When I tell someone that we love our flexi lead, I get everything from befuddled looks of shock (“aren’t you like, obsessed with being a responsible dog owner?“) to flat-out condemnation.
Came here to argue. Leaving with a head nod. The comparison to off leash is absolutely correct, otherwise I strongly encourage pet parents not to use one.
If a dog walking client provides us with a flexi leash, we will bring our own and not use it. It's an advanced training tool not an everyday leash, especially for the hired dog walker.
I do appreciate your perspective though because you are right that I was too quick to categorize others who use one, not as a bad dog owner but a misinformed one. I can definitely understand why it works for you and is a good choice. Plus more pictures of Scout is something I never regret seeing. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and being willing to chat!! That’s really all I want more of in the dog world. For a hired dog walker situation (sometimes walking multiple dogs at once, right?) I totally agree they’re probably not the best tool. But other times? They sure can be a good one!
Yes. It's more about liability and safety. All equipment breaks down but the flexi leash hides problems better and that can be dangerous for the dog or the walker. Part of our checklist is ensuring equipment is in good condition before leaving the house. Like you said in responsible hands, I can now see it as a positive.
Appreciate you Haley. Thank you again for sharing.
I always enjoy your "hot takes" (which are really just "I thought about this for more than three seconds without getting angry... takes"). I also completely agree that most tools have a place in qualified hands. After all, if nine out of ten chainsaws were operated by toddlers, we would all be condemning chainsaws.
In practice, though, I'm not sure I can be seen in public walking a doodle on a flexi! Any responsible dog person we encountered would burst into flames.
Hahaha this made me actually chuckle out loud. I both love how aware you are of the potential doodle reputation and how thoughtful you continue to be about your role in it (or not) but I also hate that you feel you have to be because so many folks make their generalizations and act unkindly!
We have used flexi leads since our first dogs in the 90s. Love them. Was shocked to see just now that this is controversial in some quarters. Right there with ya. (Tho yeah, one person walking multiple dogs on them might be a very bad idea, but as with anything use some sense)
Absolutely. It feels like a fairly classic example of “the fool not the tool” for me! (I do realize flexis are sometimes marketed as quick fixes for things, and that’s on the companies for irresponsible representation, of course.)
I used to use a flexi in places that I wanted the dog to have more freedom than the short lead but the area was not safe for the dog to run free or there was wildlife around, even well trained dogs can make mistakes.however I do not use them now, mobility scooters are not suitable , you only have to untwist from round the wheels once. And you go for a lead that doesn’t let your dog go in front or behind scooter
Came here to argue. Leaving with a head nod. The comparison to off leash is absolutely correct, otherwise I strongly encourage pet parents not to use one.
If a dog walking client provides us with a flexi leash, we will bring our own and not use it. It's an advanced training tool not an everyday leash, especially for the hired dog walker.
I do appreciate your perspective though because you are right that I was too quick to categorize others who use one, not as a bad dog owner but a misinformed one. I can definitely understand why it works for you and is a good choice. Plus more pictures of Scout is something I never regret seeing. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and being willing to chat!! That’s really all I want more of in the dog world. For a hired dog walker situation (sometimes walking multiple dogs at once, right?) I totally agree they’re probably not the best tool. But other times? They sure can be a good one!
Yes. It's more about liability and safety. All equipment breaks down but the flexi leash hides problems better and that can be dangerous for the dog or the walker. Part of our checklist is ensuring equipment is in good condition before leaving the house. Like you said in responsible hands, I can now see it as a positive.
Appreciate you Haley. Thank you again for sharing.
Back at you Steve!
I always enjoy your "hot takes" (which are really just "I thought about this for more than three seconds without getting angry... takes"). I also completely agree that most tools have a place in qualified hands. After all, if nine out of ten chainsaws were operated by toddlers, we would all be condemning chainsaws.
In practice, though, I'm not sure I can be seen in public walking a doodle on a flexi! Any responsible dog person we encountered would burst into flames.
Hahaha this made me actually chuckle out loud. I both love how aware you are of the potential doodle reputation and how thoughtful you continue to be about your role in it (or not) but I also hate that you feel you have to be because so many folks make their generalizations and act unkindly!
We have used flexi leads since our first dogs in the 90s. Love them. Was shocked to see just now that this is controversial in some quarters. Right there with ya. (Tho yeah, one person walking multiple dogs on them might be a very bad idea, but as with anything use some sense)
Absolutely. It feels like a fairly classic example of “the fool not the tool” for me! (I do realize flexis are sometimes marketed as quick fixes for things, and that’s on the companies for irresponsible representation, of course.)
I used to use a flexi in places that I wanted the dog to have more freedom than the short lead but the area was not safe for the dog to run free or there was wildlife around, even well trained dogs can make mistakes.however I do not use them now, mobility scooters are not suitable , you only have to untwist from round the wheels once. And you go for a lead that doesn’t let your dog go in front or behind scooter
We use a ribbon/tape one and love it! Never had any issues with it or from others.