The Retractable Leash? - Page 3

robinb · 05-27-2008, 12:30 PM

I use them only for potty and walking a trained dog in remote areas. For recall on a untrained dog I use a 3/8biothane line.

Lithium · 09-12-2008, 04:31 PM

I just bought one of my almost 2yr old Roman. I used to take him to a fenced in off leash park but got frustrated with his poor recall and ended up not going anymore and just walking him with the 6' leads. I'd like to try the same off leash park again but now with the retractable leash so we can work on his recall and maybe give him full freedom again at the park.

**MIA** · 09-12-2008, 07:45 PM

I just find them horrid to hold etc... cumbersome and not comfortable. I use leashes at whatever length I need for the dog, generally a 6 foot but if training for off leash I use a lunge line which the dog can drag or I can grab at any length or simple hold the excess.

LPacker79 · 09-15-2008, 02:11 AM

I talked to a lady last week who nearly lost a finger due to a Flexi lead.

She was at the store buying herself a nice leather leash, and one of the managers tried to talk her into a retractable. That's when she showed us all the scar and said you couldn't pay her enough to use one of those things again.

And if it matters......I still loathe retractables.

Zoeberry · 09-15-2008, 03:54 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!).

.

Veterinarian offices really hate retractable leashes too. I can't tell you how many times a dog has wandered around the corner of the counter tripping everyone or has even wandered into an exam room while the owner is checking in and checking out. Just because your dog is friendly, doesn't mean others dogs are. Regular 4 to 6 foot leashes should be used in this situation. You have far better control of your dog. I've seen the owners of rambunctious, large breed dogs have the retractable leashes yanked right out of their hands.

They have their time in place but when you are in close quarters with other people and dogs, I feel they should not be used.

Murreydobe · 09-15-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoeberry

Veterinarian offices really hate retractable leashes too. I can't tell you how many times a dog has wandered around the corner of the counter tripping everyone or has even wandered into an exam room while the owner is checking in and checking out. Just because your dog is friendly, doesn't mean others dogs are. .

A few months ago I had Rush at the vet. As we were heading for an exam room, this moronic woman with a golden retriever on a flexi let the dog jump Rush from the rear..he didn't even see it coming. I wasn't too polite with the woman about it-the gist of what I said was that her dog was LUCKY Rush was a laid back, friendly kinda guy..many dogs would have taken getting jumped from the rear pretty badly, with an ugly scene occurring.

I was PISSED!!!!

duroboat · 09-15-2008, 04:50 PM

I have an old retractable that has been used once . I hate them.
I used the 6' lead that our trainer told us to use. And if we are playing somewhere where I think he might need more length. I used parachute cord it super strong and easy to handle.

shadeslane · 09-15-2008, 09:54 PM

Sorry - computer decided to send before I was finished.
Anyway, after basic training for heel is done on short leash, I have no problems getting a heel when requested on a flexi, they just know it's not required for entire walk and they can have a bit of leeway on our walks.
I would never allow them to wander to the end around others. Like I said I beleive it's a "user" problem rather than a product problem.

**RedFawnRising** · 09-15-2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lithium

I just bought one of my almost 2yr old Roman. I used to take him to a fenced in off leash park but got frustrated with his poor recall and ended up not going anymore and just walking him with the 6' leads. I'd like to try the same off leash park again but now with the retractable leash so we can work on his recall and maybe give him full freedom again at the park.

Be ultra careful, if there are other dogs at that park!

The thin cord on those retractable leads can literally sever tendons on either your dog's legs or other dog's, if they get running and hit it, or get tangled in it.

I will join the club, loathing retractables.

They either need to be totally re-engineered, or illegal.

**Navistardobe** · 09-15-2008, 10:43 PM

I love my flexi-leads and wouldn't be without one! But you have to know how to use them and when. No they shouldn't be used in a vet's office or walking along a road or in crowded conditions.
I use them for training. Mainly for recalls and retrieves but not heeling. I find flexi-leads an invaluable tool.