Ask Me How I Feel About "Flexi" Leashes

4/25/2013

Ahhhhhhhhhh, haha, retractable leashes... a hot topic that came up this afternoon in a happy meeting with Cody's Creations (who is not a proponent, either) that inspired me to write down some brief thoughts...

As most people who know me know, I HATE flexi-leashes. This might be the one dog training tool that I absolutely cannot find ANY value in; (even silly ones usually at least have some kind of foundation in a reasonably good idea... for the most part); NOT this one (if you ask me...).

Everything you can do with a retractable leash can be done on a long, fixed line (albeit maybe not as conveniently). The benefits of convenience, in my opinion, are far outweighed by the potential negative consequences of using of one these bad larry's. Exhibit A... (Fear tactic? Possibly.)

The injury in the photo to the right is a pretty typical example of what retractable leashes (cords, maybe more accurate?) can and do cause on a regular basis. (I will accede to the fact that the argument could be made that the leash didn't cause the injury; the poor - or complete lack of - training of the dog at the end of it did). However, when was the last time you saw a well-trained dog walking down the street attached to one of these? I'm going to venture a guess here & say never. Been wrong before, but...

Exhibit A:

The reasons I can't stand these things are as follows:

1) Simple mechanical malfunctions. I worked at a major corporate-owned PETsTORE for 6 years and I can tell you from experience that these things malfunction. Often, the mechanism inside breaks (never EVER at a convenient time... speaking of convenience) resulting in the line being continuously let out when you don't want it to be OR jammed. When and if the line jams and the contraption is ripped out of your hand, guess what happens? Your dog was already taking off after something (or it wouldn't have been yanked out of your hand) and now he has a plastic monster chasing after him. It is scary to dogs when this happens, and many a canine has ended up on a "Missing" poster over it.

2) Manners. I can't tell you how many times on how many different occasions (at how many different events, to the disillusion of how many people) I have seen someone's dog 16 feet away from it's owner wrapped around a display in a store, peeing on a table at an event, tying up another dog, "THIS CLOSE" to becoming dinner for another dog, in a completely different aisle or on a completely different STREET than the person holding the other end of the leash, jumping up, scratching, lifting their legs, wrapping up an exhibit, pulling down shelving... You see where I'm going with this. "Manners" is also a nice way of saying this is yet another reason I can't stand these things. Safety may be more accurate, which brings me to:

Exhibit B:

Reason #3) They are dangerous. Notice the pictures that I have included thus far depict injuries to HUMANS. Nevermind the injuries to unfortunate dogs, including the BYSTANDERS. I will again accede to the fact that it is probably POSSIBLE to use these things appropriately(?), responsibly, but I am gritting my teach while even typing out that sentence because I have such a bad taste in my mouth for these due to what I have consistently seen over the years. I cannot recall ever once seeing somebody use one of these things responsibly... and I have seen a LOT of dog/human interactions (ya think? ;).

Retractable (extendable... flexi... choose your word) leashes frequently cause injuries up to & including those in Exhibit B, adapted from Flexi's own website. (See picture on left.)

I can already hear somebody arguing with me in favor of "Flexi" leashes by saying something like, "Well, I could say pit bulls frequently cause injuries up to and including the propaganda photos to my right" which is bullsh*t for many reasons and I will debunk that potential argument in another article.

4) ... and one of the more important reasons in my profession: retractable leashes send mixed (poor) communication signals to the dog. There is ALWAYS tension on a retractable leash... ALWAYS. The dog is aware of this, and this can have a SLEW of negative consequences, too innumerable to include all of them in this article, but teaching Cooper to walk with tension on the leash (read: pull) being the least of it.

And Reason #5: The total lack of control any given owner has on one of these things leads to injuries to other dogs with unusual frequency. I took the liberty of sharing the following blurb, adapted from http://www.henkimaa.com/2011/02/15/dog-whisperer-needed/ because it is so typical. Read on:

"This is the second time my friend Marcia’s dog Kimmee has been attacked by her neighbor’s dogs.

All three dogs were on leashes, but both of the attacking dogs were (1) larger than Kimmee; (2) on extendable leashes that were fully extended, leaving their owner with little control over them; (3) too large and strong for their owner to control both of them at the same time to begin with, [reliably on extendable leashes].

And this is the second time. The other dogs’ owner should know better. Marcia had taken Kimmee outside for a poo, and suddenly around the corner came here came the neighbor dogs at the ends of their leashes, their owner obviously not paying a great deal of attention to what her dogs might encounter out of her sight, running ahead of her as they were. Even though she knew her dogs had attacked Kimmie just a few months’ previous, to the tune of over $300 in veterinary care. This time was worse (& the vet’s bill reflects it)."

Exhibit C:

I did not actually include in these pictorials the injuries inflicted on dogs BY their own "Flexi" leashes.. I have knowledge of these through friends who work at vets' offices and those injuries include: tail injuries resulting in amputation, lacerations down to the bone, injuries to tendons, torn skin (think inner thighs from leashes going under dogs), eye injuries, burns to the skin, etc.

In conclusion, I'd like to go on record as saying I can't stand extendable/retractable/Flexi leashes. I do not believe that they can be used 100% safely for the simple malfunction argument alone. They do nothing to help in a typical dog's training because of the constant tension on the collar. They give the owner extremely limited control... to the potential physical detriment to both human & canine, as evidenced above. They basically represent a gigantic percentage of what I feel is wrong with dog ownership these days; lack of: control, responsibility, understanding, and training. Rant concluded. Love it or hate it, thank you for reading.

I invite you to come check us out on facebook at www.facebook.com/hexdogs! Again, love it or hate it, thanks for reading. Reach out anytime at hexdogs@gmail.com, and please visit www.hexdogs.com to see what we are actually about.

328 Comments

Jennefer Hodges

4/26/2013 04:02:49 am

Wow. I have never liked those things. I agree they are worthless and dangerous. Dogs should walk next to the owner. I had no idea they could cause wounds like that. It has popped back at me, and chased the dog down the street.

LovesDogs

6/4/2013 05:00:18 am

I had one for my puppy. When I brought him to the vet, the worker there unfastened the leash at the puppy and the thing snapped up and hit me in the face. Good thing I covered my eyes. I might be called Popeye now.

A Person

6/4/2013 06:32:07 am

I would have probably done that on purpose to teach you to not use them :D then again I am a bitch like that too. I yelled at my client for buying one when I said not to.

To "A Person"

6/5/2013 09:00:45 am

You'd do that on purpose? That's very immature. It could cause severe injuries, and if you ever did that and it had caused harm, you should be held accountable for your actions and fired as soon as possible.

San Diego

6/5/2013 01:45:12 pm

You yelled at a client for not doing something you said not to? I guarantee if I were that client you would be immediately fired. Additionally, if you ever tried to injure a client on purpose then in my opinion you should have been arrested for assault. Get a grip, learn that there are boundaries in life and you should respect them. You sound like a total jerk.

Texas952

6/6/2013 02:25:05 am

Ummmm, people, I think she was being facetious. I seriously don't think she would do that on purpose. Quit taking everything so literal.

Sandi

6/6/2013 05:55:41 am

I believe if you use them as they are intended (and instructed on the package) you do not have these problems. I hike with my two dogs on them and when I see another dog approaching, I "reel" them in and lock it on a six-foot length. The reasoning behind the long length for hiking is when we are climing over logs, rocks, ect. I need the extra length so I don't hang my dog. There is occassion where it is perfectly safe for a dog to not walk right next to you, i.e. hiking, traversing rough terrain. Luckily, for now, it's still a free country so we can use the tools of our choice. Be safe out there people!

Annetta I. Wockenfuss

10/23/2014 01:26:10 pm

I never had a problem with this leash, because I only use it in the yard to go potty. I use a regular leash for in public. What I did get injured with was my step sons zip line for his dogs. His Beagle and Lab are my puppy Jayda's parents. I was replenishing food and water for Jake and Jewels. After I finished, I played with both throwing toys and having them fetch. I hasn't realized how tangled I was starting to get and Jake bolted after a toy, his zip line leash wrapped around my legs, he continued pulling causing the cord to cut into both my legs. Thank God my boyfriend heard me scream, grabbed Jake's collar to stop him from pulling any harder. That was 8 months ago. I still have a nasty scar that goes from the back of my right leg around the front to the back of my left leg. It wasn't his fault, but I think those zip lines are dangerous too.

Ange Kilgour

6/6/2013 08:17:19 pm

Anything that restricts and punishes animals should be banned from sale. Easy really.

jenell brinson

6/8/2013 03:08:27 pm

Restricts? So you'd just let them run free and into traffic on the busy freeway?

Rick

6/18/2013 07:02:08 am

So you say it's better to let the dog run loose in traffic. As I tyoe this, I'm nursing road burns, a twisted knee, the effects of a concussion and a shoulder that will probably require surgery and will cause me pain forthe rest of my life because a dog allowed to run free tried ran in frot of my bike causing me to crash. The owner's response, "My dog has just as much right to be on the highway as you do". I don't blame the dog, the dog did what dogs do and what comes naturally to him. However, I do blame the owner for being stupiod and irresponsible. I'm fairly certain, with that attitude, it's a matter of time before the dog gets hit by a car or worse, a motorcycle and it ends up killing bith the dog and the motorcyclist.

Responsible Dog Owner

7/31/2013 01:37:20 am

Anything that restricts? Some people simply have no clue what they are writing. So that includes fences, leads, tie-outs, leashes etc. Retractable leashes when used properly are far superior to fixed leashes. The author of this article apparently has some issues as well as some of the respondents on here. Get a grip, ANY leash can cause these types of injuries with an untrained, uncontrolled dog. First step of a responsible dog owner would be to take the dog to training (as well as the owner).

Debbi Clemens link

8/10/2013 10:48:13 pm

Where I live there are leash laws and laws that say your dog has to be on your property or leashed otherwise. To the man who was hurt riding his bike, that owner would be paying my medical bills for what happened. I have a very well behaved Sheltie who is on a combination leash and retracable so that when she needs to poo she walks away from me and does her business. Poop bags also should be required in all areas and using them too.

DogRealist

9/19/2013 02:23:52 pm

"Anything that restricts and punishes animals should be banned from sale. Easy really."

Rilly? The ridiculousness of this statement exceeds the ridiculousness of using retractable leashes.

Retractables are every bit as dangerous as the author of this piece says. I avoid them at all costs.

But "anything that restrains"? You cannot be serious.

V. link

9/20/2013 04:28:36 am

Wow, I cannot believe how bad this statement is. Sounds like a PETA person, which I can't stand because they are crazy extremists! I know it has nothing to do with this article but this staeement has me so caught up!

Moe

9/20/2013 02:27:49 pm

@ Responsible Dog Owner
"Get a grip, ANY leash can cause these types of injuries with an untrained, uncontrolled dog."
No not any leash can cause the injuries depicted. My do a 90lb Flat-coated retriever easily walks on any lead I use, including a 3/4" wide 6' leash. However she is highly trained and rarely pulls, but a simple tug or me stopping changes that. There are far better options than retractable leashes. What happens when you drop that large plastic handle and it chases your dog and injures it? I am afraid of encountering a dog on a retractable leash for the simple fear of it potentially injuring my dog with its leash. There are far better tools to walk a dog without pulling, i.e. easy walk harness, head collar/gentle leader, TRAINING!!!!! Training is the best thing an owner can do it builds a bond between dog and owner, but also teaches manners.

Michelle

10/1/2013 01:19:37 am

It should be the manufacturer that is held accountable for the failing locking mechanism if accidents are being caused.

I use a flexi webbing leash and I got my first slice across my hand and welts across my fingers because I wasn't paying attention at the park and a dog came around the corner and my dogs leash was unlocked. I grabbed the webbing and she ran and I got her. My fault. But the locking mechanism breaking is a different issue. I don't mind the webbing ones but the thin rope ones went in the bin years ago.

God

10/8/2013 04:50:15 pm

You are retarded.

Dawn Ross

6/7/2013 01:10:05 pm

My former neighbor's toddler was nearly garroted when the other neighbor's King Charles Cavalier wrapped the flexi leash around the child's neck. A friend's daughter was walking her JRT on a flexi and, while she held the leash, the dog darted into the road and was struck and killed by a car. These leashes are more than crap - they're extremely dangerous.

jenell brinson

6/8/2013 03:05:30 pm

And both incidents could have happened as easily with a standard leash, both involve stupidity at fault, not the leash.

David Myers

6/9/2013 08:38:14 am

Jenell Brinson: So you trust the stupid people to change their stupidity? As to infringing upon "our rights" (in reference to another commenter), mandatory seat-belt laws have proven some rights are legitimately restricted for the greater good of everyone else. You do not have the right to build a "campfire" in your hotel room, for instance - nor the old standby, "falsely cry 'fire' in a crowded theater".

brendan hanrahan

6/12/2013 08:13:23 am

if the people are stupid a leash won't fix them. they shouldn't own a dog.

Responsible Dog Owner

7/31/2013 01:41:51 am

In total agreeance with jenell and brendan. It does not matter what kind of leash someone is holding if they do not have the brainpower to operate it properly. It is not the leashes fault. The owner should be responsible enough to care and pay attention and have their dog trained.

DogRealist

9/19/2013 02:28:05 pm

"if the people are stupid a leash won't fix them. they shouldn't own a dog."

But. They. Do. Lots of stupid people own dogs, and will continue to.

So your argument--that the type of leash is inconsequential--is null.

It's impossible to keep them from owning dogs, and so I'd rather they have their dogs on a secure 6-foot leash that isn't retractable when I am anywhere near them.

Ava

9/26/2013 06:32:42 am

Sure choking could happen on a standard 5 or 6 ft leash, but flexi leashes have way more footage to get tangled up in, and are thinly corded. All of which provide an even easier opportunity for choking to occur.

Someone Who is Experienced

10/22/2013 05:39:06 am

I agree completely and Im very sorry about your friends dog. I hate flexi leads and anything like them. Im an experienced border collie owner and have had some god awful things happen. My dog getting attacked, my dog running too far out and I can't get him in. Close to getting hit by a car. They are horrible

april

9/20/2013 02:29:35 am

I have used one for donkeys years on well trained dogs its the stupid people, I have never had a problem with them

Laura Houston link

9/20/2013 03:33:22 am

I also use a good quality flexi-lead on my Chow/Lab and he is great with it. He likes to walk ahead of me, I am disabled and this helps me to walk. Also, satisfies his "sled-dog" nature of liking to lead and pull a bit when walking. Any kind of lead or restraint must be used with intelligence and knowledge of the dog's nature. I do not agree with emotional reactionary statements of a violent ilk to get one's point across. Yes, these things can happen with any lead. Be smart and compassionate. Let's educate people and not be nasty about it.

Donald Black

9/25/2013 10:08:30 am

Exactly, While the leash may have some inherent dangers what is wrong is the dog is not under control retractable leash or not. I have a shepherd and a pointer and they love nothing more than to walk six feet in front of me. I am in physical as well as verbal control and have no problem with the retractable leash. In fact I wouldn't buy another kind. Control your dogs people.

Shinbad

8/19/2014 07:58:08 am

I've never had a bad experience usi f a retractable leash myself but have been on the receiving end of some severe bone sawing thanks to the lack of skill exhibited by a certain mechanical engineer

Nichole

4/26/2013 05:26:10 am

Kaiza, my problem child does best with a prong collar and a short lead. I prefer the 18" traffic handle but I figure 4' makes him feel special =)

However, I do use one FOR SWIMMING ONLY! He forgets to swim back after he fetches the ball or stick =( BUT.......I repeat......for SWIMMING ONLY!!!!

Corey

5/8/2013 12:23:35 pm

What could possibly go wrong?

Pam

6/4/2013 04:51:55 am

I nearly fell off my chair when I read this. There are just so many things wrong with the statement, "However, I do use one FOR SWIMMING ONLY! He forgets to swim back after he fetches the ball or stick" I just don't know where to begin.

But I will ask this: Why not practice your recall on land with a flexi - that's what they are supposed to be used for - to practice recall commands ON LAND.

And until he comes when he is called, don't let him go swimming!

Marla

9/25/2013 07:57:06 am

I too use a flexi-leash for swimming purposes: We live next to the Sacramento River and the current can be very strong so I use one when my dog swims against the current for safety reasons...She does have good recall but if the current is taking her down stream that would not really help her much. I tried using a long training lead but they would end up getting wrapped around her legs....With the flexi-Leash attached to back part of a harness can keep it away from her legs and keep her from possibly being carried down stream by the current.

Maia

10/22/2013 05:41:41 am

Your so stupid. Your argument is invalid.

bestuvall

6/5/2013 02:24:46 am

a flexi is a great tool you say you use a prong collar.. banned in many places but they work for you the same wiht my flexis. do I use them all of the time no but when I want to use one I find them to be a wonderful tool any leash, collar etc are just tools to be used.. if you use them in the wrong way of course injuries can occur if you ride your bike , drive your car, or even walk down the street you can be injured.. a good workman respects his tools and used the properly. when you fly fish do you watch out for the line.. same thing.. as for a person .. you yelled at soemon for buying something when you told them not to? wow control freak or what?

Meaux

6/5/2013 08:52:26 am

Bestuvall; Your response is so poorly written that I could not get past the first two sentences. Perhaps you were texting while driving?

bestuvall

6/5/2013 09:30:00 am

A flexi is a great tool. You say you use a prong collar on your dog. They are banned in many places but as you say they work for you. It is the same for me with my flexis. Do I use them all of the time? No, I do not, but when I want to use one I find them to be a wonderful tool. Any leash or collar are just tools to be used. If you use them in the wrong way of course injuries can occur. If you ride your bike, drive your car, or even walk down the street you can be injured. As it is often said, good workman respects his tools and if used properly should serve the user well. When you fly fish do you watch out for the line when you cast? Using a Flexi is the same thing idea. As for "a person", you say you yelled at someone for buying something when you told them not to? Do you control what they do? How about that Meaux? Can you hear me now?

Jen

6/9/2013 01:15:51 pm

Me too... Swimming only

Boxerbuddy

9/20/2013 01:48:58 pm

I agree wholeheartedly with this article, except that I agree with Nichole, the only good reason is for swimming because it does not get as heavy as a long training lead does when saturated with water and is not as *easily* tangled in debris that may be in the water.. That said, I still have a 20 foot training lead and no flexi leash.

Boxerbuddy

9/20/2013 01:50:49 pm

And the only reason I tether my pup while swimming is that state park rangers often check the swim beach for dogs off leash and issue a ticket. My dog has excellent recall both on land and in the water.

Sharon

9/20/2013 06:44:19 pm

Nichole '...prong collar' why? feel sorry for Kaiza prob doesn't swim back so he doesn't have to wear a prong collar. Look up injuries caused by prong collars. Poor dog

John link

12/18/2015 07:37:01 am

I'm with you Laura. I am disabled-have to walk with a cane and have used a flexi tape leash for the last ten years with no problems. Two different chows, both powerful dogs. Got to teach them manners, PAY ATTENTION to your surroundings, and use the tape version for a large dog. I use the lock feature regularly, keeping my dog close when necessary. And yes, stupid people should not own dogs ( or cars or guns or a lot of other things ) but this is America.

Jackie Stanley

4/26/2013 05:47:57 am

I live in the country and only use it when we are out in the clear field to give my dog a little extra range. Always use her regular lead when we go anywhere else. Have to say if she hears me just click the button she stops right then (but she has been using it since a puppy so she is trained to the lock click sound).

