The Extendables
Why Extendable Dog Leads Can Be Dangerous: A Cautionary Blog from an Ethical Trainer. BUT they do have their uses.
Extendable dog leads might seem like a handy tool at first glance the idea of giving your dog more freedom to roam while still being “on lead” sounds great in theory. But in practice, they often create more problems than they solve, and in many cases, they can actually put both dogs and humans at risk.
One of the most common dangers is how easily these leads can get tangled. Whether it’s around your own legs, another dog’s, or even your dog’s, the thin cord can cause tripping, panic, or in worst cases, injuries. I’ve personally been caught up by a large breed dog on an extendable lead who whipped around me unexpectedly. The result? Damaged legs, a shaken dog, and a situation that could easily have escalated into a bite had that dog been any more distressed. These kinds of incidents aren’t rare and they’re entirely preventable.
Extendable leads also tend to reinforce pulling. Because the lead gives the dog constant access to the environment without any clear guidance or boundary, dogs quickly learn that pulling gets them where they want to go. They become what I call “self-employed,” making decisions based on environmental rewards rather than engaging with their caregiver. That kind of independence might sound ideal to some, but it often leads to unsafe choices, like darting into roads, chasing animals, or approaching people or dogs who may not welcome the interaction.
They’re also risky in areas with traffic. If the locking mechanism fails (and they do fail), or if the human isn’t paying attention say, distracted by their phone, a dog can end up in the road long before their person even realises what’s happening. I’ve seen dogs cross roads at the end of an extendable lead while their human was still on the pavement, completely unaware.
Another issue is what happens if the bulky handle is dropped. It makes a loud noise, which can startle the dog, and if the lead retracts, it can make the dog feel like something is chasing them. In a moment of panic, they can bolt and put themselves in serious danger. I’ve worked with dogs who were terrified of leads for months after this kind of incident.
Let’s also address the growing habit of tying dogs up outside shops using extendable leads. Aside from the lead itself not being secure (and again, prone to failure), leaving a dog alone outside is never a good idea. It opens the door to theft, negative interactions with strangers or other dogs, and creates stress for the dog. No matter the lead, no dog should be left like that, but with an extendable one, it’s even riskier.
And finally, these leads can cause painful injuries. The cords can burn or cut skin if they run across bare legs, hands, or ankles for both humans and dogs. I’ve seen nasty friction burns and even a case where a finger was broken trying to grab a lead as it zipped out too fast.
At the end of the day, while extendable leads may have a place in very specific situations, such as open, safe areas with no distractions or traffic, they can be quite useful for dogs in recovery, dog who have health issues such as sight or hearing problems and can be great for dogs with cognitive decline as they can mooch in safety.
But my preference would be a well-fitted harness, a fixed-length lead, and a human who’s tuned in to their dog’s needs make for a far safer, more connected, and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
If you’re unsure what kind of lead is best for your dog and lifestyle, speak to an ethical trainer or canine professional. Your dog deserves to feel safe and supported and so do you.
