[alaskayorkie]

I've come full circle on the use of retractable leashes. At one time, I thought they could be helpful in teaching dogs their recalls.

But even before my Chesapeake Bay retriever was bitten and dragged down the street by a bully breed on a retractable leash recently, I'd come to despise them.

Granted, Yorkies aren't bully breeds, but how much control do you have over your Yorkie if an aggressive dog surprises you at a soccer game? How quickly can you rescue your Yorkie if he's tangled up in that long lead with another dog?

I think they're probably fine if you use them in the backyard where no other dog can get to your dog. But having been violently attacked on leashed walks a couple times in the last year, I want my dogs close to me so I can rescue them if need be.

For teaching, use a long lead. They're easier to control that flexis.