Monday, October 3, 2011

Retractable Dog Leashes

Now, I’m sure I’ll get angry feedback from all my dog-owning friends, and I would actually like to hear their defense of this product if they use it, but I see no point in retractable dog leashes. According to Merriam-Webster, the primary purpose for using a leash is to restrain your animal (see below), and retractable dog leashes allow the opposite.

Merriam-Webster: Definition of Leash
1a) a line for leading or restraining an animal
1b) something that restrains; the state of being restrained

In perusing the Internet for retractable dog leashes, I found that leashes of up to 26 feet can be purchased. Seriously? 26 feet? Why even bother putting your dog on a leash? Not only is “retractable leash” oxymoronic, in my opinion it is also dangerous. If you’re allowing your dog to walk 26 feet ahead of you, it is possible for them to dash into traffic without you being able to stop them. Or, if your dog is short-tempered, you won’t be able to prevent him or her from nipping at a dog or person coming from the opposite direction.

Excluding retractable dog leashes, exercising your dog is still incredibly simple:

-       If you’re taking your dog on a walk, use a regular leash
-       If your dog needs freedom, take him or her to the dog park and let them run around

 This two-part arrangement keeps you, your dog, and the people in your community safe, and makes far more sense than a retractable dog leash. So trade in your retractable dog leash today!

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