Timna

4/26/2013 07:13:46 am

I agree, I can't stand these leashes, for yet another reason which goes back to owner's manners - they are so dangerous in a crowded area because they become something that any other bystander can trip over! Picture someone taking their dog out for a walk on a path where others are out for a jog/run - joggers/runners expect dogs to be near their owners, or perhaps off leash, but not 20 feet away connected by a long line that's an accident waiting to happen. Personally I think use of these leashes is rude and inconsiderate.

Nomnom

6/4/2013 06:28:10 am

Plus you can't usually SEE that line either. I remember when I was in high school I was hanging out with some of my friends one evening and we decided to walk to another house in the neighborhood after dark and take my friend-whose-house-we-were-at's little shih tzu along with us. On her flexi leash. I was holding the leash because walking a dog was novel then because I didn't have one and the dog's owner ran inbetween me and the dog and basically clotheslined the dog. Thankfully there was no lasting damage.

(Of course these were also the people who said to me they were thinking of breeding her because she would get her toys and carry them around like her babies and it was so cute they wanted her to have babies of her own. Yeah. I would not call that responsible.)

Kara

6/5/2013 09:30:38 am

The problem is the user of the leash. Everything you said can be said about a leash as well. I've seen it happen. When I take my dog(s) to crowded area I take my extra hand and hold the non-cord part closer to me so the dog doesn't interfere with other people. You must do the same with a non-retractable lead or wrap it around your hand/arm which is also dangerous and uncomfortable.

Jesse (Dog Trainer)

6/5/2013 12:44:18 pm

I do not like flexi leads at all but I agree with Kara that all these injuries are more to blame on the owner than the leash

San Diego

6/5/2013 01:37:16 pm

I agree with Kara as well. The scenarios described can be blamed on the handler not the lead and any lead can cause injuries. I use the Flexi Belt everyday and love it. We live near the beach and they must be on leash, so when we walk they get a little extra lead to run around on the sand, of course on the sidewalk or trail we shorten the lead to a safe length. Know and train your dog, be aware of your surroundings and you can safely use these leashes. I also only use harnesses, never collars, talk about dangerous, put a noose around your pet then take them for a walk, no thanks, harnesses 100% of the time! Can't wait for all the hate comments, and the warnings telling me to just wait.. Well, I have safely used extend leashes for 15+ yrs so I am confident I know who to use them safely and correctly.

Sandi

6/6/2013 06:02:31 am

The leashes are not intended to be used in crowds or at 20 feet long on paths where there are joggers. If people would take personal responsibility and read the instructions we wouldn't have to have these convesations. I have used them for 20 years and have never been injured or (worse yet) injured someone else, including my dogs. I don't think mine have ever been extended to the max though, I am constantly letting it out and taking it in according to the surroundings. I have never been rude on a hiking trail and let my dogs trip up anyone, ever. I have seen many many dogs off leash which is just as bad when mine are restrained, don't get me started on that.

Elaine

9/19/2013 11:25:18 am

I agree with those who understand that used properly this is a helpful tool. The important thing is, as mentioned, being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to reel the dog and leash in quickly... it's really quite easy with a little practice.. and to train your dog. Mine will come to me when called which makes it really easy to shorten the leash to 6 or less feet when needed. I only use a standard 4-6 foot leash in stores, and other tight places.
Oh by the way my sister fell and broke her wrist when her dog wrapped it's regular leach around her ankles and she fell. Yep accidents happen.

6dogmom

9/19/2013 03:26:59 pm

Seriously... so much pearl-clutching going on here about a product, when it is the idiots that cannot follow simple instructions that give said product a bad name (and it does come with instructions). Sad!

Sally

9/19/2013 06:28:25 pm

I agree, Sandi. People have to have common sense about when and how to use a rectractable lead. They're not appropriate for crowded areas or paths/trails with lots of traffic. I use flexis with my dogs all the time when we go hiking and walking on trails that don't get a lot of traffic. When we go places where there will be a lot of people or any vehicle traffic, I use short nonretractable leashes. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that don't have any common sense at all about how and when to use retractable leads and that causes others to say the leads are a bad tool.

Lorena

4/27/2013 10:48:58 am

I shared this the other day because obviously I feel the EXACT same way. I've had this argument too frequently. I often say these are the Devil's spawns and people laugh at that although I'm not joking. So Cass... Rant on and rant on! Well written and stated clearly. Hopefully, the people on my FB will take a couple minutes to read. OR I'll just re-share every time I see one of these demons. ;) <3 ya!

Sara Henderson link

6/3/2013 01:23:08 pm

I, too, have had the nasty burns from excited dogs on retractables and I would never have my dogs on them in a busy, city area. However, out in the country, or on one of the paths through the woods where I'm not quite ready to have them off leash but I do want to let them have a bit of room, the retractables have worked for me. One other "of note" is that both dogs are (were, in Bear's case) 'seniors' so a bit more predictable and mellow than they had been in their childhood and teen years. But, like I said, never in the city where there are things, people and other dogs to tangle with, literally and figuratively.

ShaRee

6/3/2013 01:29:55 pm

Another reason I hate these leashes is that you never know how much leash the animal has before its the end of the leash. My Mom and I argue all the time about her using one of these leashes on her small dog that she knows will bite strangers.

Teritrekker link

6/3/2013 09:56:49 pm

I agree 100%. I have constantly held to the fact that these leashes offer no control whatsoever to the person holding one that is attached to their dog. Won't use them, won't reccommend them. EVER

jenell brinson

6/8/2013 03:13:58 pm

Of course the person holding it has control! As much as that person would have with any leash! Your comment makes no sense at all.

This Guy

9/24/2013 06:46:50 am

No it's not the same. You're leverage is way different if the dog is 4 ft away from you vs. 20 ft. Get real.

Ashley

6/3/2013 11:53:08 pm

Not to mention that, with the way most people use them, they teach a dog that if he pulls a little harder, he'll get more slack - the opposite of what to teach a dog!

Michelle

6/4/2013 02:00:08 am

Not only might your dog end up on a "Missing" poster, he or she might actually DIE, as mine did back in 1993. I had a basset hound puppy on a Flexi-Leash, and we were walking on a busy street. I stopped to use an ATM machine, and was loosely holding the handle, when suddenly my sweet dog saw something she wanted to investigate and pulled the leash from my hand. When the handle hit the ground, it scared her and she bolted right into traffic and was hit by a car and killed almost immediately. It was the worst thing I have ever experienced, and it happened 20 years ago. I can't believe Flexi-Leashes are still legally sold.

Magic

6/4/2013 11:26:35 am

This would have happened with a regular leash since you were loosely holding on

bearies

6/4/2013 12:04:23 pm

However with a regular leash it is much easier to loop it around your hand/arm loosely than compared to a hard plastic handle with such a small opening for your fingers.

Michelle

6/4/2013 12:04:33 pm

Yes, she might have pulled the leash out of my hand, but it was the sound of the hard plastic handle hitting the ground that scared her and made her run into the street.

Jeanne

6/4/2013 04:42:06 pm

If you know how to handle a leash then it will never slip out of your hand. As many times as my leash reactive dog has been charged by dogs on a flexi - it seems half the time the handle pops out of the owner's hand. We've worked on click to calm and she now does not attack the dog but will look to me while I tell her she's being great (maintaining a calm body posture).
What kills me is I have to make sure my voice stays relaxed as I call to the owners to hurry up and get their dog.

"Oh, my dog is friendly."

Me (still in calm voice and maintaining breathing): "Great. Come get your dog before my dog picks it up and shakes it like a rag doll."

Funny how that line tends to make the owner pick up some speed to retrieve their dog.

Roxanne

6/4/2013 03:40:06 am

I have to admit that i do use a flexi but never for walking, i take my dog to the park early in the morning when there is no one there and i use my flexi so that he can have a little freedom to sniff around i figure its better than being off leash.

A friend

6/6/2013 09:46:18 pm

Actually, in almost every place in the United States, flexi leashes are considered not leashed. Your dog attacks or destroys something, you'll be given a warning, a fine, or worse, have your dog taken away because it's considered off leash. Most people don't know that! Check your state/city laws and be careful!

jenell brinson

6/8/2013 03:20:29 pm

Flexi is a leash, the dog is leashed, but if your dog attacks or destroys, EVEN ON A LEASH, the same penalties apply.

Christa

6/17/2013 12:40:09 pm

That is true- a leash where I live is only considered legal if it is 6ft or less. So if your dog is on a 20ft flexi-leash that isn't technically allowed (although I have never seen anyone fined just for walking their dog on one).

Cheyenne

9/21/2013 09:23:55 am

You're full of crap. Flexi is a leash as far as the law is concerned. Whether or not a Flexi keeps your dog under control is a whole other matter.

Penny

2/26/2018 03:59:28 am

I do this too, nothing better than seeing your furry friend running and playing (when and where it’s safe to do so!). On the beach my dog gets to go wherever she likes at her own pace on her flexi-lead, if I want her to wait or come back she listens. When training her, if she didn’t obey she would not be given much length for a few minutes to teach her the importance of listening to commands.
Our other little dog is very anxious so is kept on a fixed length short lead, which helps to relax her.
What would make my life a hell of a lot easier is if people would just keep those enormous untrained dogs on a lead of ANY kind. This issue prevents us going to parks etc.
Dog owners need to be sensible and responsible, all dogs are different and safety for everyone comes first. That’s it. This issue does not need to be micro analysed, just look after your fluffy babies, people!

Ashley

6/4/2013 03:40:16 am

I (mostly) disagree! I got a nasty burn when I was a kid from one of these leashes, but that was my own stupidity. Not the leash. I have one for my dog, but it isn't a thin cord. It's more like an actual leash in width. Having received an injury from one of these leashes, I'm much more careful with them. Having one of these leashes also has made me more "involved" when walking my dog because it's so much easier to keep control over the length.

Here's the disagree part.. Leash walking has been the most difficult thing for us to teach her because she gets distracted very easily and is very excitable. That is when we've used a regular leash for the majority of her training.

1) With a regular leash and collar, my dog was puling so much the metal hook broke. My flexi leash has never jammed. Saying that the item breaks isn't fair. All of these things can break. You just have to buy a good quality item.

2) When I need more control over her, like in a very crowded area, I don't have to hold onto a ton of extra leash. I have sensitive hands and when I used a regular leash, I got slight burns.

3) When going for a walk, my dog was constantly getting tangled up in her regular leash. With the flexible leash, she doesn't get tangled.

4) There are times I don't need as much control over my dog, like at a park, but I still can't let her run freely. Again, it's really convenient and safer, not to have to carry 6 feet of a 15 foot lead in my hands. This has worked well in working on off leash training. We give her some more freedom to explore, but we know we still have control over her.

Your main argument against these is cuts and burns. That's fair, but that's also the result of user error, not the leash itself. Regular leashes can cause just as much harm if the user doesn't know what they're doing or their dog isn't trained. Your dog bolt off and take all the extra slack with him -- injuring your hands, pulling you over, or wrapping around bystanders in the process. You can lock a flexible lead. You can give slack or take up slack quickly and easily.

I love my flexible leash, but I know how to use one and I don't let my dog get out of my control. I would actually respect this post if it educated people on how to use one correctly rather than just blasting them entirely. The injuries are not the result of the leash, but a negligent user.

Margaret

6/4/2013 04:01:41 am

I agree with you, Ashley, completely. If you know what you are doing and have experience with a retractable leash it is wonderful. I appreciate and agree with everything you wrote. Thank you.

Marcia

6/4/2013 05:25:02 am

I agree with you that if they are used correctly by someone who has half a brain then they are fine. I don't ever let my dog out of my sight while on any leash and I am constantly "scanning" ahead of us for any possible issue ( ie: other dogs, children, squirrels, rabbits, etc). If I see one then I immediately shorten it so he is right beside me until we have passed the area. Never have I had a problem with a flexi-leash.

wendy

6/5/2013 11:09:25 am

I agree, I love my leashes and my dogs have never had a "problem" My Rat Terrier is 11 years old and have always used a Flexi on our walks... But my dog listens to me when I say "sit" or "stay". To all of the people who have had problems... "don't drink and walk your dog it is dangerous" :)

Barney link

6/4/2013 11:51:22 am

They break because they are made in china or some other country! My Mother almost had her finger cut off (to the BONE ) by one!

Jeanne

6/4/2013 04:47:59 pm

Actually, Consumer Reports did a thing on Flexi's and in addition to the failure rate being very high, the number of finger amputations is very high too.

Beth

6/4/2013 12:18:08 pm

I think you make really good points about the one-sidedness of this article. My dog has her Canine Good Citizen certificate and is in training for her Therapy Dog one. In public places, she is always on her regular lead, but if we are at our apartment (where we have a yard, but no fence) she's on her flexi so she can roam a bit in the yard. We also have a long lead, but it's not as convenient since if I want to reel her in a little (ex. if she sees a squirrel she wants) I have a whole lot of extra leash to hold onto; the long lead also doesn't allow me to click the leash and give a little warning if she's roaming farther than I want her to--if there's too much slack in the regular long lead, there's not an easy way to give the leash an attention getting tug. When I do walk her around our complex parking lot to take the trash out, she might wander away (although she does that very rarely), but if I call her to heel, she's right back with me just as she is on her regular leash. Although many of the problems we have had with other dogs in public places (especially in pet stores where owners are too busy picking out supplies to pay attention to how far their dog has wandered) have been with dog's on flexis, I think it's really unfair for this article to say that people never see well-trained dogs on flexis (also, why are we blaming the dogs? isn't it the owner's job to keep their dogs from being set up for failure?). Even when we are out in our apartment parking lot, if I see another dog, another person, a moving car, I reel my dog in and lock the length. We've never had a problem.

Your point about your dog getting tangled in her regular lead is a great example of why a flexi can be good. Most of the time, my dog is stuck to me like glue. We have a 6-foot regular lead, but when I use it, I have most of it wadded up in my hand--not to keep her closer, she does that on her own, but to keep her from getting tangled in the slack while she heels. With the flexi, we don't have to worry about her getting tangled as long as I don't have the leash locked in with extra slack.

As far as injuries go, on one occasion, I was not paying close attention and my dog ran after (and caught) a squirrel while on her flex--I was able to easily hold onto the leash and despite the fact that she twisted behind me, I didn't have any injuries--I have had more burns from our regular lead when she's lunged at squirrels. With the exception of freak accidents, a conscientious owner shouldn't have any problems with facial injuries when unclipping the leash--you do it close enough and hold on to it until the leash is fully retracted. If it's really that big of a concern, lock the leash until you can grab the clip with your hand.

And the complaints about mechanical failures are just generalizations. I've used mine daily to take my dog out in the yard for over 2 years and it has never had any sort of problem.

I think the article makes some really valid points. I dread seeing dogs on flexis in public, especially since I have a reactive dog who does not want other dogs running up to her. But, I think this article is very unfair and there are responsible ways to use a flexi. They aren't great for every situation or for every dog/handler, but they do have some really good uses and if used responsibly, really aren't a big deal.

Kate link

6/4/2013 06:21:14 pm

I disagree, I think that its great YOU are trained on how to use the leash, but maybe you ought to train your dog pn how to properly be on a leash. You contradict yourself, saying that first with a regular leash she gets tangled, indicating that she is trained and having slack she is tripping over, but with 6' lead i dont believe. Then saying that she is pulling so hard that she snapped the "d" ring attatched.

Ashley

6/5/2013 07:08:53 am

Like I said, her leash training is the hardest thing for her to do. She's a *puppy* and very sociable, excitable, and curious. Maybe some dogs have an easier time with leash training, but those dogs are probably more cautious than mine is.

I should clarify that she didn't break the d ring, she broke the piece that hooks the d ring to the leash. The metal wore down. Part of the problem was that our 6' lead was too short.

As I've said, it's been much easier to train her on the flexi lead because she gets more room to wander. She's not very good at loose leash walking, but I'm fine with her exploring as long as she doesn't pull. The flexible lead doesn't hurt my hands and gives me better control. Perhaps as she gets older and she can control herself better, we'll do better with the loose leash walking, but as a puppy, it's not fair for me to expect more than what she is capable (words from my trainer's mouth directly). I should also state that she has her CGC certification. The flexible lead makes both of us happy.

Beth

6/8/2013 10:33:51 pm

I'm not sure what is so hard to believe about a dog getting tangled in a six-foot lead. My dog usually walks about 6 inches from my left leg, which leaves me with 5.5 feet of leash to hold onto to keep her from tripping. Most of the time I have a good handle on it, but if she decides to walk a little farther away and I let some slack out, when she comes back in, I can't always regroup quickly enough to keep her from tripping over the slack. If a dog heels properly, there's a lot of leash left for the owner to deal with and if someone has smaller hands or a thick leash, it's hard to hold onto all of that extra, so a dog could definitely trip or get tangled on a 6-foot lead with very little effort.

LGB

6/4/2013 11:51:13 pm

i agree.........most of the problem would be with the person using the lead not the lead itself. I've used one for years and have had no problems

DogsBeDogs

6/5/2013 04:32:31 am

Everyone has different opinions about Flexi Leads. I personally do not like them and think they should be outlawed. but I have a comments I would like to make about your post above.

Your point #1 : I have never met a piece of plastic that was stronger than cotton braided leashes. And if you buy a leash with the proper gauge hook, it should hold the weight of your dog without an issue.

Your point #2: Although I do agree both a regular leash and a flexi leash can do damage to the hands (the worst dog related injury I ever had was a 20' lead stripping through my hand) the flexi lead, especially the corded kind, is much more dangerous. I too had sensitive hands and used to wear gloves when out with my mastiffs. A flexi leash, whether corded or flat line, strips out of the holder much faster than a regular leash will strip out of your hand...leaving much worse burns as it cuts through flesh. I suggest that if your hands are easily injured you should use a leather leash and wear gloves meant for rope climbing. They do not have fingertips so you have use of your fingers still but your palms are covered so they are protected from leash burn.

Your point #3: I'm not sure why your dog was getting tangled in a regular leash more than a flexi leash. If you are handling your regular leash properly you should never get tangled because your pet should never have more than comfortable slack in the leash...not 4-5'ft of leash dangling on the ground. If your dog is 20ft away then your dog is not leashed...even if it has a flexi leash attached to it.

Your Point #4: If your dog is 20ft away from you, whether it is attached to a lead or not, you do not have control over your pet. You can hope and pray they listen to your recall commands. You can do all the training in the world but unless your dog is on a leash by your side (even then you do not have 100% control over your pet) you do not have control over your pet. And I have NEVER seen an instance where a person who has let their dog wonder out even a few feet out on a flexi lead be able to "take up slack quickly and easily". It is exactly the oposite and this is where the most injuries tend to happen. The owner is grasping at the cord trying to wind it up in a hurry while it burns and rips holes in their hands. Never had that problem with my regular lead.
If your pet hasn't mastered walking on a regular leash that's because she is not trained properly. She acts better on a Flexi leash because she is getting her way. She wants to walk 10 ft ahead of you and do as she pleases (which she cannot do on a regular leash) and you are allowing her to do so. Tell me what happens when she darts out into traffic or goes after another dog (cause dogs will be dogs) on her flexi leash and you are helpless to stop her because your Flexi doesn't reel in when when she is charging full speed away from you?
Just something to think about!

Ashley

6/5/2013 07:17:25 am

When I say I have control over my dog is that 90% of the time the flexi lead is locked in place. If I see a squirrel or people up ahead, I'll shorten the lead. Injuries with these leads happen if the dog is not locked and suddenly runs taking the lead with it. I don't have this problem. I use the flexi lead exactly like I would a regular lead, but instead of holding the slack, its retracted into the base of the flexi lead. That's better for me because my hands are sensitive and it just isn't realistic to expect people to have leather gloves to take their dog for a walk. It is realistic to offer a product like a flexible leash and have people learn how to use one properly.

