When Bean & I were at training, the trainer used her own equipment...even though I have a choke collar for Bean...She said they always use the Kennels gear.  That included a six foot leather leash. I was just wondering if anyone has a preference for leather over nylon leashes  and why?

The leather leash we used was well worn, and soft...I really liked it.

Renee'

Just my opinion but I like leather best for the dog.  It has a little give.  But I have both leather and nylon.  I'm just now trying to learn how to use a retractable leash.  The one I have has a little sort of stretchy piece on the end.  I think that's so the dog gets a little extra give?

I'd like instructions on how to use these leashes properly.

As far as I know, retractable leashes were intended for training, not walking, dogs.

2 examples of why I hate these things:

1. There is a lady on our street who walks her little mutt on a retractable, usually her on one side of the road and him on the other. I don't know how many times I have almost hit them as I drive up the street (god forbid either of them wear anything reflective). She lets him wander as far up onto people's property as he wants, which means he usually pees or poops in the middle of people's lawns (and then of course, wanders away without picking up after the dog). I'm embarassed when Bo pees on the curb, for heaven sake.

2. There is a young golden retriever who Bo likes to play with. But he is walked on a retractable. Since they are both young, and we always seem to meet them on a busy corner, we have to leave them on leashes. The other dog is walked on a retractable and it always seems to get wound around Bo's skinny little legs. If we met them in a safer area, I would take them off leash, but that retractable leash gives me nightmares of a bad rope burn, or more serious injury.

I'm sure there are other people with other opinions -- I do realize these situations are more the faults of bad owners than bad leashes, but IMHO, I've never really seen a dog walked properly on a retractable.

Thanks Everbell!  That was fast!

I'm OK so far I guess.  I have just been using mine in the back yard.  No way am I coordinated enough to think I could take a dog on the street with one of those.  Spot is not on a leash and our new girl, Lola is on the retractable.  And they have already gotten tangled up.  Spot learns fast and he is now jumping over Lola's leash.  I can see they would be good for training.  That's what I was planning on using it for.

Thanks for another perspective, Gail. I know these leashes do have a place and a purpose. I guess my objection is mostly the people who use them to let their dog run 20 feet in front of them and then try to "reel in" the dog when THEY feel it is necessary. (Again, I think this is an owner issue more than a tool issue.) 

OH GEEZE, the rope burn thing......seriously a problem, if the leash isn't used properly

I was in Huntington Beach Ca. at a park and a unexperienced volunteer dog walker ( for the pound ) Had no control, and the dog came to say hi to my Lab...BUT the leash wrapped around my legs, knee level, two or three times...I was wearing shorts, and The burn was so bad I spent the next two days of my vacation, in our motorhome with balm on the burns and my legs elevated........... In the right hands the retractable is a productive tool JMO.

I started using one for travel...rest stops and what not, allowing a little more freedom for the ole poop & pee thing.

As far as that lady walking her little MUTT......she's just plain RUDE...can't blame the leash on that one   SOME PEOPLE just don't have a clue

Renee'

Amen to that! I was worried when we first brought Bo home that people would think it was us leaving the presents ... his poops are big enough now that's no longer a concern on my part

And as for the rope burn, I have one of those too ... from a 50ft check cord and an overexcited puppy, and an ankle between the two  I couldn't walk properly for 2 weeks ... but I blame myself (trying to take a picture and not paying attention to the pup) and it's all healed now (looks like a wierd tattoo, truth be told

Everbell,

The check cord reminded me of another disaster....using a retractable

After being cited for my dog being off leash in a park, I took him in on a retractable....neither of us had a clue, he was used to doing his thing, romping and chasing critters...I TOO was trying to take a picture...That poor dog hit the end of the leash ( chasing a critter )..and tossed me like a flap jack...I had gravel embeded in my knees.......I quickly became CLUED IN on the proper way to use the retractable...but never went back to that park....I think the ticket cost me 80 bucks, and the injury on top of it .......I thought it was a SIGN

Renee'

I recently purchased a nylon leash with a elastic loop. It gives some stretch. My wife who had shoulder surgey last year thinks its great. Check it out at bisondesign.com

I prefer leather to nylon as it is easier on the hands if the dog should happen to pull.  Mine is braided leather with not stitching to come loose.  I had it special made and it is now 4 years old and good as new.  It is 6 foot.  The only leash I use in the obedience ring.  I have a couple others that I use, also briaded that I am working on getting broke in.  I keep a few nylon leashes around for use around water if I need a leash.

I have a retractable that we use when we are hiking on the youngster as she is not yet trustworthy off leash (and I don't want her taking off in the high country of Colorado or New Mexico).  When I use the retractable I can practice the recall with her while we are hiking.  I call her and if no response she get a pop.  Now she comes very reliably without the pop. 

I also have some check cords and use those when teaching the recall.  I have nylon check cords as they are light and don't tangle as easily when they drag them.

I also have some short leather leads for walking in the street when you want to keep the dog close.  That way you don't have allot of leash in your hand or dangling.

Bev