Flexi Dog Lead Comfort

Most of you know about my dog, by now. For those who don't, he is a West Highland White Terrier, called Joey. Although at the moment he is more grey than white, as he is in need of a bath. Have to get round to that sooner rather than later and then when the aroma around here improves I may review his current shampoo.

Joey is eight years old but he is still a 'runner'. It's a terrible shame, but we really can't trust Joey to be off the lead unless there are several of us at hand to catch him. I am unable to run so couldn't let him off the lead if alone with him. One fact, that I suppose is fortunate is, that when Joey is out he seems much more eager to walk along by bushes and long grass just sniffing and sniffing...and sniffing. Because of his bad habits though, when taking him to our local small woodlands, we prefer to use an extendable lead.

I will say that for all these types of leads utmost care needs to be taken. I would only let a responsible person, not a child, use an extending lead.

My reasons for this: The device has a lock which stops the cord extending but for some, including me, this isn't too easy, therefore if this lead is attached whilst the dog is in the car and then the dog jumps out, if you've forgotten to lock the lead into short mode, he can just run out of the car and perhaps, into the road, for instance.
Also a dog could run into many dangers and you really do need to be prepared and always be able to stop the release of the lead quickly.
I now have an extending lead which I like, but this Flexi Comfort Long Lead was NOT a success. It certainly wasn't comfortable for me!
I had the lead on the dog in a park but saw some dogs running towards Joey, from a distance. I wanted to lock the lead to keep him close, but he saw the adventure coming and made a dash for fun before I could lock the lead to stop the slack. In a panic I grabbed the lead with my other hand...OUCH!!! The pain! The cord cut through my hand, deeply and very painfully, removing flesh. I felt as if a cheese cutter had been used on my hand. Okay, if my husband had been holding the lead then he probably would have clicked it into position much quicker, but I don't suppose I'm the only one finding things like this a little tricky at times? It really was pure instinct to use the other hand and I probably would do the same again, except that the extending lead that we now use isn't corded and locks and unlocks easier. It worries me when I see children in charge of dogs that are on these leads whilst walking along busy roads.
If an extending lead is used, it's not recommended that the lead is in it's loose position on public highways, as this is too dangerous to pet and drivers. Also, I think they can give one a false sense of security, and the pet becomes used to having a sudden run.
Still, I'm not disagreeing with the use of these leads. In fact, Joey has a great time in the woods with the newer version. I think they are a great idea for dog training and to give 'wanderers' a fair amount of freedom. I would recommend though, that you shop for a good lead with strong, and perhaps padded fabric, and try to foress possible dangers which could be ahead. Also check before buying that you can lock and unlock the position easily, especially if you have difficulties with manual dexterity.
I purchased this lead from Pets At Home, which had a good variety of these leads.

Here are some further details as taken from the website:
www.petsathome.com

8m cord lead;

Comfort grip handle;

Quick release mechanism;

Lead lock to keep your dog at an appropriate length;

Suitable breed sizes:

Small: suitable for dogs weighing up to 12kg;

Medium: suitable for dogs weighing up to 20kg;

Large: suitable for dogs weighing up to 50kg. Approximate Dimensions (Packaged):

Small: H 17.4 x W 3.8 x D 20cm

Medium: H 20 x W 4.4 x D 22.5cm

Large: suitable for dogs weighing up to 50kg.

Approximate Dimensions (Product):

Small: H 14.5 x W 3.2 x D 11.5cm

Medium: H 16.5 x W 4.2 x D 12.5cm

Large: H 19 x W 4.5 x D 13.5cm

Comfort Grip Red Extending Dog Lead by Flexi £11.99

Thes extending leads are a good idea if you bear in mind safety issues and choose the lead best for you and your dog very carefully.