The less you know about dogs, the more you like flexi-leashes
I hate flexible leashes. Hate them. Hate them. Hate them. Based on the pretty common sight of these leashes in the hands of what I’d deem as clueless (or lazy) people, I’ve concluded that the less you truly know about dogs, the more you probably like flexi-leashes. Those of us with fearful or reactive dogs, know all too well the sound of one reeling full-out and fast. If you are like me, you likely cringe when that zzzzrrrrr noise is followed by the clattering, skidding, scraping sound of the reel part bouncing down the sidewalk after popping loose from someone’s hand as the attached dog runs off to do whatever it pleases. But, that’s no the whole story. This isn’t fully a rant.
I’ll muse on to explain that part of the reason I hate flexible leashes is that I simply do not have the hand strength to hold the reel part. My hands are just not built that way. I also do not feel connected at all to my dog when using one. I’ve seen some pretty savvy people use them well. And, I know the connection is more about the relationship and how I’m interacting with Lilly than the leash, but I like the feel of a regular leash … if nothing else, I know for sure if my dog is walking nicely or not because I feel it.
And, if it’s uncomfortable for me, then I’m more likely to want to fix it. That’s human nature, I think.
The other option, of course, is to make it less annoying by letting the dog reel out hither and yon. After all, it is easier than teaching a dog to behave.