Excuse the language on the poster, B| but... This is really so important to think about: both points. Flexi (extendable) leads are popular but potentially very dangerous and are definitely a contributor/cause of injury, of issues with dogs becoming overly reactive to other dogs, and -- sad to say -- deaths. Youd be hard put to find a single dog trainer or behaviourist who does not detest these leads. If you want to use a Flexi, save it for open empty fields or empty beaches, or hiking trails. Please dont have more than one Flexi in hand on any walk. Why are the dangerous? Let me count the ways. * They easily pop out of the hand, releasing your dog. Even puppies can pull unexpectedly and cause this to happen. Easily. * The clatter of the handle of the ground causes many dogs (especially puppies) to bolt with the thing dragging behind them, scaring them even more as they run, and run, and run... away from you. Into the distance, Into traffic. :O * People forget to lock them -- and the locks easily disengage -- when walking in traffic, allowing a dog to bolt in front of cars while on the Flexi. I ALWAYS see dogs on un,coked, fully extended Flexis walking on pavements next to traffic :o NO dog is reliably not going to bolt into the street, given adequate temptation * The cords can tangle around legs and necks and there are numerous stories of dogs needing amputations or strangling due to this (thus as experienced rescue transport people know, please NEVER use a Flexi to tie/restrain a dog inside a car!!! Ever ever ever. Either when you are travelling or to leave the dog, even for a moment. * The cords can tangle around dogs that are greeting each other on a walk, causing panic and at times, a fight out of nowhere * If one of the dogs above is already aggressive or unreliable and goes for your dog, even ONE dog on a Flexi can bind them together with devastating consequences * People with a reactive dog or worried about oncoming dogs, typically reel in their own dog which sets the stage for creating a reactive dog or worsening the problem as the owner is signaling their dog, that other dogs are alarming. Many reactive dogs improve enormously when simply moved off a Flexi and on to a normal, secure cloth or leather 4-5ft lead (no chains). * Two or more dogs on Flexis are a nightmare waiting to happen. Owners cannot safely manage two in an emergency -- its just not possible. Alternate which dog is on the Flexi and which on a normal lead (if youre using them in a safe place). IF you use a Flexi in safe situations, then consider getting a wriststrap (like those for cameras) to keep you from ever dropping the Flexi by mistake.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 10:51:44 +0000
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