Retractable Leashes? SHARE YOUR REVIEWS PLEASE!

[stedmansmommy]

I just bought the babies their Retractable Leashes and was wondering if I got good ones as I know nothing about these things (I haven't used them as of yet).

I bought them the Flexi (brand) Standard. I was going to get the Tiny one (or whatever the smallest size is called - I can't remember) but instead I got the size Small which says it is for dogs up to 26 lbs....and the only reason I got this size is because the handle part that you hold on to had a bigger opening on this size...and I thought that it would be more comfortable for my hubby and I (he has BIG hands!!) and we will be able to fit all 4 fingers through the handle on this one comfortably...whereas the Tiny size or whatever it was called, I figured that I would probably only be able to get 3 fingers in (which didn't seem comfy or secure to me IMO) and my hubby I doubt would even be able to use it because his hands are so big lol. And of course...I needed 2 of them, one for each baby - so I had to make sure that these would work for when my hubby uses them as well.

Anyway, these expand out to 16 FT in length and of course have the stop-and-lock feature on them as well.

So...I was wondering, have any of you used this brand (Flexi) Standard....in this size for your babies?? And if so, are they any good? Just kind of wanting some reviews on these if possible. Thanks guys!

[yorkiegirl83]

I use the Flexi Standard and the Flexi Longs with my crew. I really do like them and they've lasted a year with no major issues. We have 4 of them ( 2 long, 2 standard).

I use them more than standard leashes, although in the city I always keep them on the lock feature or pay super close attention to them because I've heard so many stories of people not watching and the babies are on the other side of the road and cars are coming, or scary things like that.

But they're great IMO for parks and beaches when you want to give the babies some room, and I think the handles are comfy for regular walks. Plus, we use "bags on board" potty bags and they are so secure on the thicker handles

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by yorkiegirl83

I use the Flexi Standard and the Flexi Longs with my crew. I really do like them and they've lasted a year with no major issues. We have 4 of them ( 2 long, 2 standard).

I use them more than standard leashes, although in the city I always keep them on the lock feature or pay super close attention to them because I've heard so many stories of people not watching and the babies are on the other side of the road and cars are coming, or scary things like that.

But they're great IMO for parks and beaches when you want to give the babies some room, and I think the handles are comfy for regular walks. Plus, we use "bags on board" potty bags and they are so secure on the thicker handles

Thanks so much girl for the great review! And I am DEFINITELY going to watch very, very close about the street thing when we walk them in the neighborhood. That is one thing that I am very scared of - but I may just have to use the lock feature for that...or, a regular leash if it just makes me too nervous. My babies do pretty well on their leashes, but you NEVER know and I certainly do NOT want to risk anything or take any chances.

I am going to "practice" with these leashes in my backyard (I already have some) before taking them out on them (especially on the sidewalks, near the streets) - so that I can get used to them

[browniesmom622]

Originally Posted by stedmansmommy

Thanks so much girl for the great review! And I am DEFINITELY going to watch very, very close about the street thing when we walk them in the neighborhood. That is one thing that I am very scared of - but I may just have to use the lock feature for that...or, a regular leash if it just makes me too nervous. My babies do pretty well on their leashes, but you NEVER know and I certainly do NOT want to risk anything or take any chances.

I am going to "practice" with these leashes in my backyard (I already have some) before taking them out on them (especially on the sidewalks, near the streets) - so that I can get used to them

one thing thats bad about them is that theres no way to get them back if there out there pulling you have to run after your dogs i ONLY use it in a big open space NEVER when there cars or any busy place where they can get hurt

[altigger74]

I have a retractable leash for Cody, one problem, I had Cody in it one day and he tried to run after my husband, WELL,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, he pulled the leash out of my hand. The poor baby had it chasing him! He ran like it was attacking him, yelping and growling and he ran up onto the front porch where the handle kept banging on the porch! I was crying! the poor baby was very upset but I couldn't help laughing. Needless to say I don't use it anymore since he runs when he sees it.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by browniesmom622

one thing thats bad about them is that theres no way to get them back if there out there pulling you have to run after your dogs i ONLY use it in a big open space NEVER when there cars or any busy place where they can get hurt

