To put a dog lead on the baby?

[WhiteTrash]

A friend of mine took her (then) toddler to a festival, he was just walking so had reins on him, and attached to that, a retractable dog lead. It meant he had a little freedom but stayed safe and she could sit with her friends.

We've booked a short camping trip, the baby will most likely be walking by then and Im not sure if all babies do this but our first, once he started walking would literally aim for the horizon and just go. Over and over again. No amount of distraction would prevent it. It lasted 5 or so months and he was a bit easier. Im assuming DS2 will be the same, and we'd love to sit on the beach have picnics etc.

Anyway when my friend told me what she did, I thought it was a genuis idea. But apparently, she said people hurled abuse at her for it so clearly not everyone agrees that its a good idea.

IS it unreasonable? Totally prepared to be flamed. But I figured Id ask her first then have abuse hurled at me on the beach.

Indeed I did, peggy -canes on flowerpots. In fact, I marked out a whole dressage course too.

because you can't see the line on a fishing rod which is more dangerous than a dog lead - plus hooking them like bait is going a tad to far.

No idea why people would think it was ok to fix a thick line to a babys reins in order for him to stay safe and yet not think hooking a fishing to his mouth was a good idea. grow up love

I pressume that this an April Fools joke??
My oldest used to escape at every opportunity, thats what todlers do and its our job to chase after them and keep them safe!!!!

I know of a toddler that died when the stupid parent used a very similar device when I worked in paediatrics many years ago, they were quite rightfully charged with manslaughter on the basis of neglect.

Its a lazy approach to parenting, I would rather be on the beach playing with my children than sat relaxing in peace whilst they were tied up!!!???

agree with muzzle idea.

wait a second, I did not say hook them in the mouth!

Nurse that sound dreadful. I really hope people take notice now that it's unsafe. If you're watching them regardless of their tethering device then surely it's pointless having them on a lead?

Thanks Slowest, I hope they do too!!!
Im very new to all of this and not sure i'll be bothering because im shocked that people think its acceptable to tether your kids up lol!!!
Still think its an April joke????
Ive seen some awful things having worked in A+E for 16 years and the majority is due to neglect

CBA to read whole thread sorry. If no one else has mentioned it just wanted to add that retractable dog leads can inflict very nasty burns if in contact with skin when retracting back into the handle. I have a friend with a nasty scar all the way around her leg caused in this way.

I don't even think they are suitable for dogs let alone children.

We got one of these for our independently-minded toddler and it worked quite well (he liked the giraffe at first but eventually objected to being restricted).

Lots of wheelchair using parents have been using retractable dog leads for years.
If a child is supervised I am not sure how they can be dangerous. Unless you are going to tie one end to a post and just let the kid wander, wouldnt you see if they became entangled?

Parents with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities have always had to come up with creative solutions.

I wouldnt rule out anything as long as it was safe.

Rather a baby on a lead than one under a truck.
The traditional baby reins are very short and kids tend to just sort of hang when they get fed up

I used to have 'Peaceful Parenting' on FB. Good God that lot make MNs look like softies
They published a photo of a child and carer. Both were fully identifiable. The child was having a bit of a tantrum and doing that hanging thing.
Peaceful Parenting invited comments self rightious bitching

Lots of ridiculous smug comments about dog leashes etc.

"I wouldnt rule out anything as long as it was safe." yeah that's the point, it's not safe! She isn't a wheelchair user, she's just idle! OP is having to watch him anyway regardless of the leash, so the question is why have the leash? Why not just watch him, or is it easier to have a cord she can yank to reel him back in?

Is she going to yank him back in?
I must have missed the bit where she said she was planning to yank him back in.

Nothing wrong with being idle every so often either.

I find it really worrying that even wheelchair using parents are using retractable leads given their danger. I know, I know I'm going on about it but I've had a nasty injury from one.

i call DD2s reins 'her lead'

makes walking with her much easier.

she comes and holds out her arms when i say 'DD2! here is your lead!'

although i am quite judgy about extending leads used for dogs :)

(though yes, it is better than not walking, not allowing any freedom...so no argument if you find them useful..)

when i walk dog with DD1, DD1 holds one end of the lead, with me holding the middle, and dog on the other end. works a treat.

retractables don't really retract on stubborn offenders anyway...

well what's the point in the lead if he can bolt off, surely having him on the lead was that he could be yanked back in? Otherwise like I said, why not just watch him? I feel sorry for your kids, on leads!

they love it :) less falling over! less carrying!

the point is presumably, if they're attached, you can't lose them. and retracting will gently tug them back if they aren't being that buggerous (did bugger all to the GSD/bull breed X rescue dog i was walking.)

Wilde, do you really not understand what the OP is on about? Have you not had 2 toddlers? What do you do, then? As Maryz said, which one are you meant to chase? what's wrong with reins instead of hurting their hands by holding on to them all the time? Definitely rather reins than under a truck.

"Rather a baby on a lead than one under a truck."

Absolutely agree, but I knew a dog who was hit by a car after running into the road while on an extendable lead :( That's the kind of thing I mean about the false sense of security. I know the OP isn't suggesting using the lead near roads, but this post seemed to be referring to a situation with nearby traffic - sounds a very bad idea to me, for dogs or kids.

(again I have no problem with reins for kids - or normal dog leads for dogs - but the extendable/retractables really are so often more trouble than they're worth, and can sometimes even be dangerous)

Awwww someone feels sorry for my kids

crushed I am, crushed I tells you.

I also had three under four and, unless you never take them out anywhere, you have to have some way of stopping them running away. YOu have to have two hands to push a buggy, a double one, anyway and so the only way to control the other child is to have some kind of rein - a full rein or a wrist strap. Nothing wrong with that at all.

Wilde, I think you've been rather unkind on thsi thread. You have used pretty immoderate language, too.

ephiny you are right. They can be very dangerous. They can be a right PITA too. When people use them instead of keeping an eye on their dogs (or even kids).

I think when used sensibly as an aid to safety they are fine.

But not in place of watching your kid/dog/ferret/whatever.

I dont use one with my dog because he is very good on the recall. I found them a bit annoying and pointless.
If I had a rescue dog that just couldnt be let off the lead I would use it to give them that extra freedom. A lunge would make me nervy if the dog were laible to go for other dogs IYSWIM.

i feel sorry for my kids. their silly Mother is Always On Her Laptop!