The Retractable Leash? - Page 2

**sebsyd** · 05-13-2008, 05:25 PM

I do have several retractables in the house. I used them when my guys were little puppies to go potty. I let them go into the grass and I could stand on the driveway. I stopped using them for anything when they were about 30 wks old and they started to pull. We then went to regular leashes (6') for walks,ect. I now keep one in the car for emergencies, but Sebastian and Sydney are so strong, I am not very confident in them at all. Some people love them, but I feel it confuses the puppy when you are training him to walk on the leash. He needs a good idea of how far he can go without pulling. I had to use lots of treats to get mine to stop pulling and even now when we go to class, they get so excited they actually pull me right into the class. I need skiis!!

dobeguy · 05-14-2008, 06:54 PM

I am getting my pup in August, so I ordered a retractable leash and a standard 6 foot leather leash as well (i like the way leather feels better than nylon

. ) I got the retractable leash because I like the idea of allowing my puppy room to run and play, but at the same time having the safety of keeping him leashed. The six foot leash is for training sessions and teaching him loose leash walking, heeling etc... I just wouldn't train him on a retractable.

GunnersMum · 05-14-2008, 07:06 PM

I use my retractable leash at open parks and for beginner recall training. Too many times I've heard of dogs wandering ahead and then bolting out onto the road only to be hit by a car. There is also nothing worse than walking your dog and as you approach a blind corner there is a dog with it's owner 10 feet behind at the other end of the leash.

LPacker79 · 05-14-2008, 08:26 PM

I absolutely despise retractables. In my opinion, they should be illegal to use in public places such as pet stores.

I'm sick of seeing a dog in one aisle, and the owner in another aisle completely oblivious. I'm tired of dogs blocking shopping cart traffic and the owners not bothering to reel them back in. I'm tired of having customers getting burned by the cord because the owner of the closest dog is an idiot. I'm tired of these dogs charging up to every dog or human they come across because the owner doesn't seem to be aware that that's not polite to allow this. And god forbid if said Yappetizer gets growled at for it's ill behavior, it's never *really* her fault, she's just "being friendly!"

Most of all I'm really really tired of people using the credit card machine at the register while their little Yappetizer is 20 feet away pooping on the floor (which they never clean up because "Precious" was *right here* the whole time!).

I know of several dogs who had great leash manners until they started being walked on a retractable. Now these dogs are monster pullers.

**Megs** · 05-18-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobeguy

I am getting my pup in August, so I ordered a retractable leash and a standard 6 foot leather leash as well (i like the way leather feels better than nylon

)

I like leather too, but have you tried the White Pine "Soft Web" Nylon leashes? They're sooo soft! Nice colours and reasonable prices too.

2RescuedDobies · 05-18-2008, 01:08 PM

I have never used retractable leashes on any of my dogs. The leash can cause burns and the warning label say beware of possible loss of limbs...

Murreydobe · 05-18-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPacker79

I absolutely despise retractables. In my opinion, they should be illegal to use in public places such as pet stores.

I'm sick of seeing a dog in one aisle, and the owner in another aisle completely oblivious. I'm tired of dogs blocking shopping cart traffic and the owners not bothering to reel them back in. I'm tired of having customers getting burned by the cord because the owner of the closest dog is an idiot. I'm tired of these dogs charging up to every dog or human they come across because the owner doesn't seem to be aware that that's not polite to allow this. And god forbid if said Yappetizer gets growled at for it's ill behavior, it's never *really* her fault, she's just "being friendly!"

Most of all I'm really really tired of people using the credit card machine at the register while their little Yappetizer is 20 feet away pooping on the floor (which they never clean up because "Precious" was *right here* the whole time!).

I know of several dogs who had great leash manners until they started being walked on a retractable. Now these dogs are monster pullers.

This is unfortunately all too common, and I *hate* seeing people use them instead of a shorter leash that gives them more control in crowded situations.

I use Flexi's, but only in a limited manner...they're not something I use all the time in public. If I want a dog to poop at a show or when I'm traveling, I get them AWAY from people and other dogs, then put the Flexi on them. When we're ready to go back to a crowded situation, I put a regular leash back on them.

Besides being a nuisance to everyone else when Flexi's are used by loser owners, they're also not very secure for the dog itself. I've seen the clutches in a Flexi "slip" more than once. And I even knew a dog who broke a Flexi, escaped and was found dead on the road a few days later. So I always use them with caution, even with well trained, stable dogs.

A 6 foot leather leash in the gold standard, IMO. Nylon leashes are cute, but they can lay the skin on your hand wide open if a dog lunges and that leash zips through your hand..that hurts like a mother. In the long run, leather is more durable as well. I have leather leashes that are 15 years old or so, because they've been cared for well.

Dobes&Hounds · 05-18-2008, 09:30 PM

I use a 6' leather lead when I am anywhere in a crowded situation. Pet stores, dog shows, walking in town on the sidewalk etc.
I use a flexi when I am going to be walking a trail or in a field, or to get the dogs to potty when I am staying at a motel. I do NOT let my dogs reel out to the end of the lead and sniff butts and other dogs! That's just rude. Flexi leads have their place for exercise, but that's about it.

Sagesmom · 05-20-2008, 10:30 PM

As strange as it sounds I love MY flexi. I use it for the quick potty trips in the front yard.

BUT....

I also hate the PEOPLE on the other end of most flexi's. It would almost be better that they didn't have the dog on a leash at all, then I could call animal contol and report them.

Deville · 05-27-2008, 12:06 PM

I don't really like retractables, but I still use them. Theres a time and place for them, and they can be used responsibly IMO.

I use a standard 6' or even a shorter 1' when walking in public places, like the sidewalk and parks with people around.

But I use the retractable in big open areas so I still have control over him, he gets more exercise, and because I don't trust him if he sees another dog.

As someone else said, I find it's a good tool for teaching recall. Easier then carrying a training lead.

My 2 cents