Quote Originally Posted by wolf_Q
I agree that they shouldn't be used around streets and in busy areas. I don't like when I have my dog on a shorter leash and someone else's dog is on one of those bothering my dog and the owner isn't even paying attention. When going on a normal walk I always use a 6 ft normal leash with the extra handle to keep him close to me.

But that said I still think they can be great. Nebo, being a siberian husky, can't be offleash. So when we go hiking I'd like for him to have a bit of room to roam and explore so I use a retractable leashes. If I see people/dogs/wildife nearby I get him closer to me and out of their way. I've never had a problem with one breaking. I prefer the tape leash and I believe the one I have is made for dogs heavier than mine so I think its safer that way.

Just because some people use them incorrectly doesn't mean that retractable leashes in general are a bad thing.
Those 20-30ft training leads are great for situations like that also. We go to a lot of beaches that require leashes and I use those so the dogs can run but not get away from me.