Greyhounds should only be walked on a 4 to 6 foot leash. Do not ever use a retractable leash, a leash longer than 6 feet or tie your greyhound out. Just don’t do it!
Retractable leashes or leashes longer than 6 feet are extremely dangerous for greyhounds. Likewise, tying your greyhound to an inanimate object either as a solution for a non-fenced yard, while camping or so you can run into a store and grab a coffee is also extremely dangerous. Greyhounds can reach top speed within a couple strides. If a greyhound on a retractable/long leash or tie out takes off after something it can break its neck in seconds. Being hung at the end of a lead while moving at top speed can result in serious injury, paralysis and even death.
Photo credit here.
The image above, treated by critical care specialist Dr. Garret Pachtinger, shows a dog in respiratory distress after its trachea was torn by the abrupt jerk of a retractable leash.
Retractable/long leashes also offer very little control over your hound. When faced with a dangerous situation you cannot reel in the dog quickly enough and grabbing the line to pull in the dog can result in injury to your hand.
Photo credit here.
A spooked greyhound that bolts and pulls the leash out of your hand can be further spooked by the noise of the reel box. As the hound runs the reel box will drag, bounce and hit the dog resulting in further panic and injury.
Photo credit here.
It is worth noting that retractable/long leashes are contrary to most local leash length bylaws. A quick search of your local municipalities website will inform you about the laws and responsibilities of pet ownership.
If you have a retractable or long leash, throw it out!
Be safe, be smart – walk your greyhound with the right equipment!