Safe Retractable Leash

Anyone who has every tried a retractable dog leash has experienced how easy it is to use compared to a regular dog leash. It can't be tangled, gives your dog more freedom, and puts less stress on your arm, especially if you have one of those large go-after-squirrel-type dogs. Why aren't these used by most people? The reason is safety. To stop the leash from continuing to let out, one must push down hard with their thumb on the button located at the top of the handle. This isn't a natural reaction, and ends up having many dogs run in the path of an oncoming car or other danger.

Using the same concept as the push-button to lock the leash, but focusing on safety a new leash could be developed. This leash would still consist of the technology used for a retractable leash, but the handle would be different. Instead of placing a button on top of the handle, a panel would be placed on either side of the handle. When a person is startled, their natural reaction is to pull back and to tighten their grip.

When squeezed, the side panels act as a trigger and stop the leash from continuing to let out. This makes it much more like a real leash in the sense that when one pulls back they pull their dog with them, but also incorporates the tangle free and comfort of a retractable leash.