Dangers of retractable leash

[Baileysmom]

I have a huge scab, well now its more like a scar that goes almost half way around my leg from a retractable. No ones fault but my own by being stupid and not wearing pants to the dog park. But I got tangled and it literally sliced my leg open!! OUCH!! I love mine for taking Bailey to go potty. I just have to be careful with it!

 

[Kim Ranard]

OK, as soon as I get done posting this I am going to call my daughter, She has 2 danes and a saint. She uses flexi leash for all of them !!!

 

[Jan]

This is precisely why I have always recommended that people get the flexi with the tape and not the cord. There is definitely a time and a place where they can be useful, but you certainly need to use common sense.

 

[stampingrace]

flexi lead attacked my dog

I used to use a flexi-lead to let Basil run a little before I was sure he was under my voice control. Anyway, I went for a walk one day and slipped on a patch of ice (fell right on my butt). In doing so, I let go of the leash and it went flying towards Basil. He tried to run from it but to no avail. It ended up slowing down and when it finally reached him it didn't do any damage. Since then, I keep the flexi in my car and only use it if I've forgotten the other leads.

 

[magoo's_mama]

Love our flexi leash

We just got one for Magoo last month but I have used one extensivley with an 80 pd german shepard and never had a problem. I did once get burned by a non-retracting 6 foot training leash however.
Our flexi leash is at least an inch wide and is for dogs weighing up to 110 pds, though Magoo is only 55. It cost a little more, but is highly durable. We use it everyday for walking around the neighborhood, we don't have a fenced in yard so Magoo only gets outdoor offleash time a few times a week. I felt horrible that he was glued by my side for his daily walks and not allowed to sniff and explore a little. I keep it locked to the shorter length as we walk and Heel and especially if I see another person or distraction coming, but then let it out as a reward for good behavior when we come to a field or open place he can explore. It works great for us, he knows if he heels for awhile he gets to be free (well sorta free =) ) He will trot out to the end of the leash and look back at me, like "are you coming or what?" He enjoys the extra freedom.
As for injuring myself, it could happen but since it's happened to me with a non-retractable as well, I doubt I would stop using the flexi.

 

[Mandy1155]

I also use retractible leashes. I can't trust my girls off leash so I walk them at an open space park. There are few people and lots of room and I feel they get a little more exercise and freedom.

I do not use them near streets or in pet stores though.

And yes, watch the back of your legs! My girls are learning "wait" and "back on the trail" to keep us all safer and not tangled up.

I agree with the person that said you should have a license to use them!

 

[abradbury.5]

I use a retractable leash with Toffee at the park and I've never had a problem with it. When we're at the park to walk, she's very focused on her walk and having the retractable lead lets her walk faster than I do. But she's very good on the (any) lead, doesn't pull, and knows commands like "wait" and "over". Personally, I don't understand how some of these problems people are talking about could happen.

 

[Burtess]

...But she's very good on the (any) lead, doesn't pull, and knows commands like "wait" and "over". Personally, I don't understand how some of these problems people are talking about could happen.

Exactly my thoughts. First of all, if you want to "walk" the dog, you don't normally use a Flexi. You use a proper lead. The Flexi is used to exercise and give greater freedom of movement in an open area.
The Flexi brand retractable lead comes with instructions and precautions (heck its even molded into the casing!) that repeats over and over NOT TO TOUCH THE CORD. To me this is common sense (although my wife routinely grabs the cord).
When you use the retractable lead, you must pay attention and judge what your dog will do next. If he is racing towards the end, you call him back or physically advance yourself towards him so he doesn't forcibly hit the end. If you are not strong enough to restrain your dog (and it isn't properly trained), you shouldn't handle him.
I have found the Flexi brand specifically to be of good quality, the copys and knockoffs just don't hold up.
So if you use the device as per the instructions you will have no problem.

Burt

 

[luvmypup]

This is terrible. What has the world come to??? I own a retractable leash which I also use in my yard to let Tucker run while we're in the process of fencing the yard in. I read the instruction on the leash, and noted the amputation/cord thing. I would think common sense would tell you to not grab a rapidly moving rope, especially when there is a handle to use, or to wrap this rope around my fingers. Please don't get me wrong, I feel bad this horrible thing happened to this poor lady, but is it necessary to sue because a product was being used improperly? Traditional leashes are ideal, however, I also think retractable leashes can offer some benefit if used properly.

-Cassie & Tucker

 

[Mama_Zookeeper]

I am also the bearer of nylon burns from a child hood incident. We have a nylon harness, but use a leather leash for Rocky. once his growth slows down we will buy a more sturdy leather harness.

Dora & the Zoo Crew