I hate retractable leashes!

[Chromatic Corns]

lady in my neighborhood walks her boxers on these retractables. they don't like other dogs, they are always at the end of the retractable. they get to and around corners way ahead of her where they can meet another dog she doesn't even know is there yet. Yeah, waiting for the dog fight.

 

[Floof]

I can't imagine anyone with an expandable leash letting them go all out in a store either, just doesnt make sense.

In a perfect world, sure. But in the real world, it's the exact opposite! Working at a pet supply store, we have lots of people come through with dogs on retractables. 9 out of 10 people don't pay attention, don't lock the lead, and let their dogs run rampant. It's awful. Ill-behaved dogs on a standard 4-6 ft lead is one thing. Ill-behaved dogs with a 10-20 ft range and a safety hazard/trip line trailing behind them is a whole other nightmare.

I'm with the others here. I can't see any need for a lead longer than 6', except perhaps recall training or if your yard isn't fenced. I prefer 4' leads, even.

I did have a retractable for awhile (my mom thought it was a great idea). The only practical use I ever found for it was living in a place with an unfenced yard. Being able to let the dog potty without having to leave the porch or risk her wandering off was very nice...

 

[MysticExotics]

Oh, Heather, is it the method where someone restrains the dog, and then the handler calls? I've seen him talk about that. Ella and Rose are getting good, because I carry treats all the time and call them when they are busy doing something else, and then give a ton of treats.

Yes, in that part of the the training video, they have a second person hold the dog while the handler/owner calls the dog. It's meant to build up eagerness to run to the handler/owner.

On the note of dog training, Nanci have you heard of Body Awareness training for dogs?
Theres a FB page called Canine Conditioning and Body Awareness Exercises
I want to try teaching mine some of those.

 

[Nanci]

I haven't heard of that. I'll look for it. I love how I learned from Michael Ellis how your body and hand position moves the dog's head, and the body follows.

 

[plasticoamericano]

I used to walk my collie/golden mix without a leash unless we were in a really public place where I thought someone might get upset, in those instances I had a flat leash. Retractable ones are only good in situations like hvani described.