--- title: "Retractable Leashes – Yay or Nay?" id: "224761" type: "post" slug: "retractable-leashes-yay-or-nay" published_at: "2020-04-01T22:07:00+00:00" modified_at: "2022-08-23T23:16:50+00:00" url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/retractable-leashes-yay-or-nay/" markdown_url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/retractable-leashes-yay-or-nay.md" excerpt: "Most dog owners opt for a retractable dog leashes because it has several convenient features including the ability to lock and retract the leash, but are retractable leashes really as great as they seem? Here are a few things you..." taxonomy_category: - "Healthy & Happy Pet Tips" taxonomy_post_tag: - "leashes" - "petland" --- ![Retractable Leashes – Yay or Nay?](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Leash-scaled-1.jpg)[Home](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/) / [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/blog/) / [Dogs](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/dogs/) / **Retractable Leashes – Yay or Nay?** [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) # Retractable Leashes – Yay or Nay? April 1, 2020 · 3 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) ![Image](http://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Leash-1024x683.jpg) Most dog owners opt for a retractable dog leashes because it has several convenient features including the ability to lock and retract the leash, but are retractable leashes really as great as they seem? Here are a few things you should consider in your decision to buy a standard or retractable leash. Pros of retractable leashes 1. More freedom of movement 2. Allow more energetic dogs to exercise at a faster pace 3. Useful for training the “come” command Flaws of retractable leashes 1. Encourages pulling 2. Distance and Response time 3. Dangerous for reactive dogs Dogs have a natural reflex to resist force by pulling or pushing against it. Retractable leashes when in the unlocked position give the sensation of backward pulling to your pup, which triggers his natural instinct to pull away. This can make the walk uncomfortable for you as you will feel as if you are in a game of tug of war and you are training your dog to continue this behavior during walks. Also, when using a retractable leash, as your dog creates distance between the two of you, your ability to respond if he were to encounter danger diminishes. While we don’t often think about the dangers that can arise during a walk, it’s possible that you’re put in a position in which you need to respond or intervene quickly for the safety of your dog. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/) If your dog is reactive, meaning he becomes aggressive or territorial at the sight of other dogs, he shouldn’t be on a retractable leash. Walking a reactive dog requires control and that can’t happen on a retractable leash. The use of a retractable leash with reactive dogs can place your dog and your community at risk. Even with the lock feature enabled, reactive dogs can easily lunge forward, and due to the bulky handle, you won’t always be able to quickly move your dog closer to you. We all want out pups to behave during walks, but this requires using the right type of leash for your dog. Puppies and reactive dogs respond better to non-retractable leashes. You have options for your leash. We recommend a 4-8 foot leather, cotton, or nylon leash as this leash will ensure that your pup will be close to you and you can easily take up the slack if need be. You can also choose a front attachment leash and harness. Front attachment harnesses don’t give the pulling sensation and the strap is less likely to make your dog feel as if they are being choked as the strap sits low across the dog’s chest. One of the downsides of transition from a retractable leash is that you will have to train your dog not to pull. We recommend humane head halters or pull harnesses which will help you to control your dog on walks. Another is that you’ll most likely have to pick up the pace of your walks to match your dog’s need for exercise. If this really gives you pause, you can wear your dog out by playing in the house or yard before a walk so that he or she is a bit less energetic. After making the switch, time and good positive reinforcement can help you teach your dog to walk without pulling.  [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/) - ![Yorkshire Terrier - 14246, Yorkshire Terrier](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791157_800.jpg)Sale 35 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14246](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/yorkshire-terrier-14246/) ### [Yorkshire Terrier](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Poodle - 14234, Poodle](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791239_800.jpg)Sale 54 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Female #14234](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/poodle/poodle-14234/) ### [Poodle](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/poodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Cocker Spaniel - 14247, Cocker Spaniel](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791165_800.jpg)Sale 55 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Female #14247](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/cocker-spaniel-14247/) ### [Cocker Spaniel](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![German Shepherd Dog - 14251, German Shepherd Dog](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791363_800.jpg)Sale 66 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14251](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/german-shepherd-dog/german-shepherd-dog-14251/) ### [German Shepherd Dog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/german-shepherd-dog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Cane Corso - 14250, Cane Corso](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791362_800.jpg)Sale 75 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14250](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cane-corso/cane-corso-14250/) ### [Cane Corso](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cane-corso/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Chow Chow - 14249, Chow Chow](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791361_800.jpg)Sale 66 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Female #14249](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/chow-chow/chow-chow-14249/) ### [Chow Chow](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/chow-chow/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Dachshund – 14244](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce-placeholder-600x600.png)Sale 67 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14244](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-14244/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Pomeranian - 14243, Pomeranian](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791245_800.jpg)Sale 57 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14243](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/pomeranian-14243/) ### [Pomeranian](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - 14242, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791244_800.jpg)Sale 65 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Female #14242](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-14242/) ### [Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Newfoundland - 14239, Newfoundland](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791241_800.jpg)Sale 64 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Female #14239](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/newfoundland/newfoundland-14239/) ### [Newfoundland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/newfoundland/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Giant Schnauzer - 14238, Giant Schnauzer](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791240_800.jpg)Sale 62 