Dog Leash Reccomendation

[aweitzm1]

Can anyone recommend a retractable dual dog leash? Now that it is Spring I want to start taking my dogs on hikes. Their current leash is short and not retractable.


I was hoping to find something that I can let them have more of a lead and running on hikes and out in the woods. I also want something that doesn't tangle. I saw one on Amazon but was wondering if anyone else had any other recommendations.

[Wylie's Mom]

I can't recommend one, but I have gotten couplers on ebay. But, they just don't work for my dogs...one ends up yanking the other one along, lol. Does that happen w/ yours or do they stay pretty much even w/ each other...?

[aweitzm1]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I can't recommend one, but I have gotten couplers on ebay. But, they just don't work for my dogs...one ends up yanking the other one along, lol. Does that happen w/ yours or do they stay pretty much even w/ each other...?

My dogs walk in the city on a dual leash and do great. However, it is not that long because of city living.
I was thinking of getting a retractable leash and adding a coupler to give them more space to run around when we go on hikes and out of the city. I am just not sure how a coupler will do on a retractable leash. Everything I see on line has a coupler with a nylon leash.

[Magnus]

For hikes, I think it's better to stay with the regular leash. Perhaps just find one that's longer.

Maybe clamp this onto the leash you have?

Amazon

[gemy]

I would certainly not walk dogs on hikes with a retractable leash! You want your dog under control for a whole host of reasons: here are some:

1. Keeping your dog from running out of control and into dangerous terrain including poison ivy or poison oak - not to mention nibbling on things like scat off the ground

2. Keeping your dog safe from other approaching animals including other dogs and or wild critters.

3. Keeping your dog safe from steep inclines that they could run and or fall off.

4. There is absolutely little control with those retractable leads. The handles are awkward to say the least and in emergency situations folks can't seem to figure out how to retract that lead - it is so very clumsy to do...

Finally if you want your dogs to run more free - train them to come on recall - once that is solid then let them off lead for short bursts of time in solitary places.

[gemy]

Here is a video of us hiking on the trails in Lake Superior. Some of the hiking pics come at the end of the vid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha89hji0DTU

[Jkpal]

I made Piper a leash that's about 15' long (1" wide) and continually let out and reel in during our walks; it works fine. However...I just finished making her a leash that is probably 20' plus and we're both having fun with it--just more to let out and reel in. I make the loop on my end tight enough that I have to wiggle it on and off my wrist, so I needn't worry about holding it. Yep, at my little abode and beyond, it's allll Piper allll the time---custom 'necklaces' custom leashes, variety of custom comfort stations (and that's just on the dang couch!!) and on and on---love every minute with my little monkey!

[canana]

Originally Posted by Jkpal

I made Piper a leash that's about 15' long (1" wide) and continually let out and reel in during our walks; it works fine. However...I just finished making her a leash that is probably 20' plus and we're both having fun with it--just more to let out and reel in. I make the loop on my end tight enough that I have to wiggle it on and off my wrist, so I needn't worry about holding it. Yep, at my little abode and beyond, it's allll Piper allll the time---custom 'necklaces' custom leashes, variety of custom comfort stations (and that's just on the dang couch!!) and on and on---love every minute with my little monkey!

I too made a long leash, and let Scottie run around on it. But it was hard to reel it in. He always got tangled up in it. So I've been curious about the retractable for the longest time, despite many people warning about using it (i.e. stories about losing fingers etc), so I recently bought the Flexi New Classic Cord Leash. I made sure to read the "Before using instructions".

Gosh. The fore-warnings are so scary. It's like the advertisement for anti-depressants with a long list of life threatening side-effects .

Anyway, I tried out the retractable leash for one day, but I'm not sure. Might just return it and stick to my good ol soft leather 4' leash.

Here are the Special Precautions below:

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Because this leash is retractable, it requires special precautions to reduce the risk of injury. Read this pamphlet before using your leash and save it for future reference.

Who can use this leash?
This leash should only be used by responsible people who have read and can follow all of these precautions. Anyone who uses this leash must be able to control the dog and watch the dog closely at all times to keep it from running off or wrapping anyone in the cord/tape/belt. Keep out of reach of small children. Never let anyone play with this leash.

Is this leash right for your dog?
Do not use this leash with a disobedient or uncontrollable dog, since they are more likely to wrap the cord/tape/belt around people or to run off at high speeds.

- Only use this leash with a dog that does not exceed the weight limit listed on the leash.
- Leashes for larger dogs have a tape or belt instead of a cord to reduce the risk of amputations and cuts.
- Even small dogs can pull hard enough to injure you, particularly because the length of the leash allows dogs to run and build up speed. Follow all of these precautions even with a small dog.

