mfauris

So, is the retractable leash a bad tool to use for training your pup to walk on lead?


Input?

Matthew Fauris

Dobemom2b

If they are pulling slightly to extend it or keep it extended your teaching them to pull against the lead.

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Doberman Beta Tester

Burns

I've heard not to use them because you want the leash to always be the same length, so your pup learns exactly how much length it has before it hits the end of the leash - something you can't accomplish with the retractable.

Once your dog learns how to loose leash walk, I would think using a retractable leash would be ok, as long as your dog knows how much slack it has at all times.

I prefer a regular 6 foot nylon leash and have no need for a retractable leash.

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Gorrmae's Fantasy Red XIII CGC
DOB 2/17/07
red/rust, male neutered Doberman

clipclop

I also dont use a retractable leash ... use a 6 ft.

Dobemom2b

If you use the lock to keep it the same length for walking like 6ft it would allow you to extend it at times if you wanted and again lock it. I just would never let the leash pull trying to retract while the dog is on it.

What you do not want is the pup getting used to resistance against the lead to keep it stretched out. I also agree that its easier if they know how long the leash is in proximity of how far they can get from you/

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Doberman Beta Tester

kais_mom

Personally if you are teaching a dog to walk on a leash, I would not use a retractable, I believe it teaches them they can walk much further ahead of you than you will want them too and does not really teach leash manners at all.

I just thought I would add something short about retractable leashes, I hope you don't mind. If/When you do use one for walking, always be careful when you are around another person or dog. Kai and I were in the park and a beautiful Weim came up to see us, she was on a retractable, the owner did not think anything when she slipped around me, but the retractable leash caused a burn on my arm just over 5 inches long and I still have a very ugly 2 1/2 inch scar from it over a year later.

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Jeri
~Kai~

JenTN

I used a 4 ft lead, I think we're about to move up to a 6 ft.

Another warning on them: I used to use one for potty breaks and hanging out in the front yard. One afternoon we were out front, me on the steps, Bo laying on the grass in the sun (a favorite pastime of his). The lead we had was made for dogs his weight and up- actually the largest they sell in stores. Well, he saw one of his toys a few feet away, jumped up (not much distance to get any speed going) and BAM the lead SNAPPED and he ran right down to the street with his toy. It scared me to death. We won't be buying another. Sure, he weighs about 50 pounds, but that lead should have been plenty strong enough for him.

bren

Retractables are OK for walks through fields etc. but when training a dog to walk to heal he should Always be by your left side level with your hip or slightly behind.

I believe a lot of the problems I have had are due to my partner using a long retractable lead when she walked Lexx giving him loads of freedom to wonder where he liked which made it hard for him to understand why I insisted on him walking at heal on a short lead when I walked him.

I have found the best of both worlds is a training lead which allows you to keep him tight to your side undser normal walking conditions but if you feel the need you can let him trot off for about 5-6 feet.

NB the missus has got through 3 retractables so far as the little bugger easily chews through them - looks like they've been cut with a knife and only takes seconds when you aren't keeping an eye on him

dobermandude

I have a retractable for my pup because I got it for free. I pretend like he doesnt have a leash at all and make him obey commands, and use the leash to correct him when he doesnt listen. It seems to be working because he will stay within a few feet of me most of the time, and I rarely have to push the button to correct him. I think the biggest problem is if you just let them roam the full length of the retractable so that they end up just walking wherever they want within the limit of the retractable.

Does this sound OK, or is this bad training?

Luvbirds59

I wouldn't use one for training. I do have one to use for other circumstances, like when we are out hiking and Petey has to stay on a leash.

Carol & Petey!
ox

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