Let's say my dog started running away at full speed -- if she wasn't locked then all I have to do is hold a button and pull her back in. With a regular lead, I have to hold onto a bunch of leash or try to grab a moving leash (potentially hurting my hands).

Again, flexible leads are great tools, but problems are caused by user error.

David Myers

6/9/2013 08:57:22 am

Ashley: You sound like a knowing and responsible flexi operator. You have to realize that makes you a member of a tiny minority of flexi users. How can you blitely state, "It is realistic to offer a product like a flexible leash and have people learn how to use one properly."

How do you "have people learn how to use one properly"? Perhaps require that they pass tests and be licensed, just like automobile drivers? Fine people for improper use of flixi leashes? Who's going to pay the leash police? It is obvious that flixi leashes are dangerous unless operated by well trained users (and even then there are risks), so it logically follows that this kind of leash is too demanding for the average user (without special training) and is therefore a menace to the public safety. They should clearly be banned in public. One could legitimately argue that they should not be banned for use in one's own yard. But again, who polices that? Personally, I favor an outright ban.

Brandi

6/5/2013 04:34:57 am

Your dog doesn't respect you. That's why he yanks, pulls, tangles And does whatever he pleases :/ that's a handlers fault. Try using a slip lead and putting it up high on the neck behind the ears. You will have more control of him

Sandi

6/6/2013 06:11:44 am

Ashley, I appreciate your perseverance but you might as well give up. You're not going to convince anyone here that you have your situation under control. I personally believe you are doing fine with your puppy. I have met some of the control-freak type people who are responding and they are much better at preaching then you and I are. Remember, those that can't DO..TEACH.

Common sense

9/22/2013 07:25:07 am

You have a lot to learn about dogs. All you're doing is anthropomorphizing them by claiming that they don't respect the handler for not being taught leash skills. One has nothing to do with the other and dogs aren't vindictive. What does choking a dog have to do with respect?

Sandra link

6/5/2013 06:51:58 am

I love the retractable leashes!!! I have had no problem but I only use the high quality brand and proper size for my dogs (Pitbulls) a lot of injuries and accidents result from negligence on the owners part by not paying attention to their surrounding and not being able to read their dogs..

Sandi

6/6/2013 09:16:30 am

I love mine! I would be so upset if they took them off the market just because of negligence and ignorance of operation. If you use them in an appropriate manner at appropriate times (not in crowds) they work great!

lola

6/5/2013 09:49:55 am

Totally agree! If you know how to use the flexi-leash the correct way, there should not be any issues! To make pet owners feel incompetent for using them is ignorant!

Golden Margaret

6/6/2013 12:06:14 pm

You mention that leash-walking has been the hardest thing for you to teach. Perhaps part of that is because the flexi teaches her that if she pulls, she gets to move out. The flexi only extends if the dog pulls it. That's the opposite of what most of us want our dogs to do on a leash.

Moe

9/20/2013 02:52:36 pm

Bull! I to have sensitive hands, but I have no problem carrying 2-3 6' leads or my 20' lead. I don't own a flexi and never will. My dog is almost 3, but I got her when she was 1, and all we do is train. She knows that if the lead is taught I will not give her slack until she creates slack in the leash. And most of the time I don't have to worry about her pulling, even on a 6' lead because most of the time she lets the lead drag on her own! But this is because I TRAINED her for almost 2 years everyday, not extensively, but 5-10 minutes daily sometimes more, and she is awesome!

Margaret T

9/21/2013 11:30:03 pm

Perhaps one of the most important things you seem to be missing is actual training. You have, as have all users of flexis, made your dog a confirmed puller. I can use a 30 foot lead (for tracking) or a six foot leather lead and never injure my hands, because my dog doesn't bolt. She is supposed to pull in tracking--that's why she has a harness on then, and then only. But she doesn't bolt or burn my hands, ever. On the six foot lead, she doesn't pull. And if I want the lead shorter, I have no problem looping it and holding it in one hand. Shortening a leash doesn't mean you wad it up and carry every inch.
She comes when called, and she heels or sits if I tell her to. I think I have never seen a dog on a flexi whose owner ever used those techniques to keep their dog from bothering a person or another dog or to keep their pet safe from traffic.
I have used a flexi with my sister's small dog, who is older and less likely to bolt, because my sister doesn't have a regular leash. The only place I like the flexi is in the park, where the blacktop path allows you to see what's coming from a long distance.

Common sense

9/22/2013 07:22:41 am

Dogs aren't as stupid as you seem to think. If a dog has been LLW trained on a standard leash, they can tell the difference between slack on a standard leash and slight resistance on a retractable leash. All the dogs I've trained and put on retractables maintain their leash skills. I put ALL dogs in harnesses which attach at the back. Yet they STILL maintain their LLW because I don't rely on a piece of equipment to control dogs. That's what good training is for.

Dealing with long lines is a hassle for many handlers even if it doesn't seem to be for you. You're not the gold standard of dog handlers.

Chris

1/9/2014 09:16:23 am

Hi agree completely. I have a 100lb lab Bermese cross and we use a flexi-leash. I won't use one that has the equivalent to a wire, I think those have more potential for danger. Ours is as wide as a 6' lead. He is locked at 4 feet whenever we're walking and there are only certain areas that he is allowed more lead (only if the area is safe with no risk of him getting tangled in anything). Mine also has an extra loop that removes the risk of dropping the handle as you can loop it over your wrist. Like any tool, use it properly! Don't blame the tool, blame the user.

jean

6/4/2013 03:44:32 am

The only time I ever used one of these contraptions, I cut through the palm of my hand grabbing the cord by accident because the lock failed to work and I risked my dog running out on the road in front of a car as we left a park. Never again- I thought what it might have done if it had caught a child on legs or arms and that was the end of that. The lock did not work! Does the lock ever work?? I do not know, I never bothered to find out with a second trial.

Pam H

6/4/2013 10:02:21 am

I work with rescue dogs and use retractable leashes all the time. I have never had a locking mechanism not work. There is a time and a place to use them. With high energy dogs that need room to run but cannot be off leash because of bolting, these are wonderful. I would not be without them. For areas where I want the dog kept on a short leash, I just lock the flexi down. It has never malfunctioned. So to those of you that talk about burns from these, I agree that it is user error, not the leash. No one should ever give the dog lots of length when out in public around others. That is just rude and dangerous!

David Myers

6/9/2013 09:04:28 am

You make an excellent point about the use of the flexi with rescue dogs (and presumably police dogs). But you and other professionals are trained to use them correctly. In an early response I wrote that I favored a general ban on them. I would amend that now to exclude professionally trained public service dogs and their handlers.

David Myers

6/9/2013 09:05:06 am

You make an excellent point about the use of the flexi with rescue dogs (and presumably police dogs). But you and other professionals are trained to use them correctly. In an earlier response I wrote that I favored a general ban on them. I would amend that now to exclude professionally trained public service dogs and their handlers.

April link

6/4/2013 03:48:40 am

I have also heard about dogs getting killed because of these leashes malfunctioning. One in particular I know of ran out into the road and the lock did work...the dog was killed by a car.

Some pet expos, where dogs are allowed to attend, ban the use of these leashes on the premises.

Beth

6/8/2013 10:40:13 pm

While this story is really sad, I think, again, the problem is training. Although most of the time my dog is on a regular lead anyway, she has been trained to stop any time she gets to a curb or an intersection. We have spent so much time training this, that even if she does get a step ahead of me on a walk, when she gets to the curb she stops and waits for me to release her. A dog that has been trained to stop and sit before going into the road is less likely to experience this kind of tragedy than a dog that hasn't, regardless of what type of leash is used. This same situation could have happened on a regular long lead or a shorter lead.

April link

6/4/2013 03:53:38 am

I have been in the pet industry for 20 years, exhibiting at various events both indoors and outdoors. I cringe every time a customer approaches my booth with their dog on one of these leashes because INEVITABLY the dog will be allowed to wander off into the crowd while the customer is shopping.....or the dog gets wrapped around displays because the person pays absolutely NO attention.

I applaud the expo promoters who ban the use of these leashes at their events.

Ashley

6/5/2013 07:22:38 am

They ban them because people think that just because their dog is on a leash, they're under control. It's harder to wander off with a leash with a distinct length, but what needs to be fixed is the attitude of people who use Flexileads incorrectly rather than banning the product entirely.

David Myers

6/9/2013 09:10:49 am

Really? How are you going to "fix" those peoples' attitudes? Mandatory training is the only thing that would work to prevent big problems and there would still be serious problems happening in spite of that training - just less frequently. They should be banned, except for public service use (such as rescue dogs and police dogs) and even then, both dogs and handlers must have extensive professional training.

Anne

6/4/2013 04:04:21 am

I am so against these leashes. I made the terrible mistake of using one for my dobie and I'm pretty sure it's responsible for the fact that he now has spinal problems from running to the end of the leash and getting jerked back when it hits the end. Stupid, stupid me. I feel so terrible. If I can change one person's mind about using them by telling this story, it's worth all the hate comments I'm going to get. I feel utterly responsible for unknowingly damaging my dog. I will also never use a neck collar again, only the gentle leaders or the harnesses.

azgranni

6/4/2013 04:47:31 am

I suspect It was the use of the neck collar and the leash that helped with the cervical neck injury...all though Dobies are prone to to having cervical neck problems. I worked at a pet hospital and the majority of neck surgeries were done on Dobies. Probably would be best if all Dobies were on harnesses than neck collars :) I have one of these leashes and only used in on our Weimaraner when she was a pup to walk our 5 acres...I stopped using it when we got afence. We always use an easy walk harness and a 6 ft leash.

Kristina

6/4/2013 05:09:02 am

I agree, we just lost our Doberman (14). He was 8 when we adopted him, and came in wearing nothing but a choke chain. He was a terrible walker on a leash (we were told) and we noticed he couldn't lift his head to the full-upright position.
Our vet diagnosed him with Wobbler's syndrome, though it could very well have been neck injuries due to using the choke chain/collar on his neck with his extensive pulling. Our vet recommended using a prong or a harness with him (we used a harness) and said the absolute worst thing we could use on him was a head halter. He lived a long happy life but had incontinence due to steroide use for his spine, so he ruined a lot of carpet and furniture, hahaha.

As for Flexi leashes, I own two. Our dogs have always been extremely well behaved and trained, and we foster for various shelters and rescues. I would never use one in a public area.
I use them for photographing dogs (if we go on hikes/scenic areas, I can allow the dogs up onto the boulders/into water etc and get pictures without having to take them off leash) the thin cords are easy to Photoshop out of photos and "pretty" them up.
Also when we go to the dog-friendly beach, It is dog-friendly, but they aren't allowed off leash. Carrying around 20+ feet of rope isn't ideal. They have great re-call and stay with us, but it allows them to play and swim and still abide by the leash laws.
I believe they have their purpose with a dog that is already trained, and not to be used in public areas/traffic. But I think in remote areas/hiking etc they can be a great tool. The only injury I have ever received from them is bloody knuckles from rubbing on the back of the handle.
Our GSD has a backpack and I usually put the Flexi in it "just in case" we go somewhere where it would be handy.

Isabelle

6/5/2013 04:23:33 am

I LOVE the gentle leader, I had one for my golden retriever chow mix who used to pull like crazy with just a collar and leash. When we started with the gentle leader, he was a joy to walk almost immediately and I could take him for a run without fear of him taking off without me.

Denise Rowe

6/4/2013 04:10:35 am

I had one of these "things". Took my 18 month old 70 lb Foxhound cross for a walk, he was not very well trained & saw another dog across the street. The button jammed & I could not stop him. He ran all the way to the end of the leash & then kept running. I was yanked off my feet & into a 2 ft tall concrete retaining wall & broke my shoulder, plus torn tendon. That was the last time I ever used one

jenell brinson

6/6/2013 01:29:28 pm

You would have been yanked down and injured EXACTLY THE SAME had it been a standard leash.

sharon

9/23/2013 08:17:01 pm

No she wouldn't jenell because the dog would not have been at full flight by running to the end of a standard leash as he would have been by the time the flexi had fully extended. I do have a flexi for my old dog as he is going deaf and blind but to walk to the field he is on a standard leash until we get there.

Julia link

6/4/2013 04:17:35 am

While I cannot argue with most of what you say about these leashes (they can be dangerous, I once had one, that malfunctioned, come back at me at many miles per hour and, fortunately, only hit me in the leg with the clip) I have to point out that I use mine differently, and with good results, My dogs are (at the least) basically trained and understand voice commands. They know how to walk with MANNERS on a leash and it is my expectation that they do so (no matter what type of leash they are on.) I do not allow my dogs to run amok under any circumstances. ....

I use the flexible leashes to facilitate the dogs' having some freedom to relieve themselves Though I prefer the "web" style, as it is stronger and less likely to be problematic, the cord style has a very handy length of handle that permits me to have my dog walk on a loose lead by my side (on a heel).

Of course, none of the ways that I use the lead prevents it from malfunctioning, and thus I must say I DO agree with you. It is ONLY the fat that my dogs ARE WELL trained that gives the flexi-style leash an advantage for me... as I am partially disabled and uneven ground can cause some difficulty for me. I primarily use it on my own property, too, ~ which likely makes another layer of difference... :)

Cathy

9/20/2013 08:15:18 am

I have little dogs (Maltese) and use Flexis, but the "ribbon" kind not the cord kind. When out in public, I keep the leash shortened to keep them near me (although if it is really crowded, they get picked up to avoid being stepped on). I have never had a problem using them. And really they are not THAT well trained. I used the corded ones years ago and can see how under certain circumstances they could cut the person or the dog or a bystander, but the ribbon kind are really no different than any other leash, and for me personally work better and give me more control than a regular leash.

Tammy

10/1/2013 07:47:31 pm

I had mine for 6 years and it still works and I love mine . Yes the cord one is so much better.

Michelle

6/4/2013 06:26:40 am

When my boxer was young, I sadly used one of the retractable leashes. While out on a walk with my boxer girl and my niece, the decision was made to take a run down the sledding hill in the park. What could go wrong?!? I quickly learned: 1. just how little of a distance 8' was and 2. my boxer could run MUCH faster than me. I was airborne with serious hang-time. Skidded in the mud upon landing. My boxer was immediately in my face to see if I was okay. Never used that leash again. My only wish for that day was to have been able to catch all of it on video. I'm sure it would be hilarious.

Shell link

6/4/2013 06:27:03 am

I agree, not only are flexi leads damaging to humans (the dog owner) but I've seen so many dogs walked on pavements by busy roads with the owners not looking at what's happening around them. The lead length gets longer and next minute - the dog is in the road about to be mown down by a car!

They should only be used on open land away and from other people, dogs and traffic.

In Cyprus though, a flexi lead is the last thing you need. You don't want your dog to stray any further than you can see in front of your nose as we have something even more dangerous for dogs.... Sadly, dogs are not well loved in this country and poison (usually embedded in meat or a tasty snack) is abandoned with glee by dog walking routes just waiting for an unsuspecting owner to come along. Some dogs survive, but many do not and can die an agonising death inside 20 minutes.

Debbie Spurlock

6/4/2013 06:41:52 am

Mine is going in the trash as soon as I get home! I just (stupidly) never realized.....

Kerry Heames

6/4/2013 06:42:15 am

To say you have never seen these used responsibly is most likely down to the fact you don't notice people who are using them well. For instance I use them to take my girls out the front garden when I am out there relaxing, it gives them room to walk around but with me still having control over them. I also have used them to take out dogs who are on restricted exercise due to illness or injury. Granted I do't find them useful for walking the dogs on a regular basis as they hurt your hands after a while and I never have enough hands to do poop picks but I think it's a bit harsh to say anyone who uses them is an idiot basically or that they don't have a use.

Paw

6/4/2013 06:43:02 am

I've yet to read in these comments a single situation in which people claim to use flexi leashes safely are not creating dangerous situations for everybody involved. Also, in 99% of the cases, the flexi leash can be PERFECTLY replaced with a 6 ft leash or a 10 ft leash (or even a bit more) for more roaming space. The rest is just poor excuses from people who don't care about their dog's and other dog's (and people's!) safety.

Isko

6/4/2013 05:56:00 pm

I've yet to read a single comment (this article included) against the use of Flexi that isn't caused by user error or not training your dog. If your dog doesn't know how to behave, or is not properly trained, stop blaming the leash and start training your dog. If you don't know how to properly use an extremely simple device like Flexi, maybe it's time to take a look in a mirror.

All the other reasons you're against Flexi seem to boil down to a fact that rude and obnoxious people who don't pay attention to what their dogs are doing, are going to be rude and obnoxious and not pay attention to what their dogs are doing, with or without Flexi. It's just that with Flexi their dogs have more space to cause havoc.

So, what if we instead focus on addressing the problem at the end of the leash (the human-end), and stop making excuses.

Sal

6/5/2013 06:15:53 pm

ISKO I just want to say AMEN! I do dog rescue and use both types of leashes interchangeably and have never had a single issue with the flexi type leashes. I pay attention, train hard, and am ever alert. My dogs know their manners and pay more attention to me than to the leash or their surroundings. It reflects on the human when the dog acts behaves badly on the other end.

6/9/2013 02:20:36 pm

Isko, AGREED!

Shelley

9/27/2013 01:07:13 pm

Exactly Isko. I post on this earlier. I have Danes, Bullmastiffs and APBT. Have been using Flexi leads for well over 15 years for about 90% of our outings. Have never had any of the negative issues complained about. It's not rock science. Scary to think people that can't master a dog leash drive cars.

Hank Jones

6/4/2013 06:48:03 am

I've used flexi leashes for many years with multiple dogs. I now have two Frenchies and use the flexies exclusively. The reason I like them is that they are FLEXIBLE. When we have the sidewalk to ourselves they get the full 15 feet. When we have company, especially other dogs, they get 2 - 5 feet, whatever is appropriate for the situation. When there's any danger, I lock them at an appropriate length. When we're sitting in the front yard I fully extend them and lock them so the pups get to play with no restraint. The constant tension keeps the leashes off the ground so the dogs don't get tangled up - it's a huge help when handling two dogs. The racket does scare the pups if I drop one - but the scare stops them in their tracks - if I dropped a plain leash they'd just keep going. I've had one Kong brand break from dropping it on concrete, never a problem with the Flexi brand. I use the 100 pound variety - with the 1/2 inch wide leash - for my 25 pound dogs so that they can't break it. I've never been hurt by one. No one has ever been hurt by mine. My dogs have never been hurt by one. My dogs have never hurt anyone or any other dog. Any tool can be used sensible or stupidly.

Trish

6/4/2013 08:01:29 am

I've also had very good results with the Flexi leash. As others with good results report, it requires you to be aware of what's going on around you, consideration of others, and having dogs that know how to walk properly on a leash regardless of what type of leash it is. My dogs are able to get far more exercise with the Flexi leash (or similar models) than if I were to walk them with a standard leash. I've tried using a long standard leash, and it is simply impossible to pull it back fast enough for the dog to recognize what you are doing. Plus, I've received burns from standard leashes -- but not from a Flexi leash. I'm guessing that perhaps the majority of people who use them are people who have NOT properly trained their dogs to walk properly on a leash or to obey commands. When anything or anyone approaches my dog (walkers, bikers, or just a car on the side road!), I immediately call my dogs, and they come and stand next to me so that they are no trouble to anyone else and they are safe themselves. It is not a solution to an untrained or disobedient dog. It requires proper usage. And I would agree that the "tape" leash is much better than the "cord" leash, just in case you do have to pull back on it if there is a malfunction. The "tape" variety tends to be for larger dogs, but it can be used with no problem for dogs whose weight is waaaay less than what would be considered ideal for the leash. The problem isn't the leash (although malfunctions can occur) -- it's people who don't know how to use their leash with a trained dog. That would be the problem with ANY kind of leash.

