Retractable dog leads query....?

Question

I have a staff cross boxer, he is a bit bigger than a boxer, and I want to get a retractable lead which I will get one intended for a large dog. My problem is, I've bought two in the past (he chewed them), and one was a thin rope/string looking one (which was Flexi - medium dog one), and the other one was for a large dog and it was more like a proper nylon lead, it was flat, and looked more like tape than string - lol, hope this makes sense lol.

Basically, you can get these string/thin looking ones for large dogs, I'm worried he'll snap it if he see's a ball and pelts it while still conected.

Is one better than the other, or are they both as good / bad

hope this makes sense lol

Answer 1

I HATE THOSE d**n LEASHES! I only use it if I'm traveling by car for rest stops or it's raining and i don't want to be in the rain when i take my dog out. THAT'S IT!  

I REPEAT, I HATE THEM! They are annoying and give you rope burns. Also i've heard of actual horror stories on them about people severing toes and fingers. So i would go with the tape kind of one. Just to keep those fingers safe. Also the string ones are more likely to break.

Also don't go on normal walks with them, I HATE those owners more that do that than the actual flexi leash. They have NO CONTROL over their dog. I HATE YOU PEOPLE.

Answer 2

not a retractable, for that strong of a dog!!!

I would recommended a horses lead or if you want distance..lounge line (also for horses)

can be bought fro 5-10 dollars at a tack/feed store

Answer 3

I know exactly what leads you are talking about...

FLEXI actually makes the BEST kind,,,they are more expensive but the work..

A couple of things to bear in mind....

1) USE AN "ALL TAPE" lead....no "string"

2) NEVER LET THE DOG GO THE FULL DISTANCE OF THE LEAD...click it and make him stop...otherwise he CAN AND WILL ruin the lead

3) ALWAYS keep an eye on your dog....play, walk, whenever.....he should NOT be able to have the opportunity to "chec" the lead

4) NEVER NMEVER NEVER use it as a "tie out"...that's when they eat it the most.

Hope thie helped.

Answer 4

    I don't use retractable leads because they teach a dog to pull, not good with large dogs and often the dog can dart into traffic. I own a few for both my MinPins and Dobes but only use them in a safe fenced area just in case. I have had both sizes pull the lead form my hand and spook at the handle chasing them.

Answer 5

i would go with the thicker one.  but if it is weighted to his weight, it shouldn't break.

Answer 6

I'm not a fan of retractable leashes.  I feel that it gives too much control over the walk to the dog and they don't learn proper walking etiquette.  Have you tried a normal leash?  They are much better at keeping your dog under control.

Answer 7

I'm not a fan of retractable leads, especially for big dogs.  There's too many things that can go wrong, and they give you very little to no control over your dog.  You would be better off with a strong nylon flat lead, one that has a loop at the end.  Put your hand through the loop so it is around your wrist, and grasp the flat part of the leash right below the loop.  You'll have much better control over the dog, than just having your hand grasping a plastic handle.

Answer 8

I tore my rotator cuff using a flexi leash with a 65 lb dog that took off after some very interesting distraction, so I really wouldn't recommend one.  

For training your dog off lead, I would recommend a very long lead (30 feet) and another person to help (the other person would hang onto the leash while you call the dog).  If you do not want to train him to be off lead, but just want him not to pull, there are several kinds of collars that work - the gentle leader, a martingale, or a pinch collar.

Best of luck.

Answer 9

In my opinion flexis are a bad idea all around.  They teach a dog that it's ok to have tension on their leash, and in my house that most definately is NOT ok.  The only case where I ever use a flexi leash is when I rollerblade with my dogs, and they have a harness on.  

However, if you're going to use one...here's my logic:

If your dog is going to take off so fast that he has enough force to actually break the cord on the leash...how do you figure you're going to be able to hold onto that leash?  My guess is it's going to get yanked right out of your hand at that point.  

(This is partly why I walk my dogs on a cat leash...I like the lighter weight, and if they're going to pull so hard that they might actually break the clasp on that leash...the leash is going to be the least of our problems.)

Answer 10

I won't even use a retractable leash on my small dog.  I think they encourage bad habits and also aren't very sturdy.  

Answer 11

I've tried both and I prefer the flat ones as opposed to the thin cord type ones.  The cord type ones can get wrapped around the legs easier which always scares me when they run and you suddenly stop them.  I have a german shepherd/malamute that I use the flat retractable leash on.  He tends to do the occasional lunge and the leash has held up well and has never snapped on me.  Just my experience for you to know about.

Answer 12

i dont trust those with any dog over 45 pounds. they can simply take off too fast and break the line. i just use the good 'ol leash leather or nylon

Answer 13

The leads that looks like a string are pretty durable.  They are basically made the same as cables, from small threads braided into other braids to make that string.  So, pulling wise, it shouldn't snap.  They are also made from from plastic fibers, so it is more durable then just a fabric string.  Those leashes are also made to withstand lots of pressure and pulling, so I wouldn't worry too much.  One problem that I have had with them, if he does run full speed and you're holding the leash, it can easily just yank out of your hand, you have to have a good grip on it, unlike a regular leash that you can loop around your wrist.