Can Holding Your Dog’s Leash Be Dangerous?

Leash

Holding your dog’s leash improperly can result in broken fingers, scraped knees, broken wrists, lacerations, rope burns and bruises for you, not to mention a loose, lost and/or injured dog. Think about it – what if you’re out walking Fido, daydreaming about your next vacation, when suddenly he takes you off guard by darting after the neighbor’s cat? Chances are, the outcome will not be good for either of you. Just because you walk Fido on his leash every day, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it properly. There is a right way to hold Fido’s leash that will avoid injuries to you and your dog.

Sure, it sounds like such a basic action… taking your dog for a walk. But how it’s done can mean the difference between being safe and being injured. Many pet parents don’t even think about how they hold their canine companions leash, just doing whatever is comfortable.

So, what’s the proper way to hold a leash? Glad you asked! First, when using a non-retractable leash, slide your thumb through the loop handle and allow the leash to fall downward against the palm of your hand with your thumb pointing toward the sky. Then close your hand around the loop handle. Voila, the proper way to hold a leash! Wait… that’s it? Yes, if your pooch isn’t a puller and you don’t need tight control, this is a safe and reliable way to hold his leash.

Okay, so what if Fido is a fanatical puller? Then follow the same steps as above but also adjust the length of the leash to give Fido a shorter reign by looping it back and forth over your palm in an accordion style and then close your hand tightly. Do NOT wrap the leash around the outside of your hand! That’s just a broken finger or crushed bone waiting to happen! Now, make sure the leash is exiting your hand near your pinkie finger to allow maximum control. Walk with your hands down near your waist, not reaching out in front, or swinging from side to sideWant to hold your dog’s position? Perhaps you pass a friend during your walk and want Fido to settle down long enough for you two to chat. Simply place your foot on the leash to keep it and Fido still, or grab it with your other hand, while still holding onto the loop handle as described, like you’re holding a baseball bat. Maintain balance and stability while you’re standing still by spacing your legs shoulder-width apart.

So, what’s the proper way to hold a retractable leash? Many veterinarians and pet professionals agree the best way is to not have one at all. But why? The length of a retractable leash allows Fido to get far enough away from you during his walk that it makes it nearly impossible to control him should a situation quickly turn dangerous. For example, if Fido spots a squirrel on the opposite side of the street, what’s to stop him from taking off after it and possible running out in front of a car? Not only that, the thin cord of a retractable leash can break – especially when there’s a strong, powerful dog on the other end. And what if you get tangled up in the cord, or grab it in an effort to stop Fido if he takes off running? The unpleasant result could be burns, cuts or even amputation, not to mention the road rash, bruises and other injuries that can be sustained if Fido keeps going and drags you down.

It’s not just people who can be injured by retractable leashes – Fido can be seriously hurt as well. If he bolts off only to be jerked back when he runs out of leash, it can cause serious neck and/or spinal injury. And with such bulky handles, the leash can easily be pulled out of your hand, possibly resulting in a runaway dog.

It is much easier to control, protect and reign in a dog on a six-foot standard flat leash than it is when he’s 20+ feet away on a thin string with no easy method of reeling him in. And holding the flat leash as described above will surely make for a stress-free, enjoyable and – most importantly – safe walk for both you and your furry friend!

 

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