So one day I was browsing the web and did a search for “Flexi Leashes” just to see what came up; see if there were any new retractable leashes I needed to check out or gadgets for those that, well, like gadgets. I came across an article from a dog training team based in Massachusetts entitled “Ask Me How I Feel About “Flexi” Leashes” (here’s the link if you’d like to read it: http://www.hexdogs.com/blog-this/ask-me-how-i-feel-about-flexi-leashes).
First off, they talk about how bad retractable leashes are and how they have no value, blah blah blah … you know, basically stating how the retractable dog leash is the first sign of a “poor – or complete lack of – training of the dog”. They go on to mention how a fixed-line leash is a better investment and can do the same things as a retractable, just not as conveniently. Then there’s the redonkulous comments at the end … it’s a complete trainwreck to say the least.
Now, I’m in agreement that a fixed-line leash can do the same things as a retractable; you can attach it to a dog and lead it around. I’m also in agreement that a properly trained dog will walk next to you, will obey commands and will display proper behavior when distractions are around. But let’s face it, not all dogs are saints and not all owners have the time to properly train them. They do the best they can, but the fact is that no matter how you decide to control your dog, it’s not always the leash that is the issue if something happens.
So, I decided to post a small retort to this article and attach ‘the other argument’, not necessarily in defense of the retractable leash (which I personally love because of it’s convenience) but more to point out the owner’s irresponsible use of the leash.
1) Simple mechanical malfunctions. HEX states that the retract function can break at inopportune times, possibly injuring the owner and/or putting the dog on a missing puppy poster. Of course this can happen, especially if you buy that crappy retractable for $3 at Big Lots. Those things are designed to harness hamsters or goldfish or something like that, not your dog. Buy a quality, retractable leash that is designed for your size dog and see what happens. Since I purchased a quality pair of retractable leashes for both dogs back in December of 2013, I have had ZERO issues, even in the 110° heat in Las Vegas to the -29° blizzard in Connecticut (FYI, it was a REALLY short bathroom break both days due to the weather). The best part is the ability to control the distance the dog is from me, letting her do her business off the path without the strong arm of dictatorship keeping her 3″ from me.
2) Manners. I’m sorry, but I disagree with HEX on this one. Manners are a reflection of parenting (or ownership). If your dog is “16 feet away from it’s owner wrapped around a display in a store, peeing on a table at an event, tying up another dog, “THIS CLOSE” to becoming dinner for another dog, in a completely different aisle or on a completely different STREET than the person holding the other end of the leash, jumping up, scratching, lifting their legs, wrapping up an exhibit, pulling down shelving…” you are not a responsible owner. The dog can do all those same things on a fixed leash (albeit the different aisle or street references); if you can’t control your dog, the length of the leash means diddly-squat. It’s no different than being in a store and a child is running up and down the aisles (not the same aisle as the parents), throwing toys around, screaming at the top of their lungs and pushing, jumping, scratching or lifting their legs on all the exhibits. The only difference is you can leave your dog at home. I’m by no means a dog training expert, but I am responsible. When it’s time to enter any location where people or other dogs are around, the leash is clicked in short and I am in complete control.
3) They are dangerous. I agree, if used improperly. That is why you need to be a responsible dog owner and not only know your limits, but also know your surroundings at all times. If there are kids in your complex (or along your walk), wrangle in your pet and keep them close. Don’t allow them to be 25′ from you when you encounter something. If your dog perks up when it sees something, click the stop immediately on your QUALITY retractable leash and get your animal under control. Unless you’re using a 5-6′ fixed leash, this same thing can happen as well with one of those.
4) Mixed (poor) communication signals to the dog. “There is ALWAYS tension on a retractable leash… ALWAYS“. Garbage. If you leave your dog at the 25′ mark all the time with no structure to their walk, sure. But not all people use retractables as full-extension walking devices. If I see something out of the ordinary, I reel both my dogs in, give them a command and they stay next to me with no tension (most of the time). Now I’m not saying my dogs are perfect; they have their moments. But for the most part they know what I’m asking of them. It’s only for a short time and then they’re back to roaming at a distance. I know it. They know it. There’s no mixed signals there.
5) Total lack of control. I had to laugh at this one simply because it appears they posted the worst case scenario with an owner that was A) too small to control their animals, and B) just wasn’t responsible. Yes, I agree with you that, in this example, two apparently powerful dogs on a pair of leashes controlled by one owner is stupid to begin with. But isn’t it also a fact in the doggie-walking world that if both dogs are not calm and relaxed that they shouldn’t be walked together? If one starts getting excited the other will follow, creating a pack animal environment that’s just a recipe for disaster. If this is even an issue before leaving the house with your pair of mutts, I’m pretty sure leash design doesn’t matter at that point.
I know not everyone is going to agree with me and that’s fine. It wouldn’t be the first time. But I’m adamant about placing the blame where it belongs (if we have to place it at all). As dog trainers, I think using ‘scare tactics’ to ward people away from using retractable dog leashes based on the few irresponsible owners steers that blame in the wrong direction. If a dog owner chooses to use a retractable, it’s a better idea to educate them on proper use of it. I’m proof of that; I have two active dogs, two quality retractables and haven’t had a single burn or cut, nor have I sliced anyone open or lopped off any heads. It’s simply about being an educated, aware and responsible pet owner.