Comments on: Retractable leashes: friend or foe?

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:08:38 +0000

My expensive flexileash just broke as we were getting out of the car to start a walk. Mo spotted another dog and ran over to say Hi. The cord snapped at the connection to the tape end, before I even had a chance to thumb the brake. We had only used it about a dozen times, generally on walks in the woods when there aren’t other dogs/people around. My miniature poodle puppy (9 lbs) really enjoyed being able to run off a bit and then run back to make sure I was still there. I enjoyed not having the #@$%$ leash get tangled up all the time. I will probably NOT buy another. The cost per use, when they break so soon just isn’t worth it. Looking it over after I bought it, I knew it wouldn’t last. Of course they are sealed in plastic packages so you can’t inspect them in advance, and there aren’t photos on the packages to check out. Ours actually was one of the more highly rated brands on the internet. First time those ratings let me down.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:46:46 +0000

Great article! I know of very few dog owners that actually put the amount of work into training their dog to be reliable. And in NYC that unreliability makes retractable leashes super dangerous. However, when I go to the beach I’ll put my dog on a retractable just to give him freedom. But once we’re on a sidewalk again we are all business!

By: barrie

barrie — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:17:55 +0000

YAY! I always feel so alone in my argument that the leashes themselves are NOT evil! Stupid people can use them very thoughtlessly and carelessly. On my blog you’ll see photos of me walking a group of dogs all wearing retractable leads. The dogs are calm and well-behaved and I have strict rules so that they do not harass other dogs or people. I also never use the corded retractable leads, only the all belt models for me! If you do not have vocal control over your dogs to bring them back close to you to avoid incident then a retractable leash is inappropriate for you in any setting where you might come in close quarters to other dogs or people. This is a great post, thank you for writing it!

By: Sandi

Sandi — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:26:23 +0000

Excellent post Grisha! It makes for a good discussion to present both sides of an issue. I’ve been anti-retractable leash, but now I see some positive aspects in both the leash design and situations where it can be beneficial. I agree with Rae about not everyone having the coordination to quickly react to encountering strange dogs, so I’ll continue to steer clear of people who use them!

By: Rae

Rae — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:02:00 +0000

I also want to add that the retractable leash is good in the woods because it doesn’t get caught up on/in everything. I have had a lot of success with these leashes and I enjoy using them. I do like the tape style much more than the rope style. I also like the lighter colors so they can be seen. I find that with training, the leash is an excellent tool. I think the dog enjoys it because it reminds him a little that I’m attached, but he feels less threatened and is more responsive to cues than on a long line. Initially there was some pulling, but I also practice locking the leash at different lengths, and using release commands to allow for further-away walking. But I will say that not everyone knows how or has the coordination needed to use these leashes correctly. And as in the event of a rude owner/dog encounter.. nothing replaces good training