Kerry Heames

6/4/2013 06:55:13 am

To be honest the only problem I have ever had with other dogs have been dogs not on a lead at all, at these times I would gladly buy their owners a flexi lead or any other lead for that matter.

linda gilley

6/4/2013 07:47:16 am

I like flexi leashes, one of the most well trained dogs I ever had appreciated being able to move a ways away to toilet. and then would come back to me directly and I would secure him, I bought a well made and sturdy one that wasn't make out of cord and kept my eyes open, and my hand on the locking part of the leash, just thought I would tell you. my friend sent me this and while I appreciate that she cares, she is wrong and so are you

6/4/2013 07:55:43 am

I'm sorry but I disagree. My dog is adopted from another family member, she tried all routes that were available at the time to train the dog but she failed. He came to us three years ago very unruly but we have got him to stop pulling on the lead and when he concentrates he has recall. When he doesn't (and I can tell if he's with us or not) he has the flexi lead. He has had it all the time he's been with us and I not any of the other dogs he plays with have ever had any of these problems which you are presenting. Equipment for dogs is not only for the dog, but for the owner. Did you consider in any part of this frankly bitchy rant at your fellow man, that people may be differently abled to you or have different needs than your and your dog and be in different situations? No, just rant away like you are looking down upon them. People are different and use different methods for what suits them best. It's this attitude that gives licence for other people like you with a persecuted nature to walk up to someone with a dog and accuse them of being wrong. Well it's just plain rude. My dog has the extendable lead because it works well for us, I haven't them ability to keep bending down to wind up a long lead, I find them painful and more dangerous to the dog as often I see dogs on long lines running, and someone will accidentally tread on the line, or trip people or other dogs up, how is that a safe alternative? Please please stop this viewpoint of 'I know better than you so I'm going to rant and spread an evil mindset because I personally think its wrong' its just wrong for you. Not everyone.

Melissa

6/4/2013 08:33:30 am

Hi All -
I have to agree wholeheartedly with the article. I have a dog I'm working with that is reactive on lead with other dogs. We're training him through it and he's doing really well. But I can't tell you how many times I've run into dogs on trails or walking paths either off lead (even when the area is a leash zone) or on these flex leashes. It poses such a problem for us as we work through his issues. Every dog we've encountered off lead has limited recall! and those owners with flexi leashes are so distracted they don't pay attention to us. I can't see a benefit to the flexi - it's a tool that can cause so much more bad than good. And with so many other techniques available that foster a strong relationship with your dog, communication, feedback and so on during walks, I'm not sure why it's still such a popular tool.

Me & My Shadow K-9 Tracking & Lost Pet Consultations

6/4/2013 08:45:33 am

I am totally against these leashes, I have tracked and looked for several dogs dragging retractable leashes. I try to discourage any one from using these leashes.

Jill

6/4/2013 08:58:15 am

HATE them. Never have allowed them in my training classes. So dangerous for both dogs and people.

J Fitzy

6/4/2013 09:11:06 am

I used to work at a vet clinic in a busy area of Seattle. The front desk looked out a huge window at a busy street where buses went by frequently. We had a client coming in who had her dog on one of these and it was pulled out as far as it could go. The dog turned the corner waaay ahead of her and promptly got hit by a bus and killed. Harsh.

George

6/4/2013 09:28:04 am

I have a flexi and a standard leash. I feel I have more control of my beagle/jack Russell with the standard leash and harness. I use the flexi only when we are both out relaxing in the yard. (Gives him more room to play in the yard.

Jeanna

6/4/2013 09:52:04 am

I hate them too. The only one I use one is to take the dog out to pee in the yard so she can have some space, never in public

Brittany Wallis

6/4/2013 09:59:12 am

Numbers 2 and 5 have always been my biggest reasons for hating the things. My dog is 13 pounds soaking wet. It's all I need for some giant, out-of-control dog to pop around the corner and try and make a snack out of her. She'd be gone before the other owner could even catch up to their dog.

Trish

6/4/2013 10:13:19 am

I agree 100%. I have a 9 year old boxer who up until 4 yes ago was very dog friendly. I have a neighbor who had her large black lab on a retractable leash that was locked. The saw us before she did and ripped the leash out of her hands and charged us. This resulted in a dog fight and my dog longer being friendly toward unknown dogs. Only the few that he already had a friendship with. I dispose those things.

Viv

6/4/2013 10:40:03 am

Sorry, but I disagree with the author's rant. It sounds like most of the complaints here are mechanical (which wouldn't be an issue if you invested in a good quality Flexi leash with an appropriate cord width depending on the size of dog) or user error. I've always used a Flexi with my Yorkie and have never had a problem with it. When we have the space and the area to ourselves, I let him wander. When I see anything that would cause him to give chase or could possibly cause harm, I reel it in and lock it. I also use a Flexi leash (with a thicker cord) whenever I walk my aunt's Pointer/Irish Setter mix without issue. The slight pull keeps the cord from dragging in the mud and dirt or getting tangled in bushes.

Exibits A and C are the result of negligent users who aren't paying attention to their dog or their surroundings. Exibit B could happen with any leash. In fact, the only leashes I've had issues with were plain ones whose handles gave me rope burn on my palms. I also sprained my wrist once when my aunt's dog suddenly lunged to chase a chipmunk. I never have those problems with a Flexi because the handle is wider and more comfortable, and the retractable lead allows me an extra second to brace myself and the clicks act like ABS brakes work in your car (as opposed to a sudden halt which can cause health problems for both dog and owner). It's really not that difficult to judge how much lead you have left with a Flexi. Again, it takes a responsible and aware owner to be able to use one properly. Perhaps owners with little common sense are the author's true source of her problems.

Carlene

6/5/2013 02:37:28 pm

Stupid people IS the reason they should be banned. You can't train stupid or ignorant people but you can take their tools away. Even those who use them correctly should recognize that.

Shelley Cowie

9/19/2013 02:46:01 pm

Agree wholeheartedly with you Viv. My dogs are 100 to 150 lbs. I walk them on a flat collar or harness with the flexi. I think the main source of the problem is humans with little or no common sense.

Ashley

6/4/2013 11:00:35 am

My dog is a dog-reactive DINOS and we walk all 25 lbs of him on a 4 foot 1 1/2" Nylon leash attached to his Easy Walk Harness. Not only do I have to worry about my dog and work on his fear reactions, I have to worry about whether the oncoming dog is even leashed. Flexi's are hard to see and the 99% of the time the owner isn't paying attention until their dog has rushed mine. It's a recipe for disaster and no yellow ribbon on his leash makes up for other lazy owners.
I don't care how much space you want your dog to have to run. The privilege of using a Flexi means being able to control your dog on a flexi, not just checking out so Fido can "explore further" and you can soothe your guilt for not actually walking more than around the block. I am grateful our dog-walking pack has a no-flexi rule and enforces it by handing the pet-parent a 6' flat leash to use if they didn't bring one. We all (dogs and people alike) have to share the space. The only use for a flexi IMHO is for a dog on constant leash restriction in your own fenced area. Otherwise they're more of a risk than they're worth.

ashley

6/4/2013 11:03:11 am

I only use a flexi with my dog when I go jogging.. I tend to let him jog out in front of me a bit but only when I know theres no one around us on our strait away trail and I always stay vigalent for someone coming up behind us so I keep him dead strait out infront of me.... I personally don't like them... I work at a dog ranch and cant stand when dogs come in on them, because I know they wont have any leach manners, its even worse when people walk more then one dog on them.... my coworker worked at a clinic back when a lady was walking her dog to the clinic for its appointment she allowed the dog to walk around the corner out of sight and had no idea that her dog walked out into the street around the corner and had been hit and killed by a bus until she got around the corner a good minutes or two later

Louise Buma

6/4/2013 11:12:02 am

I have never liked those retractable leashes and I never use them. Not enough control for sure. We have 5 dogs.

Nikki

6/4/2013 11:20:17 am

I am so glad there is someone else out there that hates retractable leashes as much as I do. I work at a pet store and I have yet to see a well behaved dog on one. The owners are always lazy and never correct any bad behaviour their dog is displaying. The dogs always knock things over or pee on things and the owners are never willing clean up after their dog. People who use these leashes are lazy. They never lock the leashes it seem either. The dog goes to different aisle, steals product and goes after other animals. The dogs in my experience seem to lack dog social skills because they always are super rude to other dogs in the store.

jenell Brinson

6/6/2013 01:04:38 pm

Then you obviously have a very limited clientel of rude, ignorant, casual pet owners at your store.

jenell brinson

6/6/2013 01:12:53 pm

You are so glad someone else hate a leash you don't like??!!! Do you not realize how crazy that is? Don't like them, don't use them! Its just a leash, a tool!

Mamasdr

6/4/2013 11:23:26 am

We have been using a retractable leash successfully with out Pit mix for several years. It isnt the "leash" that causes these issues. It is the human being on the other end of it. Our dog walks calmly on it. No pulling, tugging, wrapping around things etc etc. We do not allow him near other dogs in the first place. Since it is poor manners. Nor do we allow him to "go long" and get into/onto or around things. We have one that is suitable to his size. We check it for wear/tear.
All things that should be done with ANY leash. With ANY dog.

Keane

6/4/2013 11:26:46 am

I walk my dog with one of these, but it's like a full leash all the way through (rather than a cord). She's also old and not at all strong, fast, or excitable so I don't really have any problems with it. I also usually put it to the length I want then lock it and walk with it like a regular leash, so there isn't constant tension.

I have used one of these (the kind with the cord) to walk a higher-energy dog once, and it just felt like a disaster waiting to happen. I regret using it.

It really just depends. I think they can be nice and convenient with the right dog/owner, but otherwise I agree that they are dangerous.

Erica Garven, CPDT-KA link

6/4/2013 12:13:54 pm

This is a great article, and I wholeheartedly agree. But, I just have to say that I'm really surprised you didn't mention neck and spine injuries. People put their dogs on head harnesses, prong collars etc (or even a plain flat collar) and let the dog fly out to the end of the leash. I've seen dogs flip upside down, skid out on their sides, and worst and most commonly of all, have their head snap around suddenly. Prongs are horrid enough all by themselves, but then attaching something to it that can cause such a sudden impact that a 100 lb dog flips upside down MUST be causing immense pain when those pins dig in. And the damage to the neck and spine caused when the neck/head is jolted so severely, i can't even imagine how some of these dogs go on without permanent damage/pain. Like I said, great article, with excellent points, just one missing!!!

Deb Ruberto

6/4/2013 12:14:33 pm

We bought two flexi-leashes for our standard dachshund pair. The hand grip was easier on my wrist than the standard leash. Even though I have not experienced any of the injuries seen in these pictures, the dogs did behave hesitantly on flexi-leash because there was always tension on the leash. I did not like using it at the beach and went back to the standard leash.

roan

6/4/2013 12:19:13 pm

people are stupid.

Mairin

6/4/2013 12:20:53 pm

We bought a retractable leash when we got our airedale puppy with good intentions, and after our first lesson with a trainer it went into the trash pile. He is big and strong and I need way more control than that offers. I ended up fully extending the leash, cutting it, and tying it to the lawn spike thing for our front yard as its not fenced. Money well spent LOL.

Barb

6/4/2013 12:21:12 pm

After some close calls, dog yanking flexi lead out of my hand, flexi- lead boomerangs into the dog; rope burns, dog getting bonked with the hard flexi-lead, I NEVER used flexi leads again. One of the worst products for dogs and humans. Just not worth the risk of injury to dog or human.

Cicismama

6/4/2013 12:23:29 pm

I just want to say the only dog I have used the retractable leash for are my chihuahuas. They are small dogs and with a harness it is easier to keep them near. Now I do admit when I had my small boxer lab cross I had one for her she snapped right off the leash and took off lol BUT I acted like I was hurt and she came to comfort me so she didn't get far. I can say a tiny dog like a chi couldn't pull hard enough to make those kind of injuries, but I would never use them on bigger dogs again. Just my opinion.

Sandi Leonard link

6/4/2013 12:37:30 pm

While you make some good points, I won't equivocally say these are bad. I find them useful to jog with my whippet, as we live in the country and have ample warning before a car comes along our rural road, and he responds immediately to my voice command to come to heel where I lock the leash. Otherwise, he is allowed some freedom to sniff and be a dog while I jog along. He has learned when I push the button partway down, causing the ratchet to click, to rein in and come closer to me, and never lets it get completely taut. But of course, he's an advanced agility dog responsive to many voice commands and always watching my movements. I think in certain situations with a well-trained dog, they can be used appropriately. But certainly, you must be aware of the dangers and always watching the situation your dog is in. That is true no matter what leash you use.

Nina

6/4/2013 01:19:33 pm

I have one for my Labradoodle but I lock it at a certain length and never just let him go wherever he wants and I tend to keep him close to me at all times. Though the regular leash I have can probably do the same thing lol

Rose

6/4/2013 01:33:22 pm

Wow! I agree with you completely, poor puppies

Rebecca

6/4/2013 01:55:56 pm

I use Flexi's ALL THE TIME as a pro. trainer.

But I use them as what they were originally designed to be - A TRAINING DEVICE. They were developed for SAR originally. They were NEVER EVER originally meant to use for a casual walk by pet folks - despite the way they have sense been marketed.

The flexi is a GREAT TOOL for teaching recalls, return to heels, drop on recalls, recalls over jumps, etc. In these instances, I want the leash to be as invisible as possible, and the tape is too thick and noticeable.

But again - I DO NOT EVER use a flexi to walk my HIGHLY trained dog in an urban environment, in a building like a pet store, around other dogs, where they can get wrapped around things. I don't even toilet my dogs on them - if my dogs can learn to toilet on a 4 ft leash, so can yours.

They're TRAINING TOOLS. Don't blame the tool - blame the people who are misusing the tool and marketing it to be used that way.

Mike

6/4/2013 02:56:05 pm

I use a flexi all the time. I have grown up with dogs and know how they can suddenly react. You as the owner should be responsive, and should be aware of your enviroment. All those things listed in the article can be avoided if you actually just pay attention to what your dog is doing. A dog spining around you will happen for example with any lead, leash or flexi. A whip scar on the legs can happen when your dog is on a lead tied in a yard. The device used doesn't matter. If you pay attention to your dog and your enviroment then you shouldn't have any issues with flexi. I've owned mine for 7 years straight. It has never broke, and still works fantastic as the day we got it. I've never gotten wrapped around by one when walking my dog because i don't let my dog do that. And when using it, it does have a locking mechanism to keep your dog from going to the end. USE IT. It's not hard and if your dog breaks it you obviously got one that was to small for your size dog. I have a 80lbs dog and like I said he has never broken it.

Lisa Castenskiold

6/4/2013 03:47:51 pm

My sister in law needed thumb surgery after using one

Jeanne

6/4/2013 04:32:22 pm

If you ever want to add a few things to this.....

How about the dog on a flexi that charges the leash reactive dog? Thankfully for a few small dogs that charged to the end of the flexi at my dog (bulky handle flying out of the hand of one of the owners), my dog's "click to calm" work has paid off. This means my dog did not pick up the offending dog and give it a good shake - potentially killing if not inflicting major injury.

Plus side? If my dog HAD attacked the dog on the flexi, my county and local animal control is very clear that the law says dogs must be on a leash w/ a FIXED length that is not longer than 6 feet. My dog is on a fixed 6 foot leash and the other dogs may as well have been off any leash as far as the law in concerned. How do I know this. I work for animal control and we've actually had cases like this.

Other note.... have you ever seen the dog that stepped out in the street while on the flexi? I saw one dog that repeatedly started off a corner while a car was trying to make a right turn. The car finally went but the dog kept stepping out, getting pulled back, stepping out. We've also had dogs come in that actually did end up under the tire of a car. You don't want your dog being scraped up off the street w/ a snow shovel so it might be better to not take them out on a flexi leash.

Jeanne

6/4/2013 04:55:45 pm

Here is actually the best way to use a flexi safely:
http://www.minds.com/blog/view/68261/8-year-olds-invention-for-keeping-books-dry-in-the%C2%A0bath

Linda

6/4/2013 08:02:33 pm

I hate flexi-leads. Someone in my neighborhood had a dog that mowed down a few shrubs that I had planted while it was running my fence trying to get my dogs. I was in a store and a dog wrapped me and my dog up in it's leash because the owner was not in control. My belief is that people use them because they are too lazy to walk around with their dog while they are sniffing. The person who used it for photography was the only one who has a somewhat valid reason.

jenell brinson

6/6/2013 01:08:39 pm

Not a single one of the incidents you just described any thing to do with the dogs being on Flexi leads. I've seen every one of those things with dogs on standard leads, as well. These are ALL owner/handler problems, NOT the kind of leash!

6/13/2013 07:33:57 am

People just don't get it, do they? They want to hold an object responsible for their own and other people's lack of common sense, awareness and respect for others.

Jennifer Fisk

6/4/2013 08:11:11 pm

I have a full service boarding kennel with retail. I do sell retractable leads but they are tape only no cords. I feel that retractables have a place in the dog equipment box. We offer extra walks on retractables. They are good for people that have a dog with no recall but want it to have a little freedom. What really drives me crazy is the owners that don't use the lock feature. When a dog checks in and is handed to me, the first thing I do is lock the retractable to get control of the dog. For some reason, people don't think they should stop the dog from wandering around the reception area marking or greeting other new arrivals. The issue is a people problem not an equipment problem.

Patti Goettler link

6/4/2013 09:19:30 pm

People who use Flexies always will tell you that "they" use them correctly...I cannot stand them, if a client comes to me with one I make them trash it and swear never to use one again. I have never met or seen the one person who might use one correctly, juts the ones who let their badly behaved dogs run all over, peeing and "greeting" while thy are off in lala land. It was a stupid invention- NOT created by a dog person. Most City and Park laws require a normal leash of 6 feet or less, so most folks using these things are breaking the law to start with.

Jenell Brinson

6/6/2013 12:55:34 pm

How unbelievably rude an arrogant! I'm going to tell you I, and many other people DO use them correctly, and without these idiot problems people are ranting about here, and anyone do what you just said you'd do above, is unacceptable in any situation working with others and their dogs! I've used Flexis over 20 yrs, many dogs, large strong willed dogs, have trained, shown, handled professionally, and taught basic obedience 20-30 yrs ago. I am older and disabled and not strong any more, but still use them, have NEVER seen any such injuries as presented here. My present dogs range from 40-105 lbs, and they are well under control on Flexis. Of course idiots can hurt themselves with anything and anyone stupid enough to let a dog roam out into a street on a too long leash is going to do it retractable or not. Every so called problem anyone has mentioned here is not due to the Flexi, but to the person's own error, carelessness, ignorance of rude behavior not controlling their dog. You don't have to use them, but you dmd don't have the right to tell someone they must trash theirs and promise YOU not to use one again!

David Myers

6/9/2013 09:14:51 am

Yes Jenell, society does have the right to tell someone that they may not use or possess a dangerous product that regularly causes injury and danger to the public. Simple.

Brian Dix

6/10/2013 01:08:35 am

So David, I suppose you think we should take cars away from people as well? They are dangerous and thousands of people are injured or killed each year, because the owners aren't paying attention to what they are doing when driving, even though you are required to have a license to drive one.

