Yes I will second that, very true! It's fine if it happens with a chilled out dog like Spice, it doesn't faze her. But it's happened a couple of times with Sugar, I've dropped the lead and it's freaks her out so bad, I suppose to her it's like something's chasing her! She will run until she either calms down or I catch her! So just keep that in mind you have to be careful of dropping it, other than that though I love retractable leads

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I personally don't like them. I prefer to use long training leads when I want my
dogs to be able to explore better. Of course they are also excellent for distance
training, recall, etc. Here are the ones I use...(super cheap, but VERY durable)

Guardian Gear Cotton Web Dog Training Leads | PetEdge.com

I use the 6 foot ones for walks around the busy city, and the 15 foot ones for the parks.

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Thanks for the heads up about dropping the lead, I hadn't thought about that happening so will have to be extra careful!

Thanks for mentioning the training leads LS. I have seen them used a couple of times when we have been at puppy classes and the one they used there was a really thick old thing that looks pretty heavy and not great for a 4 pound chi! I had a look at the link you gave and they look much better and easy to use! I'm going to have a look to see where I can get one over here and give it a try. Think I'll still get a retractable lead too just to see how we get on with it.

I can't wait to go shopping now so we can try them out. I just feel like our routine walks have got a bit boring recently so I'm hoping these will make things a bit more fun!

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I use a retractable for Honey when we're in open space. Search this on eBay - Flexi Comfort Long Cord 8 Metre Lead. It's much longer than the leads you get at pets at home and prob a bit cheaper too! Sturdy and the handle fits your hand well, it kind of sticks on if you know what i mean and is very comfy


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I like using a regular leash for walks but we do have a retractable for hiking and stuff. We use a Kong On the Go Palm retractable tape leash. I love it because it's light weight and does fit in the palm of your hand. Before we bought her current leash, we were using the Kong regularly in the locked position and the locking mechanism worked great. I actually like this leash so much that when I forgot it in the middle of nowhere while boating, I bought another one as soon as I could. I still prefer a regular leash for walking but I love the Kong for everything else.


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I love the KONG retractable leashes. Usually we have ours locked but when we are in a safe place (which honestly is most of our walks) and Jaxx has some extra energy I will let the lock off and let him run.

We had a super cheap one to begin with and honestly the KONG retractable is so much better and it is reflective stitches sewn in. We never walk were it is unsafe at night but I am glad to know it is there.

The KONG retractable leash fits very nicely in your hand once you get used to it.

The only place I have seen the KONG retractable leash is at PetSmart though.

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Toby has a regular 6' leash for walks. He has a large 15' training lead that I have for when we are out in the yard at my parents house or sitting on the patio at my apartment. I live in a very populated area and I don't trust him off leash. The long lead lets him explore.

I'm not a fan of retractable leashes because once my sister used it with Toby and accidentally dropped it. It when flying toward him and scared the crap out of him. He wasn't hurt, but he could have been.


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Thanks for the recommendations I'll have a look at them now!

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