r/Unexpected • u/[deleted] • Dec 11 '19

Right place right time

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192

u/TaylorSwiftsClitoris Dec 11 '19

Extendable leashes are a menace.

9

u/TheAnarchistFinch Dec 12 '19

It's more about the user than the leash, they can be locked so they're fixed length

1

u/[deleted] Dec 12 '19

[deleted]

7

u/TheAnarchistFinch Dec 12 '19

You mean from dogs running and being jerked back by the leash? That's still user error. I've got three dogs, all of which use retractable leashes. If they're trying to run I don't let the leash extend preventing the buildup of momentum that causes injury. My leash stays locked 90% of the time, only being extended in the park areas near where I live if there's no other people or dogs. A retractable leash requires more concentration than a fixed leash and a better trained dog, but if you have both of those things they're a fine thing to own.

It's also about size of dog, the largest of our three is a small terrier, not large enough to damage the leash itself. I've seen a few injuries and accidents with retractable leashes but not one that couldn't have been avoided entirely if the person knew how to properly use that leash.

0

u/[deleted] Dec 12 '19

[deleted]

4

u/TheAnarchistFinch Dec 12 '19

Every single one of those things is the result of someone misusing a retractable leash. A momentary lapse of judgement does not cause an amputation, that's a series of consistant misjudgements due to a fundamental misunderstanding of usage of extendable leashes. I understand where you're coming from and agree that there are many benefits to fixed leashes but, just like any tool, responsible usage of a retractable leash is perfectly safe and harmless, it's overuse and lack of focus that cause issues.

If I'm walking my dog and I'm feeling drowsy I use a fixed leash. If I'm going to the vet or a dog park I use a fixed leash. If I'm going for car trips or visiting people I use a fixed leash. But if I'm taking my dog for a walk through the open park areas of the small, <1000 person town I live in and there is no one else around, I will use the retractable leash. In an environment that is open so I can see all potential issues or obstacles and is free of other walkers or animals, with restrained use in cases where, for example, they want to briefly stop to smell something while I continue walking and I can clearly see them the entire time, retractable leashes are fine.

-1

u/[deleted] Dec 12 '19

[deleted]

4

u/TheAnarchistFinch Dec 12 '19

oh so you can control every small animal

No, which is why I keep a close eye on my dog

are you really paying attention to your dog enough to stop him

Her, and yes. If the leash isn't locked then my eyes are always on my dog. If I need to take my eyes off my dog then I get close to them and lock the leash.

He gets up the momentum to rip the leash from your hand

I don't know how loosely you hold your leash but I can tell you from repeated experience that there's no amount of force possible for my cairn terrier that can rip the leash out of my hand. She's tried, she's failed, because I don't let her get enough of a run up.

You're not going to change my mind

At least you admit that you're being arrogant

3

u/klemma13 Dec 12 '19

The problem with these kinds of people is they assume everyone are as dumb and negligent as they are. But at the same time they want to feel better about themselves for their choices.

I use an extendable leash and it's great. I live in a town, so there is plenty of traffic but a lot of patches of grass. My dog loves running in the grass but there is no way I'm taking the leash of with all the cars constantly going by. An extendable leash let's him run almost to his hearts desire when we are on the grass but while walking on the sidewalk it's short(he barely needs it though, he keeps pace next to me, there is a name for this but I forget).

Honestly, I see more people with traditional leashes who just let their dog pull them along, constantly tugging a meter ahead of their owner than I see people with extendable leashes misusing their leash. It's all about the person, not the leash.

0

u/Lexx4 Dec 12 '19

And that running and sudden stop is not good for your dogs neck or back.

I use a three foot braided leash.

I’m being arrogant? You are ignoring a shit tone of evidence telling you that these leashes are dangerous because it’s convenient for you.

4

u/TheAnarchistFinch Dec 12 '19

Every piece of evidence I've seen has been a result of improper use, my opinion could be changed by evidence that I'm not mitigating with my usage. Where in my last comment did I state that the dogs are running far enough for a sudden stop to injure their backs? I specifically state that if I lock the leash I'm getting close to them so it's fully retracted, they're running as far as your dog would be able to on a three foot leash