Ewww.... I haven't had this issue but I only use his flexi when we are hiking and he absolutely HAS to be on a leash. I'd get a new one.

 

I would never dream of brining this flexi lead to an indoor training session at this point.... it stinks that bad. A new one is probably in order for that purpose.

No clue on your problem, except I suspect that you do probably want to replace it. What, exactly, does it smell like?

Wondering for what you use the flexi in a training context. I know some places suggest using them for starting short recalls... maybe for starting jumps... aside from that, I can't imagine what use they have. I have never been to a training facility which allowed them.

 

No clue on your problem, except I suspect that you do probably want to replace it. What, exactly, does it smell like?

Worse than a pair of running shoes, which have 400 miles of summer sweat pooling at that bottom.

 

mine stinks too! lol You really need to soak it in a bleachy solution, for an hour or so, or some sort of actual deodorizer, and maybe hang outside to dry, it needs to dry quickly so it doesnt get that nasty stinky smell from being damp and reeled in.
Since Saph doesnt get much off leash time now we use the flexi alot. If we are going for a "real walk" we use a "real leash" but its nice for her to have the freedom to run around and pull sometimes.
I think a flexi has its place.

 

Have you tried vinegar? It can be good for that kind of stuff but I don't know if it will work for this kind of smell. Worth a shot anyways...