Retractable Leashes and the Squares
 

This is a request for all of you dog owners who walk your dogs at SS or LSL. Please, if using a retractable leash, keep it retracted and the dog close to you. My aunt and uncle were in this week and we were walking the stores at Sumter Landing. A man was walking his dog on a retractable leash, the dog a good 10 feet ahead of him. The dog crossed in front of my aunt, she was tripped by the leash, fell on the dog and got tangled in the leash. She landed face down on the sidewalk. End result, 2 hours at Urgent Care, pinched nerve in the shoulder and a fractured nose. I too have a dog, but she will not be on a retractable leash and when walking her in a busy area she will be kept close to my side. Lesson to be learned by all.

THAT is horrible!!! I must agree with you on this one. The other day we were walking near the square and a person was also walking their dog with a retractible leash. Good thing I saw it in time otherwise I'd have tripped as well. The person I encountered didn't seem to be aware of the issue. I for one would take my pet on a regular leash if I just had to take him along for that very reason.

I personally think the retractable leash is a safety hazard for both the dog & those that are unfortunate enough to walk near one.It seems that "most" not all owners aren't aware of the dangers these leashes pose. I especially am concerned for the dogs that are near multi modal paths & streets. If the dog decides to bolt into an oncoming vehicle...well you get the picture.Also if the dog is at the end of the extended leash it doesn't appear to be an easy thing for the owner to retract the dog.Control seems to be an issue.maybe i'm wrong but this is just my opinion. Sorry this had to happen to your aunt.Thank God ...it could have been worse!

Some people are just plain STUPID !

I have 2 dogs and why do they need to be at the square. Does insurance mean anything

Y'all can't fix stupid.

Dogs
 

Dogs are allowed on the squares? ? ?

How traumatic for her, and for all of you as well!
May she have a complete and speedy recovery.
Give her gentle hugs from us all.

I agree.

Thank you for pointing out this danger. I am sure all who read it will take measures.

Falling is a new adventure for us grown ups. I tripped over a not completely retracted sprinker head tucked into the corner of a neighbors side walk near the driveway in the dark a few weeks ago and fell like a tree. I think I damaged a rib but was glad not to have broken anything.

Fear of falling is now added to my list of dumb things to think about.

I am so sorry that your aunt was hurt so badly.

hugs.

Gracie

I dislike retractable leashes. Tried to dog sit for a lady whose two dogs were her most beloved things in her world. She insisted on the retractable leashes. Once on a walk these two dogs would get entangled in their leashes because they were used to walking with their masters. That job did nt last long as I could not control her pooches on those leashes.


I know of one dog who crossed onto the golf cart path in front of a moving golf cart and got hit by it and had her hip fractured. The once sweet dog turned into a dog that you never know what she will do despite healing from her injury.

Sorry to hear about your Aunt.

One thing. I hope that the dog is OK?

Sorry to hear about your Aunt. I hope she is feeling better and heals quickly. I agree with all of you about retractable leashes. I love dogs especially my little pup. However, I do not take him up to the squares or craft shows or any where there are crowds of people. I myself have gotten tangled up in those leashes. I am sure the dogs would rather be at home watching Animal Planet or HGTV! Seriously though if you take your dogs to crowded places keep them next to you for their safety and ours.

Another risk for anyone so unfortunate as to fall on a dog (or trip over, or scare) is that the unsuspecting dog might attack/bite the cause of the ruckus. Responsible dog ownership includes being responsible for anything and everything that is the result of your dog - not just poop - but all the outcomes that arise from walking your dog as well. I cringe when I see toddlers run up to a dog to pet it and the dog owner/walker let's it happen. I've seen dogs that are normally docile become aggressive towards small children when they approach a dog with too much enthusiasm. I can't image the feelings of guilt/recrimination that all would feel if a small child were seriously injured in such an attack.

Hope your Aunt heals fully and quickly.

It's has taken me a month to post what I personally viewed at Brown Wood Square
It was the night Scooter was entertaining also lighting the tree
Now this thread has provide the opportunity.
I'll keep it simple being a responsible owner would never dream of bringing him to the square during an event. My friend and I were sitting on one of the new chairs and woman passed by with here leashed pet . Next moment it raised it hind leg and yes you guessed it
All over the leg of the chair in front of us and walk way..My blood pressure went up 20 points..I sat on my hands bit my tongue.My friend looked at me at the same time we both said I don't believe what I just saw out loud..The woman quickly grabbed her pet and ran off.
Made no attempt to get a cup of water or napkins to wash it down.
I can see no need for pets at the squares.Its not the pets fault for slob owners

I think they'd much perfer the Playpup channel on PPV!

