Happy New Year, TLDOM fam! We hope that 2022 is off to a phenomenal start. Now that the hustle and bustle have mellowed out and some of you may be adjusting to the new pups you got for Christmas, we want to help you guys out with some safety pointers.

Whether you’re shopping for a new dog or just replacing new tools for your veteran furry family member, leashes are always a staple item to have. Retractable leashes are often the automatic go-to because they appear to help tame our more active dogs. In all actuality, they have proven to be a bit more dangerous. Here are some reasons to not go with a retractable leash:

1.     You have less control over your dog than you think. Most go as far as 26 feet, which is a significant amount of distance – leaving room for attacks, putting them in the path of a moving vehicle, and possibly eating something off that ground that is harmful.

2.     There are several ways they can injure you and bystanders – who wants to leave for a peaceful dog walk only to end up at urgent care for stitches? They can quickly get wrapped around hands, fingers, or legs and cause rope burn. If the leash gets wrapped around tight enough, amputation of your fingers could take place.

3.     Additionally, there are multiple ways they can also hurt your pup – the locking of the leash when your dog gets too far may cause a jerk which could lead to a neck injury. It’s common for dogs to get tangled in retractable leashes, which could cause amputation. If the lease were to break, they could get hit by a moving vehicle.  

These are some leashes that are safer alternate:

1.     Tiger Tail Leather Leash – made for large or small dogs, also waterproof

2.     Blueberry Pet Reflective Leash – sturdy, durable, and colorful

3.     Leatherberg Dog Training Leash – 100% leather, pain-free walking or training, and comes with a money-back guarantee

4.     BAAPET – available in multiple lengths, cost-efficient, reflective thread, and comfort padded handles  

5.     Easy Walk Harness – no pull and perfect for leash training, and keeps your dog from pulling/choking while walking

We take pet safety in high regard and aim to assist you however we can in taking care of your pets. These listings are our suggestions, but we also advise that you research to find the best fit for your dog. We hope this helps get the perfect fit for countless enjoyable walks for both you and your dog!