What type of leash / lead do you suggest, after Cuba has broken his way through his retractable lead, it would seem I need some advice to ensure he doesn't do it again, and get a far better lead, I'd like it to be retractable, howerver, I have heard its best to not get them? can youi please suggest be a great lead.

Personally this article is the reason why I don't use retractable leads http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/06/11/retractable-dog-leash.aspx

As for a lead suggestion I would go with either the lupin leads or mydogscool.com they have really thick rope leads that work well for strong dogs with out the fear of it breaking.

In general, retractables are not a good idea. That being said, we did use one with our boy before we got a second for potty breaks. We live in an apartment and it was a sanity saver to let him roam a bit on the lawn to potty instead of following him closely. Note though that we only started using it knowing he was well trained and that we ONLY used it for potty breaks, not walks.

We don't use one now though that we have two to take out at once. Not sure what kind you were using, but the one we used was the kind that is a thicker tape the entire length, not just a cord. If felt more secure to me and also a little safer in terms of injury capability with the rope cords.

I think what needs to be addressed is what you intend to use a retractable lead for. I hate the anti-retractable lead mindset and am totally in favor of them when used appropriately. For letting them potty in an unsecured yard, they're awesome. For training they can be useful. For letting your dog roam on a trail that has very little traffic they are again a nice thing to have. But for the average, everyday walk in suburbia or urban areas I would stick with a non-retractable lead.

For my husky I have 2 Flexi leads. One is 16 ft and the other is 26 ft. The 26 ft Flexi is larger and heavier due to the extra line but aside from that they are the same. Both are rated for a 110 lb dog and both are all tape (no cord). I've been using my Flexi's for 8 years now and never had a problem or malfunction with either. I even use my Flexi's for everyday suburban walks and just keep it locked at somewhere between 4-6 ft like a normal lead length for walks. I like being able to customize the length versus having a standard 4 or 6 ft lead because sometimes the situation calls for a shorter lead which is easily adjusted with one hand on the retractable lead. Ultimately it is up to the owner to use the retractable properly.

I believe they get a bad rap because of the multitudes who give their dogs full use of the retractable in situations and areas where it is not appropriate. For example, I'll walk around my suburban neighborhood with my retractable locked at no longer than 6 ft and a neighbor will walk by on the other side of the street with their maniac dog in the middle of the street having a tizzy at the end of their 16 ft retractable. Use a retractable appropriately and maybe people wouldn't be so averse to them.

well said Valerie and good idea for training to go potty Sara. i was also looking into having one so he could go snooping when we hike, but not sure which one would be safe since he likes to pull. i usually use a stranded 6ft leash for walks.

What Val said.

I have a six foot lead, a fifteen foot one, and a 30 ft. one.
Also, Bodhi has a collar and a harness.
They are all used differently for different situations.

jalepeno wrote:

What Val said.

I have a six foot lead, a fifteen foot one, and a 30 ft. one.
Also, Bodhi has a collar and a harness.
They are all used differently for different situations.

Do you have any suggestions of a brand for the lead? The problem I have is he likes to chew his lead at the moment..

I made his leash after my last one broke.
https://www.itsahuskything.com/t2000-bodhi-busts-his-leash?highlight=bodhi+s+new+leash

jalepeno wrote:

I made his leash after my last one broke.
https://www.itsahuskything.com/t2000-bodhi-busts-his-leash?highlight=bodhi+s+new+leash

Thank you.