David Myers

6/10/2013 05:27:03 pm

Yes, I do believe we should take cars away from people who show a persistent pattern of reckless driving, vehicular homicide, and drunk driving. And in some venues, such as British Columbia they do take, not only licenses, away from repeat drunk drivers, they also confiscate their cars! If damage is consistently being done to the public safety, than we can and should remove the cause, at least from those who don't/can't correct their behavior.

My earlier point was that with such high priority cases such as homicide due to drunk driving, police are engaged and often bring miscreants to justice in many, if not most cases. If you license the use of flexi-leashes, where does the bucks come from for enforcement? It is easier to ban dangerous devices (in most person's hands) rather than attempt to police their abilities (and whether they've been trained) - with the exception of public service uses of dogs (like rescue and police dogs) where both the animals and their handlers have been rigorously and highly trained.

B Long

6/4/2013 09:20:58 pm

I always feel bad for the dogs on prong collars or gentle leaders with a flexi leash. What happens when the dog is walking next to the handler and then suddenly takes off running and hits the end of the leash? Head and/or neck injury at the very least.

I also frequently see people walking their dogs on the sidewalks of busy roads on completely extended flexi leads, 15+ feet away from the handler. What happens when the dog sees something on the other side of the road and bolts into the street? Are you trying to tell me your reflexes are really faster than your dogs and you can somehow "reel in" your dog before it runs into the street? I don't think so.

Thouni R

6/4/2013 10:13:00 pm

IF flexes would be illegal do you really think the same thing wouldn't happen with normal leashes? The problem is with humans, the owners not in the tools, they can do exactly the same things with normal long leather leash, trust me.

Lisa

6/4/2013 10:33:10 pm

It is the people using these leashes! I love using my flexi leashes when I am at a dog show and have to walk my dogs. I will even take three of them out at a time, if you use them correctly they are a great tool! When clients would bring their dogs into the shop I would automatically reel them in and lock it, so no trouble

Cassie-Leigh Stock link

6/4/2013 11:45:44 pm

For all the arguments that you can injure yourself with any leash, sure, ya can; you can injure yourself with any inanimate object. However, a regular leash is not capable of giving you a 15 foot burn mark with a cord; the dog can't get the same running start and a fixed lead isn't meant to let out.. (I'm obviously referring to a regular length leash... you wouldn't be walking down the street with a 25 ft fixed lead - hopefully - but somehow it makes sense to do it with a Flexi.) I remain un-swayed on my stance.. A lot of the pro-Flexi comments here sound like the typical stuff that your average, oblivious Flexi-leash user would say.. Just like I said in the article, I am not saying that there is NO way to use these responsibly, so to those that truly do, I would have to say, I will respectfully agree to disagree with you (because I'm still not sold), but I respect what you're saying. For the comments about using them on small dogs, but not large, I don't totally understand that.. I certainly don't feel size-specific in my opinions on these.. They're just my opinions, anyway. Just one New England trainer's opinions. They're not gospel, and they certainly are not the one & only way to think. I appreciate every single one of you even reading this article, whether we agree or not.

Annie

6/4/2013 11:49:42 pm

I have used the flexi leash with my boxer who was obedienced trained and titled. We used the flexi for the recall. I also had a 10 foot and 20 foot nylon leash that I also used. When we attended dog shows and had to stay in hotels, I used the flexi so he could do his business in a field without my standing on top of him. I never used the flexi for walking. I normally used a 6 foot leash for that. Flexi leashes are not allowed at dog shows because you need to keep your dog under control at all times and a flexi leash does not allow that. Flexi leashes are dangerous if not used properly. I always worry about the jamming part or the cord breaking. I used the flexi sparingly and only under controlled circumstances.

Jen

6/5/2013 12:31:20 am

I worked in Petsmart for a while, which at one point had a return policy of pretty much, if we sell it and it's not living, return it whenever you want. I took in plenty of broken malfunctioning flexi-leads as returns.
I own one flexi-leash, not that I have any clue where it is right now. I have the belt leash rated for x-large dogs that I use with my 14.5 lb dog. I only use it in certain places when we are the only ones around. I carry a regular leash with me when we're using it. We walk out to where we're going using the regular leash, switch when we get there, and if there is anyone else around, we switch back. If I intend to give him more freedom with others around, we use the long line.

Monique

6/5/2013 12:35:40 am

Most of the dangers are the owner being at fault. Most states have a leash law of 6ft when walking not sure if all do. When walking the dog it should be next to you not 15-25ft ahead that is a safety issue and can hurt people passing and cause tripping or to get tangled up. Also if the lock breaks the leash should not be used. The leash is good if the owner is at a stop and lets the dog explore if they want distance not walking. Also it should not be full length in a store. I meet people who did not use the leash right and the locked work but they kept not fully locking it.

Sheilagh

6/5/2013 12:51:19 am

I'm sorry, I got stuck at Nichole using a prong collar on her problem child. Aversive equipment never solves any behaviour problems. It actually makes it much worse. It's a very very old (proven not to work) technique and we've evolved and learned so much. Can't we just use modern, non-aversive, positive reward based methods and bury the prong collars and choke chains?

Bonnie

6/5/2013 01:10:18 am

I have used a flexi leash for years without incident. It's not the leash, it's the person holding onto it that counts. We live in a city. When I walk my dog in the park I Iet her wander ahead of me the 30 feet it allows. When I see another person or animal approaching I retract it to a normal (5-6 feet) leash length. AND they do show the pictures of how NOT to use it i.e. wrapping it around your hand. I would venture to say that two very large dogs on ANY type of leash, if they are not well trained and controllable by their owner, would pose as much of a threat.

Nicole

6/5/2013 01:23:21 am

When I got my first puppy I walked her on a flexi.... Until one day she stepped of the sidewalk on a busy street and nearly was killed by a car while on the end of a leash ( for visual: car had to slam on breaks and swerve into the other lane, screeching breaks and skid marks left on the road). I went home and threw the damn thing in the garbage.

Carol

6/5/2013 02:05:29 am

I use a 4 ft leash with my dog. He is trained to come when I call and to stay by my side. He does not run off. I don't have a fenced in yard (I have 4 acres) but, I don't have to put him on a leash because he is trained to stay close and come when I call. I only use the leash in public because it is the law. He never pulls and I don't have any excess to reel in. On walks if he wants to go and investigate something. I go with him. I hate it when I come up to people with the retractable leashes. Their dogs are always far ahead of the owner and I don't know what they will try to do. As for giving your dog freedom to roam and run around, take them to a "Dog Park".

Marilyn Litt link

6/5/2013 02:33:44 am

Dropping one of these leashes is like firing a weapon and then chasing the dog with something which is hitting his hind legs and almost catching up.

Steve

6/5/2013 04:10:02 am

I know I will get flamed but just about everything can be dangerous. I own and will use my flexi leash when I want.

Now to make a blog about: Ask Me How I Feel About "Cars" you should see the injuries you can get from a car!

DogsBedogs

6/5/2013 05:19:43 am

I totally agree with this article. Having been in the veterinary industry for 12+ years, I have never seen these leashes in the hands of responsible owners with trained pets.
I have seen many people say that they are responsible pet owners and they have trained their pets on these leashes.
First of all, if you are using one of these leashes your pet is NOT trained. your pet is trained if they know how to walk calmly by yur side with slack in the leash line. Barging 20ft ahead of you sticking their nose into whatever they want is NOT trained. Leashes were meant to protect your god from things that could harmthem, protect you from liability issues and protect the public from your dog. Even if you have the nicest dog in the universe there are people and other dogs out there that do not want them in their space.

The dangers that come with this leash are unbelievable! The fact that the actaul maker of this leash has to warn about amputatuons, bodily injury, ect...I'm surprised they didn't include strangulation! All of these precaustions were put in because they are protecting themselves from lawsuits. If I read a label and the precautions were amputaions and other bodily injuries...I would rethink that purchase.
I have read replies above who say that Flexi leads are easily retracted....I would bet money to anyone who wants to show me how easy it is to retract a dog that is headed nose first away from you into danger! Unless you have spent time to train a full proof recall....you are not stopping your dog without incurring burn wounds or amputations.
The Anti-Flexi leash fight has been an ongoing fight since their birth...and I have never known a Veterinarian who supports them!

Lisa

6/5/2013 05:44:46 am

The ONLY thing I use a retractable for is a nightly pee in the yard where I stand on the front steps and my beagle goes to the lawn about 8 feet away. I also use one that is good up to 60 lbs, my beagle weighs about 26 lbs. I never leave my yard with it (actually, he is double-leashed on walks with a harness and collar) and can't stand anyone who uses them in public.

Matt

6/5/2013 06:18:48 am

I once saw a woman walking down a quiet road with one of these Flexi Leashes. She was on one side of the street and her dog was on the other. The leash of course was strung across the road. What an idiot.

Moe

6/5/2013 07:42:21 am

I can't believe so many people have problems with these leashes. I've used me for years and not even a close call. Sounds more like a training problem..

R. Young

6/5/2013 08:08:37 am

I am in favor of the Flexi Lead. I have had flexi leads for over 20 yrs. All of my pack go on walks on Flexi's. You must of course be careful with the Flexi's My pack consisted of four large dogs, and one small dog. Large dog 6o to 100 lbs. Small dog 45lbs. Never ues a flexi for training. Flexi's should always be used after the dog has been trained. A Flexi lead is nothing more than a piece of equipment and like any other equipment you must learn to operat it and handle it properly. The Flexi Company makes a very good quality product, I would say the Best for it has been around for many years. No matter the dog when choosing a flexi always choose the Flexi for the next largest size dog. I.E. for my 45 pounder, his Flexi was the one the company recommended for the 60 to 100 lb sized dog. For my 60 to 100 pound dogs I choos the Flexi Giant, the ribbon type which is recommended for dog's of 100 pounds or more.In case you are wondering my 65 pound dog was part Husky, collie & GSD. My 80 to 100 pounders one was a Siber-Mal (Husky/Malamute mix) the other two are Malamutes topping 90 LBS. When walking a dog on a Flexi one must always think Safety first and not allow oneself to panic for that is when accidents happen to both human and dog. First Rule of Safe operation never allow the dog more lead than you want it ti have depending upon the situation (Common Sense)! Second rule always keep a lead available. Third always have a sharp knife available! Fourth Rule Safety First! I don't know about other manufacturers of retractable leads but Flexi is the only one!
R. Young = U.S.A.F. Ret!

Kara

6/5/2013 09:24:52 am

I use these on a daily basis for my Great Dane and French Bulldog and I have NEVER had a problem. It is the owner's responsibility to use it correctly and there lies the problem. The same thing (tension on the dog, injury, pulled out of hand) can be said about non-retractable leases and again it comes back to the handler. If a person or child is inept or doesn't understand the leases then don't use them! I would hate to see these pulled off the market. Anything can be dangerous if not used properly.

Lisa

6/5/2013 11:09:47 am

I use my flex leash exclusively for 10 years. In that time I have owned 2 leashes only because the plastic wore off the handle on the first one. I love them. But you have to be aware of where your dog is, what is nearby (i.e. other dogs, cars, kids) and of course you can't get the cord wrapped around you, another person or your dog. Duh. I have never had a malfunction or an injury or anything even close.

Judy

6/5/2013 12:16:57 pm

I'm going to venture a guess here and say that most people who actually work with dogs professionally are the ones who see these Flexis for the dangerous things that they are.
I work with dogs professionally and I see them as a disaster waiting to happen. I refuse to use them on any dog in my care, not ever! I won't even let my dogs go near any dog that is on a flexi.
Thanks for your great rant!

Ray Bryan

6/5/2013 12:54:43 pm

Flex leashes are ideal for use in the country, especially when hiking in hilly terrain with you buddy. It gives him or her the ability to navigate like a dog when encountering obstacles rather than conforming to the gate of his poorly endowed human companion. I've used them for years and never had an incident of the kind you mention nor any malfunction (and living in Canada, we've been out all sorts of conditions) . If you've had mechanical problems, perhaps you should invest in a better quality flex leash. Of course, I agree that flex leashes are not well suited to city streets, which I assume is your primary haunt. But it is a big mistake to condemn these very useful leashes wholesale simply because they don't suit your particular lifestyle.

Jennifer

6/5/2013 10:51:26 pm

I use flexes all the time but I live in the country. I do not use them when I am going to be walking my dogs in town or where we may encounter other dogs or people. There is a time and place for flexis unfortunately not every dog owner is aware enough to understand what is appropriate for its use. As to the reliability of the flexis, I have used original brand and the "fake" flexis and I have not hd issues with the original flexis and I own a few that I use on a very regular basis. The other brands have given me issues. Also, I only use the tape leads not the cord. The cord scares me. So there is a use for Flexis but it everyone is in a place where their use is approprite.

Carlene

6/5/2013 02:47:51 pm

Not to mention the old lady with her little dog who lived in an apartment building. She got into the elevator with her little dog on the flexi leash. It wasn't till the elevator started moving that she realized her dog hadn't come in yet. I assume I can spare you all the details of what resulted?

The problem is you can't fix stupid or ignorant people who get all defensive and therein lies the problem. We can't fix them but we can take their tools away. I'm willing to bet even all the people who have posted here saying they use it correctly would agree that there are those who should not use flexi leashes ever. And if that's the case, then there should be some onus on you to educate the stupid ones on correct useage...if that's even possible. Just sayin...

devilslove

6/5/2013 03:21:30 pm

Actully if you require a leash to have your dog outside you should not be allowed to have a dog your dog should be trained to listen to verbal commands

Adry link

6/5/2013 04:42:39 pm

I had a bad experience with a retractable and now won't use them anymore. In my case, not only did the cord caused deep wounds in my hand, but so did the handle. (see picture in article)
http://alexadry.hubpages.com/hub/The-Dangers-of-Using-Retractable-Dog-Leashes

Tom

6/5/2013 07:53:01 pm

Don't be an idiot and you'll be ok. Been using these for years with zero problems or accidents. Some people shouldn't breed.

Sheilagh

6/6/2013 12:59:08 am

Of course dogs should be on leashes outside. Some dogs are reactive/fearful/recovering from operations/have arthritis/ in training and do not handle other dogs running up to them very well. Have you every tried to recall an average prey driven dog in the middle of a chase? No such luck my friend.

Lauren

6/6/2013 05:20:51 am

I have two flexi leashes that I use when taking our dogs on walks, but it's only because they are well-trained and walk next to us when we are out. They do not make large, short leashes and it gets really hot having six feet of leash wrapped around each of your arms!!

We have NEVER used the retractable feature and only keep it short and locked when we are out. Any other time besides walks we use the thick 6 footers. Now if someone could make a two foot, large diameter dog leash, I'd buy that instead!!

Lacy

6/6/2013 05:57:01 am

I hate hate HATE these things with a burning passion. Thank you so much for writing this. I'm pretty sure retractable leashes were invented by Satan himself lol.

Jenell Brinson

6/6/2013 08:39:58 am

I've used Flexi leads extensively over 20 yrs. I have never seen nor experienced any such serious injuries as shown here. Never. I love Flexi leads. I will use only Flexi brand however, because cheap knockoffs so often break easily. I'm still using my first Flexi, it is over 20 yrs old now, and have several others, never had a Flexi break or stop working properly. Of course, nothing is completely idiot proof. If someone doesn't like them, or has a ill-mannered dig they don't know how to handle, or find themselves clumsy and awkward with Flexi, don't use them.

Sarah Murphy

6/6/2013 10:20:29 am

I know one set of dogs that can be trusted on a flexi lead. Both dogs have obedience and hunting titles. Both dogs do not really need a leash, anywhere, ever, except as required by law - which is why they are allowed the 20 feet of wander space a flexi lead offers- on the grounds of their condo complex, when they are the only dogs out, and under the supervision of their owner/handler, who is more aware than most parents of toddlers of what is going on... My own dog is not well trained enough to be put on a flexi lead - ever.

Lisa

6/6/2013 11:24:37 am

5 years ago I suffered a head injury as a result of these leads which left me with permanent vision problems which I suffer to this day. My dog charged a cat while on a retractable lead (that I did not see until it was too late). I fthen fell on the pavement, hitting my head on the curb on the way down. I ended up unable to work for 3 months and have permanent double vision. now.
I would have to agree that these things have no business being attached to a dog.

jenell brinson

6/6/2013 01:26:10 pm

And what did the Flexi have to do with it? Nothing! You'd have been yanked down and injured EXACTLY the same way had it been a standard leash.

shiloh link

6/6/2013 01:37:56 pm

almost all these happen on a regular leash to I know because my dog has done almost all of these to my mom

bzerlver

6/6/2013 03:43:27 pm

I despise the corded version retractable leads. They break/malfunction way too easily. Plus, I've seen too many people use them wrong and not pay attention to their dogs. I use a variety I've bought at dogshows. It has a nylon web handle and belt. I will ONLY use one with the belt. 12 foot in length, never longer. Any longer than that and you're asking for trouble. Never on a puppy or in a crowd. Only walks in the park/on the trail, etc... (even then, I shorten it if I can't see around a bend or if someone is passing.) I have never had an issue. Of course, my fur-kids have the basics before I use one. Otherwise, leather 6 foot is what I use. You have to use some brain-cells to be able to use one responsibly. It also helps to pay attention to what's around you and to know your dog.

jules

6/7/2013 02:55:26 am

hi. im sorry but I disagree. I have used them for years I have NEVER had a problem with them. I do understand though as there are many many people use them and do not have the knack. there is a knack to using them correctly. a friend of mine uses them and I can get it through to her about using it properly. its the same old same old. its whats at the other end of the lead the human using them in the wrong places with as you say untrained dogs at the other end.

Ringo's Mom

6/8/2013 01:28:33 am

My dog Ringo is 14, and totally deaf, so all this talk about 'listening' to commands, and coming when 'called' is so much water under the bridge.. My dog was well trained by his original owner (I adopted him when he was relinquished at age 13 (!!!!!) ),but my use of a flexi-leash gives him the room, when we go on our 'saunters' (not walks, he's a little too laid back for that) to 'saunter' at his own pace. When we come to a road, I put him right next to me in a 'heel' position, because he doesn't hear the cars. We have visual and kinetic clues that he has learned to follow since I got him, that do well in training him. He is a well trained, 14-year-old, deaf gentleman, and I wouldn't take away his 'freedom' on a leash for anything..

Megan

6/9/2013 05:33:52 am

This is 100% about owner responsibility.

josh dahl link

6/9/2013 10:10:35 am

Your problem is with the people who use these leashes poorly. The only problem you listed that could be blamed on the leash and not the user was the fact that it is scary to the dog if you do happen to drop the handle.
You said "4) ... and one of the more important reasons in my profession: retractable leashes send mixed (poor) communication signals to the dog. There is ALWAYS tension on a retractable leash... ALWAYS. The dog is aware of this."
And this is simply not true. I always use a retractable leash with my dog, and I very often go without tension. I simply press the brake button with my thumb when the leash is at about 4 feet. I do this on almost every walk.
Sorry to say this, because you obviously care a lot about dogs, but your simple lack of the basic facts on this aspect of leash use calls the whole piece into doubt.
As a responsible dog walker/owner/trainer you should actually try using one. But as someone who is going to write a long diatribe against them, you should ABSOLUTELY use them enough to understand their basic functioning.

6/9/2013 02:07:11 pm

I guess I'm one of those really rare people who use them with common sense on appropriate dogs. My leash of choice for my service dog is the Leash Locket, a flexi leash.

I train dogs to be under voice instruction, the leash ends up as superflous. I don't use leashes to control dogs. I also teach dogs to LLW on standard leashes before flexis so they can learn the difference. Dogs are quite intelligent and are fully capable of adapting their walking to a standard or a flexi leash according to which one I happen to be using at any time. They don't pull me around on either.

