Dogs on leads | Mumsnet

Thatldo · 28/12/2021 17:03

Totally agree with you.long flexileads are very dangerous if there are free running dogs around.I always avoid people with dogs on flexilead.I personally think, long training/flexi leads should predominantly be used for training .Letting dogs run around on a flexi/training lead is dangerous if there are other dogs (and people for that matter).And dont get me going about people with dogs on flexilead,who use up the entire width of a path!!

Shouldofgotahamster85 · 28/12/2021 18:43

Yep agree with you so so dangerous! If they don’t have good recall don’t let them loose go somewhere safe!

icedcoffees · 28/12/2021 18:58

Do you mean longlines?

Because this is the entire point of them - to let your dog feel "free" but with the added element of security for the owner as you can just stamp on the line without having to worry about the dog staying just out of arms' reach or is that just mine

Please don't say anything to the owners - they're actually being very responsible by using a longline on their pup. They're an excellent way to teach recall and to allow flighty dogs to run free. Enclosed fields generally cost money and aren't always accessible for everyone.

Stellaris22 · 28/12/2021 19:55

Do you mean long, training leads or the extendable leads?

I found the training leads (I had a horse lunge line) really useful but avoided woodland areas because it would get tangled. In an open area these lines are great.

I'd rather people used these if they are cautious with recall training rather than just being off lead.

MorningInspiration · 28/12/2021 20:06

Long lines are great for training and part of training is practicing outside in fields, parks etc where there are distractions to see if your pup can respond. In fact lots of training places recommend them and if you join puppy classes you may find they ask you to bring one (ours did!) and even rehoming centres like Battersea recommend them.

The other option is people having to 'test' their dogs recall in a busy place without that safety net and that would be far worse! Of course if you are using a long line you should be watching your dog and making sure it is safe/not tangled.

I agree with @icedcoffees of not confronting long line users as the fact they use one shows they are more aware/considerate than those who run free and don't care about recall.

Flexi leads are different and they are proven to have risks. But I haven't heard of an issue with longlines until this thread.

CovoidOfAllHumanity · 28/12/2021 22:12

I have my ddog on a long line at the park because I cannot trust he would come back without it. He has decent recall apart from when he wants to play with other dogs.

I watch him and make sure he doesn't get tangled and if he does have permission to play chase with another dog then I will let him off so no-one gets tangled or hurt.

MissyB1 · 28/12/2021 22:15

Long lines are ok if a very bright colour and thick enough to be seen. If not they can be a hazard.
Extendable flexi leads are positively dangerous and I hate them.

Catsrus · 28/12/2021 22:17

@littlebilliie

We have a lovely park near us where most of the dogs play together without aggression and it's safe as there are no exits on to main roads.

Our pup is still learning recall but we are meeting more people with dog on the very long strap leads running loose. I'm completely paranoid that there is going to be an accident where a leash will break a leg or neck as it gets wrapped around at speed.

I'm trying to avoid these dogs and owners but it seems to be popular now. I want to say something to the owners, but don't want to be that person

Long lines are a training device - they are only dangerous if you hold onto the end and the dog gets in a tangle. they trail behind the dog and allow you to stamp on it and regain control.

If you "say something" you will just be indicating your ignorance.

They don't get wrapped around things unless a dog is totally alone. They really are a help in training. I recommend you read up on them.

In the old days we had to use a washing line - the webbing ones are much easier!

Thatldo · 29/12/2021 07:03

Longlines should be used as a one to one training aid and NOT to play with other dogs.I have seen too many nasty injuries,dogs being tangled.if your dog has not managed a distraction recall and you want to let it play with other dogs,hire an enclosed "dog playing/running field".

Original poster

littlebilliie · 29/12/2021 07:40

@Thatldo

Longlines should be used as a one to one training aid and NOT to play with other dogs.I have seen too many nasty injuries,dogs being tangled.if your dog has not managed a distraction recall and you want to let it play with other dogs,hire an enclosed "dog playing/running field".

This is what I'm talking about, this dog was tearing around the a group. The owner wasn't doing any training just allowing the dog (it wasn't a pup) to crazily run. There was no practice of recall he was ignoring the dog. He just stamped on the lead when he wanted to leave without reinforced recall or rewards for the dog.

I used training lead/strap when mine was younger. I'm armed with sausage so my dog is very interested in my recall

OP posts:

icedcoffees · 29/12/2021 08:09

@Thatldo

Longlines should be used as a one to one training aid and NOT to play with other dogs.I have seen too many nasty injuries,dogs being tangled.if your dog has not managed a distraction recall and you want to let it play with other dogs,hire an enclosed "dog playing/running field".

