Flexi Leads + Running & Leashes

omgtain

I've seen in some pictures that some of you use Flexi leads!
I'd like to hear your opinions on them.

I ask because my dog is highly 'sniff-motivated'. I trained his recall and distance work with his reward being to sniff a tree, patch of flowers, etc. I'd like to allow him to explore a little more while he is on leash though, 6 feet isn't really cutting it. And anything longer is just too much leash to fumble with . so naturally the Flexi comes to mind.


Another question, though.
I run 3-4 days a week with Nare, i used to run holding his leash but have started clipping it to a belt, but sometimes we get tangled up in it (it is 4ft or 5ft). I'd kinda like something that is like a flexi for when we run, so he has space to run ahead, out to the side if he likes, but there isnt the slack to trip up on lol. Has anyone encountered anything like that ? I see things where the dog runs out ahead of the person (canicross?).. but that seems kinda messy and I don't think he'd like that. I've also seen bungee type leashes but that would require the dog to put pressure on the leash and pull to extend, would that be a bad habit for normal leash work ?

Thanks!

Calia

I personally don't like flexis, and running with them is especially a bad idea.

I've also seen bungee type leashes but that would require the dog to put pressure on the leash and pull to extend, would that be a bad habit for normal leash work ?

For one, flexis do promote some bad habit as there is a constant pressure pulling against the dog. The bungee lead is actually a lot safer than even a regular leash as it will reduce any backlash should something happen (like if you or the dog should fall while the other was still in motion).

There's also the risk of malfunction and possible bodily injury due to the type of line the flexis are made from. Some people and dogs have actually lost body parts due to the flexi wrapping around and cutting it off.

The handle to the flexi is a bit harder to hold, especially if the dog is pulling or has a tendency to lunge. If you happen to drop the handle, the retraction could cause the dog to get scared and run(which happened to a friend).

Trzcina

I really don't like Flexis either--the nylon ropes scare me, and there isn't a good, secure way to hold the bulky plastic handle. Like Calia said, they will automatically retract if you drop them--and even quite... stable... dogs can panic from that.

And most of the dogs I've met who were walked exclusively on Flexis are horrible to walk on at traditional leash, because they think the more they pull, the further in a given direction they get to go. Being pulled along by two Labradors who have never walked on anything except Flexis is not a fun experience...

If you do decide to go with a Flexi, though, get the name-brand kind. A lot of the off-brand ones I've encountered don't have the "trigger" button that allows you to temporarily lock the leash to a specific length. Which makes them even more dangerous, as you have no effective way of stopping the dog as it runs toward the end of the leash if it chooses not to respond to commands, nor of reeling them back in.

Sangmort

I have seen even the smallest of dogs break flexis, and their humans cut their hands open grabbing the "leash" part. I wouldn't ever use one personally, nor do I recommend them to anyone. ~

NavyDog

I do have one but I only use it to take Yucca out to potty. Our yard is not fully fenced. Our other dog is fine off leash but I can't trust Yucca & her tendency to chase ever single leaf that blows by. The flexi gives her a little more freedom to sniff around while I'm also keeping an eye on Cayenne

PoetikDragon

I don't like flexis and will never use them, but most especially in a "hands free" mode such as clipped to a belt.

ayk

I'd consider using the flexi with a retractable belt instead of a rope, but I agree that it could cause bad habits of pulling on-leash.

Maybe on a trained dog I'd do it on a harness for pottying purposes.

At some expos, I've seen some leads that are basically coiled springs. Mostly for tiny dogs though.

LoboSpam

I saw this leash on amazon recently and was curious about getting it: http://amzn.to/17DcHFu



You can actually make this, though, with some sewing skills. You would do it the same way you make an elastic waistband. You take a leash (or leash material called webbing) and a length of elastic that's as short as you want the leash to be when it isn't being pulled. Sew the elastic to the leash at regular points along the leash. The leash will shrink with the elastic but the elastic will lengthen when pulled.

I haven't done this, so it might not work in practice!

Heidi

Rakka has a real knack for breaking flexi leads. She broke all three that we ever tried to use and one of them was after only being used a couple of times. The first one had been used by my 70lb chow/shepherd for years, and then Rakka broke it!

I don't like them, but Noah did. But, we've given up on them. Way back in the day, when it was just Tojo, I'd use one for him when walking in a field, but I prefer a long-line.

I see some utility in them. If they work for you, then whatever. I would only use them with a harness and use a collar for regular leash-walking - that way they would learn to differentiate the two. Actually, I wonder if it would teach mushing dogs to line-out.