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14238](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/giant-schnauzer/giant-schnauzer-14238/) ### [Giant Schnauzer](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/giant-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Havapoo - 14233, Havapoo](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3791000/3791238_800.jpg)Sale 67 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14233](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/havapoo/havapoo-14233/) ### [Havapoo](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/havapoo/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/blog/) - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/easy-sustainable-enrichment-ideas/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/easy-sustainable-enrichment-ideas/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Easy Sustainable Enrichment Ideas](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/easy-sustainable-enrichment-ideas/) Shoppers have become acutely aware of the brands they choose to support. Millennials have been the most outspoken generation to pride themselves… October 21, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/fall-dog-essentials/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/fall-dog-essentials/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Fall Dog Essentials](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/fall-dog-essentials/) After a year of being stuck inside there’s no better time to leash up your pup and get moving. With cooler weather… October 7, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/recipes-for-layering-stuffable-toys/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/recipes-for-layering-stuffable-toys/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Recipes for Layering Stuffable Toys](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/recipes-for-layering-stuffable-toys/) There are so many ways to entertain your pup. With work-from-home becoming a new option for many Americans, there are tons of… September 23, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/tips-for-city-based-dog-parents/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/tips-for-city-based-dog-parents/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Tips for City-based Dog Parents](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/tips-for-city-based-dog-parents/) Yes, having a yard is always the ideal for a dog owner. However, sometimes because of work goals, financial components, or that… September 9, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/the-surprising-ways-our-pups-keep-us-happy-and-grounded/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/the-surprising-ways-our-pups-keep-us-happy-and-grounded/) [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [The Surprising Ways Our Pups Keep Us Happy and Grounded](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/the-surprising-ways-our-pups-keep-us-happy-and-grounded/) Breaking down Eckhart Tolle’s theory about dogs (and cats) – guardians of being In 2020, many people took to shelters across the… August 25, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/tips-for-beating-flea-and-tick-season/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/tips-for-beating-flea-and-tick-season/) [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Tips for Beating Flea and Tick Season](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/tips-for-beating-flea-and-tick-season/) Depending on where you live, the high season for parasites can vary but the general rule is that warm weather yields increased… August 18, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/essentials-to-leave-for-any-dog-sitter/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/essentials-to-leave-for-any-dog-sitter/) [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Essentials to Leave for Any Dog-Sitter](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/essentials-to-leave-for-any-dog-sitter/) So, you’re on your way to a sunny vacation destination – finally! A new level of excitement about going on an adventure… August 11, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/dog-toys-matched-to-each-astrological-zodiac-sign/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/dog-toys-matched-to-each-astrological-zodiac-sign/) [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Dog Toys Matched to Each Astrological Zodiac Sign](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/dog-toys-matched-to-each-astrological-zodiac-sign/) It feels like the stars align when you finally get to take your dog home and you probably picked up every adorable… July 26, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/5-fun-ways-to-celebrate-your-pups-birthday/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/5-fun-ways-to-celebrate-your-pups-birthday/) [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Pup’s Birthday](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/5-fun-ways-to-celebrate-your-pups-birthday/) In this articlePick Up a Present or TwoOrganize an OutingWhip Up a Special TreatInvite the GangSay Cheese! Our pets are a constant… July 14, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/pet-insurance-everything-you-need-to-know/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/pet-insurance-everything-you-need-to-know/) [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Pet Insurance: Everything You Need to Know](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/pet-insurance-everything-you-need-to-know/) Like all insurance, the general idea is that you never want to have to use it, but if you do, it’s there.… June 21, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/canine-careers/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/canine-careers/) [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Canine Careers](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/canine-careers/) In this articleFor Pullers:For Barkers:For Rising StarsSet It (Up) & Forget ItDog TV CriticPick a “job” that Highlights Their Best TraitsHave Your… June 1, 2021 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/ways-to-keep-your-pup-cool-all-summer/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/ways-to-keep-your-pup-cool-all-summer/) [Healthy & Happy Pet Tips](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/healthy-happy-pet-tips/) ## [Ways to Keep Your Pup Cool All Summer](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/ways-to-keep-your-pup-cool-all-summer/) Depending on where you live, summer is just around the corner or it’s already begun. Soaking up some vitamin D is much… May 20, 2021 ``` Petland Mall of Georgia 4082 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Emily H Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Cathy b Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joey was absolutely a delight to work with! I absolutely loved our conversation. She was very helpful answering questions. Next time I come in, I am definitely going to request joy Posted on Google Chris W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cally was a great sales associate! We appreciate her knowledge showing our girl the dogs! Posted on Google YOOmi R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was GREAT! Very detailed and knowledgeable! And Timmy mini poodle was so sweet and cute!! Our girls loved the visit! Posted on Google Corina G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Maleigha S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was a wonderful help and me and my bf had a great chat with him! Very kind professional and kind to us we loved the dogs too shoutout Chocolate. Posted on Google Grace K Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 👍 Posted on Google Alexander S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blue is SUCH A CUTIE I LOVE HIM SM AGHHH Posted on Google Patrick W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joy was amazing and she was so helpful with information!! ```