I know...that is the only thing thats really scaring me about them. IF I do decide to use it when walking them on the sidewalks, I will just keep it LOCKED at a certain length (a comfortable length for them, but NOT long enough for them to get anywhere near the street). However, I may just decide to use a regular leash for the sidewalk-walks, and keep the retractable ones for the park, beach, etc.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by altigger74

I have a retractable leash for Cody, one problem, I had Cody in it one day and he tried to run after my husband, WELL,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, he pulled the leash out of my hand. The poor baby had it chasing him! He ran like it was attacking him, yelping and growling and he ran up onto the front porch where the handle kept banging on the porch! I was crying! the poor baby was very upset but I couldn't help laughing. Needless to say I don't use it anymore since he runs when he sees it.

Awww! That poor baby! I can only imagine how bad that must of scared him I'm sure that my babies would have freaked out as well

[TiniTime]

Please don't use a retractable leash. I accidentally dropped my Flexi Leash and it scared my dog into the street almost in front a car. I'm lucky to have her today. They serve no purpose and they certainly don't teach a dog to walk heel properly anyway.

[Grayson's mom]

Grayson got one from his last gift buddy and boy is it the best! I really need to get another for his sister to have.

I say they are great!

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by TiniTime

Please don't use a retractable leash. I accidentally dropped my Flexi Leash and it scared my dog into the street almost in front a car. I'm lucky to have her today. They serve no purpose and they certainly don't teach a dog to walk heel properly anyway.

Oh no I am sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience with these. You really do have to be very, very careful when using them. However, I've dropped one of our REGULAR leashes before and Tatum started FLYING (running away) - so I think the best thing to do with ANY leash is to have a good grip on the thing, lol.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by Grayson's mom

Grayson got one from his last gift buddy and boy is it the best! I really need to get another for his sister to have.

I say they are great!

During the short time that I "tested it out" in the backyard, I absolutely loved it! Granted, I just wanted to get a feel for it, so I only tried it out on Stedman...I am curious to see what Tate does with it, lol!

[Tinkerbelle1]

Brooke,

I am so glad that you got the larger size. I have the mini one and let me tell you that one of the first times i took my little one out she pulled it right out of my hand and was running along the sidewalk and it was dragging along behind her. It actually slowed her down thankfully as she was heading for the crosswalk in the street. Needless to say I went one size up (as you did) and now my hand fits in it properly and I always have a good grip on my little one.

I do use it when I am training her, I will it extend it out a little so the handle drags and do the sit and stay with her, if she starts to walk away the handle drags behind her and she stops. I love my flexi leash. I do agree that it does not work well for training them to heel properly.

j

[bellaismybaby]

I use them on both of my girls and we love them. The are nice because you can lock them up close for areas where you want them close and let them have room to explore at the park and such. I have, on occasion, had to pull in the leash and lift Bella by the harness if another dog gets close. But that is rare because the only time I let her that far away is if we are out in an open area.
I have never had either one pull it out of my hand...but I do get them tangled up

[SweetPea53]

I got the small one (I think it's called the Mini) for my lil one....and have to agree with the others here .....it is very small for an adult hand and you can loose grip of it quite easily...which happened to me once, then another time (and I still don't know how) but the latch came undone from her collar and luckily she was preoccupied sniffing the grass and I was able to snatch her up before she knew it was undone...otherwise she would have taken off like a bolt of lightening. I have since then purchased a silk harness/leash from Chattiesmom here on YT and I love it....no more worrying about my baby getting loose and taking off....

[sims822257]

Hey Brooke -

I love mine...I have one for Murphy and one for Mia. I usually walk them with the lock position on and when we get to the field where there are no homes and they like to go potty I let it out so they can go do their business in private.

Even if I do not have it on lock my babies are pretty good about being right in front or beside me. I did have to watch little Mia (the little spit fire she is)....sometimes she tries to take off after a cat or something so the lock position is good if walking on a street. Best case is just work with them so they know not to take off and walk by your side. I am lucky mine do that pretty well but I do like having the option of letting the roam a little more on these leashes when it is fesible.