Nanook

why not try a horse lunge rope? I was going to get one for nanook and miyako and you can adjust it to any size. amazon sells one that reaches up to 30 feet I think. I would only use the lunge lines though during walks in the park and if they choose to play with other dogs so this way they can rome. Its better than flexi in my opinion because at least a lunge line has a handle at the end like a standard leadh. I threw nanooks flexi leash away because it snapped one day and now it doesn't retract and that can be very dangerous during walks.

tmd

I own and use this ruffwear leash similar to the one @LoboSpam found on Amazon specifically for running. I really like it. There have been a few complaints online about the buckle popping open when a particularly large dog lunges, but I've run with a 50 lbs dog that likes to stop suddenly or lunge at stuff sometimes when distracted and it's held up admirably. It doesn't mean you can completely ignore the dog, but it allows her to run on either side of me, in front or behind without any issue and keeps any pulling or sudden stops more gentle on us both. I'd say pair any running leash with a harness if you can to save the trachea, etc.

I only use this leash to run, so she knows that's what it means when I pick it up. She's a bit of an always-at-the-end-of-the-leash-er already, but not so much that she pulls us along (so we let her) and the introduction of this leash 10 years into her life hasn't made that any worse.

I agree with every poster that avoids the flexi-leash. They are accidents waiting to happen.

wliu003

I have positive results using flexi leads for my dog. Shes around 25 pounds but I bought the ones for larger dogs.

When I take her for walks shes free to foam as long as shes still paying attention to me when I call her. She has a good idea of the distance too so she'll run off and begin to slow down as the leash is getting close to fully extended. She rarely pulls. I'll also tell her to stop before we pass by drive ways or main streets or anything dangerous. Shes very responsive and will wait there until I catch up so I give her the freedom.

ttddinh

i am not a fan of flexi leads because I deem them dangerous. For instance, last week, a lady was biking and her husky was on a flexi lead. the dog went to the right of me and the lady was on my left. luckily, they were not going fast and the dog stopped or else I would have gotten cut. I didn't even see the flexi because it was dusk!

omgtain

Wow for some reason I thought they were more popular here! Lol. It felt like most pictures I looked at had them.

I had liked the Roamer, was looking at it before making this. My only concern is if I get the Large, then there is a lot of.. uhm.. stuff.. Like a Lot of leash hanging there. Nare runs around but always checks back in or sometimes heels, especially when going by cars and such. That is what I liked about the flexi, so neat and don't have to worry about it LOL.

Could get the Small Roamer, but 2 feet isnt that much different doesnt have a freedom I desire, I guess.

Blaaaahh why hasn't a normal retractable leash that isn't so awkward been invented yet?

Maybe a harness that clips to his back will solve my problems..

Thanks!

StefJackUk

I like using a flexi leash I understand what people are saying about encouraging pulling etc and the handle is a bit bulky but I feel if you manage it properly and train the dog this can be avoided. Although I do find you need to consistently pay attention to what's going on around to avoid any problems when the leash is long. I think for me what has worked has been the harness I have used. I use a Halti harness which has two points which you can connect the leash one at the front and one on the back, so what I do on walks is attach the leash at the front at first and keep it short for walking on the pavements etc and when we get the park move it to the back and make her wait until I say and then she can run on the long leash and have freedom to smell and chase the birds!

Although I like my flexi leash I don't think it would be a good option for running as it is bulky and if you get tangled the rope part can burn! something like the lead that @lobospam mentioned would work better but again I don't think it's got the length you are looking for

lwroth

I hadn't used a Flexi in years but got out an old 16' belt Flexi for my 9-1/2-yr-old Akita when I take her for walks in the picnic area of a nearby park. It's great for her because she just likes to wander and sniff and doesn't really run. It hasn't made her a leash puller when I walk her on a 6' leash, but she's a very low-key dog.

Heidi

i am not a fan of flexi leads because I deem them dangerous. For instance, last week, a lady was biking and her husky was on a flexi lead. the dog went to the right of me and the lady was on my left. luckily, they were not going fast and the dog stopped or else I would have gotten cut. I didn't even see the flexi because it was dusk!

Using a flexi-lead with a bike seems like the worst possible use of a flexi-lead! Oi. That's terrible.

Saya

This was shared on my FB wall.. ouch!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=594900653882243&set=a.284526681586310.65367.256688564370122&type=1

I never seen damage done by flexi leash rope till now. O_O

Calia

This was shared on my FB wall.. ouch!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=594900653882243&set=a.284526681586310.65367.256688564370122&type=1

I never seen damage done by flexi leash rope till now. O_O

For those who don't have FB, image link: https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/q81/s720x720/1382418_594900653882243_2008741296_n.jpg

Description:
"Last week, one of our good clients found out first hand the danger of retractable leashes. She called about her little dog being attacked while on a walk. We made the appointment and found that except for some bruises and painful areas, her dog would be fine. The injury to our client was worse. You see, she had her dog on a retractable leash and when the attack happened, her dog was too far away from her to "reel" him in fast enough and she instinctively grabbed the cord with her hand. The rope quite effectively "sawed" through her finger, nearly down to the tendons.

