flexileads

chloelogoa

Eight Reasons to Avoid Flexi-Lead Leashes in Public:

Pit Bull Rescue Central

Where Education Meets Rescue

www.pbrc.net

talalogoa

1. Lack of Control: We all know that dogs move quickly and situations can arise in the blink of an eye. There is simply no way to control your dog at a distance of 16 feet or more. It’s impossible to retract a Flexi-lead quickly enough in an emergency.

2. Hard to hang onto: The handle of any Flexi-lead leash is big and bulky and easily slips out of your hand if you are caught off guard. Once handle slips out of your hand, it drags on the ground making an awful noise which causes many dogs to panic and bolt in an attempt to “escape” from the handle that is “following” them. Countless dogs have been lost or hit by cars in this situation.

3. Malfunctions: In many cases, Flexi-leads don't retract properly, leaving you completely powerless when you need your dog by your side. This is especially true with the belt/tape models as they often wear out and/or get twisted when retracted.

4. They BREAK: Even the most "heavy duty" versions of Flexi-leads are still held together inside with plastic. Any dog hitting the end hard enough will break them. This is especially true of any dog over 20 lbs.

5. Risk of Injury to people: Using a Flexi-lead increases the chance of injury to you and other people.

• Painful injuries, such as rope burns, sprained, broken fingers, cut and mangled hands, wrists and ankles are common.

• Amputation of fingers, also a very real risk, especially with a larger dog on a cord-type lead.

• If your dog suddenly bolts to the end of the line, it can cause severe neck or shoulder damage to you on the end of the lead.

•For more information about injury risks, please view the following link:

http:// www.flexiusa.com/warnings.asp

6. Risk of Injury to dogs: Using a Flexi-lead increases the chance of injury to you, your dog, and other people and dogs. If two dogs become tangled, a Flexi-lead can quickly become a noose that can choke one or both dogs, or cut, burn or otherwise harm one or both dogs. A dog who is frightened and in pain can become aggressive to people and other animals in an attempt to get free.

7. Against the law: Most municipal leash laws require that all dogs be contained to a 6 foot leash. An extended Flexi-lead leash is longer than 16 feet in some cases and can be the basis of a fine, especially if your dog and another get tangled.

8. Sends mixed messages to your dog: Flexi-lead leashes maintain constant tension on the collar, head halter or harness they are attached to. A dog can not learn polite “loose-leash” walking while wearing this type of leash. You actually teach your dog the exact opposite of what you want them to learn.

While flexi-lead type leashes are handy in certain situations – at home, in the yard for containing your dog while they “do their duty”, on hikes in remote areas, they are never a good alternative to a sturdy 4-6 foot nylon or leather leash in public situations. Even though your dog may be fine with impromptu meetings with strange dogs and new people, it’s important to remember that many dogs find this behavior rude and threatening and not all people are dog lovers, or ready to meet your dog. Keeping your dog close to you and under your control keeps your dog safe as well as ensuring the safety of other dogs and people in your vicinity.

reprinted with kind permission from Alexis Kelly PBRC Volunteer

Email: mail@pbrc.net Website: www.pbrc.net

***********

We have a large 7-month-old German Shepherd ‘puppy’ and purchased an extendable cord lead about 3 months ago to use on occasions when he is away from roads and traffic but it isn’t entirely safe to let him off the lead (e.g. we regularly walk him on a path that is also used by cyclists). Until recently this has proved to be a good compromise between his freedom and safety; and the safety of others).

However, very recently and unexpectedly he decided to chase a passing bike. The lead whipped round my partners arm cutting through 2 thick fleece tops and T shirt like a ‘cheese wire’. Luckily the cord only just caught the surface of her skin, but still left a nasty cut and bruising.

On first inspection our GSD appeared to be OK; however we discovered a nasty ‘rope burn’ across his chest a day later, which required treatment.

Needless to say the cord lead in now in the bin and with the benefit of hindsight we were probably foolish to use this type of lead in the first place (for a number of reasons). However as first time GSD owners we were oblivious to the possible dangers.
Jeremy Harding