I don't use them on reactive or flighty dogs. That's asking for trouble.

I teach them about the handle being dropped and DS/CC them to it so they never get freaked out and run for their lives. I don't let dogs walk circles around me and tangle the lines up, the dogs are taught to keep in front of me or to heel when asked.

I use them for tethering dogs to me in the house and also for determining if a dog is ready for off leash freedom. I don't use them to enforce recall because if I have to rely on a leash, then the behavior isn't taught well. I use them for hiking or just whenever. I keep them in the locked position and ask for heeling in crowded areas and at the vet.

No, I don't trust them in everybody's hands and on every dog, but some of us can figure it out and use them safely and with common sense. However, I will not use choke collars, prong collars, shock collars, and I prefer to walk every dog on a harness, especially when using a retractable leash.

6/9/2013 02:35:25 pm

And I AM a professional trainer. If a client uses a retractable leash, I teach them how to use it responsibly and safely once their dog is trained. Telling them to trash it and ranting about it just encourages them to use it when the trainer can't see.

6/9/2013 03:42:21 pm

How about stupid people shouldn't parent children or animals. Stop restricting others for the stupidity of a few.

The Digger

6/10/2013 02:44:58 am

Is it the leash . Or your dumb ass ADHD Dog that runs all over the place with no respect for their masters ... If your Dog is so stupid it cant go on a walk without cutting its throat and wrapping you up like a ball of yarn your Dogs a retard and doesnt deserve to go on walks... Or you need to train your dog better, blaming the leash is retarded. Call Cesar.......

6/10/2013 08:00:00 pm

I don't agree with this article either but your nasty, insulting and ignorant comment is just what I'd expect from a Cesar Millan fan. You and your abusive mentor just love being nasty human beings. The only one deserving of his training is YOU, not any innocent dog.

Kathy F

6/13/2013 03:46:11 am

A flexible leash is not a fishing reel. If your dog gets in trouble--say an off-leash dog heading for yours--you can't reel your dog back to safety.

And if you live in Cobb County, Georgia, you cannot legally walk your dog off your property on a flexi: "When off the premises of the owner, all animals shall at a minimum be maintained on an appropriate chain, leash or tie not exceeding 6 feet in length, and in the hands of a person who possesses the ability to restrain the animal." [Sec. 10-11(a)(2)b] Thank you, Cobb County.

Jeanni Davis

6/13/2013 06:10:32 am

" I cannot recall ever once seeing somebody use one of these things responsibly... "
This is only because no responsible dog owner would USE one!
Hate them hate them hate them!!!

Ambre

6/13/2013 04:37:59 pm

I have a lovely scar on my wrist from one of those leashes. Never again.

DogLvr

6/13/2013 11:09:50 pm

Just like any other leash or collar, they have to be used correctly. I see way too many people using these incorrectly. I've seen the very same things happen with a standard nylon leash and leather leashes. If people are not willing to learn how to use equipment safely, they cannot expect everyone else to just throw away or ban these items. And, most of the time, it is not so much not knowing how to use equipment correctly, but most often it is the dog needs to be trained (and sometimes the owners). It's easy to post pictures of what something has done to a few people, and yet never report on the good or benefits of the product. JMHO.

DogLvr

6/13/2013 11:17:14 pm

BTW, I have more issues with the use of Halti- or Gentle-leader head collars than I ever would with a flexi lead. I point this out because of the picture of the dog with the head-collar on. Again, another product that requires knowledge of use. In the hands of those who have no idea of how to use it, they can cause injuries to the dog. Again, most of the time, it is because the dog (ok, the owner) needs more training (obedience and/or behavior).

Pudelpower

6/18/2013 02:37:36 pm

So I drop my flexi behind my dogs all the time (in controlled environments at first) so they don't get freaked out. My current puppy thinks its cool and picks up the dropped flexi and brings it back. I agree that some people really shouldn't have them but for the most part it's the other end of the leash that's the problem, not the dog or the leash.

Pibble 1

6/19/2013 04:18:37 am

Bottom line is, you have much better control with a leash, using 2 hands. [put the bloody phone away, wouldya PLEASE?] This is my acronym for training- ARF=anticipate, repetition, follow through.
My ankle was sliced to the bone by a flex, a small dog on one was dragged at Pt. Isabel when 2 bigger dogs were running and got ensnared, a pinch collar got caught in one and dog almost strangled, a small child had to go to emergency, knocked down, tangled and bloodied, another dog was swimming and got caught on rebar [unseen below water surface] panicked and almost drowned, another strangled himself when he squeezed through an open window--was hanging lifeless with the flex jammed in car window, more than one small/medium dog has appeared out of nowhere and attacked my pitties, [no, they did NOT react] dragging the flex....owners gave false info for vet bills on top of it.
I absolutely loathe these contraptions and we are considering banning them at Pt. Isabel, one of the nation's top dog parks, because of all the injuries. They may be fine for the little guys taking a pee [but never at a dog park!], but nothing's better than communication, being present and using 2 HANDS and a leather leash to protect your dog, yourself and others. Slip your right hand through handle to wrist, grip leash and use left hand for guidance and control.
A side note: pinch collars are for training only and should be removed when at the park. 2 dogs playing both had them on and they locked together. It could have been a very panicked and dangerous situation had not a very centered guy calmly reached in and unhooked them amidst the screaming and flailing.

Josh Sterling link

7/31/2013 05:08:30 am

Having owned these I understand both sides of the argument. I do see more people than not allowing their dog to run the length of the lead, this being on a public sidewalk running alongside 4 lanes of street traffic. Not the smartest thing to do.

The last I looked the Flexi Comfort 1 was made in Germany and appeared better made than some of its competitors. If a dog is running out the line much like a caught fish, how would you real in the dog?

The thumb latch can be awkward if you are trying to react quickly to a runaway dog. The shock load resulting from a sudden stop will stress the internal components. These being concealed will not allow for any visual inspection. Most would never know if an internal problem existed until it’s too late.

Yes, the line can be a problem and a simple internet search shows injuries resulting from similar styled retractable leashes. I don’t know firsthand about Flexi, they do have a warning label about possible eye injuries and possible risk of amputation. I would hate to walk my dog only to come home with 9 fingers and one eye.

Despite all this I do use a Flexi comfort 1 on 2lb dog in a large fenced backyard area allowing her to do her business but not allow her to chase after squirrels or airplanes or anything else she happens to want to chase. Yes, airplanes. Regular walks and training we use a custom 5mm rope leash.

Just to put things in perspective, I build my own custom climbing rope dog leashes. When it comes to what leashes I trust and recommend, a traditional styled leash and collar work best and allow for the most control and safety.

Josh Sterling
MyDogsCool.com

Ausilia

8/26/2013 10:30:03 am

Sorry, I disagree. I don't use them as a training tool but I do walk both my dogs and one is on a flexi leash. She hates being on a short lead and I do not wish to constantly be untangling her from brush and trees. A mindful owner should have no problems. However both my dogs are trained off lead as well and are very obedient to me. The flexi leash allows my shepherd to be out in front of my Golden and myself...surveying all. Our walk is much peaceful if she feels less restricted. I put tension on it only when I need her close to me.

Dana

9/5/2013 03:12:02 am

I will only use a flexi leash with my dogs, why because I know how to control my dogs and the leash. Blaming the leash is about the dumbest thing Ive heard. Im laughing at all the stupid comments from people bashing the flexi leash. If you or your dog is injured by a leash then you are the problem not the leash. A leash is an inanimate object, you are the one in control.

Heidi

9/20/2013 03:17:52 am

right there with ya.

Brandi

10/28/2014 08:34:57 am

Im with you on that ive been walkin my 65 pound pit bull on a flexi leash for 3 yrs and ive never been hurt by it and my dog was never trained and he walks with me and ive had him since he was a week old his mother was killed tryin to protect her babies from a robber

selkie

9/15/2013 05:52:29 pm

I agree with everything in this column.. with an emphasis I too have YET to see anyone using one of these things responsibly. So not sure where all the "responsible" flexi leash owners are coming from in the comments - bet that most if not all of the people around you guys would have a different take on your 'responsible' use.

jessica link

9/19/2013 06:32:42 am

there is a time and place for everything....these flexileashes do get jammed and is annoying....but those rope burns are horrible. more control with a short leash and harness.

Miaharted

9/19/2013 01:04:29 pm

I tend to err on the side of No Flexis because way too many people use them when a good positive training class would give them tools to use with their dogs. It's kind of the lazy way to walk your dog.

The only time I've seen those used correctly on a consistent level is when I was showing dog regularly and people were using them for potty time.

What irritates me the most about Flexis is 99% of the people using them. They are not watching what's all around them. I don't have 20/20 vision so using a Flexi in public is asking for trouble for me and the dog. I know the argument that using any retractable leash gives the dog more freedom. Why? A six foot leash or even a 10' long line is plenty of "freedom" for the dog while walking. Anything more than that, and I think it's asking for trouble.

I've used Flexis in the past but only in certain circumstances that didn't involve meeting and greeting or walking the dog. If I have a sick dog, or someone I need to keep on eye on in my fenced-in backyard, I'll use them. I rarely use them, there's no need.

However, I have seen those same injuries with people using synthetic web leashes. I have injured myself with web leashes! I have even injured myself with cotton long lines. Leather is the way to go! A good 3/4" wide leash is prefect for most folks' hands to grasp easily. I have leather leashes that are 20 years old and still in good shape!

For regular walking and hiking, a 6 foot leather leash is the way to go. And let's not forget: training the dog to stay close and come when called.

Sasha

9/19/2013 01:56:00 pm

Two 12 lb dogs, 16 ft Flexi brand (German engineering) flat (not rope) flexi leashes, wide open fire road with maybe 10-15 people over a 3.5 mile walk. Not a problem.

My dogs come to recall, not by my tugging on the leash, I have exquisite communication through the flexi, (anywhere from the barest touch of the stop button to mild clicking/tension to full stop), I lock the leash at anywhere from 2-6 feet inside stores, at lure coursing events, etc. Dogs running onto the street can also happen with long lines. Maybe training requirements for flexi's is the route. I'm curious if European's have this same controversy, since that's where they were developed. I'm wondering if the usual idiot handlers are too blame.

Sasha Lazetic

9/19/2013 02:02:16 pm

To demonstrate the communication through the Flexi - I have trained my guys to unwrap themselves from around trees and poles just by using various levels tension on the Flexi. You just need to understand and properly operate your tools. I know people that can't operate the automatic windows in my car (partial vs full depression of the control button) - that hasn't stopped the manufacturer from making the automatic feature, thank god.

Shelley Cowie

9/19/2013 02:23:23 pm

Allot of the negative issues outlined in the article could be avoided by getting rid of the what I call "string" flexi. I have giant breeds and have the flat clothe web flexi for the large/giant breeds. Best investment I ever made. I have 3 that are well over 15 years old. Have never had a mechanical malfunction with any of them. Additionally, a dog should be well trained and socialized before graduating to using a flexi. I use the flexi for 99% of all our on leash outings which includes visiting high traffic situations such as flea markets, midways/fairs, stores, . . . What amazes me is my dogs picked up on their own how to avoid having an obstruction come between them and me. I have a Bullmastiff male that loves to mark on walks. He will walk to the other side of a pole and pee and knows on his own to backtrack and cut back around to avoid getting the line hung up. I didn't teach him that. They are allot smarter than we give them credit for.

Amanda

9/20/2013 12:06:11 am

Can you responsible flexi owners and avid users guarntee that you can perceive an unfriendly or unsocialized dog coming from around the corner or behind a tree or hill or where ever you may possibly be using your wonderful 15+ feet of leash and 'reel' your super friendly, perfectly trained to recall pet back in in time to prevent a potential fight with someone on a 4ft fixed leash? Always? Every time? No matter what? I didn't think so....say yes, go ahead. I'm sure every single one of you, trainer, owner, services, have had a scare one way or another. Even on a short regular old leash, there are some instances of danger but come on!!! Who has complete control beyond 6ft...good on ya folks. You are the proof.

Heidi

9/20/2013 03:11:16 am

I"ve used one for 12 years without incident. But if I'm out walking my dog, I keep it locked and my dog by my side, like you would with any leash.
When I take him down to walk by the river, I let it all out for him. I let him swim in the river too while still on the leash. It's a win win. In my area, there are leash laws. This gives my dog some more free space.
There are going to be accidents with any kind of product.

Urun

9/20/2013 12:17:57 am

I used many different leashes and the 5 m thin flex is probably the most comfortable one. It's true if you don't pay attention, and the dogs are playing you might have leg scars. But this also happens with fixed long leashes. Also I was about to cut off my finger and fall down when I was using the 10 m leash to let the dogs play in a semi-safe environment. Not with flexi.

I use it as a 60 cm leash while walking in a tight space like a shop, cafe, etc, and I let my dog go up to 4-5 m when we are in a comfortable area. He goes and comes back by himself, or by my cue. My attention is always on the dog and never had any accidents. Before he goes around a tree, I tell him to take "this way" and we avoid it.

That's also true there is always tension on the leash, but it is not a real tension for a 35 kg labrador that influences his freedom. He is almost free and I get to keep him safe when I need to.

Urun

9/20/2013 12:21:26 am

I also thought my dog to stop at the end of sidewalks so even if I misjudge for a second he will still be safe...

Jane Repman

9/20/2013 12:22:35 am

Hi, I have taken note of all the comments above. I do use a flexi leash but before I get a barrage of comments there is a reason for this, I am in an electric wheelchair, I have tried using conventional leashes before but I am so afraid that my dog will walk too near my wheels that I always go back to the flexi leash, having said that I NEVER let her go the full length of the leash, 6 ft away from me unless we are on the field and there are no other dogs around, if one comes along I reel my dog in and I have ALWAYS got my eye on her, not that she would get up to much as she is 13 years old. I would NEVER let her go around a corner before me, that is just plain stupid. You never know what is coming the opposite way.
I wish I could find a leash that I am happy with and then just take the flexi leash for when we are over the field on her walk but so far I have not been able too.
So yes, I do use a flexi leash but for the dog's safety.

Pat Brooks link

9/20/2013 12:50:50 am

This person obviously has her mind made up about retractable leashes, but she overlooks one point. A QUALITY retractable leash has a lock and can be fixed at any length. I've used them for years on my Scotties and never had a problem. Also, I always fasten a "safety loop" to the handle, which I wrap around my wrist so if the handle is pulled from my grasp, I still have control of the dog. Retractable leashes aren't the problem, irresponsible users are the problem. 1. Buy a good quality leash 2. Always have the brake set at the desired length and 3. Use a safety loop

Reagan

9/20/2013 02:42:01 am

Retractable leashes are not the problem, I agree. Owners and the inability to use them properly are. I have two small Yorkies and they are on retractable leashes. Why? Because multiple times I have needed to snag them up (they wear harnesses) out of the reach of another dog, who also is on a retractable leash. I do not let my dogs have full reign of the length and I pull them in, lock the leash and snag them up quickly. I do not think the leashes are the problem. Owners who do not know how to use them are.

Heidi

9/20/2013 03:08:22 am

Agreed

Heidi

9/20/2013 03:07:41 am

I've been using one for 12 years and have never foolishly injured myself or my dog with it. Different leashes work well for different dogs. Just pick the one that works best for you. For instance, if I have a dog who lunges around, bolts off, etc, I wouldn't chose this type of leash for them.

Tami

9/20/2013 03:23:28 am

Do not have something banned just because you don't know how to use it. When you are first going out the door or are on the sidewalk, have the leash locked at whatever is comfortable for them to walk by your side. When you get to the dog park or other open area, unlock it and let them play. They have far more freedom to run with one of these and get much better exercise. As for the injuries, it only took once for me to figure out how to push down that locking button real fast. I didn't blame the leash though, I blamed the idiot using the lease (me) for not paying appropriate attention. NEVER hold a lead lightly. Always have a FIRM grip. NEVER use this on and untrained dog. Flexi leashes are not made for training. They have special collars and leads just for that. Flexi leashes are for playtime.

Joe toomaany dogs

9/20/2013 03:33:54 am

Hasn't anyone ever used two flexi leashes on one dog? I use two heavy duty flexis on my dog as you can effectivly "reel" them in by alternating pulling each of the leashes in. I always have TWO hands on one dog. I also use this method with a harness and two flexi leashes on my skateboard for exercising my pups as they have built up energy that needs to be expelled. And a 25 mile an hour charge up the street brings them down to earth. With two flexi leashes I have more control than ANY one leash, period. I can actually steer the dog in any direction by pulling one leash to the direction I want to go. I train all my dogs having had many, some over 80 pounds (pits mostly) and full of piss and vinegar. Only once had any problem and that was with one flexi which I'll never do again. Single flexis DO suck, USE TWO. ANY leash can be a hazard. TOOLS of any trade MUST be used correctly. So before you poo on my comment TRY TWO you'll be surprised how much control you have. **disclaimer** Please do not try to have your dog pull you on your skateboard. I am a professional with years of training. You need to know how to stop and control your dog. Thanks.

Rebecca Pearson

9/20/2013 03:38:52 am

I don't know why I am commenting really, because I have seen so many people use these improperly that I can see exactly what you are saying. However, I have 3 of these leashes. I am a pro at them. I have had one of them since 1995. I have NEVER had a malfunction. I am very good at reading directions & following them and most people are not, including friends & family. I have been AMAZED at what I have seen humans do with these leashes & it is a wonder they have fingers. That being said, I have 2 deformed, almost non-functional fingers, from 2 spiral fractures, with multiple surgeries from a standard 5 foot lead & a freak accident. Important to know that ALL leashes are ropes with huge potential for injury.

Julie

9/20/2013 04:08:40 am

I'll tell my story just to validate that the leashes can be dangerous. Judging by a lot of the comments I see here, I don't expect everyone to agree with me. Nonetheless, it is my story...
Simon, our shih tzu, was nearly two years old. He attended obedience training and did very well. My husband was walking him on a dark, misty winter morning as one of our neighbors was returning from a “red eye” and driving too fast in the neighborhood (because he “didn’t expect anyone to be outside at that hour”). As the car rounded a slight curve, it startled my husband and my dog. Simon ran into the street to attack the car. My husband simply couldn’t engage the lock on the leash fast enough. Simon was killed. That was 10 years ago and it is still so very painful to think about today. I’m heartbroken. We take our responsibility as guardian of our dogs very seriously. I really wish someone would have educated us about the dangers associated with the retractable leashes. Ours would have gone straight to the trash.

thats on you

9/20/2013 11:21:07 pm

Sorry your dog died, but that was on you guys not the leash. Obviously you dog was not trained as well as you say or he would have never taken off at the car to begin with. Not to mention that when by a road your husband should have had the safety lock on so he would not have to worry about pressing the button in time.

Julie

9/21/2013 08:58:22 am

Thanks for your thoughts of sympathy. I guess my husband )who is far above average intelligence) was in the wrong for unlocking the leash and allowing Simon (who normally walked right next to us) the privacy that an extra five feet of leash allows while he "did his business" in our small, residential, sidewalk subdivision (one entrance/exit), where the posted speed limit is 25 mph. I'll let him know that you said so.

