I hate retractable leashes for that reason! If you're going to be in public or walking on the sidewalk, your dog NEEDS to be close to you for that exact reason!!!

Too many times have customers come in to petco with their dogs on retractable leashes fully extended and while checking the customer out the dog wanders off and ends up knocking over all kinds of stuff and ARGH!! Eitehr train your dog to have MANNERS or get a 4ft leash!!!