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leftieNanner

(16,086 posts)
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 08:37 PM 11 hrs ago

For all you dog lovers out there!

Please don't use a retractable leash when walking your pupper. They are so dangerous!

We had two unfortunate events recently, both caused by these lazy leashes.

First of all, even if you have the hand eye coordination of Bruce Lee, you absolutely cannot react quickly enough to avert disaster. If Fido chases a squirrel into the street in front of a car, you just lost your pet. If a reactive dog approaches, oops potential dog fight.

Also, when you allow the dog to control the walk, you are telling him that he is the alpha of the pack. He is in charge. Not good either.

Two nights ago, I took Snoopy out to pee in the front yard. It was dark. Then, here comes a woman with THREE dogs on retractable leashes! Snoopy stayed at my side initially, but the woman picked up the small dog and was unable to control the other two large ones, who made an angry bee line for my boy. It could have been very ugly! A few weeks ago, a woman was walking her reactive Doberman, leash at full extension, while she texted on her phone. We did a quick u-turn and got away.

Please only use a six foot solid leash. You will be happier!

Thanks!

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For all you dog lovers out there! (Original Post) leftieNanner 11 hrs ago OP
Preaching to a fellow preacher, here--for better part of 2 1/2 decades! I hate those things! hlthe2b 11 hrs ago #1

hlthe2b

(112,262 posts)
1. Preaching to a fellow preacher, here--for better part of 2 1/2 decades! I hate those things!
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 08:43 PM
11 hrs ago

Beyond how dangerous it is for the dog, I can't tell you how many hands ripped down the entire palm--sometimes to the tendon from a reflexive act of grabbing the cable at the last minute (as a far too large/too strong dog takes off). Regular leash, please, and for me, I have used nothing BUT waist leashes on my last two dogs. While a big enough dog could knock you over, it is easier to train them with your full center of gravity, teaching them where it is they are to stay when walking with you.

What a joy it is to have a well-trained dog walking at your side and not pulling. That isn't to say they can't have off-leash free time too in a legal, safe area or dog park, but priority has to be in training them to walk with you.

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