Venice tucker

9/20/2013 04:57:09 am

I hope get well soon and I cant think name call not collar or face round over body I like that one collor over front body better than collar or face too Hope dog okay amen

shane

9/20/2013 05:19:21 am

I love retractable leashes - fun stuff

dave

9/20/2013 06:26:23 am

Sorry have to completely disagree with you on this one. Flexi Leads are awesome. In the eight years of owning over 80kgs of Alaskan Malamute, I have never been injured, anyone else been injured or most importantly the two dogs or anyone else's been injured by the use of a Flexi Lead,nor have they darted in front of traffic, roamed around pet stores peeing where they feel like it, performed any self amputations or gone garroting young kids with the free line. Looking at some of those pictures, to get those injuries must require a whole new level of stupidity and incompetence. Oh and the two leads are as old as the dogs are, so I would suggest that yes they are reasonably reliable.
You do not need to have complete control over your dog every second of the day (leave it to the OCD Brigade), allow them some freedom to be dogs, to sniff bushes, grass other dogs butts and still have the ability to take control in an emergency.

Dylan

4/23/2020 08:44:44 pm

Nice. Totally agree. I was OCD too but finally realized my dog doesnt have to be a robot. I impulse purchased the nice german flexi and tried it. Some weird reverse psychology happened. He sticks right to my side and is less reactive. I believe regular leashes make dogs want to pull more and feel threatened around close encounter dogs, even when the leash is loose.

honest question

9/20/2013 07:29:17 am

so a lot of emotion on these comments. mine is not. i really don't have a strong opinion either way but am open to forming one should sufficient argument be given. let me put out some prerequisite info. i've put many hundreds of hours into training the two dogs i have currently. they have won obedience titles and are very reliable off leash. they do not lunge or pull--ever. their recall has been 100% for years. they know well how to heel but they also enjoy leisurely strolls where they're allowed to meander and wander ahead and behind a bit on the trail. i use flexi leashes, have for years. but, i only really use them when we're walking on our local nature trail--it's really the only place we frequent where they need to be leashed but don't need to be in a "heel." i don't leash my dogs to control them, I leash them because it is a local ordinance. my dogs are under control because they understand and comply to what i say; the leash is irrelevant. one dog is 5, the other 12; these are not puppies or adolescents. i am asking about flexis because if i am putting my dogs in genuine danger by using them, i am quite willing to stop. but, most of the arguments given seem to have to do with the danger of poorly behaving dogs on the ends of a retractable leash, dogs unreliable--or even not knowing--commands like "heel," "stop," "leave it" and "come." if i understand correctly, the only argument presented independent of poor behavior is the "constant pressure" argument. i can understand how the constant pressure idea might be an issue for stressed, inexperienced, and/or untrained dogs, but my dogs are happy, confident, and very leash-savvy; i see no evidence of the pressure causing any distress in my dogs. which leads me to my first question: how big of an invisible issue is the "constant pressure" for my 60 lb dogs who have never seemed to care about that in the least? i.e. how is the small pressure of the retractable lead on their harnesses a greater detractor to their joy than the joy they obviously get from having the freedom of a 16 foot radius? my second question is how is a retractable leash dangerous on expertly trained dogs? i.e. if my dog knows to "freeze" on verbal command under even high-distractions, in what scenario are they likely to be injured by their own retractable leash? my final question is: if you eliminate all the extending leash injuries that could've been avoided with a better trained dog, a dog, for example, that really knew "freeze!," is the likelyhood of an injury resulting from a retractable leash still more likely than of our getting hit by lightning? thanks! :)

Lauren and Sunshine

9/20/2013 07:45:42 am

I hate these things. Recently, I was driving down a fairly large (read: over 45 mph) street when a dog bolts for my car. I screech to a halt. Then I see the woman on the retractable leash. She looked no where near the dog while I was driving and caught the motion out of the side of my eye. Luckily, I had just dropped my dog off at day camp or he would have been slammed forward into his seat belt. This really angers me because if she had been standing closer to the street I could have hit him! As it was, it was close.

Paul

9/20/2013 07:49:19 am

I've been using flexi-leads for 12 years now and have never had any of the problems stated in the article; they've never malfunctioned, no one's ever been garotted etc.

I will say that the dogs only ever get full length when they're away from traffic or any obvious dangers and I reign them in around strangers. SO, you know, I'm sensible with the usage of the leads.

Also I do not use the rope ones, only ever the cord type.

9/20/2013 10:13:17 am

This post is as outrageous as stating that all pitbulls are dangerous. Once again it is up to the owner of the animal to ensure its safety and the safety of others. The retractable leash is for a trained dog, but as is always to common with dog owners they have no idea how to actually train a dog. The writer of this post also clearly has no idea how to communicate effectively without completely insulting the people who might have actually learn something.

Steph

9/20/2013 10:43:42 am

As someone who is a professional and worked at a large, busy PetStore for several years, I have seen/experienced all of the aforementioned complications of flexi leads. That doesn't mean that some people some of the time aren't using them 'properly' but...

...my main point to customers and students alike was this - if it has an *amputation* warning on the package, you should probably just avoid it.

Nancy

9/20/2013 12:28:11 pm

I have used a flexi lead for years, on many dogs....all sorts of temperaments, and have NEVER had those kinds of problems or cuts on my legs.....
First, you have the option to make the lead short or long, and lock it in...
With young dogs, in training, I make it a short lead, on older dogs, who have 'walking on leash skills'...I let the lead go as far as it can...this article is stupid....

Steph

9/20/2013 01:22:19 pm

So, Nancy, because you are one of the handful of people amongst thousands that have NOT had problems, or seen problems with the flexi leads, this article is stupid? Would you be so inclined to believe that because one person you know (or even a dozen) was not affected by influenza means that the flu doesn't exist? Based on a very small, personal experience you cannot summarily dismiss the possibility that these leads are a potentially harmful thing.

Kim

9/20/2013 02:04:21 pm

My dog is 14 and has used a retractable leash all her life I have never had a problem I believe it's because my dog is well behaved. I tried a regular leash when she was a puppy and she always stepped on it got tangled up in it.

leah

9/20/2013 11:14:30 pm

We always used them for my grandpas small dogs. We never had a single issue other than when they would eventually stop retracting. I am convinced that the people getting injured and whos pets were injured were a result of improper use of the leash and someone who did not have control of their pet. That is more of a human issue than a device issue

9/21/2013 03:14:43 am

I use these all the time with my dogs. Got 2 terriers, one small and one rather large, we never let them off lead because we're afraid that if they saw a quirrel or something they might not come back when call, and we'd rather be safe than sorry.

I walk my dog with retractable ribbon. It is locked 99.9% of the time. When walking on the pavement it is NEVER unlocked and the dog is allowed only enough to walk at my side (the side away from the road)

Anyone who uses this on a pavement with the lock function off only has their own stupidity to blame if their dog gets into the street and causes or has an accident. This is owner stupidity pure and simple.

I let the leash out and lock it when I get to a safe area away from other people and dogs and let them run around in the grass. If I see anyone coming I bring the leash back and lock it to < 6 foot before they are even anywhere near close.

Ive had a dog on a normal leash actually tangle my dog up while she was locked on <6 foot of length.

I use it purely as a convenient way to switch between the two lengths of leash. I agree though that not everyone does though and sadly it seems to be the case that some owners need to be shocked into realising that if they let their pets run loose at the end of the leash out of sight around a corner accidents are going to happen so articles like this are a good thing but I do agree that it should have been more of a 'this can happen here's how to avoid it' rather than a 'Lets boycot all retractable leashes' type of thing.

Michelle

9/21/2013 09:23:19 am

I don't like when people who are inconsiderate or not very bright use these things. They have their place... a WELL trained dog, when it might need extra exercise in a large area (like a field), hiking when NOT around other people, and that is about it. When people just think it is ok to let their dog have the run of the length of it, I just cringe, that is NOT right. Or people who are trying to train their dog on one!! NO NO NO! Train first, so if your flexi fails while locked and other people or animals are nearby, you can still maintain control over your dog. Still these should not be used unless you are specifically doing one of the couple things I listed above. THESE ARE BANNED at most DOG SHOWS. People just don't know when it is appropriate to use them.

Haley

9/21/2013 01:19:24 pm

I actually like retractable leashes when they do work, but my dogs are also trained, and I don't use them past six feet regularly anyway. If I am out in public my dogs generally are on six foot leads either nylon or leather. They have a better feel than just a handle. The only time I use them is when I am biking, and can give the dogs space depending on the trail or traffic I am in. Not condoning the people who use them incorrectly, however. I fostered a dog for a while who was scared to death of zip-leads, no doubt he had a bad run in with one as he came from an abusive background. Good info, some people just don't think about the logistics of these devices.

Common sense

9/21/2013 05:02:30 pm

People need to stop blaming an inanimate object for their lack of common sense when using these things!

-Don't use with a dog who doesn't know how to politely walk on a leash
-Teach your dog about dropped handles
-Train your dog to not step into streets without your release
-Don't use with reactive dogs
-Don't use with dogs prone to taking flight
-Don't use the ones with the strings, instead use the ones with tape
-Don't let your dog extend the full length in unsuitable places and situations
-Don't use on dogs who haven't learned recall

It's not rocket science! Ban the people who are inconsiderate, not the leashes.

Common sense

9/21/2013 05:02:41 pm

Common sense

9/21/2013 05:03:06 pm

People need to stop blaming an inanimate object for their lack of common sense when using these things!

Don't use with a dog who doesn't know how to politely walk on a leash
Teach your dog about dropped handles
Train your dog to not step into streets without your release
Don't use with reactive dogs
Don't use with dogs prone to taking flight
Don't use the ones with the strings, instead use the ones with tape
Don't let your dog extend the full length in unsuitable places and situations
Don't use on dogs who haven't learned recall

It's not rocket science! Ban the people who are inconsiderate, not the leashes.

Common sense

9/21/2013 05:03:13 pm

Marie

9/22/2013 06:06:51 am

I agree completely! I once got a nasty burn around both knees when a friend's poorly trained dog wrapped one around me and pulled it tight. However, with a well-trained dog, it might be okay, as long as the length is appropriate to the situation and the owner pays attention to the dog.

Karen

9/23/2013 10:12:05 pm

Exactly!

Carol McKenna Fort

9/30/2013 07:23:30 am

Don't you find poorly trained dogs and poorly trained people in the same families?

Bruce Broughton

9/23/2013 05:47:46 am

I think many of us, when we are new dogs, think that a flexi is a great idea. For big dog fanciers it lasts about two walks, maybe. They just don't work for big dogs, and that is any animal above 20 pounds. The dog is much too powerful for the little line. You can't expect a little line to stop a great powerful animal. And, once they get a head of steam up...guess what happens to you. Think twice before you buy one of these silly things. And, if that doesn't stop you, sit and have a few drinks until the idea leaves your head.

Rick

9/24/2013 03:42:06 am

I've posted earlier and ad no problems with the retractable leash. Of course we don't use it on all occasions. for example, the vet, kennel, around crowds, etc. But what it boils down to is training and the dog's personality. as well as a good dose of common sense. For the most part our dog pretty much ignore other dogs when he's being walked. That being said, he is a dog and is prone o acting impulsively although he's never attempted to bolt when leashed, there is always a first time. When we're around other people and animals, we keep the leash short. When we're out walking alone he has the full length of the leash, around roads with traffic or bicyclists we reel it in close. We have had dogs we wouldn't consider a retractable just because of their personality but with our current baby, DJ, he's gentle, well mannered and well trained and we don't give it a second thought.

Corinne link

9/23/2013 05:56:49 am

I have one of these leashes and have NEVER had a problem with it with my dog, he is now 7 years old... I do think sometimes it is the IDIOT BEHIND the leash not the dog on the leash.. If you have trained your dog it will not be aisles over or out tangling up in another dogs leash and I DID train my dog on this leash. The blame needs to go to the owners and not the leash... if you can't use it properly or don't know how to use it properly then don't purchase one..

Beth

9/23/2013 08:04:41 am

I use a retractable for my dog when we walk in the neighborhood . At events, the vets, somewhere where there maybe lots of people, etc. I use a regular leash. When we walk the neighborhood, he sniffs, etc. and is not right beside me.or it doesn't give him the exercise I want him to have. If we didn't have a leash law, I'd probably go without as he stays right with me. If I use a regular leash, I often drop it where it's really quiet. Even when we are at the dog park (where he is allowed off leash), he never goes very far ahead of me.

Karen

9/23/2013 10:09:14 pm

The expensive "tape" leash instead of the thin "cord" don't cut people like those images you have shown. I do like them for high energy dogs on rural walks.

Denise

9/24/2013 03:15:28 am

When we first got our puppy she wouldn't walk on a regular leash as she had never been attached to one. We bought her a retractable one because the leash part was much lighter. She would finally walk. That being said we used it responsibly, kept it on a short leash and her beside us. Now we don't use the retractable one only for the sake reason of not having one anymore.

Pj in missouri

9/25/2013 02:38:23 am

I have never used a retractable leash, but I do use the Halty in Exhibit B for 2 of my 3 dogs. I switched to the Halty on the advise of my vet, because the 2 dogs are "pullers". The halty has been a life saver and I love them

Little dog

9/25/2013 07:27:06 am

I know that the flexi leashes causes skin burns to humans (we've experienced this one several times) but our dog is little, he weighs 13 pounds. His flexi leash works fine for him; its never fully extended and he is kept close and paid attention to for a reason. A traditional leash doesnt work well for him because he likes to sniff everywhere before he decides to poo, and he can't go far with them. Now our big dogs, thats an entirely different story. They have harnesses with thicker, 6 foot long leashs. I think it really just depends on the size of the dog.

Sue

9/26/2013 06:50:28 am

This is exactly how I feel, my little 16 pound dog would not get to even pee when I walk my three dogs. The other two are 55 pounds and we walk daily in a park. But an untrained dog should never be on one of these because you don't have any control even on a full tape one. I know people that use them to walk shelter dogs. because they want them to have freedom which is the last thing
they need to learn before being adopted. They need to learn to walk properly on a leash.

It has scared my little guy when I have accidentally dropped it but he is a secure dog and he knows mom is where he is safe so he comes to me instead of running off.

Sadie

9/26/2013 05:26:17 am

They forgot to mention that once these leashes pay out past 6 feet, they are breaking the law.

Almost hit a beautiful dalmation last year because he was on a flexi IN THE STREET while the owner was busy on the sidewalk txting! Stoopid hooman!!

Emily

9/26/2013 04:23:40 pm

I use a flexi with my pups but only in the building courtyard when they go for walks they go on a regular leash. I am disabled and cannot walk far so the flexi leash has been a life saver, my dogs can run and play and best of all I was able to keep them when I lost my caregiver.

PL Eberhart

9/27/2013 09:24:40 am

I have used flexi-leads for years and never had a problem. I do not use them for a "training aid". Can't even imagine how that would work. I do not use them for untrained dogs (so I have not had an issue with a wild dog on the end of the lead). I also pay attention to my dog when walking; when a stranger or a strange dog comes up, I pull my dog in tight so I have more control of him/her. And nothing irritates me more than people who think "everyone should love their dog" or "their dog won't bite" so let their dog run loose or uncontrolled....how do they know MY dog won't bite?? Ok..maybe one thing more irritating than that..people who don't scoop their poop when walking their dog.

Lisa

9/27/2013 11:50:02 am

I know one good use.... I use them to take my indoor cats (one at a time) out in the back yard for some "outside time". It enables me to give them a little feeling of freedom (as I am not on the end of a 6' "rope", right behind them) but also allows me to "hit the brakes" if they are about to get into something they shouldn't when the "no, NO!" doesn't work. I cannot imagine using them with a dog that weighs more than 15 pounds!

Cynthia K

9/27/2013 12:38:22 pm

I have 2 and got them after I broke my leg so my dog could have more room to roam... MISTAKE! I have encountered almost every example you list. I now prefer to link two leashes together (handle to handle) or use a lead line if I need a longer leash.

Tori

9/27/2013 11:19:27 pm

I'm sorry to see that some people dont know how to use them the right way,I've been using them for years without any problems.first there a button that you *can lock* the leash which I do when I'm out walking then I hold the rest just like I do a reg leash on my hand I have my shar pei (use to have BIG chows ) right by my side I use mine with a martingale collar use to use them with a harness when I had chows I've never had a problem with them.If people wouldnt let their dogs wander all over while walking there wouldnt be problems (altho I've had the same problems with people walking on reg leashes)so I'm sorry but I feel this is due to people not having the common sense to use them the right way.One reason whay I fine them so helpful for me is due to my bad arm reg leashes I have to loop up in my hand which I fine a real pain with my flexi I had a nice handle to hold onto with the extra leash where it doesnt bother my hand.My pei was out of control when I first got her with the collar and my flexi I was able to control her much better than with a reg leash. SO for me it has worked out great for over 10 years and I've tried a lot of different ones only to come back to my flexi...

Cheshire Cat link

9/29/2013 07:52:22 am

https://www.facebook.com/notes/cheshire-cat/using-a-retractable-leash/10151711148762404

__________

Mention the word retractable leash, and you will usually get an instant reaction. Many of those reactions not so favorable.

These things, in my opinion have gotten a bad wrap. It's true there are a lot of dangerous things that can happen from using one; bloody, burning, painful, slicingly bad things.

However, a retractable leash is a tool, and like any tool, they have proper and improper methods of using them. Not heeding these methods will always have consequences.

i find that when many people clip on a retractable leash to their dog, their brains then shut off. They begin their walk on auto pilot with the dog roaming willy nilly ahead of them, straying behind only to race ahead again, chase random butterflies or kicked pebbles etc. People who do this are begging for something bad to happen. These tools are not to be used as an excuse to stop thinking about your dog and interacting with it.

Walking your dog can be, and should be a rewarding experience for you both, offering both a chance for exercise, training and bonding.

i have a Service Dog. When his vest comes off he is 'off duty' and gets to relax a bit and enjoy being a dog. But that doesn't mean he gets to shut off his manners and obedience.

We enjoy structured walks, where he is expected to walk in a somewhat reasonable facsimile of a heel position beside me, not pulling and being attentive to corrections of the leash, my voice and my body posture. We also enjoy trail walks and hiking.

While hiking he is off leash and free to bound around (long as he stays insight). Hiking usually means we are somewhere off in the woods away from coming across other people/dogs. He is still expected to come immediately when called and pay attention to me to some degree.

Trail walks however are done with a retractable leash. This gives him the benefit of having a similar feeling of off leash freedom mixed with on leash manners. It took very little time to educate him on what was expected while i was using this tool.

While using a retractable leash, i find i am still just as alert to oncoming people and dogs as before, ready to call him back to me immediately to 'Stay Side' or 'Stay Close' and walk in his heeling position. If i see them coming far in this distance i call him back to me and switch leashes. i carry his regular leash draped about my neck for such situations. While the person is passing i encourage him to watch me and not fixate on the other person/dog. i have the secure knowledge should he try to run to greet the person or something i will have full control. Once the person passes, i will switch the leashes again and we resume our walk.

He is not permitted to lag behind, nor is he permitted to weave all over the place in front of me, or try to wallow about in the bushes on the side of the trail. Nor is he allowed to walk on the 'wrong side' of me where the leash is crossed in front of me. He must walk on the side i'm holding his leash. The retractable leash gives him the chance to trot ahead a bit if he wants to and have a little 'freedom', without it trailing along on the dirt behind him to get tangled in something. Additionally, he can't get out of my sight and get into something perhaps he shouldn't.

During the whole walk we are communicating with each other through looks, once and awhile i will praise him lavishly when he is walking beside me and when he listens to whatever command is said. i find we are more in tune with each other with the retractable leash then with a regular one. However it still will never take the place of a regular leash while we are out doing the structured walking in public- it simply does not offer that type of control.

If you've never used one because you've been listening to all the bad things said about them, you are missing out on a whole new level of bonding with your dog. As said before there are things that can go wrong, but that's only if you don't use the tool correctly and think by using one you can just turn off your brain while walking your dog.

