I have a love-hate relationship with my flexi-leads. And right now – spring time – is a great time for flexis.
All winter my dogs have wanted to climb onto the snow piles to play king of the mountain. I admit it, it’s kinda fun! At any rate, a standard 6-foot lead is long enough for those piles along the sidewalks where we walk.
But now those piles are disappearing quickly. And what’s left is still fun to play in, for them at least. So out come the flexis and they can wander in the puddles and muck while I stay somewhat drier on the sidewalk.
But those walks are clearly defined as DOG-walks. Not exercise, not a walk for me. When I need them to potty and come in, stay clean for a car ride, or help me shed winter pounds, a flexi is not acceptable equipment. Neither is it when I teach.
The main point of contention I have is that there is constant pressure on the dog’s collar. It’s never really a loose leash, no matter how slight the tension may be. So the dog cannot learn or practice loose leash walking. And tension on the collar leads to more pulling. After all, you’re still moving forward, so it must work.
Yes, there is a locking mechanism, but that can be difficult to engage when your dog is launching forward after a rabbit. I have a couple different styles, and there’s a difference in how easy they are to lock.
There’s also no way to maintain a consistent length if you choose to walk with it locked. On one walk it might be 6 feet long, on the next walk 5½ feet or 7 feet, or the full length of the lead. How confusing is that to a dog, never knowing how far is too far?
Do you always see every approaching cyclist or jogger, even from behind you? I don’t. I need my dog to behave in public, and sometimes a kid on a skateboard approaches too quickly for me to refocus my dog’s attention on me. Not to mention the inconvenience if the lead extends all the way across the path and no one can pass us, even if my dog comes to me immediately when I call. If she doesn’t come quickly, I have to reel in dog and line, locking it multiple times and generally looking ridiculous while others wait for me.
I live with multiple dogs, and I simply can't handle more than 2 flexis. That doesn't allow for extra leads, either. So that certainly limits how many can go puddle-jumping on each walk.
Finally, the distance of the line allows dogs to build up a great deal of momentum before hitting the end. That velocity means he can hurt himself or jerk the entire handle out of your hand. Unpleasant and dangerous.
For these reasons, I only use extendible leads after my dog has learned loose leash walking. And that means as an adult. No puppies! While a puppy may follow you closely and never wander, she’s learning that a taut lead is the norm. Instead of a flexi, puppies should have a long line when playing outside in safe areas. Yes, it will get dirty. So put it in a pillowcase and throw it into the wash.
Once my dog has demonstrated she can walk politely at my side with a loose leash and adjust to my changes in direction and gait, we can occasionally use an extendible lead. It’s not for every walk.
