'Extendable and Retractable' Dog Leash, What Do You Think? [Kim Suwan's Animal Report]

Risks of Automatic Dog Leashes Consistently Raised
Kang Hyung-wook: "Not Only Accident Risks but Also Harmful to Puppy Training"
Experts: "Mandatory Education Needed to Enhance Owner Responsibility"

The automatic leash, also known as a Retractable leash, is a lead that automatically adjusts its length as the pet dog walks. By pressing the button on the handle, the leash can be fixed at the desired length, allowing freedom for the pet, which makes it popular among pet owners. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] #Kim, a worker in his 20s, recently had a harrowing experience while walking his dog. Another dog on a walk suddenly charged at Kim's puppy. Kim said, "The dog on the retractable leash ran toward our puppy, and my child was almost bitten," adding, "Because it's automatic, the leash extends instantly, and the other owner couldn't restrain their dog." He continued, "I don't understand why people insist on using retractable leashes when they can't even use them properly. For everyone's safety, I hope people stop using retractable leashes."

As dog bite incidents have been occurring frequently recently, controversy over the use of retractable leashes for dogs continues. Unlike regular leashes, retractable leashes can extend anywhere from 3 meters to 10 meters depending on the product, making control difficult.

Among pet owners, there are concerns about the dangers of retractable leashes, while some criticize owners who do not pay attention to their dogs, such as using their phones even when the leash is extended. Experts warn that using retractable leashes can potentially lead to serious accidents.

Also called a retractable leash, it is a leash that automatically adjusts its length as the dog walks.

By pressing a button on the handle, the leash length can be fixed at the desired length, allowing freedom for the dog, which makes it popular among pet owners.

The problem lies in the owner's inability to properly control their dog. According to Yahoo News Australia, Lee Callart, who runs an animal shelter in Brisbane, claimed to have personally experienced the dangers of retractable leashes last year.

According to reports, a small Shih Tzu on a retractable leash entered through a gap in the 1.8-meter-high fence surrounding Callart's house and bit Callart's Rottweiler. The Shih Tzu had to be treated in the emergency room of an animal hospital.

Callart said, "Throw away retractable leashes. They are only dangerous and should be eliminated," adding, "Because they are uncontrollable, retractable leashes are really too dangerous. I have always disliked them." He also added, "If anyone donates retractable leashes to the shelter, we throw them away without exception."

For non-pet owners, fear of leashes has increased due to recent repeated dog bite incidents. A 30-year-old office worker A living in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, said, "There are many owners in our apartment complex who use endlessly extending leashes," expressing frustration, "Especially, the attitude of owners who say 'just avoid it' makes me very angry."

He added, "There have been more than a few times when I was startled by dogs that suddenly approached me even when I was just passing by," and raised his voice, "The number of people dying from dog bites is increasing every year, so I feel uneasy. Please take good care of your own dogs."

Citizens are walking their dogs on leashes at World Cup Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Given this situation, controversy over retractable leashes continues even among pet owners who raise dogs.

On various online community boards and related article comments, it is not hard to find posts such as "I am also a dog owner, but let's not use retractable leashes because they are dangerous," and "I don't understand the nerve of using retractable leashes when you can't even control your dog."

Posts pointing this out have also appeared in GangsaMo (Gangajireul Saranghaneun Moim), the largest dog lovers' community by membership.

One pet owner shared their grievance in a post titled "I was almost bitten several times by dogs on retractable leashes." He said, "Recently, while walking, my dog was almost bitten several times," adding, "The other dogs were on retractable leashes, but their owners often failed to control the leash properly and only grabbed it after it had extended. I wish people would stop using retractable leashes. Every time something happens, all dog owners end up getting blamed."

Moreover, some owners use retractable leashes while on their phones or not paying attention to their dogs, which has become a problem. Experts point out that if the owner cannot predict the dog's behavior, it can lead to serious accidents.

Meanwhile, retractable leashes are known to be products that animal behavior experts worldwide recommend avoiding.

Kathy Lee Stock, founder of HEX DOG TRAINING in the U.S. and a dog behavior specialist, warned about retractable leash use, saying, "There are many tools used in training, each with pros and cons, but the retractable leash is the only tool for which I cannot find a single advantage."

The expert pointed out that using retractable leashes is not only risky for accidents but also bad for dog training. Animal trainer Kang Hyungwook warned in his YouTube channel 'Kang Hyungwook's Bodum TV' in a video titled "Is it okay to use retractable leashes during walks?" that "Retractable leashes can be good if used properly. Otherwise, they can put others at risk."

He continued, "There are cases where the owner's mistakes lead to problems. I have seen many cases where people trip over the extended leash, fall off bicycles, or get their legs caught. You must walk your dog responsibly," emphasizing, "The retractable leash can pull and make the dog uncomfortable."

There are also expert opinions that mandatory education should be implemented to raise pet owners' responsibility. Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Alliance, suggested, "For a mature pet culture in our country, measures such as allowing pet owners to receive education annually are necessary."