I agree. I have a retractable leash but the only time I ever use it is for hiking/camping/etc. when I'm pretty much away from other people, dogs, and especially cars! When I walk him around the neighborhood he's on a normal leash.

I *hate* when people's loose dogs come running up to me...Nebo likes most dogs, but if the dog is very dominant towards him he is likely to react. Dogs usually react worse when on a leash as well.