Who uses retractable leashes?

Question

I ask this because of a respect for other pets and people that I have seen arise in some of the questions. I think this will give me a great view on those that respect the public and those that don't. Some of you will actually know and understand what I am talking about.

Answer 1

I don't, My German Shepherds and Wolf Hybrids would snap those in a second. the string on those are too skinny. A regular long, thick leash is good enough for me.

Answer 2

I live on a farm...when I walk my dogs around home, 3 of them can use a retractable leash. The other one is still a puppy, and uses a regular lead. I don't see a problem with retractable leashes for well trained dogs, but until I totally trust a dog OFF leash, they don't use retractables, and I would never use a retractable near traffic...I have had so many dogs run at my car when driving down a busy road when they were on them! I understand people needing to have control over their dogs, but when we go out for an enjoyable walk, I let the dogs wander where they please...if we're training or reinforcing training, it's back to the 6-ft lead.

Answer 3

I don't use this type of leash. I have 2, 4, 6 and 10 footers for training and general walking, etc, but I will not use the retractable kind for my dog. I have seen way too many owners lose control, or simply not have it in the first place, when using one of these. My dog does just fine with what I have right now.

Answer 4

Many folks don't know this, but using a retractable leash is illegal in most public places that allow dogs. The reason is that these places restrict lead length to 6 feet. Since many people allow their dogs on retractable leash beyond 6 feet, they would be subject to summons and fine.

Retractable leads are also potentially hazardous. A person rollerblading, or biking would not be able to see an extended retractable leash, and could easily pass between a dog and his handler. You can imagine the injury potential there.

I think that a retractable leash can be a good tool in teaching a dog a recall. As opposed to a long leash (that you would have to gather), the retractable leash keeps you in control of your dog without having to gather anything. I believe that most training involving use of a very long leash can be done effectively with a retractable lead (in the initial training).

As for me, I would never walk my dog with one, because when I walk my dogs, I want them to be close to me. It's safer for them, and respectful to nearby folks that might be afraid of dogs, as well as folks who don't want my dogs on their properties.

Answer 5

We use both regular leashes and retractable, i personally feel safer using a regular leash because i feel i have more control over my dogs that way and i feel the same for others when i see them using them. Retractables have been known to break when it comes to their locking mechanism so their for you do not have full control. The only way i feel comfortable using the retractable is when i know there is not many people around.
One thing that bothers the hell out of me is when in a public place petstore, park (with lots of people) and places like that and people can not control their animal because the animal is too strong for them. Those are the people that claim oh my dog is gentle and would never hurt a fly yet you see the same people in court because their out of control dog got excited and attacked someone Else's smaller helpless dog that was under control by it's owner.

Answer 6

I don't ever use them - it is too difficult to control your dog on that type of leash.

Dogs in public, on leash, need to be close enough for their human to control them at any time. Retractable leashes let the dog out too far and pose a danger to other dogs or humans.

No dog trainer will use that kind of leash either, it just doesn't allow for complete control of the dog, which is a pet owner's responsibility at all times.

Sorry - convenience does not enter into it in public - safety does.

Answer 7

I vary.

My current dog never goes out on one-he stays on a very short leash that makes it easier to control him.

Once he's broken from pulling I'll use it sometimes. However, I dont like them unless you can count on the dog being recalled so the leash can be shortened quickly if necessary. If you cant get to the dog to make it less than a 15' leash, why not just use a 15' leash?
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Ive also seen dogs run in terror as theyre chased by the handle. Again-that just means that better recall is needed. A scared dog should return immediatly so you can fix the issue.

Answer 8

I have an assortment on leashes that I use, like retractable, regular (training), show leash, or no leash at all depending on the circumstances.

Since my dogs are trained to stick with me off-leash, usually the only reason I use one is as a safety precaution.

But I think I'm one of the few that has mastered the art of the retractable leash. I can walk 3 dogs on them and reel them all in within seconds.

Answer 9

I don't use them.

Sorry, I don't like them and I don't think they are a very good idea. Maybe for little dogs but most owners can't control their dogs to begin with. Those leashes just seem to add to the problem.

I always worry that that little latch will break and the dog will run into the street on the LOOOONG line. It makes me a nervous wreck when I see someone walking a dog with one of those. And they always get their dog tangled in my dog's leash because they can't control their dog and always let too much leash out.

This is a personal thing for me, but it drives me nuts that people have those things and then their dog can potty WAY up in my yard. Then the people don't come up and clean up after their dog.

Besides, my dogs heel beside me, not walk way out in front of me.

Sorry, I ranted. I guess I have a retractable leash issue and I didn't realize it.

Edit:
Hey Jocelyn - I'm a monster too! Happy to meet a fellow dog torturer

Answer 10

When we are walking I keep him on a shorter leash so he knows I'm in control. When I want to let him have some room to roam at a place like the park then I put him on the retractable leash. This is usually when I'm sitting and relaxing not when we're walking. I see so many people walk dogs on those leashes and quite frankly the dog is walking them and they don't seem to have much control over their dogs. To each his own and it's not like that really bothers me though.

Answer 11

I don't. In fact, I have a good friend who is dating a vet and he refers to retractable leashes as "HBC leashes," which is "hit by car" leashes. I, of course, realize you can exercise more control than that with those things, but the name comes from the vet who has seen it often enough to give it a name.

I walk my dogs in a heel so just use 6-foot leather leashes that I loop a few times since the dogs really are only a few inches away from me. Everything is slack because they stay right by my left leg.

I find everyone is happier - me, my dogs, other people, other dogs - when my dogs are in control. I will let them sniff friends and I extend the 6-footers when they sniff off to take care of business, but I find that walking in a heel is better for us.