Use this leash only as intended.

- Follow the “Directions” section in this pamphlet.
- Never attach more than one dog to the leash. Never use more than one flexi™ leash at a time.
- Never attach any accessories to the leash housing unless they are sold or approved by flexi™.

Cuts & Burns
If the cord runs across your skin, it can cause abrasions (like a rope burn) or severe cuts. Cuts and burns are more likely if the cord/tape/belt wraps around any part of the body. Avoid contact with the cord/tape/belt and never let it wrap around any part of your body.

- Avoid contact with the cord/tape/belt and never let it wrap around any part of your body.
- Do not allow slack to build up in the cord/tape/belt– you might get tangled in the slack.
- Do not touch the cord/tape/belt if the cord/tape/belt wraps around you. - - -- Turn around or pass the handle from one hand to the other to unwrap yourself. (See “Finger Amputation and Fractures”)
- If you want to further reduce the risk of cuts and burns, you can wear long sleeves and pants to protect your arms and legs.

Finger Amputations & Fractures
If the cord/tape/belt wraps around fingers or catches on a ring, a hard pull on the leash can amputate fingers or break bones.

- Avoid touching the cord/tape/belt when the leash is attached to your dog and never let the cord/tape/belt wrap around hands or fingers.
- Do not hold the cord/tape/belt.
- Do not grab the cord/tape/belt to control your dog.
- If the cord/tape/belt gets entangled in a bush or other object, gain control of your dog before disentangling it.
- Do not touch the cord/tape/belt if your dog can pull on it. If you want to further reduce the risk of finger amputation and fractures, you can take off any rings and wear sturdy gloves.

Eye & Face Injuries
If the leash or your dog’s collar breaks, or if the leash disconnects from your dog’s collar, the cord/tape/belt and hook can snap back with enough force to cause serious eye damage, broken teeth, cuts, and bruises. If the cord/tape/belt is under enough tension, this can happen even when the leash is locked.

- Follow instructions for inspecting, attaching and detaching the leash in the “Directions” portion of this pamphlet.
- Tighten the safety collar around your dog’s neck and attach the hook to your dog’s regular collar. The safety collar prevents snap-back if the dog’s collar or the hook breaks, or if the leash disconnects from your dog’s collar.

Falls
Because the flexi™ leash is longer than regular leashes, your dog can build up more speed and pull on it harder, possibly pulling you to the ground.

- If your dog starts running away from you, immediately press the brake button to keep your dog from building up too much speed. If your dog has already built up speed, you will be pulled when you hit the brake or if the dog reaches the end of the leash.
- Do not allow slack to build up in the cord/tape/belt – your dog may run and build up speed until the slack runs out, suddenly pulling you.
- Have secure footing. Do not use the leash while on wheels (for example, a bike, skateboard or roller blades).

Injuries to Bystanders
Bystanders are at risk of all of the injuries described in this pamphlet. In particular, they can be cut by the cord/tape/belt if they contact it or if it wraps around them. They might also trip on the leash.

- Be aware of bystanders. They might not notice the cord/tape/belt. Control your dog and keep the cord/tape/belt away from them.
- When around other people or animals, shorten the leash and keep your dog at your side with the leash locked.
- Avoid using the flexi™ leash near small children, including children in strollers.
- If the cord/tape/belt gets wrapped around someone, tell them not to touch the cord/tape/belt. Gain control of your dog and do not touch the cord/tape/belt if your dog can pull on it.

Using your flexi | flexi

[gemy]

Yup mostly all the things we have warned about here. never use this leash to walk your dog - or another way to put it if the environment is such that you would be able to run your dog off lead then you can use flexi lead.

I have only used flexi leads on puppies in controlled training environment and mainly for teaching recall or come.

[sandy simpson]

That is the sweetest video. Brought tears to my eyes to see the love bond between you and your beautiful dog. What a great friend in such a gorgeous place. You are truly blessed

[gemy]

Originally Posted by sandy simpson

That is the sweetest video. Brought tears to my eyes to see the love bond between you and your beautiful dog. What a great friend in such a gorgeous place. You are truly blessed

Ty. He truly is my Magicman!

[Jkpal]

I too made a long leash, and let Scottie run around on it. But it was hard to reel it in. He always got tangled up in it
Piper is 9lbs and, of course, low-to-the-ground; I'm pretty diligent about gathering up slack when she stop or slows. As I said, the leash is 1" wide, made of nylon and thus far, Piper hasn't got tangled up in it, but she's usually beaten-beaten on a straight course...

[YorkieTherapy]

Local laws were changed in my County a few years back, sadly, as a result of too many dog injuries and death due to the use of Flexi leads and long lines. Leashes cannot be longer than 6ft. ...even on trails.