Quote Originally Posted by wolfsoul
I agree, the only time I use my retractable leash is when I'm out camping or hiking. They are very unsafe, not just to dogs, but to people as well --- I can't count the number of times I've been clotheslined by retractable leashes. They can give you VERY deep and painful slices. I had my legs completely sliced up when my neighbor and I were walking our dogs one day.
It can cause more damage than that. There was a lady in the newspaper not to long ago who, because of her retractable leash, had to have 2 fingers amputated.

I think they just get in the hands of the wrong people sometimes. Both the people and the dog need training before using one.