Retractable leads for strong dogs!?

PRINCESSX87

I'm looking for some advice on the best retractable leads for large / strong dogs? So far, we've had around 4 which haven't lasted more then a few walks.

My boy is a puller on normal leads, But, I find these better as he seems to not want to drag me around for that extra bit of ground.

Any tips of the best ones for strong breeds?

krlyr

What kind of walking is it for - roadside or to give him a bit of length to run around in a park etc. if he can't go offlead?

Personally, I hate to see retractable leads used for road walks. Not only do I see so many people with them fully extended and dog miles ahead (makes me wonder what the point is of a lead at all, when the dog could so easily sidestep infront of a car and the owner being helpless to stop it) but I have heard quite a few cases of the locking mechanism failing at a vital point. Not just that, but they can be difficult (especially the cord version) to "reel" back in if needed.

I can see their pros for careful use in a park or woodland to give the dog some extra freedom but even then I'm a bit wary as they can wind around the legs of other dogs or other walkers and cause some nasty injuries. Not to mention that if you drop the end by mistake, it can be quite terrifying for the dog who's darting around with this heavy handle bumping and banging around behind them, I've heard of dogs freaking out quite a lot when this has happened. For this kind of walk, I much prefer to use a longline/lungeline, you can reel in and out the slack as needed. Not quite as convenient to carry around but much safer IMO (though I do recommend wearing gloves, especially if it's a large dog - fingerless riding gloves work quite well as you can still undo clips, feed treats, etc.)

For roadwalking, I would just really polish up on the training. An extendable lead can worsen pulling because there is a constant tension on the lead (as it tries to retract itself) and it doesn't teach the dog to have a slack lead. I find the Halti double-ended training leads fab for walks as they're adjustable in length and very comfy to hold, and then I'd recommend something like the 300 peck method for loose lead walking
http://www.pawsitivelydogs.co.uk/300peck.pdf

Remember that longlines and extendable leads should be used on a harness rather than a collar to prevent a sudden jerk to the neck if they run to the end of the lead. You might find that a harness with two points of attachment is helpful for the pulling issue too, e.g.
http://www.kumfi.com/index.php/onlien-store/complete-control-harness-detail

gettingready

This is the one I use for Zara, for dogs up to 50kg (Zara is 40kg - gone up again with the care "rest").

Had mine for nearly 6 years and still as good as new.

Flexi - got mine at PAH.

Just make sure you get one that looks like tape not string....

Hate those string type ones and ovners using them as described in the post above. They are so easy to tangle around people/dogs they should be banned all together

lostinrates

I do not like retractable leads, i also have large dogs who i sometimes want to keep hold of. I use a horse's lunge line. They take practice and experince to handle deftly, but i use them with horses too so i had the technique i wanted.

PuppyLove_2

I agree about getting a tape lead and not the string one, i ended up with a burn on my leg when someone let their dog get tangled round me!

My dog is only 14kg and i use the flexi tape lead up to 24kg, the tape ones are much stronger and only a little more expensive. Also i got the 'Comfort' one as the handle had a better grep and is nicer to hold

PRINCESSX87

Thanks krlyr!

I'm getting the retractable for our long field walks, Normally, Its ok to let him off, But recently, what with work being done, there is plenty of places for him to disappear / wonder off, So its going to serve its purpose in that way. Of course, A harness is inc!

Do you use a lunge lead? I have a 4ft one and its me that get tangled, dragged, falls over due to lake of hand space

ali-t

flexi giant is the biz. My rott does fine on these and he attempts to pull like a demon if he sees something worth chasing http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_collars_dog_leads/retractable_leads/flexi_special/298889

they are not cheap but well worth it

krlyr

I found the best one was a padded 30' one from an equestrian store. The thickness prevented it tangling and knotting for the most part. As lostinrates said, there's a little bit of a knack to it but not overly complex. I just reel the line in and out (using my palm and elbow to wrap it up, like a rope) or in semi-safe places you can just drop the end of it and let it trail on the floor to grab when needed as a backup. Just remember to take a carrierbag in your pocket to stick a wet, muddy longline in if needed!

Wellyboots6

I use a retractable lead with Tyson when we go in fields that I haven't had chance to check for gaps in hedges, livestock etc (previous cows thread!)

I reel him in though if there are people or other dogs around as they could tangle.

I also 'steer' him when he is extended on it, he knows direction commands and so I can steer him round trees etc.

I got mine from PAH. They have instructions on how to choose the right lead for the weight and size of dog etc. Mine has lasted a year so far.

I would ideally like to use a longline, but haven't got round to getting a new one yet as my old one has been dragged through far too many cow pats!

ali-t

I find longlines to be a total nightmare due to having more than one dog. They are easier to juggle when only walking one dog but I find I need 2 hands to effectively use a longline.

pawsies

Sorry not a fan of flexi leads at all!!!

It's so irritating when you can't tell if the leashed dog is leashed or not? Try seeing string from a distance!

I usually leash my dog if the other dog is leashed, those occasions when she's met an aggressive dog on a flexi lead are not my fault I'm afraid. If I can't see the leash, I can't put my dog on leash.

I usually do err on the side of caution and put her on though.

Plus as mentioned tangling is a big issue.