Retractable leashes are a good idea, they allow for room to roam and explore. This is great for dogs’ energy and mental stimulation but they come with a list of issues that a lot of owners do
not considered. The thinness of the lead can become difficult to control and spin so fast that there’s not a lot of ability to control the dog. There are dangers to both the person and the dog. These leases can easily wrap around your hand or fingers and easily cause burns from the friction of the rope. The length of the rope can also increase the chances of your dog getting into fights or confrontations because of the inability to gain control of your dog quickly. If a dog charged at yours then you may not be able to recall your dog fast enough and could be potentially in a dog fight. Retractable leashes can also cause whiplash from dogs sprinting and eventually hitting the end of the leash at full speed. This can also potentially injure the person walking if it is a larger dog.
These leashes are also poor due to the consequences that they have with training and teaching dogs how to walk properly and have manners. Walks are a great way to bond with your dog and a retractable leash reinforces being far away in walks is rewarding. It also encourages the dogs to continue to pull. They do not understand how the tension should be reacted to and become used to the feeling as they are walking. If you are worried about being able to give your dog freedom to explore, I would recommend using a long leash which allows for both freedom and the ability to correct the dog’s tension.
Rather than a retractable leash I would recommend investing in a quality six foot leash and possibly a slip lead. Six foot leashes allow for dogs to learn how to stay in place as well as where their owners boundaries exist. Teaching dogs to walk cannot be taught quickly and should actually be practiced inside before advancing outside. Puppies will be confused with what a leash is and time wearing it around allows for them to get used to it. If you have a bad puller, a slip lead is an excellent tool. Slip leads sit right behind the dog’s ears and allows for more control of the dog. The pressure is felt from the rope and the dog learns how to turn this off.