Stupid is as Stupid does.


.

The retractable leash can indeed be a hazard when walking near cars. As I was walking the neighbor's dog with their retractable leash (we have one too), we were walking in the street on the side, in our courtyard villas. A car was coming up behind us, and the dog bolted toward the car, wanting to chase and attack it (another story, for dog psychologist). I tried to retract the leash but the BUTTON STUCK, and so I grabbed the thin cord and tried to pull him back to me by hand with the cord. The cord ripped thru my hand like a knife, literally, and because of the slicing pain in that hand I had to dive toward the yard and into the bushes, and drag the dog out from under the approaching wheels of the car. It was a narrow miss of that dog getting run over.

Please use only a fixed-length leash when walking in the streets!

Two neighbors out walking their dogs...the dogs did what dogs do when they get together...play and 'smell' and chase each other. Soon the retractable leashes are around the one neighbor's legs and the leashes are tangled. There wasn't an accident but I could see where this could have happened. The one neighbor is in their 80's and the other too has health issues. This could have been a horrible affair if they'd not have been still at the time so could untangle the things.:sad:

I was at Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital this morning. I told the Vet Tech what happened in the square. He told me they recently had to euthanize a dog that ran in front of a golf cart and amputate a leg of another dog. Both accidents cause by retractable leashes. I haver never and will never use a retractable leash. Way too many accidents to people and dogs.

Wow. This thread has been an eye opener. Thank you for telling us. I will bring it up on this forum again and again if I can. We all should remind everyone of the dangers to people AND Dogs too.

Not a fan of retractable leashes. One of my neighbors uses one and the dog is always getting tangled. This, of course, is because he lets the leash out all the way - 15 feet.

Personally, the only time I use one is when it is raining out and my dog has to go. I stand inside my screened in porch and give her a few feet to go out and then come running back in.

Never walk her with it - only a sturdy 6 foot leash.

Just my 2 cents worth!

Retractable leashes are NO GOOD no matter what!! My first dog was run over by a golf cart because I couldn't grab the leash. I only had it out about 4 feet and it was locked - she darted because a dog was in the cart (she had never done this before) - I tried to grab it, it just slid through and nearly cut off my finger. I still have the scar as a constant reminder. It was a miracle that she was not hurt after going underneath and coming out the side of the cart. I threw the leash away immediately and would never use one again or allow any petsitter to put one on my dog. They are lethal!! They are dangerous to both pet and person. If I had been using a regular leash I could have grabbed it. People tend to want to blame the owner when something like this happens - oh, they weren't using it correctly. Not So! You have very little control with those leashes especially in an emergency situation.

Y'all are quite correct about the potential danger of a retractable leash, but I have had my Standard Poodle and Aussie on one for over 9 years. It is not the leash that is the problem, but owners that don't know the correct time and place to let it go. They serve a purpose under the right conditions and can also be used in daily walking if used correctly. :doggie:

gomoho - i have had to use a retractable leash when pet sitting, and for the life of me, i cannot fathom what the right conditions might be for using that leash...could you please enlighten? after receiving one of those slice-em-up cuts one day, i bought a non-retractable leash to keep for those days when i still pet sit. thanx for any info you can share.

Well I have dogs that need to blow off steam and since they can't run free I have them on the retractable, fully extended, and they run around the yard in circles. Works for my kids, but I am sure not for everyone. On the rare occasion we are somewhere they can explore their surroundings it is also appropriate in that situation.

I wasn't really sure how this post would make people feel. I guess I just wanted people to be aware of what could happen when using one of these leashes. I don't think people see these as a possible danger to themselves or others in a crowded area. Thanks for all the well wishes and concern for my Aunt. She is back in Cleveland and will be seeing her doctors on Monday. She was a real trooper, the same night this happened she still wanted to go to Glenview for the twin lobster tails. She got a few odd looks, but ate well!

thanks. we always had a post that was deep in the ground with a long, long lead that allowed our dog[s] to have at it in our back yard - blowin' off that steam! never had to leave on a leash for running free! i can understand a retractable bein' good for when they hafta stay on your own property.

