Retractable leads going in the bin

[cmayer31]

I guess I'll be the one who admits to using a retractable lead quite often. If I'm going to be someplace where I expect a crowd, or a lot of dogs then I'll use my regular 6' lead, but if I'm going on a hike or away from crowds then I take the 18' retractable. The one that I use is a "tape" style, so it is not the cord and is rated for bigger dogs. I've never had an issue with it, and it actually works better to keep Frankie near me if we encounter off leash dogs on the trail. I can lock it at whatever length I need for passing, or getting around people and then I can let her out to the full 18ft once were clear.

I see nothing wrong with the retractable as long as they're used in a courteous manner. The retractable let both Frankie and I enjoy playing in the rivers, and waterfalls on our last vacation. I don't think I would have enjoyed being out there as much if I only had the shorter lead. I actually enjoy the retractable right now. That said, I've never really had an issue with Frankie on one, but I'm sure if I had a bad experience that I'd consider using the 6' lead all the time.

[shais_mom]

I see nothing wrong with the retractable as long as they're used in a courteous manner.

you hit the nail on the head!
I don't have a problem with them either - if used responsibly.
I just don't like to see people use them as a fishing line for the dog - when they aren't paying attention. That can get the dog in trouble. My parents have a dingbat neighbor that was out walking her dog UP a blind hill she was on one side of the road - and the dog on his retractable was on the other and she was looking the other way. That's asking for trouble no matter which leash you use!
I suppose I'm spoiled when it comes to Keegan. She doesn't let her momma get far from her site usually - so when everyone else's dogs are tied up, she is either loose or dragging her leash.
When we met for on Memorial Day just a small group of us @ the Findlay park - everyone else had their dogs tied up. (Diana, Carl, Phred) and when I did the good owner thing and tied Keegan to a stake in the ground she barked, pulled, whined until she pulled the stake out of the ground. I unclipped her leash and she went over stuck her head in the cooler filled with ice - and never made a peep. Which for her is saying something!
I take Keegan out on her retractable @ nite maybe simply b/c I haven't learned my lesson that when she sees a rabbit - she takes off after it too fast before I can get it locked pulling it from my hand. What was that I said about responsible owners?

[CathyBogart]

I use one for Star and Wilbur frequently. It's a great tool in the right situation, and those two are *generally* good enough to use it, unlike Jasper.

On behalf of vet staff everywhere though, I'll say PLEASE don't bring your dog on one of those to the vet's office. It's harder to control your dog, and there are probably dogs there who are sick, injured, or otherwise unfriendly. It's a BAD IDEA. Star almost removed the nose of an 8 month old lab puppy last time I took her in.