Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Recommend me your retractable leads

79 replies

Lolatt · 10/08/2021 19:44

Button release for strong dogs who pull.

Any recommendations?

OP posts:
tabulahrasa · 14/08/2021 12:29

Thing is though... does anyone actually think that people using extendable leads badly will suddenly turn into responsible considerate dog walkers just because they used something else?...

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 14/08/2021 13:19

No, but it might limit their chances to cause injury to innocent passers-by.

tabulahrasa · 15/08/2021 07:54

@GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman

No, but it might limit their chances to cause injury to innocent passers-by.
Doubt it, numpties are numpties - no matter what they use.
pigsDOfly · 15/08/2021 11:51

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman

As I said in my pp, I've used a retractable lead on my dog for years - attached to a harness not, a collar, of course.

She's 10 years old and I have never in all that time caused injury to a passer-by, been tripped up or pulled over by my dog when we're using one, nor have I ever got myself or anyone else tangled up in one.

Perhaps that because I not an idiot and know how to use it without allowing these things to happen.

Used sensibly and properly they are extremely useful in certain circumstances.

Like absolutely anything, be it a retractable lead, an iron, or a car, if you use it in a stupid or dangerous way of course you are likely to cause injury.

People are killed by dangerous drivers all the time, nobody ever blames the car, why would they, it's the driver that's at fault.

In the same way, if a retractable lead causes injury it's because it's not being used properly or sensibly.

As tabulahrasa says: numpties are numpties - no matter what they use.

xoJellyBean · 15/08/2021 14:25

We have the 70kg Kong one. It's brilliant.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 15/08/2021 14:36

pigs
Well, good for you - but I HAVE been injured by one, which was in fact being used by a very sensible friend at the time.

In my two previous posts on this thread I've said that there are situations where a retractable is a good option - though they do teach dogs to pull.

tabulahrasa · 16/08/2021 11:31

“I HAVE been injured by one, which was in fact being used by a very sensible friend at the time.”

Um... no intentional offence to your friend... but you literally can’t injure someone else with one if you’re using it sensibly - because it’s pretty basic common sense to not have it extended if you’re not alone with your dog.

The main things you should never ever do with an extendable lead is have it extended near traffic, people or other dogs. I actually switch to it from a normal short lead when I’ve reached where it’s going to be used (that way they know when they need to walk beside me) but it should be locked short at least.

Shannith · 16/08/2021 11:36

Get a lunge lead. Much safer and perfect for recall training.

Takes a bit of practice to let it out and feel/loop it back in but it means you can train recall at any time of the day knowing that you have an anchor to reinforce your here/come/recall command.

I got this - but it was way too long so I cut it in half.

Maximum Pet Products 65ft Blue... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C63KPRG?ref=ppxpoppmobappshare

Shannith · 16/08/2021 11:38

Also liver sausage for recall training. Catnip for dogs.

Shannith · 16/08/2021 11:41

And actually when I remember I will bring an actual horse luncheon lead from the yard. Bit more expensive and heavier but mine are padded some comfortable to hold.

They are designed for me to control half a ton of horse at the end of it so a lab going through a teenage recall regression is not going to be a problem.

Even a really long horse lead rope would work.

Shannith · 16/08/2021 11:42

Lunge line. Lord.

GuyFawkesDay · 16/08/2021 11:56

@Rapidash I used to do lots with horses and found myself automatically looping my long line whilst getting FawkesPup use to his long line in the in-laws garden! Old habits die hard!!

XelaM · 16/08/2021 12:53

We use a retractable lead with no problems or drama whatsoever (and have done with my previous dog for 16 years). All the dramatic stories about retractable leads is something I have never seen happen in real life!

Shambolical1 · 16/08/2021 14:10

@XelaM then you've been very lucky. Well done you.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 16/08/2021 14:52

tabulah
I'll be sure to let her know that she's an idiot then...

I suppose the point is that it's easy to think you're being sensible with a retractable, but then something unexpected happens.

Mostlylurkingiam · 17/08/2021 00:01

@PeonyTime

As a dog hater, please choose a colour that will stand out against the grass and tarmac, or whatever other surfaces you will be using it on. I walked away from the dog, and tripped over the flat, grey, line lying close to the ground at ankle height. Not what I was expecting!
Why on earth are you on this board if you hate dogs?! Just to be nasty?
Featherweight372 · 17/08/2021 08:16

Mumsnet is like an alternative universe sometimes. I've never once seen someone use a longline in real life, literally not once. They're all on short leads, off lead or retractable.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 17/08/2021 08:51

@Featherweight372

Mumsnet is like an alternative universe sometimes. I've never once seen someone use a longline in real life, literally not once. They're all on short leads, off lead or retractable.
I use longlines for certain parts of training or if I have a bitch in season.

A lot of people don't do much training with their dogs, and most owners of bitches have them spayed asap. Regular posters on this board are likely to be more invested in their dogs than the average and so more likely to spend time training.

Featherweight372 · 17/08/2021 08:59

True, this thread is definitely not a reflection of real life.

Rapidash · 17/08/2021 09:03

I see quite a few people using long lines in my local park - one at 7.30 this morning actually

icedcoffees · 17/08/2021 09:20

@Featherweight372

Mumsnet is like an alternative universe sometimes. I've never once seen someone use a longline in real life, literally not once. They're all on short leads, off lead or retractable.
Whereas where I live, you barely ever see a retractable lead and many people use long lines.

I think both have their place and I'm not someone who thinks retractable leads are the work of the devil like many on here thing.

There are many situations where long lines are impractical and a pain to carry around - just like there are situations where a retractable is a bad idea too.

pigsDOfly · 19/08/2021 14:03

I used a long line when I was training my dog some years ago.

I see a fair amount of people using them where I live but I saw someone training a large parrot the other day where I walk my dog, so maybe where I live isn't representative of most areas.

Sitdowncupoftea · 19/08/2021 14:20

I definitely would not recommend a retractable lead for any dog. I think they are dangerous and can fail. Get a strong longline and a harness.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 19/08/2021 16:45

I see a fair amount of people using them where I live but I saw someone training a large parrot the other day where I walk my dog, so maybe where I live isn't representative of most areas.
Oh, I wish!

pigsDOfly · 19/08/2021 19:11

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman

Yes it was a bit of a surprise.

He had a perch thing stuck in the grass for the parrot to land on, obviously it was tethered to him (the parrot that is, not the perch.

Dog was absolutely fascinated, as was I, and sat down to watch, albeit from some distance and on the lead.