We use one for Toto and don't have any problem. She is trained to potty inside and out but doesn't like anyone right beside her when she "goes". She is a very modest little girl ... the retractable leash gives her "space".
We did have a bad experience with one [not ours] in a PetSmart parking lot. We were about to leave the parking lot when I noticed a man holding a leash and, natural reflex of a pet lover, I automatically looked to see what his dog looked like. When I saw no dog I automatically realized it was on the end of a retractable leash and the idiot had let him full out! I screamed at Patrick just as we were about to back up .... yep, the pup was right behind us! The man looked so embarrassed .... the idiot had just bought the leash and couldn't wait to try it out!!
