to think buying an extendable dog lead to attach to DD's reins is a great idea?

[Chirpygirl]

That's it really, was chasing after her in the park today and as she is just over 18 months and I am 33 weeks pregnant it is getting harder to keep up with her.
I could put the brakes on her to stop her running round the corner and reel her back in when she was walking nicely.....or is it too cruel?!

Maybe cruel but the mental image made me chuckle

but they don't reel in if she legged it for the road or got too close to a strange dog, do they? i think they just pay out not reel in?

What a brilliant idea! I wouldn't say it's cruel, if you're using reigns anyway if anything it's nicer for her to be able to run a bit further.

May try this myself!!

I did giggle at the thread title but feel for you in your situation.

I think it is quite a good idea, not sure how it would be received though!!

made me chuckle too sorry. now i have image of toddler attached to mum by bungee cord - run too far and... boing!!

what a fantastic idea, will remember that when ds4 is old enough to walk.

Now have even funnier mental image of toddler being reeled in at speed!! Maybe try a sturdy bit of elastic?

I saw a couple walking with their toddler attached to a flexi lead the other day. It had an extension lead running off it connected to their yorkshire terrier so they only had to hold one lead- I did a double take when I saw them.

Not sure if they have brakes?! Otherwise thinks it's a great idea!

I thought I'd get shouted down! I know dog leads have a stop on them so you can stop your dog running into the road, so I may not be able to reel her in but I could stop her running...
I feel really sorry for her at times as she wants to leg it off across the grass but I can't let her go too far, and then when I am walking round the lake I can't let her run ahead and she has to stay within inches of me cos of the stupid short reins!
Gap in the market maybe?!

I like the bungee cord idea though!

Great idea, I love it!

They do make retractable ones! And at this price I might just do it!

My 18 month old son often ends up with extending dog lead attached to the belt loops on his jeans. It means he can run about without going too far and he loves it. Do get some atrange looks though but have had loads of people saying its a great idea.
hhmmm may start selling dog leads with pictures of teddies on them and market them a sthe latest designer child restraint. lol

Damm stupid I think, Bound to end up getting it wrapped around them, probably round their neck. Reins are a grat idea but as others say only a short rein.

I have extendable leads for my dogs (and possibely soon for my DD!!), and they have brakes for escaping dogs/children. You reel the dog/child back in by putting the brake on, pulling back gently, then releasing to wind up the slack (they rewind any slack automatically) and repeat until dog/child is back with you again.

Sounds like a brillinat solution to me, especially if you're pg and can't do much chasing. DD is 2 and loves to run away. I'm only 10 weeks pg so chasing her is OK for now, but by the time I'm 33 weeks I think I might need to get a lead for her too! She can have my little dog's one - he's very well behaved without a lead.

But surely it can't be dangerous if I am still within 5 metres of her? it just means she gets that extra bit of freedom.

Am gutted other people thought of this first!

Never used reins myself. Always thought it was a but freaky. But when snowy, it's a good idea to put your kids into a sledge and then hand them the dog lead. Much more fun to get Spike to pull the kids along than doing it yourself.

Me being a worrier was worried about the safety aspect. Wrapped round her neck, too much leeway and you couldn't stop her. In theory a good idea as long as it isn't too long.

lol... why not! if you use it sensibly then there is no danger.

Being 33 weeks pregnant with an 18 month old baby can't be easy.

I was wondering about this very thing just the other day.

I think it is a fab idea (obviously taking into account safety issues as previously mentioned) and I may have to go and buy one myself for ds, who likes to run away, but can't be trusted to come back!

Hmm, not sure. I don't think I would do this, but I am not exactly sure why not. Would she be steady enough on her feet not to fall over if she was running fast when the lead reached the end or if you put the brake on?? Depending on how she reacts on falling over (would she want picked up, or you might have to bend down and cuddle her if she's hurt?) then legging after her might actually be an easier option!

I can just picture me trying to do that here in Germany where reins are very frowned upon. The one time I used them on DD I passed through the town on a wave of mutterings about dogs and children.

I can see your point though, and I as long as the lead isn't longer than 4 or 5 metres I don't see the problem. It isn't as if you are going to tie the lead to a tree and have a nap.

Of course I wouldn't tie her up and have a nap.....tempting as it is!
I've been thinking about this all afternoon and it will be even more handy when I am BFing the new baby as I really won't be able to run after her then!

i only clip dd's strap one side so she can rein free but still close as when its clipped in both side she gets under foot or pulls me over