does anyone use a retractable leash for beach walks or hiking?

[Cassidy's Mom]

Originally Posted by marshies

Your leash looks amazing! And I love that it's easy to sanitize, perfect for germaphobes like me. What length would you recommend ordering for a regular long line for playing? Is 6 feet the general length for walking leashes?

This one is 15 feet, probably the longest I'd want for training if there are going to be other dogs and people around. I don't use it for walking, my dogs are either at my side on a 6 ft leash, or they're off leash. You don't want to get this wrapped around your leg any more than you do a flexi - you'll have a nasty welt!

Mine is heavy weight, light weight would have been fine, and I think I've got the 5/8" version. The guy I ordered from makes them custom, in any weight, thickness, and color you want, and you choose the length, the clasp, and whether or not you want a loop on the end. I wanted a bright color so I could easily see it on the ground.

[Scarlettsmom]

I have never understood why someone with a large, strong, dog would use one if they could not control the dog. The weimeraner (sp?) that attacked Scarlett actually broke the extend-a-lead to get at her. I was furious with the owner. Dang if she did not go get anothr stupid extenda lead.

We have one and have never used it with Scarlett. Paige was horrible on the thing too. I prefer the control I have with a 6' lead. Scarlett is never off lead unless we are in the "pen" (HUGE fenced soccer field at the high school). There are few places I feel safe enough to let her off lead, and even fewer where it is legal around here.

No, not a fan of extend-a-leads at all for larger, stronger dogs.

[wyominggrandma]

They are actually being banned at alot of AKC shows because it seems that the person on the other end is letting the dogs go out and are not paying attention and causing fights and such. I used to use them with my small dogs, but will not use them with big dogs. I have seen what happens when a dog pulls one out of the owners hand and the dog takes off and this "thing" is making noise and chasing the now scared dog.

[marshies]

Originally Posted by Cassidy's Mom

This one is 15 feet, probably the longest I'd want for training if there are going to be other dogs and people around. I don't use it for walking, my dogs are either at my side on a 6 ft leash, or they're off leash. You don't want to get this wrapped around your leg any more than you do a flexi - you'll have a nasty welt!

Mine is heavy weight, light weight would have been fine, and I think I've got the 5/8" version. The guy I ordered from makes them custom, in any weight, thickness, and color you want, and you choose the length, the clasp, and whether or not you want a loop on the end. I wanted a bright color so I could easily see it on the ground.

Thank you so much! I emailed him yesterday after seeing your leash.

Just to clarify, you only have biothane for longline, but don't use it for your every day walking leash? Do you not recommend it? If so, why? What do you use for your daily walking leash? A nylon/leather one?

Thanks again!

[Cassidy's Mom]

I just happened to already have nice leather leashes that I love, and no need to replace them, so that's what I continue to use. I got the biothane long lines last year, specifically for training purposes. I think biothane would be perfectly okay for a regular leash, they wash easily and are nice and flexible.

[PaddyD]

Originally Posted by ayoitzrimz

ok, I use a flexi-leash now I'll admit.

Another thing to think about: you're holding the leash and your dog gets scared and tries to run (for whatever reason). what will happen if the leash goes flying out of your hand? It retracts - quickly. Flying towards the dog and scaring him even more... that's when he ends up running into the street...

So, just be careful when using one that's all

On the VERY rare occasion that the leash goes flying out of my hand, Abby freezes and doesn't move. This is not a good admission on my part but it is true. There is no excuse for dropping the leash, whether it is a flexi or 'normal'.

[Chicagocanine]

I have a really nice biothane custom leash. It has a snap in the handle and 2 rings along it so I can wear it over my shoulder or around my waist.

[marshies]

Originally Posted by Chicagocanine

I have a really nice biothane custom leash. It has a snap in the handle and 2 rings along it so I can wear it over my shoulder or around my waist.

If you don't mind sharing, where did you get it custom made?

[Chicagocanine]

It's from here:
Welcome to Facebook - ATB&B

I ordered the 5/8" size IIRC. I told them the distance I wanted the O-rings from the handle so that it would fit me as a shoulder and waist leash. The one I got is similar to this:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater

[HannahK]

I had a flexi once upon time for my basset/corgi mix. At that time we lived in the country and our road was rarely used (2-4 cars a day). I loved using it for him when we went for our walks but whenever we went out in public I used a 6ft nylon. Now that I have a Shepherd I use a 6ft leather leash. I love them so much and the one I got softened so fast!! I think in certain situations they can be an ok tool if your dog is trained correctly and the human knows how to use the leash. I would never dream of using one on my Emma. But that is just my take on it.