No matter what tool you choose to use when walking your dog, remember none of them are a substitute for proper training. Tools are just aids, training is the key.

Carol McKenna Fort

9/30/2013 07:20:47 am

With so many of us against these, why are they allowed to be sold? Like baby crib bumpers, there should be regulations that limit or prohibit their use. I've been tripped and fallen in a pet store by a careless owner who told me that I got in the way! (I was standing still).

PS. They're one more item made in China that we don't need here!

9/30/2013 03:29:59 pm

I used one 10 years ago, after reading the instructions, for about a year when socializing an extremely abused Dachshund. Dieter, the abused Dachshund, was on a standard 6 foot lead and Attitude, my well socialized, leash trained and non-reactive mini Dachshund was on the flexi. During our walks they would walk about 4 feet ahead of me like two in tandem sled dogs on their harnesses and the flexi was locked. When we stopped to visit with people in the apartment complex and they asked to pet my dogs, I would warn about the cord of the flexi and then unlock it and let Attitude go to the end of the lead to visit while Dieter stayed beside or behind me and watched. He was fearful of people and Attitude, who craved the attention, was allowed to visit. When I called her back and re locked the flexi to the walking length Dieter would sniff the scent of the people on her and then relax.

Because of that year where he could observe her visit with many people he slowly decided he could too, on his own terms and time, get his walks and become a stable and safe canine member of the community. The flexi gave me time to tell them his story and why he wasn't ready for petting, but keep them at a safe distance when they petted my friendly and out going dog. When he was okay with people we retired the flexi and Attitude went into a 6 foot lead also.

Though I hate irresponsible owners who let their dogs walk the length of the lead away from them, I can tell you you would have seen a responsible pet owner who was aware of and in control of their dogs with one had you seen me spend our first year with Dieter with one.

Attitude died this year of heart disease; Dieter helps me raise service dog puppies now. When I got him he was dog reactive - due to the ability to see Attitude visit with people it gave us the ability to work on dogs in his second year with us on safe 6 foot leads as he learned other dogs were not scary.

I will always cherish that purple flexi for the lessons it gave Dieter in becoming a good citizen with people so we could begin his house training and socialization during the highest point of fear in his life and still let Attitude do her daily visits with her favorite people!

Zach

10/1/2013 04:21:04 pm

I've had about a dozen of these (I seem to lose them), never had an injury with my dog or myself, never had one break or lose a dog. I'm not quite sure what you're all doing wrong... Dogs btw have ranged from an irish wolfhound to a miniature schnauzer.

Tammy

10/1/2013 07:51:29 pm

I agree with you I think they all have had bad experiences but to say that that all are bad that's just stupid.
I LOVE MINE THAT I HAVE HAD FOR YEARS !!!

Emily

10/2/2013 12:15:37 pm

This conversation has literally gone in circles. The original poster is not LITERALLY blaming the flexi leash (at least I did not take it that way), that would be like blaming a gun for killing someone. I agree with nearly every point that they put forth. I do, however, disagree in that there are certain situations in which using one could be safely done. But the percentage of people who properly and safely use these leashes is so minuscule that there really isn't any point mentioning that fact. Just today at my place of work (a doggie daycare), I locked a client's leash when returning her dog. She sat in the lobby for 5 minutes convinced she was given the wrong leash (because she had never locked her leash before). This is just one of the MANY incidences that have secured my ultimate dislike for this type of leash. Again, there are a few people, let me repeat, FEW people, who properly use these leashes.

Some of the arguments for these leashes have really baffled me. The ones claiming that the dog "likes to walk ahead of them" demonstrate that they, in fact, don't have control over their dog. A true pack leader does not allow their dog to walk in front-they walk beside them. That is where the handler has the most control. If your dog is in front of you, they set the tone of the walk, how they meet other dogs, etc, while you just float along for the ride behind them. My dogs are trained to walk beside me, and I greet any new people before they do, so that I can properly assess the situation and any dogs that may be introduced to make sure that it is safe.

Amy Smathers

10/8/2013 03:12:40 am

I admit, I have had one of these in the past, however, it was on an extremely well trained older golden retriever who only liked to do his business in wooded areas, which is why I had the extender. He NEVER pulled. I have been at the other end of irresponsible holders and have the scars to prove it. It gives quite the burn. I currently have a 9 month old GSD, and never would I use it with her.

janice Serilla link

10/8/2013 10:25:14 am

Yea, I was a victim of one of those nasty retractable leashes a few years back. A corpulent pug ran past me while on one and sliced my leg and melted my skin! I had a lovely infection but thankfully my scar is at a minimum. I have been telling anyone using one my horror story and I always hope they see the light and get rid of the thing. Retractable leashes should be banned for sure!!!

Maria

10/8/2013 02:56:44 pm

Love them and don't have any problem with them. If people would watch where they walk they won't walk into the leash. You can walk into any dog leash. I keep my dog on a short leash around people and let her run around when people are not around or bikes. Pay attention and you won't have problems. I've been using them for years. Never a problem and I have never had one fly up in my face.

Vincent

10/9/2013 03:20:18 am

They work great. It's not a big deal if they hurt a little because these are just dumb animals--relax people! I also like the harness around the snouts because it keeps dogs from barking annoyingly and making noise. I normally leave it on even while we're home, otherwise the stupid mutt barks at everything and won't shut up. Birds, cars, people walking by...you name it. I am really thinkng of trading in my current dog for a smaller well tempered one that isn't as jumpy or noisy!!

Tru Bruchez

10/11/2013 08:40:39 am

I always use a flex leash with my dog. She actually doesn't need a leash at all but it is a legal requirement in my city so this way we both have a little leeway. And, even though she is very well trained, out of respect to people that we run into on the sidewalk with or without dogs, I always shorten the leash until we pass - especially since I have a pit bull and a lot of people are very prejudiced against them.

10/15/2013 08:38:20 pm

wow, amazed at all the comments when the article is really informative for the dangers of a flexi leash. I too use one and tell myself all the time I have to get rid of it b/c it's really not safe. Admittedly my dog is not trained (little chihuahua) and I'm lazy. It has given me a rope burn, the other dog ran after a ball and ran into the leash and pulled it out of my hand taking the little chihuahua on a ride, including several somersaults-thank goodness he wasn't hurt. I had one on a bigger dog that I dropped by accident in a parking lot and that thing started to retract behind her on the concrete and she took off running terrified of what was chasing her-not hearing a word I said, and she is pretty well trained. Thankfully for me she ran back to the car, trying to get in and not out into the highway which would have been a disaster. Thanks for writing this article!

Kate link

10/28/2013 01:22:02 am

Let me tell you, it is not only dogs and humans that get hurt by these things. Yesterday while walking my cat I dropped the handle of retractable leash which spooked her and she took off attached to leash. The thing she she was now deathly afraid of was chasing behind her. She just kept running. I lost her, crying I knew she would not stop runniNg from the thing dragging behind her. After hours lookiNg for her a neighbor suggested he get his dog on a leash to walk around complex to find her. He finally did thank God. She got the leash caught in parking pylon and was under a car.
Now she hides under the bed all day! Poor girl is frightened to death. I only pray she gets over this horrible fear she is living with.
Please don't use these leashes.

11/2/2013 08:32:57 am

That's YOUR fault for not conditioning your cat to a dropped leash. Stop blaming your poor decisions on an inanimate object.

Kate link

3/27/2014 03:37:22 am

Hey me, get off you holier than thou attitude. The only poor decision I made was to purchase a retractible lease.

You are a nasty and obviously angry at the state of your own life and choose to take it out on strangers.

Work on your own life issues then if you still have a nasty attitude go slam a few more strangers.

Oh and don't choke on your own leash!

Shelley

11/2/2013 05:52:05 am

Maybe we should ban footwear while we're at it too. I'm sure statistics of footwear caused injuries is staggering. And don't forget coffee. How can we possibly be expected to have the knowledge to properly handle coffee.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1123331080938&set=vb.1156948143&type=2&theater

Judi Resnick

11/7/2013 12:28:59 pm

First of all, I don't use collars. I use harnesses, because I don't like walking my dogs by the throat. Any sudden distraction (bird, cat, squirrel, another dog) that might cause my dog to bolt or lunge causes unpleasant and unsafe stress on everything in the neck area. I never, and can't figure out who or why anyone else would, wrap a retractable leash around fingers or hands or allow a dog to be on a fully extended leash. I need to be able to keep them close when we are near the street or let them have some distance when they need to relieve themselves...or 'frolic' a bit. I'm pretty adept with the "Stop" button and walk 2 at a time and manage the 'poop bags' as well. I've never injured myself, my dog or others and I know we should never say never, but so far I feel much safer with being able to control their distance from me, or proximity to me in case of danger. (my dogs are small and there are sometimes large dogs off lead in our neighborhood.) So for me it's the best option.

Michele

12/28/2013 04:15:12 am

I have a German Shepard. I had adopted him from a shelter. He had no prior training what so ever when I adopted him, He was also a puller. I spent a great deal of time training him to heal. I felt it was a mandatory command in my situation because my dog is very large and could very easily overpower me. My training turned out to be successful. Then my boyfriend intervened after the training process was completed by going out and buying him a flexi lease. He accused me of being too strict with my dog. I said, "Alright, you go out and walk him with that lease." So he did. My dog began to slack on his commands and became unpredictable. He was pulling the lease far into other peoples yards, darting out chasing rabbits, going from a trot to a dash in a matter of seconds. It didn't take long before he took off in a flash to chase down another dog while leaving me flat on my face! These flexi leases are dangerous my friends, from all different perspectives. It doesn't matter how big or small the dog is. You will rapidly loose total obedience.

Sherrie

1/9/2014 05:56:43 pm

These leads are purely a training aid to help teach recall. They should never be used for walking dogs. Train your dog correctly to respond to you an you wouldnt need to use one. Simples

Jessica

1/21/2014 06:02:08 am

I've been using flexis to exercise my dogs while traveling for nearly 25+ years. It only took 1 rope burn injury back in 1993 to learn that particular lesson about proper use. No injuries since. I've never had one snap; I've never had one fail to lock. I have Siberian Huskies - recall be damned, my dogs aren't allowed off-lead. Flexis are the best way to exercise them while at shows.

I agree that most people don't know how to use them, or use them incorrectly. They should not be used in crowds, indoors, while training, etc. They are an outdoor exercise tool only. Yes, too many stupid people have them and use them, but I would never scream "ban" just because a percentage of the population is less intelligent than the leash. I would never travel without one.

Derek

3/27/2014 03:25:48 am

All leashes are retractable. The argument really is about the failure rate of the "Flexi" type versus the human mechanism

Debbie

3/30/2014 03:10:32 am

Flexi leashes are not worth the danger. These leashes are usually used by folks who haven't taught their dog polite loose leash walking and encourage pulling! The ONLY reason to use one is to teach a recall in your yard but a training "long line" works just as well without the danger. I am recuperating from rotator cuff surgery caused by a friends dog who uses one of these...we do not.

Stephi

6/8/2014 03:17:13 pm

I own a JRT/Beagle mix. He is a shelter rescue, and we only use his flexi leash!

Debbie

6/8/2014 11:23:17 pm

Hello Stephi, I am a positive based dog Trainer and fully understand that there are many different approaches to having a dog in the family. However, spending the time to train your dog will be well worth it! Being a leader and training your dog to have good leash manners as well as other basic manners ensures that your dog will be an actual member of your family by developing a bond based on respect and limits provides your dog with a happier life....sadly, dogs that are not trained spend countless hours alone not able to join their families.

Teaching polite leash walking can be challenging but again, flexie leashes are for folks who aren't interested in taking the time to train their dog and promotes pulling and no self control. I am constantly amazed at the lack of basic "doggie etiquette " among dog owners. Giving a dog permission to greet another person or dog is polite and owners that use flexie leashes have very little control usually letting their dog rush a child or greet another dog that is not dog friendly:((

I hope if you do use one you would never use one attached to a collar....not safe and should be used with a harness.

Best of luck to you.

Debbie

6/8/2014 11:23:36 pm

Debbie

6/8/2014 11:24:14 pm

Kaye

6/12/2014 12:18:50 pm

Hi, I have a 17 lb pug and a 60 lb bulldog and use retractable leashes on both of them. We walk them several times a day. Never in the years I have used them, have I ever had any accidents that are listed above. My bulldog walks right beside me and the pug gets a little lead. They do not pull us. I do not think they are as dangerous as described. Like anything, you have to know how to use an item to get the best use out of it.

Debbie

6/12/2014 11:30:11 pm

Hi Kaye, I am happy to hear that you,others and your dogs have not been injured using a flexie leash....sure, there are old dogs and calm dogs that might do ok ...there are always exceptions but these do not make the flexie leash any less dangerous. Vets just cringe at the number of larynx injuries due to this type of leash. Again,Flexie leashes teach dogs to PULL which is not a behavior people want when trying to train their dog. These leashes are used in part because owners want their dog to have freedom which is fine but there are many other ways to do that AFTER a dog has been taught great recalls and has basic obebience which I have stated in above posts. ( training long line, off leash play etc.)

Thank goodness As a CPDT (certified pet dog trainer) I work mostly with folks who want to learn and educate themselves and I know that it is pointless to try to change minds that already made up. With that said, I am signing off and wish all of you..happy training:))

T.M.

6/13/2014 07:56:06 am

I know this is an old article, but it is REALLY great to watch all the idiots in the comments who use these things double down on stupidity. Like texting while driving. "It is the other guy who is an idiot! Not Me! I'm too smart!" SMDH

Faith Hart

6/21/2014 11:21:10 pm

I have used a 26-foot retractable BELT leash in Chicago for 8 years with no problems at all. I feel my dog is under better control than most dogs at the end of their 6-foot leashes. I keep him really close when I need to, and he gets to exercise and chase a ball when there is room. Too many people with 6-foot leashes let their dogs off-leash so they can run, and my leashed Cairn terrier has been attacked in the park 5 times by them. Unleashed dogs are against the law in Chicago except in designated dog parks, which can themselves be dirty and dangerous and filled with huge, poorly trained dogs. Belt leashes do not burn and amputate.

9/11/2014 08:58:24 pm

An old article but it doesn't make it any the less nonsensical. I could write such an article about any piece of equipment whatsoever, dog-related or otherwise. Collars, fixed leads, stuffed toys, bones, kettles, boots, vacuum cleaners, whatever, you can contrive to make it appear like the Devil's own invention with a bit of spin and selective bias.

Fact is, if you use a retractable lead properly you'll have no problem. If you don't, you might. It's not rocket surgery. I had to laugh at one of the recent comments from the CPDT (there's an acronym for everything these days, it gives the mundane a bit of credibility) who attributes larynx injuries to the leash itself rather than the leash being attached to a collar instead of a rear-attachment harness! Hey, but I've no letters after my name so I don't know what I'm talking about! :)

Cathy

10/1/2014 05:13:50 pm

I agree with Si and many of the other posters who have successfully and responsibly used a flexi leash. I have been using one with my dog for approx. 8 years and I can say she is trained to walk properly using one. The handle has a button, so when I push in with my thumb it makes a few clicking noises which immediately vibrates down the leash. She hears this instantly and knows to slow down, the clicking acts as an alert from me to her. I'm also referring to an 8' to 12' lead. I rarely use the full 20+ if ever, but it's nice to have if we are ever out in the open.

As with just about anything, all it takes is COMMON SENSE to use properly. I live in the city, we walk around the block daily. You don't give your dog free full lead if they can dart out in the street and be hit by an oncoming car, or an approaching human or another dog!!! It's COMMON SENSE PEOPLE!!!

I APPLAUD those people who actually take the time to WALK their dogs, albeit flexi-leash or no. Too many people just keep their dogs tied up in a yard or otherwise and never take the time to walk them!! I have a medium sized dog who is trained to walk properly using any leash I choose. If you have a large dog who is hard to control, again I say, it only takes common sense!

Jeff

10/2/2014 12:11:49 am

Maria from 10/2013: "Love them and don't have any problem with them. If people would watch where they walk they won't walk into the leash. You can walk into any dog leash. I keep my dog on a short leash around people and let her run around when people are not around or bikes. Pay attention and you won't have problems."

Maria would be an intelligent user of a Flexi-Leash. This is why I would not ban these leashes, as I imagine that at least 90% are smart enough to use them correctly. But I fully share my empathy for those who have experienced the 10% or so who are dumb clucks. Last night when I was running in a 50 foot wide sidewalk/grass strip a couple was walking their dog 30 feet out from the side walk, and I had to run right on the edge of the 50 feet, and inconvenience myself, to make sure the dog did not snap at me. When I told the couple I'd be passing and to control their leash, the man cussed back at me. It felt therapeutic to notify the police about these 2 stupid people and 1 nice golden retriever - who definitely needs more responsible owners.

Nice blog. Would not make them illegal, but do not the leg burns on people - which is terrible. I would just make it easier for someone suing the irresponsible party to win compensation or a police officer writing up a ticket to ring up additional fines for the city, etc. Thank you.

Shelley

10/2/2014 11:17:13 am

I have posted previously on this post my love of retractable leashes. This is a short video of my 130 lb Bullmastiff taking our daily walk on a retractable leash. The leash in the video is at least 25 years old. All my retractable leashes are at least 25 years old. Have never had a malfunction issue in all those years. Retractable leash is my choice of leash for most all daily outings. The only time I typically use a normal 6 ft leash is if we are competing on leash in a trial or conformation show lead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVwUYN2881c&list=UUvAZ6RT24cc7UXymPVdko-Q

Jaan Hurditch link

11/5/2014 03:43:30 pm

I've invented a brand new dog gadget that I think is the perfect alternative to retractable leashes. It's inexpensive, minimal, strong and converts your standard leash into an optional short tether. I'm raising funds on Kickstarter so I can hopefully bring my dream to life.. Why not have a look for yourself.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/leash-mate/leash-mate-the-extra-hand-for-your-leash

Sue Whitelock

8/3/2015 10:21:02 pm

I hate flexi leads. Apart from the fact that the thin cord ones can cut your legs if the dog runs around you they can also hurt the dogs neck if the brake is applied quickly when the dog is running. Get a decent harness or head collar and teach your dog to walk properly.

Jaan link

8/22/2015 02:43:29 pm

I think Retractables are dangerous and actually teach your dog to pull by rewarding with extra leash length for pulling. I've recently invented am alternative www.lead-mate.com it's basically a detachable handle that can be positioned wherever you need. Still a concept and would love to know what you think

Gordon Baillie

5/17/2016 10:29:04 am

I'd like to see an article about head collars and figure of 8 leads as I know there are so many people use these. The dog is at danger of breaking their neck! Not only that they can become aggressive due to them being controlled by their HEAD. My springer always gets off lead walks or runs should I say but I love the flexi lead at night or for short walks it's not dangerous at all if used properly. It allows my girl to walk a little bit in front as gun dogs do by nature. It's about concentration as well when near a road or distractions keep it short and treat your dog to get them used to walking closer (or to heel) when asked to do so.

AndyMurphy link

7/15/2016 11:24:31 am

I absolutely agree, this is usually one of the first things I tell my clients to get rid of!

Dylan

4/23/2020 08:30:05 pm

If your dog is actually trained (and i dont mean the caesar/victoria BS) then you can walk with any collar or loose lead. After a year of investing time with my dog using training collars, i can walk my almost 70lb boy on a premium flexi. Hes almost non reactive now because most of the time theres no tension. Btw not the 5 dollar retractable ones, get the expensive one

Lucas link

1/15/2021 06:38:39 am

I really enjoyed your blog, thanks for sharing.