Question About Retractable Leashes

[elizabethann]

I like to use a 30ft regular nylon lead now, for hiking or places like the beach where I want them to have a lil' more flexibility to run around.

That 30 ft lead is cool. But what's the difference between a lead & a leash? Are you on the other end of the 30ft lead with a handle in your hand? That would be cool for Fenway at the beach or on a super long hike.

Thanks!

[lv4dogs]

If they get tangled around your legs (or someone else's) it is very painful, and it's easier to lose a grip on them then a normal leash.

Oh yes, I still have a 6-10" scar on my leg from a retractable leash. ouch

I've never had one break but they only get used if I have 1-2 dogs and not many people are around.

[Glacier]

I use one for Kayleigh. I use the all tape one. I like them much better than the rope ones and no rope burns! That leash has made a world of difference in Kayleigh's life. Kayleigh has issues, issues that are serious and will never be resolved. On the flexi-leash, I can still control her and keep her out of trouble, plus if no one is around she gets to explore a bit.

I don't use it if she has to go to the vet(about the only time she goes to town). I personally prefer a dog that's at least on a flexi-leash than one that is off-lead and the owner can't control it! That happens much more often around here.

[lisahumphreys882]

I was walking someone elses dog and the leash snapped. Personally from what a lot of people are saying on here about the leash falling out of their hands and it snapping i don't think they're all that great

[ParNone]

elizabethann writes:

That 30 ft lead is cool. But what's the difference between a lead & a leash? Are you on the other end of the 30ft lead with a handle in your hand? That would be cool for Fenway at the beach or on a super long hike.

Oh I use lead and leash interchangeably. The 30ft lead or leash is no different from a normal leash. It has a metal clip at one end and a loop to hold onto at the other.

I can't remember if Judes is holding onto Idgie in that shot. Since I'm right there at the other end taking a picture, she might not have been. We'd never let Idgie get ahead of both of us though, without holding onto the leash, cuz off she'd go. "Come" is not in her vocabulary. We joked that one thing we needed to train Oz to do was go get the leash and bring her back to us.

Par...

[Sevaede]

Actually I think its pretty presumptuous to lump all retractable leash users into the same heap.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Also, Greyhounddad, what *exactly* do people who use retractible leashes presume? How does that make you hate those people, in any case?

The cases that you pointed out may have inadvertently led to a mishap with the lead but that can happen with anything. It seemed to be several cases of faults on the leash handlers part and not the leash itself. I had regular leashes that broke in several spots due to my GS and Rottie/GS breaking them.

[GreyhoundDaddy]

It's presumptuous to think that there aren't inherant problems associated with these leashes. I don't have to point out their problems.. your fellow forum members have illustrated this fact for us several times. And this is just a microcosm of pet ownership.. Imagine all the people out and about who don't post to boards such as this who have problems. Hell, I just got back from walking my girl and a chick with a snarky little pug had it's flexi- extended 20ft and they weren't going to retract it unless I said anything!!! That my friends, is ****** and I don't care what anyone says about it.

Like I said, I have 3 racers (2 active and one retired)... all of whom are walked on 6ft leather leads. None ever break.. know why? Because I buy quality leads to keep not only my dogs safe, but, other people's pets (such as free-range cats) safe from my dogs. I don't have a single lead that is over a year old and I'm not going to wait till a lead breaks or shows signs of wear till I decide to get a new one.

Maybe "hate" is too harsh a word as I certainly don't hate anyone. But, I sure as *** hate those darned 'leads'.

[CagneyDog]

Hating the leashes and hating those who use them are two different things. I use one occasionally, however my dog is trained so he is not running in every which direction, going in yards, saying hi to people etc. I'm not an irresponsible owner, my dog is complete control while on this leash. Sorry that you have such a pompous and exagerated view about me and others that use these leashes.

[caseysmom]

There are minors on this board, I personally don't like the foul language and doubt many others care for it.

[GreyhoundDaddy]

Hating the leashes and hating those who use them are two different things....Sorry that you have such a pompous and exagerated view about me and others that use these leashes.

Looks like you didnt read my last post.

[CagneyDog]

Looks like you didnt read my last post.

Oh I did, it was just very contradictory. You go from saying this: "And this is just a microcosm of pet ownership" to "Maybe "hate" is too harsh a word as I certainly don't hate anyone. But, I sure as hell hate those damn 'leads'." Although that statement is slightly more classy than the last few it still reflects that all of us retractable leash users are irresponsible. Especially with the second paragraph in that reply.

[Sevaede]

It's presumptuous to think that there aren't inherant problems associated with these leashes. I don't have to point out their problems.. your fellow forum members have illustrated this fact for us several times. And this is just a microcosm of pet ownership.. Imagine all the people out and about who don't post to boards such as this who have problems. Hell, I just got back from walking my girl and a chick with a snarky little pug had it's flexi- extended 20ft and they weren't going to retract it unless I said anything!!! That my friends, is bullshit and I don't care what anyone says about it.

Like I said, I have 3 racers (2 active and one retired)... all of whom are walked on 6ft leather leads. None ever break.. know why? Because I buy quality leads to keep not only my dogs safe, but, other people's pets (such as free-range cats) safe from my dogs. I don't have a single lead that is over a year old and I'm not going to wait till a lead breaks or shows signs of wear till I decide to get a new one.

Maybe "hate" is too harsh a word as I certainly don't hate anyone. But, I sure as hell hate those damn 'leads'.

But you keep pointing out things that are due to faultiness on the HANDLERS part not the leash itself. Then wouldn't it be presumptuous to not think about the inherent problems in EVERYTHING? There are pros and cons to everything. Yes, I would have to agree about that lady with the pug. She should keep a better eye and watch her pooch. But I don't think that because she was being negligent about what her dog was doing that that's an essential characteristic of the retractable leash. =/

The quality of the leads that I buy are nothing short of top notch. However, Chyna was a master of busting them on her first try.

I've had several retractable leads of different varieties and they work wonderfully for me. There are exceptions to every rule, though, I can't deny that. Mine were all the kind with the long cord.

To each their own, right?