[darkbrowneggs]

Once Phoebe and I get started on our journey I think I will need some sort of lead for her


I have a short leash for things like going to the vets, but I notice that most caravan stopovers which allow pets say "Dogs must be kept on leads at all times"


Now I dont need something to control her as she is eminently biddable so at light as possible would be good.  But it will need to be as long as possible as well as she is the sort of dog who doesnt like you looking at her when she does a poo or pea.


So what would be comfortable and light for me and long enough for her.


Many thanks
Sue

[doganjo]

You mean flexi type leads - zooplus has a selection here - http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_collars_dog_leads/retractable_leads?gclid=CMfV2ueHybsCFTDMtAodTyEAxQ

I have a couple but rarely use them, kept for my dog sitter when she is here, but I have known dogs take fright and end up tangled in undergrowth or get on roads with these hung round their necks.   

Personally I'd use a long line for her toilet and walk her on a normal 6 foot lead otherwise.

[shygirl]

we are experts in buying flexi leads as our pup can chew through them pretty quickly!
the flat cord is better as it lasts longer and doesnt hurt so much if it gets wrapped around your legs. but this may be a heavier handset than a slim cord one.
iv tried a few cheaper brands but flexi is the best as the buttons are  longer lasting and its so annoying if it wont retract when you want.
a great dane size would be quite pricy but they are worth it. really handy.

theres a gorgeous great dane in our village, she goes everywhere, she always seems to be on the bus when we are too. 

[Bionic]

I have a flexi lead althogh my dog is a very different size to yours (min poodle) but find it invaluable.
Today for example, my only neighbour has left her rubbish out and the fox got it so bones etc all over the place. My dog makes a beeline for it as soon as he gets out. So, when he just wants to relieve himself I hang the flexi lead on a hook outside and he has enough lead to have a mooch about without being able to head for the 'bones'. The fact that is retractable means that it doesn't get caught up.
I have tried one of the long lines and although its cheaper it doesn't work as well for us.

[Tala Orchard]

Remembere when buying a retractable lead purchase one that has a breaking strain of at least twice the weight of the dog. we had one snap within 2 days due to bad advice at Pets at Home store.  You need at least that as the dog will exert twice its weight should the dog charge off. and reach the end of the lead.

[jaykay]

I also recommend getting one stronger than you supposedly need.

And using it with a Premier EasyWalk harness (got mine from Amazon, on advice from my SIL, the dog behaviourist). It makes walking a young, lively dog, who forgets her good manners whenever something runs across in front of her, a much more pleasant process.

A harness is a good thing with a retractable lead, or there is the risk of them running to the length of the lead and then being pulled short, with all that force on their neck collar. However some harnesses encourage pulling.

The attachment ring is at the front of these harnesses, on purpose, so instead of allowing them to pull like sled dogs, it turns them round if they pull hard, so they stop trying to.

[Mammyshaz]

How does Phoebe react on her lead?
Some dogs I have had are very sensitive to pressure as they are not permitted to 'pull' on their leads. These dogs have had very thin flexible leads designed for small dogs but with good length to them. The reason being they need to put pressure on the lead if it is to unroll for them, minimum pressure doesn't worry them. The alternative is to teach her that a harness means she can pull compared to a lead that she must be ladylike whilst wearing.

There again if she doesn't care then I'd go for the strongest. They are usually labelled with the breed type they are designed for.
I find the flat nylon flexible stronger than the cord/rope style for a dog that pulls.

[Shropshirelass]

I love my retractable lead that I bought 2nd hand at a charity shop for approx £2 but I only use it when I know I'm not going to tie him up outside shops & go where I have the space to use it - if he's not going to be off the lead.

