Retractable Leads/People!

[wolfsoul]

I agree, the only time I use my retractable leash is when I'm out camping or hiking. They are very unsafe, not just to dogs, but to people as well --- I can't count the number of times I've been clotheslined by retractable leashes. They can give you VERY deep and painful slices. I had my legs completely sliced up when my neighbor and I were walking our dogs one day.

[Suki Wingy]

Not to mention that leash is really hard to hold on to! We use it when Niño goes to the park to run around or if we go out to the forest preserve or if he's in the front yard. I see a lot of people at shows using it to exerscize their dogs in the grassy areas, andI think it is very good for it, too. I hate it when people walk their dogs on them and their dogs runn all over in people's yards and they have no control.

[lv4dogs]

I think rectractable leads should come with training tips & rules.

I think if you can use them correctly AND have control over the dog AND use them with common sense in certain areas (not near roads, not in vet offices etc...)

A LOT of people use them & don't know how to control the lead or the dog on the other end. That really irks me.

I use one occasionally, like for hiking & the sorts but I also know how to use one. I know how to real in a dog even if the dog is pulling the opposite way. That rarely happens though because I also have control over my dogs, therefore they don't pull when I don't want them too.

Wolfsoul brought up a good point, I also got a nice gash on my leg from one of those. It was my brothers crazy dog who I had to babysit. That was the only leash they left me. Good thing I had spares at home.
The leashes do have warnings on them (or at least the package) stating that you can get cut, even get a finger or limb amputated!!

[IRescue452]

I don't have the problem of holding onto the lead. My problem is the dogs actually snap the little nylon line that comes out of the handle. I don't understand why nobody else seems to have this problem, my dogs are only 25 and 45 pounds and for the most part trained to heel, until they see a squirrel, and I've seen bigger dogs pull on the leads.

[finn's mom]

I don't personally like them, I've seen them break too many times, burn people's legs, people drop the handle and either hit the dog or another person with it...I had one previously with my dog, Bruno, and, will never have another one.

[PJ's Mom]

Both of my dogs walk on retractable leashes and I've never had a problem controlling either of them. Bailey does like to take off after a squirrel from time to time, but I keep the leash short and she doesn't make it very far.

[Lobodeb]

IMHO, this sounds more like leash training issues moreso than the type of leash. I use a retractable with Maggy and have no problems. I've used the traditional on her too and just prefer the retractable. She likes to go off and sniff things and her retractable leash allows her to do that. If I see something/someone coming then I tighten up the leash so she's close to me. Kids always think she's this sweet little puppy so they run to try and pick her up not knowing that a) she's full grown and b) she bites! I also like the retractable when we cross the streets so I can keep her close to me.

As far as burns and slices, I found that the less expensive retractables with a thin cord tend to burn more than the more expensive that have the wider nylon lead. Retractables probably aren't good for bigger stronger dogs who have the strength to snap them. My little 10 pounder isn't going to snap anything but a piece of string.

[AllAmericanPUP]

I don't have the problem of holding onto the lead. My problem is the dogs actually snap the little nylon line that comes out of the handle. I don't understand why nobody else seems to have this problem, my dogs are only 25 and 45 pounds and for the most part trained to heel, until they see a squirrel, and I've seen bigger dogs pull on the leads.

dogs can usually pull on these leads all they want and they usually wont snap.
but if a dog runs or jumps forwards then that quick jolt is what usually snaps the leash...

[areias]

There's also the issue of if your dog hits the end of the lead, what kind of damage can occur (whip lash, neck problems). Plus...if a dog is on a retractable leash a lot, they get used to that pressure on their necks and when you go to use a regular leash, they think that pressure=go forward.

[finn's mom]

There's also the issue of if your dog hits the end of the lead, what kind of damage can occur (whip lash, neck problems).

You have the same issue with a regular leash. I mean, Finn is pretty good on leash, now, but, if he sees a squirrel, he bolts. And, it's no easier on his neck than a retractable leash reaching it's full length.

[Suki Wingy]

My problem is the dogs actually snap the little nylon line that comes out of the handle.

Really? Not ours and Niño has broken several other leads.

[Chica]

That makes me mad to!People should not walk their dogs if they can't controll them,One time I was walking Chica in a park when I saw another dog on a very long rope tied to a tree.Well the dog got up and started running towards me and Chica.It reached us before you knew it. I started screaming and picked up Chica in to my arms. The owner was not around during this episode.That scared me to death. I thought that dog would bite me or Chica. But I got away from it real fast!!! I was fuming MADDDD!!!!!

[.sarah]

I agree, the only time I use my retractable leash is when I'm out camping or hiking. They are very unsafe, not just to dogs, but to people as well --- I can't count the number of times I've been clotheslined by retractable leashes. They can give you VERY deep and painful slices. I had my legs completely sliced up when my neighbor and I were walking our dogs one day.

It can cause more damage than that. There was a lady in the newspaper not to long ago who, because of her retractable leash, had to have 2 fingers amputated.

I think they just get in the hands of the wrong people sometimes. Both the people and the dog need training before using one.

[sammy101]

i dont like them. Mostly because some people walk dog-aggressive dogs with them and they dont have as much control. I use regular nylon 20ft leashes for my two if we take them to the beach or something like that. My two are way to strong for them too.

[Lobodeb]

There was a lady in the newspaper not to long ago who, because of her retractable leash, had to have 2 fingers amputated.

In my experience, the cheaper retractables are the ones that can amputate. They are the ones that use a string like material. The more expensive ones actually have a nylon, leash like line. I guess anything being reeled in a high speed can cause injury, however.