What-U-Mah-Call it leads that's similar to the thing-ah-ma-jig you start a lawn mower with.
Ok I just did a Google search and it’s called a Flexi-Lead.
Before I begin (kind of a disclosure I guess) As many here on the boards know, Pops and the Clan don’t get out much. Which is actually ok with us, since being around people really isn’t our thing.
No, …. before some of you get in a tissy or under pants all wadded up. It’s not that we “Don’t” like people, it’s “Being” around them that bothers us!
The other point I would like y‘all to understand is, is I more or less understand that this Flexi thing-ah-mah-jig may be considered a tool ot some, and like most tools unless used as what it’s design for. A person can mess the job up, if using the wrong tool or visa versa. What I’m saying is, if you use it correctly, it can be a useful tool, … I guess?
I hope you understood what I just wrote, because I’m not sure I understand what I just wrote. Anyways, I’m sure you got the idea!
Back to the subject. I met a couple who had both dogs on these contraptions. One about 70lbs and the other about 40lbs. It took all of 5 minutes, as in FIVE MINUTES for the two to get Pops’ legs tangled in the lines. Not once, but twice!
Nice folks, but I wish they used the regular stuff, or at the least, keep the lines short.
That’s about it!
Thanks,
Anonymous, .... as in, this is not Pops or Calvin. But anonymous! ... Or we don't know who started this thread, but it wasn't Pops or Calvin, but anonymous!
They are okay if they are used correctly. And that's a big "if".
A friend's sister adopted a dog, and had it out on one of those. Something spooked the dog, and she pulled the handle out of the woman's hand and took off. They never did find the dog.
I heard of someone walking a dog. Someone started a lawn mower and it backfired. The dog spooked - same thing - pulled the handle right out of the person's hand. Dog was killed on railroad tracks.
I've heard of the cords pulling loose from the reel inside the casing.
When you aren't expecting it, that thing pulls right out of your hand. And if you have a dog that spooks easily to start with, that plastic casing hitting the ground behind them, just makes them take off faster and further.
Was at the vet's office one time. Waiting room was packed wall to wall. Two different ppl had their dogs on flexi's. Both just let the dogs roam. Those two leads were all tangled up with each other. That was a dog fight just looking for a place to happen.
It's like anything else...... good and bad.
Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
Yes, I don't see how these things can be very strong. Plus you're holding on to a handle, which is not the same imo as your hand in a regular lead. In addition to the distance the dog is away from the person. I guess it's called Physics?
When I saw the husband taking the dogs for a walk. I’d say the leads were out pretty far (don’t know how long the lines are in these things), with both dogs up front (more or less pulling). I immediately warned the husband, or to give him the heads up that someone walks his Yellow Lab or a Golden Retriever right about this time.
Anonymous
Btw, this is the leads Pops has for his boy Calvin.
The one on our left (or the short one) is always in Pops' rear pocket, and the long one (which looks new, cause it is new, since the other long lead was retired along with Harlee's studded collar when she passed) is kept in the Jeep (which is used, may be 1 percent of the time).
Pops will be shortening the long lead by 2 1/2 feet or so. He's not sure cause it depends on what kind of sleep he got when he shortens it! You know, if he can actually see what he's doing when he shortens the lead! .... LOL
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Your soliloquy will certainly strike a "cord" with many members of this fine forum. The flexi-lead controversy has raged for years among disbelievers, and there has even been a certain amount of "backlash" from proponents. My "spin" on it is that, like any tool, in the wrong hands it can soon "zoom" out of control.
We actually own a "heavy duty" flexi-lead. It functions exactly as the manufacturer stipulates, with no surprise "oops!" features. We use it rarely, and only under very specific circumstances.
No people in sight
No other dogs in sight
No squirrels in sight
No cats in sight
Pretty much what it comes down to is, if you don't know how to use it, don't use it.
I like to keep things simple.
Walter & Garland - Camp Canine caretakers
Gen. Gretchen - 9 y.o. GSD - Special Forces/Seal/DOTL Cloudbusters
Gen. Missy - GSD/Aussie - Joined Special Forces/DOTL Rainbow Division, June 11,2006
Miss Inga - 9 week old GSD. Still a civilian at this point.
I use them all the time. Sometimes with up to 4 dogs by myself over the years but usually just 2. Occasionally I get tangled up but not often or bad and if it entertains the neighbors, that’s a good thing to. I like being able to space the dogs out, usually by size as I walk. I always keep them short enough not to get into other peoples sites and fully retract when I am close to other people or pets but the dogs love pulling me at full length when on open roads or trails. I have worn out 7 or 8 of them but never had the cord come out of the reel. Either the cord frays and breaks or the spring gives up. I guess to each his own.
2006 GMC SLT Sierra 3500 4wd Dually
2011 Mobile Suites 36' RSSB3
Charles and Charlotte
Pet Crew: Oreo 14, Princess 7, Guy 2 and Daisy 1. (All Rescues)
Rainbow Bridge: Bear, Raisins, Cookie 15(4-3-11), Bubba 11 (7-5-11)
Yes, to each his own. We live in the most doggy neighborhood that I have ever seen. We almost need a sign-up sheet to stagger the walks. Lots of people here use the flexi-lead. Thankfully, most of the dogs know each other and get along. However, I don't use them as I want more control. Having my dog 20 or 30 ft in front of me is too long. Especially at a campground. I realize a good dog owner would not let the leash out that far when around people/other animals. However, as with anything else, the wrong people buy them and gives fuel to the all-to-common, problems with dogs threads.
I use both kinds, but prefer the flex lead as it does not get tangled in the dog's legs. However, my dog is only 13 pounds. The handle has a rubber grip and is easy to hold on to for me as i have limited hand strength. The leash can also be made to not flex, or retract, at will. Mine goes out as far as 16 ft. I let it out in an open area and retract and keep at about four feet when near a campsite.
Laura, Rodney, and Elfie the Schnoodle
2012 Dutchmen 814RB; 2011 Dodge 1500 Hemi; 2012 Sun Dolphin Sportsman; 2003 Tracker Targa V-18
When you have the lead extended how do you regain control of the dog and get back to 6 feet? With more than one, it would seem impossible.
I had one client who lost a finger when damaged beyond repair from the small diameter nylon cord. I've seen several dogs with injuries to legs from becoming entangled in the extended leash. I've seen numerous rope burns on people hands and fingers.
Just my observations.
Doug, DVM
Doug & Sandy
Jill (11yr old Golden)& Charmin (16 yr old something)
Henry NOW a camping cat
2008 Southwind
2009 Honda CRV
We use both types also, and do not have issues with either of them. We prefer the flexi- leads when taking the dogs out to do their business, seems to give them a little more flexibility to move around. If we are walking where we will meet other people or dogs we prefer the regular lead. Either one just requires the correct size equipment and a responsible owner.
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