Word of warning though with them is from something that happened to me a few weeks ago when out with my dog at a local retail park - we walked past a cairn terrier that was tied up outside a shop that took a disliking to my dog being a Basset Hound was 2-3 times it's size & attacked him & bit my right leg. This dog was on a retractable lead that hadn't been locked in place so when my dog tried to get away the dog managed to pounce on him & attack him another 2-3 times before he actually got away & was cowering in a corner - I did report it to the police because it took a nice chunk out of my leg along with 3 puncture wounds & nasty bruising - & also the fact that I didn't wan't it attacking children or going out in front of a car & where it was it easily could have. It was also tied up for 1-2 hours

It just annoys me that some people can't be bothered to restrain their pets properly & that when others go out in public some pets are allowed to behave like that.

On a different note for general use have you thought of a metal stake & chain for having her loose (ish) outside the caravan? xx

[Old Shep]

Sorry but imho flexi leads should be banned! they're dreadful!  I've seen so many near accidents - dogs running into roads, into other dogs faces, tangled up in legs - breaking legs! yes! bloody awful things.  Short leads are fine - gives you a sensitive link with your dog - want your dog to go further? - try a long line http://www.amazon.co.uk/PetUK-Long-Training-Black-Length/dp/B007AOS55G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2899W9ENN4PQO&coliid=I1IJ9NN0142K04


I don't get why people think their dogs is getting more exercise on a flexi lead when it generally walks exactly the same distance as you - just 30 foot in front, in the face of all dangers, and not under any control!


rant over.... sorry - Happy christmas to you and yours xxx

[doganjo]

Sorry but imho flexi leads should be banned! they're dreadful!  I've seen so many near accidents - dogs running into roads, into other dogs faces, tangled up in legs - breaking legs! yes! bloody awful things.  Short leads are fine - gives you a sensitive link with your dog - want your dog to go further? - try a long line http://www.amazon.co.uk/PetUK-Long-Training-Black-Length/dp/B007AOS55G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2899W9ENN4PQO&coliid=I1IJ9NN0142K04


I don't get why people think their dogs is getting more exercise on a flexi lead when it generally walks exactly the same distance as you - just 30 foot in front, in the face of all dangers, and not under any control!


rant over.... sorry - Happy christmas to you and yours xxx

Completely agree with you, that's why I suggested a short lead for normal walking and along line for her to do her business only.  A lady  comes to our training class who is absolutely lovely but hasn't a sensible cell in her brain.  Her very friendly cockapoo is ALWAYS at full length of her flexi tripping her and everyone else up, and she still uses it despite being told so many times to buy a normal collar and lead.

[clydesdaleclopper]

You can get flexi leads for biggies - I used to have one for when my wolfhound was in season and it wasn't safe to let her off. I found it really bulky to hold and very uncomfortable because it had to be huge for that size of dog. In the end I abandoned it and just used the lovely leather training lead I had which could be altered in length - though no way near as long as the flexi lead.

[Bionic]

A lady  comes to our training class who is absolutely lovely but hasn't a sensible cell in her brain.  Her very friendly cockapoo is ALWAYS at full length of her flexi tripping her and everyone else up, and she still uses it despite being told so many times to buy a normal collar and lead.

I love the flexi lead but its only as good as the owner. If your dog has a flexi lead on and there are people or dangerous situations about the lead should be on its shortest length and LOCKED.
As long as you are sensible they are very good

[MarvinH]

Go to agree flexi leads should be banned - work of the devil!

Sorry but imho flexi leads should be banned! they're dreadful!  I've seen so many near accidents - dogs running into roads, into other dogs faces, tangled up in legs - breaking legs! yes! bloody awful things.  Short leads are fine - gives you a sensitive link with your dog - want your dog to go further? - try a long line http://www.amazon.co.uk/PetUK-Long-Training-Black-Length/dp/B007AOS55G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2899W9ENN4PQO&coliid=I1IJ9NN0142K04


I don't get why people think their dogs is getting more exercise on a flexi lead when it generally walks exactly the same distance as you - just 30 foot in front, in the face of all dangers, and not under any control!


rant over.... sorry - Happy christmas to you and yours xxx