Retractable leashes are a popular option among dog owners, appreciated for their customizable lengths and hassle-free handling and storage. But these products aren’t without a few hidden dangers compared to conventional, non-retractable leashes.
As PetMD
notes, the recoiling spring inside a retractable leash can break, causing the leash to detach and the owner to lose control. Likewise: “They are easily dropped, and the noise of the hard plastic handle hitting the ground can easily spook timid pups. A scared dog may run, dragging the handle behind them, thinking they are being chased.”
While starting out on a walk with his two dogs, Texas resident Alex Hernandez learned that all too well:
What began with Hernandez accidentally dropping his smaller dog’s retractable leash handle quickly turned into a heart-pounding chase through his neighborhood.
Whether the dog was truly spooked by the dragging leash handle isn't clear, but that wasn't the only problem Hernandez faced. After he finally caught up and grabbed the handle, the leash broke, leaving the dog loose once again. Fortunately, despite the nearby cars and the stressful chase, no one was injured. In the end, Hernandez was able to get both dogs safely home.
And in a follow-up video, Hernandez revealed that he’s since decided to ditch retractable leashes in favor of standard fixed-length ones:
For Hernandez, one terrifying chase was apparently all it took to make the switch.
