Retractable leashes get a bad rap because they are used In inappropriate situations (like in a city with lots of people) unskilled users use them with untrained dogs and ones that don’t function properly. I listed the pros and cons of a retractable leash. They can be a great tool in certain situations but are not right for every dog or every human
Advantages of a Flexi Leash
I would like to point out that I only recommend Flexi brand retractable leashes, not only because of the quality but because of the smooth break system. There is a button to stop the leash and you can pull back the leash while holding the button and release and repeat, watch Flexi instructional video on YouTube for more details. There is a separate stop and break system. A big button to press for the stop and a latch you pull forward if you want to lock it. Some of the off brands have a button that you press and it locks the leash (I HATE these retractable leashes because there is no way to pull your dog unless you grab the cord/tape) back to you and these are the ones that give the device it’s dangerous reputation) and then you have another button to release the lock. In simple terms I want it to able to stop and release quickly unless I want to lock it
Advantages of A Flexi Leash
1. it doesn’t tangle up in your dogs legs because it has slight tension on the leash
2. A dog on a Flexi leash gets more exercise and mental stimulation from smelling his surroundings. Dogs see the world by smell and a Flexi leash allows a dog to smell more. A dog that’s more exercised will be better behaved in the house. (Of course that doesn’t exclude training)
3. Can be used to practice training commands such as sit, down, stay, and come
Disadvantage of a Flexi leash (almost all due to HUMAN ERROR)
1. a Flexi leash can extend over 30 feet and if a dog is not well trained or in the wrong environment, can get in to situations where they can get hurt, or hurt someone else.
2. Flexi leashed can teach a dog to pull (if the dog is not taught to heel).
3. The cord or tape can snap (this is more due to undersized leashes, cheap brands, and untrained dogs chewing on leash)
4. The dog can chew on the leash (applies with every leash however)
5. If you grab the cord or tape (which you shouldn’t do you should learn how to use the braking system) it can cause burns or in some cases amputations (this also applies to nylon leashes and why I don’t really use them I’ve gotten lots of rope burns from nylon leashes (from dog sitting pulling dogs, and giving a dog a correction to control him) A nylon leash isn’t as thin as a retractable but they hurt if you grab them by the webbing. (Maybe we should ban them just kidding!)))
6. If your pet is being approached by an aggressive dog, it is nearly impossible to get control of the situation if the need arises. It's much easier to regain control of – or protect -- a dog at the end of a six-foot standard flat leash than it is if he's 20 or so feet away at the end of what amounts to a thin string. ( dogs have been attacked and killed by aggressive animals on 6 foot and 4 foot leashes. It’s an unfortunate circumstance)
7. Dogs have also received terrible injuries as a result of the sudden jerk on their neck that occurs when they run out the leash, including neck wounds, lacerated tracheas, and injuries to the spine (very unlikely to happen if you dog is well trained to stay and come, this can happen even with a 6 foot leash and tie out)
8. If a dog walker gets tangled up in the cord of a retractable leash, or grabs it in an attempt to reel in their dog, it can result in burns, cuts, and even amputation. In addition, many people have been pulled right off their feet by a dog that reaches the end of the leash and keeps going. This can result in bruises, "road rash," broken bones, and worse (Don’t touch the cord or tape and this is very unlikely to happen)
9. The handles of retractable leashes are bulky and can be easily pulled out of human hands, resulting in a runaway dog (so far one of the only disadvantage NOT due to human error, use some material to put around the leash as a handle to put on your wrist)
10. Along those same lines, many dogs – especially fearful ones – are terrorized by the sound of a dropped retractable leash handle and may take off running, which is dangerous enough. To make matters worse, the object of the poor dog's fear is then "chasing" her, and if the leash is retracting as she runs, the handle is gaining ground on her – she can't escape it. Even if this scenario ultimately ends without physical harm to the dog (or anyone else), it can create lingering fear in the dog not only of leashes, but also of being walked. (Train you dog to see the retractable leash as nothing to be afraid of have your dog drag it around in the grass, they get use to it)
11. Retractable leashes, like most retractable devices, have a tendency to malfunction over time, either refusing to extend, refusing to retract, or unspooling at will. (Every thing wears out even a regular leash make sure to inspect your gear, I know people that that Flexi leashes from the 80s //90s and they still work with minimal wear. Not due to human error but everything in the world eventually breaks)
If you use a retractable leash make sure you
1.Be responsible and be aware of your dog at all times
2. Learn how to use the brake and how to pull your dog back by using the brake, pull back, release and repeat.
3. Teach your dog to stay and come on command (while on the leash)
4. Teach your dog to heel and walk nicely on a regular leash before using a retractable.
5. Teach your dog that the flick of the button means to come
6. Use a flexi brand (I don’t have much experience with the off brand. So I can’t say that there isn’t another good brand. Just my experience is that I bought a cheaper model almost a decade ago rated for dogs up to 55 lbs and when Piper hit the end of it not even with a lot of strength and it broke I’ve used Flexi ever since)
7. Use the correct size
8. Do not use one in an urban environment.
9. Teach your dog leash pressure so he knows to come towards you when he feels pressure
10. Let the dog get use to the leash next to him without you holding it.
11. Use the safety collar with a quick release collar
12. NEVER grab the cord or tape.
You can use a collar (flat or martingale) once your dog and you know how to use the leash however some people prefer harnesses. The choice is yours.
I love retractable leashes because it gives your dog more exercise (and more room to go to the bathroom) but they are not right for every dog or person.
They are great if you don’t have a fenced yard.
I’ve used them for almost 10 years and never injured a dog or person due to improper use, and I never had a Flexi brand snap. I do like to customize my leashes as you can see in the pictures!! 🙂
People have to STOP with the let’s ban them every tool has a purpose but it’s not right for every single person or dog.
