retractable leashes?

[Jennxling]

I have both types of leashes. My retractable leashes also have the lock function so I can keep them under control when necessary. However, I find regular rope leashes to be more convenient, especially when I have to walk both of my yorkies simultaneously...My boyfriend prefers retractable leash though, maybe it's a guy's thing? haha

[ellaYORKIE]

I use the retractable leash. I think that i have more control over Ella. She doesn't like other dogs and loves people way too much. So when a dog or people walk by us at the park i pull her close to me and it's very fast acting unlike a regular leash. I'd have to roll the regular leash around my hand a few times in order for her to be close to me. Just my personal opinion though.

[LilMissy]

At least with the leash I have, the re-tractability is not such that it would go FLYING towards Thor. And keep in mind your dog is not likely to stand by blissfully unaware while a missile comes at his head.

I mentioned this because it happened to my friend with her beagle. The dog got spooked and took off, my friend accidentally dropped the leash. It retracted and hit her dog as he was running away. She had to chase him down the busy street and catch him. I'm so cautious when I'm using the flexi with my yorkies. I always have it in the back of my mind what *could* happen. You never can be too careful.

I've also read about numerous people who have been injured by the rope. I even remember reading in the news about a lady who lost a finger. As I said, I own one and use it very occasionally, but I think the important thing is to just use caution.

[Jasper Jax]

I've never used the retractable leashes, myself. But I think it is more of a "walker" preference than a "puppy" preference. I think I get nervous about the button being defective (and goodness knows if it could happen it would happen to me).

[JoshieBoy]

I prefer not to use retractable leashes too. I do not like the lack of control either. I do not like my dogs walking miles ahead of me. Our dogs are not supposed to walk ahead of us. We are supposed to lead them (Cesar Millan). From reading some of the response, I understand how retractable leashes can be a useful tool when taking our dogs on a walk. Right now, retractable leashes are just not for me.

[anpfaff1983]

I have 2 retractable leashes. I am just used to them but they do tangle easily on a walk with 2 yorkies when they are allowed to roam. I was dog sitting for a 25lb dog and had her on a retractable she saw a squirrel and I was wearing shorts and she took off. I ended up getting cut by the string across my leg and had cellulitis (a skin infection) from the cut, now I have a nice scar. Retractables are nice sometimes, but not for larger dogs.

[Roxiesmama]

Roxie came with a retractable leash and that is what I primarily used for the first 4 months I had her. I always kept it locked so that she didn't get too far away from me.

I just switched to a standard 6 ft. nylon leash once we started training classes. The instructor said it would give better control for training purposes. It has taken a bit of getting used to...having all that extra leash to deal with...but I still have the retractable leash if I need it.

[TwoforFun]

I have a retractable wire and two retractable leashes. Leashes are safer and will not cut you(I'm sure there is a slight chance). And I feel like I have more control of my unmanner dog who I am having difficulties in the training part. He goes wild outside and does not follow commands . I can almost see it in her eyes "I'm free".