMDT and the The UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter   Isabelle Papé of Ringwood Dogs is a Kids Around Dogs (KAD) Family Dogs & Kids Specialist Trainer   Isabelle Papé of Ringwood Dogs is a Kids Around Dogs (KAD) Fear of Dogs in Kids Specialist Trainer   Member of Dog Care Professionals UK - a Facebook Group for licensed and qualified dog care professionals   ISAP - International Society for Animal Professionals   Accredited Reactivity Specialist Trainer from the Dog Training College   Ringwood Dogs - Three Legged Cross on the Dorset, Hampshire and New Forest border supports Dorset Dogs who champion positive management for people with dogs in town, coast and countryside and promotes responsible dog ownership  Unleash the Power of Play. Discover what a KONG can do.  Buy your KONG from Ringwood Dogs - Three Legged Cross on the Dorset, Hampshire and New Forest border.    Wholesome Goodness Natural Treats from the Ringwood Dogs Online Dog Shop   Ringwood Dogs listed on ThreeBesteRated for Top 3 Best Dog Trainers in New Forest Ringwood Dogs listed on ThreeBesteRated for Top 3 Best Dog Trainers in New Forest   Ringwood Dogs is the winner of the Prestige Awards - South West England: 2025 - Dog Day Care & Boarding Service of the Year  

Ringwood Dogs, Three Legged Cross on the Dorset, Hampshire & New Forest border offers:

How to Contact Isabelle Papé of Ringwood Dogs:

Click here to email: Isabelle Papé or call her on: 07860 173545.

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Local Areas in Dorset, Hampshire & New Forest covered by Ringwood Dogs:

Ashley Heath, Avon Castle, Beaminster, Beaulieu, Blandford Forum, Blashford, Bournemouth, Bramshaw, Bransgore, Bridport, Broadstone, Brockenhurst, Burley, Christchurch, Crow, Dorchester, Ellingham, Ferndown, Fordingbridge, Gorely, Hangersley, Highcliffe, Hightown, Ibsley, Lyme Regis, Lymington, Lyndhurst, Matchams, Milford-on-Sea, Moyles Court, New Milton, Poole, Portland, Poulner, Ringwood, Sherborne, Sopley, St. Ives, St. Leonards, Sturminster Newton, Swanage, Three Legged Cross, Verwood, Wareham, West Moors, Weymouth, Wimborne…

Insurance:

Ringwood Dogs is Insured with Pet Business Insurance (PBI) the trading name of LRMS Insurance who specialises in animal insurance.

Professional Membership:

Isabelle Papé of Ringwood Dogs is a full member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, a member of the International Society of Animal Professionals, a full member and accredited trainer for Kids Around Dogs (KAD) and a Specialist Trainer with the Dog Training College (DTC).

License:

Ringwood Dogs is licensed for Home Dog Boarding by Dorset Council, under Animal Welfare License Number: 149373 and Isabelle Papé also holds a full DBS Certificate No. 00104808299.