I don't have any experience with retractable leashes and I read on the packaging a warning to use the backup harness/collar that was enclosed ??? Is there a risk of the leash getting disconnected from the harness? I want to try one, but if my boys got loose, I would never see them again. Wish they were like Uni and would be trustworthy to stay close.

I might buy one and try it in the backyard first, but this warning note had me confused.

I just re-read QuickSilver's post and noted that I forgot the part about doing the exercise for only 10 minutes. Ooops.

Absolutely! A huge success! What a smart boy Max is!

I wouldn't have a set amount of time to train. You should let your dog be the deciding factor in how long -- you MUST have his undivided attention, whether that is 3 minutes or 30 minutes or longer. As you get better as a team, his attention span (and yours) will increase.

I don't use the backup collar bc it apprears to go around the neck. i don't see any need for it. As long as you have the hook attached properly, and the spring isn't broken or anything, I don't see how it can come off. But also make sure everything is in working order and that you don't use one till it's 100yrs old.

I did read the warning though. I thought the little pictures in there were so funny. Like the one where the cord may break, hit you in the face, and your dog runs off.

I only use my retractable leash w/ Jackson when we're in a big field (like my 3 acres), or on a beach, etc. For regular walks, pet store visits, I have better control over him with our regular 6 foot leash. But I've never used the back-up collar thingy that comes w/ it... I never saw a need for it... Jackson did break a retractable once though! :eek: I live on 3 acres, and it backs up to 90 acres of farmland, and there were a ton of birds on the ground, well I opened the door, had him on the retractable, he went running fast... and the damn cord broke! (you know how there's like a nylon part at the end of the retractable that attaches to the harness... yeah the retractable part broke from that) I was like woah!

But anyways... I bought him a new retractable and it's worked totally good. It says it holds dogs up to 44lbs. Actually I was about to list it for sale here on YT as I wanna get Jackson the longer one (just because we'll be going to the beach this summer more and I want him to have more space, but don't wanna bring our 50 foot nylon leash because it's almost TOO much leash for that lol!) The current one I'm about to sell goes out 16 feet... let me know if you want it. I was gonna sell it for $15(shipping included) I think it bought for $25 a few months ago. It's got a few scratches from use on the handle part, but otherwise works perfect. I'm gonna get the 26 foot retractable.

Marcie pulls on the leash. I have tried the turn around, walk backwards and so on. I now have a gentle leader which helps. I know I must be doing something wrong. So, this thread has great
advice.

I just ordered the wacky walk'r for Chase. Hopefully that will help the pulling :)