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I need a time machine (PR). Come join me.
So I can go back in time and kill the whole "Flexi-Lead" idea before they ever ended up in the hands of every idiot in my neighborhood.
ONCE AGAIN we were attacked on a run yesterday by two dogs who were "on" Flexi-Leads. We were nearing the one dog, who stopped in his tracks to stare us down. Owner kept walking and didn't notice, because those things just stretch. When we got about 15 feet away (as close as we were going to get as we passed by), the dog lunged. Unprepared idiot owner dropped the lead and the dog came straight at Cal's throat. I held Cal's leash tightly as I sprinted across the street and tried to get us away. Then the guy's OTHER dog came at us (a 70-pound collie) and also attacked because the guy dropped THAT leash too. At some point the dogs took me down when the long "leash" wrapped around my legs, but I never let go of Cal's leash. Why? Because it was around my wrist and it's a 6' nylon lead. Also, I'm not a dumbass and I pay attention to my dog's behavior. I screamed at the guy, "GET A REAL LEASH FOR YOUR DOG!" I ran off while he was still trying to gather his dogs. I'm certain there were some other choice words in there too. This happens probably once a week and I'm so over it.
A few months ago, we were attacked by a 16-pound Scottie who BROKE his Flexi-Lead. If a dog that small can break one of these things, why do people think they're a good idea for two large dogs?
I am sofaking tired of Flexi-Leads being used by lazy asshoIes in place of, you know, actual training. We are accosted weekly by the dogs of dumbasses who don't pay attention to their Flex-Leads, or by possibly bigger dumbasses who just let their dogs off-leash to harass the neighbors. Don't tell me your dog's friendly. He won't be friendly when he approaches my leashed dog and my leashed dog goes nuts on him. Then it's a fight and there's no way to get your dog out of it.
OVER IT.
Re: I need a time machine (PR). Come join me.
Scotties are CRAZY. I guess I missed that post, wow.
While I agree that Flexi-leads are the devil's work, I honestly think that most people severely underestimate how strong dogs are. And they forget that dogs are "4 wheel drive". Finding a strong leash, even for my 18lb Scottie was really important for me to feel like I had control in situations where he could freak out. My favorite (and therefore most used) leash is made from climbing rope. I figure if it can hold people dangling from a mountain, it can hold B.
So glad that you all made it out unscathed this time!
They are crap! We throw them out at the shelter when we get them as donations. We've also had strays come in, with the broken end dangling. We offer a new leash when the owners come to pick their dog up. ;-)
and PS - I'm glad you are OK!
I don't actually know anything about these leashes, but they sound like total crap. Why would anyone want to use a leash that stretches? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the leash restraining the dog??
KC, I'm glad you and Cal are okay. And I hope that stupid a-hole learns to pay better attention to his animals!
B/w 1/8: betas 17,345, progesterone 25.6
I HATE flexi leads!
However, after training Piper and Bueller to walk loosely on a six foot, flat leash, I will occasionally use this leash: http://www.ruffwear.com/The-Roamer-Leash-trade_5?sc=2&category=15 when we're hiking, or going for long walks
It gives Bueller more freedom, but does not stretch past about 10 feet. I wear it around my waist, and only use it in areas where I can see other dogs or people coming. I love the traffic handle on Ruffwear leashes, because that is never stretchy, and that is what I hold when we pass by people or other dogs. But that's the difference, I'm incredibly vigilant, and they are strong leashes.
ETA: Katie, I'm glad that you and Cal are okay. I share your frustration and anger.
Thats what those crappy things are called. Every one of my idiot neighbors in my apartment complex has one.
One day I opened the door for my in-laws to come in and in runs my neighbors dog. He had broken his and takes off into my apartment and starts chasing my cat around. The neighbor couldn't even do anything because she was failing to restrain her larger dog from breaking his and mowing down my MIL. Would you believe I didn't even get an apology?
Married / The Cookaholic Wife
GodDAMNIT. I'm sorry
Are you and Cal okay?
I hate flexi leads.
I also hate dog owners who walk their dogs on flexi leads and shout 'don't worry he/she's friendly' as the dog races up to us. Great, my dog isn't, especially when accosted by what he thinks is an unleashed dog.
We're fine. As I was finishing the run, I was like, "welp...shoulda gone with Lori!" You've seen firsthand how bad people around here are at controlling their dogs. It sucks!
And my knee felt delightful. It was an amazing run...really really good. So we're going together sometime soon, K?
My Lunch Blog
Oh good! I'm glad your knee is behaving itself...I ended up wussing out on running yesterday in favor of 80 mins at the gym watching SVU on, ahem, four different cardio machines (my attention span wasn't great yesterday what can I say?) but managed to get out for a solid 5 miles this AM.