Retractable leashes how dangerous are they?

Retractables leashes, a great tool to train off leash control, or a danger to avoid?

[Tolg]

Very well put. I like that you have to be smarter than the gadget rule! Which points to accurate notion that those people making the videos about the dangers of retractable leashes should never use them.

[farrenburg]

You guys are getting good at this stuff! Thank you.

[judekiv]

Thanks for the tips 6:28 is true and actually made me confident enough to try one of these out!

[Retrieverman]

Dang, I thought I was the only person who knew how to train a dog that used those things. This is how to use them correctly!

[rondorazio]

As Ivan Balabanov, arguably the most accomplished dog trainer in a generation, likes to say, "Arguably the best dog equipment invention in the last 50 years".

[secondwind]

Thanks for the info, Mr. Butch. Any updates on events happening at your place anytime soon? Troy

[Zerpersande]

I’m using my first retractable. My previous dog was an off-leash dog. My new one is young, a bit more hyper and not ready for off-leash. (I live in Japan in a suburban area and there’s still lots of people and cars.) My plan is to do exactly what you did at the 5:00 mark.

Question, if you’re reading the comments….

Flexi has a new model, the Xtreme. Which do you think is more durable, the Giant or the Xtreme?

[joebosco]

I would like to know what brand that leash that is? Thank you for taking the time to show us this.

[jessnotliketherest]

Can you list/post the exact retractable leash & dog whistle you are using please?

[seibar]

The extra strap is a safety collar you attach it as well so that if your dog collar snaps the clip doesn't come flying back at your body

[sindento]

It's not the leash it's the human on the opposite end to the dog. I've had Flexi leads since they came out, never had a problem, I only let out the leash when it's safe to do so, always be aware of your surroundings to anticipate any problems.

[wonderwend]

Don't use a tool if you don't read the instructions!
That's a safety harness

[patholliday]

Flexi leashes are fine if used correctly. I attach a loop around my wrist so i can never drop it.
If youre the sort of person whos more interested in your phone than your dog then dont use them! If youre aware of whats happening around you and you're dog then there should be no problem!

[stppearson]

You appear to know how to train dogs, and I agree that such leashes can be a great training tool under the right circumstances, but you were showing your dog walking all over a road which I view as reckless. You also appear to minimize and make light of the potential hazards of retractable leashes. I've been researching these leashes. I have heard from more than one person who reported that they have seen dogs run over by automobiles on walks while dogs were attached to those things. While out riding a bicycle one day, dog attached to one of those leashes at the full length of the leash ran over and bit me because the owner had no control over the dog. She tried, but the dog was so fast and agile that it got to me way before she could stop it.

Just my opinion, but I think it would be better to model the use of such a leash out in a field away from other people, animals and automobiles. Even the best trained and most reliable dogs do unexpected things because they have a mind of their own. What's more is they are lower to the ground making them hard to catch, most are way faster than humans, and most are more agile than humans. I personally have no grievance with you and I think it's great that you are teaching people how to work with their dogs in a healthy way. However, you might want to talk to an attorney who specializes in dog bites in your state to see what kind of content they might recommend you put in and leave out of your YouTube videos, so you can protect yourself. I'm not an attorney and I've never been to court in regard to a dog bite case, but I had a job working for the courts and you just never know what a judge will do.