The Leash

I have decided that whoever invented the retractable dog leash was neither a runner nor a cyclist. It seems like dog owners who have these leashes like to give their dogs LOTS of leash to run on. As a runner, this scares me for two main reasons.

1. You never know if the dog is going to attack you. I never know how far I have to run around the dog to be safe. This is particularly problematic when I am running on the path at the lake because there isn't a lot of room.

2. You never know where the dog is going to go and if you will get caught in the leash. I am always afraid as I run or bike by that the dog will run across my path and I will end up falling because of the leash.

On some runs I feel like I am constantly yelling "runner" or "on your left" as I am approaching. If I ever get a dog, I don't think that I will use one of these leashes.

Note: This is not to criticize all people who have a retractable leash for their dog. There are many people who use them responsibly. To those individuals, thank you.