So sorry for the op's aunt. That was an awful accident. It did bring an important issue up though. I will no longer use a retractable leash. It sounds like an accident waiting to happen. I have to admit though...99% of the time, I use it so that I can keep her closer to me. If I keep the leash at about 3 ft or so, I have more control over her and she doesn't pull so much....also, a harness helps with that. But I do agree completely about the dangers of the retractable leash. Glad it was posted. ( not the accident, just the post).

Bless her heart :)

I used to use them with my two dogs until they were attacked by a big dog. I was so flustered I couldn't get them locked and the dogs pulled in different directions. The attacking dog would go for one of them and I'd get it away and then it went for the other one. If a UPS delivery man wasn't near and helped me my dogs could be dead. That was the last time I ever used one.

I have seen those leashes break easily when a dog lunges. A dog on the other side of the street lunged when he saw me and my dog - the leash broke and he came flying at us. Fortunately, Missy was little and I scooped her up. There is not one good thing to say about retractable leashes and not one good excuse for using them. I have a regular extra long leash that my dog can run and play ball with me in the back yard. It works fine and is secure. I praise anyone who refuses to use retractable leashes - you are smart and showing true love and protection for your dog.

I second the post by mfp. I've never used retractable leashes, hate them.
Most people who take their pets to public places have them safely under control. Sadly, there are a few negligent pet owners who ruin it for everyone.

Just a question
 

What is the legal liability of the dog owner regarding the injuries the OP Aunt suffered. Sorry that this had to happen to her due to a careless dog owner.

I'm sure the responsible dog owner has offered to take care of the medical expenses, and will no doubt offer to pay a great deal for pain and suffering, and latent injuries.

Leave dogs home
 

Why do pet owners feel that a town square full of people is the proper place to bring their dog? Did the dog ask to go? Does the dog want to dance? Maybe he would like a drink from one of the kiosks? Come on people.....dogs would rather be home. Take them for a walk in appropriate places.

A lot of people have more consideration for their dogs than they do other people....even their own children when they are small. I've seen homes where the dogs have more freedom and rights than the kids.

As much as we love our dog, it's an animal, not a human citizen nor member of the community.

As for bringing them to the squares, I think it should be allowed (I like it) at all hours except from 5-9pm when there are so many people present.

And I think there should be a local ordinance that says "no retractable leashes on sidewalks, streets, and squares". There are too many human feet/legs, vehicle wheels, etc. to get into trouble with the retractable leash, injuring people and the pet.

I agree there should be an ordinance that says "no retractable leashes etc". I took my dog Missy to a doggie picnic at one of the boarding places and they did not allow retractable leashes. People had to buy a regular leash before they could go in. It was a safety issue and I applaud them for doing it.

Wow this is certainly turning into a dictatorship like post. I would hope we would all have the "right" to do as we sit fit for our animals as long as we have concern for others. Someone could make a point no golf carts should be allowed in TV 'cause there are too many accidents and people that aren't careful.

Once again it is about personal responsibility - it is the dog's owner not the retractable leash that causes the problem Jeez - give it a rest already.

:agree::bigbow:

Well, I would agree with that to a certain extent, but just as we have rules about kids and pools, and rules about dogs not being off leash (are you listening, someone chuckering your doodle at Tamarind Grove mailboxes and pool?), I believe there's a need for restrictions where others' safety vs people's oblivion is involved.

At our marina in MI, the rule is your dog must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, with you attached to the other end. Problem solved. This could easily be established at the squares.

I can see using a retractable for the purposes gomoho describes, but never off one's property. I personally see lack of control as a big issue with them, and concern for my dog's safety if he should decide to bolt after a squirrel.

I do not think dogs should be banned from the square, nor do I think anyone knows what my dog likes or doesn't like. I happen to know he prefers to be with us and people in general. That's why we chose a golden retriever.

Dogs are allowed at the Town Squares. We rarely take our dogs to the Town Centers, but we really enjoy seeing other dogs there. It is up to dog owners to decide whether to take their pets there. Of course it must be done in a safe and respectful manner.