There's actually nothing wrong with using a longline in a group setting either.

I use them at work as a dog walker as I have a couple of dogs I can't let off lead (mostly due to high prey drives) but who love a good run in the group. No dog has ever once been tangled up - they're remarkably good at either stopping and waiting, or untangling themselves by jumping over the line.

Yes, you do need to pay a bit more attention than if the dog was running free and I'd never use them in woodland but they're fantastic bits of kit when used properly.

I know not everyone does use them properly but that doesn't mean the kit itself is bad or dangerous.

Thatldo · 29/12/2021 08:25

The kit itself isnt dangerous,but many people who really dont know how to use the kit properly making the use of it dangerous.

icedcoffees · 29/12/2021 08:44

@Thatldo

The kit itself isnt dangerous,but many people who really dont know how to use the kit properly making the use of it dangerous.

Yeah - that's my point.

It annoys me when people see someone using equipment badly and assume it's the equipment at fault.

Any piece of dog gear can be dangerous if used incorrectly but that doesn't mean the gear itself is automatically bad.

If someone approached me and told me not to use a long line because they were dangerous I'd think they were quite mad

Original poster

littlebilliie · 29/12/2021 09:33

"If someone approached me and told me not to use a long line because they were dangerous I'd think they were quite mad"

I think dog walkers are quite forward and bluntly honest with their opinions. As a dog owner I am invested in having a healthy, happy dog.

I feel reassured that no-one has had an accident with the loose leads in a group setting.

OP posts:

Thatldo · 29/12/2021 10:27

@littlebilliie.I think the fact you acctually think of potential pitfalls with longlines,makes you by default a responsible dogowner.there are sooo many new dogowners since lockdowns and just so many dont have a clue about the breed (and the specific need of their dog),never mind how to use equipment safely.Maybe I am a bit too pesimistic about human(not dog) nature.it sounds,your dog has a wonderful life with you.

icedcoffees · 29/12/2021 11:19

As a dog owner I am invested in having a healthy, happy dog.

As are the vast, vast majority of dog owners, but we're all capable of making mistakes and doing things wrong sometimes too.

So yes, education on the correct use of equipment is important - however, people generally don't appreciate being approached by strangers and given unsolicited advice - it rarely ever has the impact the advice-giver thinks it will have!

If someone approached me out of the blue and tried to give me advice, I would most likely just get upset and embarrassed.

Original poster

littlebilliie · 29/12/2021 19:53

@icedcoffees

As a dog owner I am invested in having a healthy, happy dog.

As are the vast, vast majority of dog owners, but we're all capable of making mistakes and doing things wrong sometimes too.

So yes, education on the correct use of equipment is important - however, people generally don't appreciate being approached by strangers and given unsolicited advice - it rarely ever has the impact the advice-giver thinks it will have!

If someone approached me out of the blue and tried to give me advice, I would most likely just get upset and embarrassed.

Although it wouldn't be out of the blue if your dog was tearing around on a long leash tangling up with the other dogs.

I have had some quite blunt advice from other dog owners, most of it has been useful. I feel it's an honest community where people want the best and I will listen if people are speaking with concern.

OP posts:

icedcoffees · 29/12/2021 21:11

Although it wouldn't be out of the blue if your dog was tearing around on a long leash tangling up with the other dogs.

Well, my opinion would be that if you don't like my dog running around and playing with his friends on a long line, you're free to recall your dog and take him elsewhere.

If you feel you or your dog is at risk from being tangled up then by all means leave the area and don't allow your dog to play, but it's not really on to go up to a stranger and criticise them for doing something they're well within their rights to do.

Thatldo · 29/12/2021 21:34

I think,it really depends on the relationship you have with other dogowners.for example,if someone I talk regularly with would one day throw a stick for my dogs,I would very politely tell that person why she/he should never do this.if it is a total stranger,I would immediately call my dogs and walk quickly away.there are always points in dog training where people have different opinions.
It sounds like OP knows the people quite well and there is no harm in voicing concern with longline tangling dogs.in my 35 years of having dogs,I have been given some useful comments and some utter rubbish comments.

icedcoffees · 29/12/2021 21:46

Oh absolutely @Thatldo - if you know the person it's very different, but I got the impression from her first post that this man is a total stranger to her.

Obviously if they're friends or at least acquaintances then that's very different.

MissMaple82 · 29/12/2021 22:32

Please don't be that person! Dogs need a safe place to run, be free and act like a dog! Go somewhere more private.