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Friday, May 23, 2014

The Dangers of Retractable Leashes


Many of us have written about the dangers of using a retractable leash for your dog.  This afternoon, one danger with those leashes was directly responsible for injury.

BJ and I were in our lobby talking to the doorman this afternoon.  A woman came out of the elevator with her large dog of at least 60-70 lbs.  (BJ is 20 lbs.)  They were saying hello, nose to nose, when for no reason the dog started to attack BJ.  He was biting BJ's ear and then his mouth and shoulder.  And, he wouldn't let go.  The woman had a retractable leash that was unwound and she had no control over her dog to pull him off BJ.

Needless to say, BJ was yelping, struggling, and bleeding.  He peed on the floor and pooped all over himself because he was so scared.  I slipped on the wet floor trying to get to him.   The owner finally was able to get her dog to release BJ, BJ was shaking and whining.  He didn't even want to go out on his walk.  He hurt and snapped at me when I tried to undo his collar.  (My poor baby.)

He was still shaking while eating freeze dried lamb lung, his absolute favorite.
He wasn't happy when I took (dragged) him into the bathroom.  BJ does not like getting a bath, but there was no way he could go without one.  He snapped again when I tried to put him the tub.  (poor pup)

I shared my roast beef dinner so he might feel better.  He's resting now.

I used a retractable leash when I took him to the park.  After 9 AM when he had to be leashed, it gave him more space to run around.  Outside of the park I shortened it to 4 ft. and locked it.  Too many people unlock the leash and release it go too long.

17 comments:

  1. Hope you're both doing better.

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  2. Gosh are you both okay now? Has the dog been up to date on shots that bit BJ? I do not like retractable leashes either.

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    1. We're both okay, thanks. I completely forgot to ask her about the shots. I'll do that tomorrow.

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  3. Aw dear. I hope you're recovering :-(

    Lots of Woofs from Earl and I at Earl's World!

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    1. Thank you. BJ was less jittery today but is still reacting when I touch his neck and shoulder.

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  4. That is terribly scary both for BJ and mom! I hope you are both doing okay.

    Do you carry anything for protection? I carry pepper spray and lately I've been putting a rock in my pocket as well. Two weeks ago two smaller dogs came after Delilah and I spoke to Animal Control and he advised me to carry an air horn. Or you could try some citronella spray, I've heard that can be a dog deterrent too.

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    1. The sprays sound doable. The air horn seems bulky to carry around. I may get a small water gun. I think anything that would startle the dog might work.

      The retractable leash is horrible because you end up noth being to control your dog quickly..

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  5. It's always frightens me to see a dog go for another. Leash or not.
    Hope YOU AND YOUR DEAR BJ are recovering.
    Long retractable leads are great when you need control in a run around area. Otherwise it's a good idea to have a short normal leash/lead. When your out and about in town. Give BJ time to calm down and maybe a trip to your vet for a check up wouldn't be a bad thing. There might be damage that you can't see.
    Lots of love, so sorry for your ordeal. x x x
    LUVS to BJ X

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    1. BJ is calmer today but still snaps if I touch him on his neck or shoulder. I'll see how he is on Tuesday regarding the vet.

      i used a retractable in the park after 9AM when he needed to be on a leash. The 16 feet gave him more room to run.

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  6. So sorry BJ was attacked. Hope he is okay.

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    1. I'm afraid of other dogs now. Maybe I'll get over it.

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  7. thank God poor little BJ is ok. I do NOT use retractable leashes at all and this is just one of a zillion reasons why. You poor thing, love to you both!

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  8. Oh, poor little thing. When I was young we had a family dog. There were no "retractable" leashes. Actually ours was a chain (and a proper comfy leather collar, never fear) because he broke leashes. He was controlled! Just in case. Cause he was too brave! And too friendly. Actually never attacked anyone unless they were attacking one of us (that meant my older sisters couldn't even yell at their kids--or me). Hope BJ is feeling better (and less traumatized!)!

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    1. The only thing good to come out of this is that she will only use a regular leash from now on.

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