We understand that retractable leashes are popular because "the pets love it" but for the most control and safety of our patients & clients we recommend a regular 6 foot nylon or leather leash. You will have more control because your pet is closer to you and if you have to grab the leash you will not have this kind of injury. Also, if necessary, you can put the loop of the leash on your wrist and have 2 hands free to assist you or your pet.

If you have a retractable leash for your pet, please reconsider when there is even the smallest chance that your pet may encounter danger and you need both hands available for rescue."

PoetikDragon

Inline picture.

timkim

This is best working leash ever. I copied adachiya working leash. I have two of adachiya leash. and it's all beat up by my dogs. and I didn't want to pay that much again to buy more. so i made my own.

Long enough for riding bike. also has swivel on middle so comfort for dog. 1 pc so i have have to worry about collar. I don't use collar anyways at my backyard. since I'm afraid that my dogs will loose hair. and it looks like choke leash but it's not.

Adachiya working leash was best leash ever that I used. and very comfort also looks good on JA>

timkim

BTW ppl looks weird when they use retractable leashes on big dog. I have 1 person always walk her Jindo with retractable leashes. and dog pulls like crazy. I was bit scared since that thin leash will break and This Jindo can attack anyone.

Saya

I saw a Labrador on one luckily I was far away so the dog didn't see me..

My cousin's pug has broken her flexi leash rope few times. Coarse instead of buying new leash they knot the rope there is at least three knots in it.

She isn't a big pug either. Coarse they had this leash since she was a pup and she is 6 or 8 I forgot her age.. Maybe flexi leashes need to be replaced every so often?

I've been roped burned by a 50foot long leash once was my fault, but luckily it was a light burn. Still it hurt.

Calia

BTW ppl looks weird when they use retractable leashes on big dog. I have 1 person always walk her Jindo with retractable leashes. and dog pulls like crazy. I was bit scared since that thin leash will break and This Jindo can attack anyone.

I can never understand why anyone would use a retractable with a dog bigger than 15lbs, it just looks so awkward and not fun. At a dog event, there was this woman taking her overweight lab in for vaccinations. She had the poor thing hooked onto a flexi and was constantly struggling to keep control of the dog and her 3 younger kids. Instead of retracting the flexi, she kept wrapping it around her arms and body as her dog dragged her every which way. As she was leaving, the flexi was fully extended and 90% of it was wrapped around her body. All I kept thinking was that it was an accident waiting to happen, especially since her lab was not dog friendly.

paranoidparrot

I have started using the flexi lead on Tanuki during morning and evening walks (when there are not much people out) as we use it to train recall. For me it works well as he doesn't pull and I always call him in if I see other people approaching.

For running I use this:

I also have a belt with elastic elements and a security release in case something happens: http://ipet.no/video/baggenx1.jpg

Saya

That leash in pic looks nice reflective too!

omgtain

I actually have had a similar injury, from a nylon-ish material.. Nare was on his long line, about 100ft long, and i was holding somewhere in the middle and didn't notice he took off after something.. stupid me, clenched it harder and had it slice through some fingers. My scars are still clearly visible, too. These big white ones, and they hurt when it gets cold out lol.

I think I'll make my own type of bungee leash though, as the ones on the market are too long or short for my liking. ): I'd like something that is about 4-5 feet resting, but extend out to 10 - 12 feet.. Now to find elastic tape that makes me happy!

Calia

LoL, speaking of bungee leashes, I've started making something similar for my own pups. Practiced with some hollow-braided rope from the hardware store, but will be ordering some of the good stuff this weekend.



Though, these "leashes" aren't really meant to be held with hands but for hooking the dogs to the waist or things for pulling (cart, sled, bike).

shibamistress

This is best working leash ever. I copied adachiya working leash. I have two of adachiya leash. and it's all beat up by my dogs. and I didn't want to pay that much again to buy more. so i made my own.

Long enough for riding bike. also has swivel on middle so comfort for dog. 1 pc so i have have to worry about collar. I don't use collar anyways at my backyard. since I'm afraid that my dogs will loose hair. and it looks like choke leash but it's not.

Adachiya working leash was best leash ever that I used. and very comfort also looks good on JA>

That's super cool!

I have a flexi lead. I don't even remember why I got it--but possibly from when Toby was a puppy, before I knew better? (he's nearly 10 years old, btw). I only used it very rarely because it was so awkward to handle. It's still occasionally useful though--when I have an injured dog who can't be allowed to go running around the yard, I take them out on the flexileash so they can have some potty privacy (all my dogs seem to prefer that). But that's the only time we use it.

I can't imagine using it on a big dog, and that lab story up thread a bit? Mind-bogglingly stupid!

_Ryan_

I use a 6ft for street duties and a 30ft in the forest. I refuse to use retractables, a lab x rot. snapped it's retractable and went for Bella... Suki to the rescue!