Animal Anecdote

Caution the Flexi Leash

Leash setups and better walks

(Not a flexi leash.) Photo credit: Vidar Nordli Mathisen on Unsplash

As I round the corner with my scruffy white terrier, Jackson, a Boston Terrier comes charging at us at the end of his flexi leash. The owners are not paying this dog any mind as he bolts into Jackson’s personal space. Jackson lets him know he’s coming in too hot with a hefty, Get outta my face bark/growl combo.

I stop. I keep Jackson at my side while I let them pass.

Oh Sorry, they mutter as they walk by, the dog still four feet ahead of them and getting in everyone’s way.

Jackson and I pause, look at each other and then we carry on with our walk.

Our neighborhood is busy and there are a lot of dogs. When an owner has their dog way ahead of them, it’s bad enough, but a flexi leash…forget it! I try to avoid them or cross the street. With a flexi leash owners have much less control and it can be hard to get the dog back to you if that zip line isn’t locked.

When we were training our dog and taking him to puppy school, flexi leashes were banned altogether. The dog trainer had been injured badly when a leash got away from someone and got wrapped around her leg. They can be super dangerous if they get tangled around your arm or leg. They can cut you deep and quickly.

We walk our dog every day. Once in the morning and once at night. I live in a small place with no yard so I feel I owe it to him to get out, sniff the neighborhood, greet the coffee guys (he loves the coffee shops)! I trade off walks with my husband. If we are lucky and have the time, we go together. We are seasoned walkers is what I’m saying. I notice what works for dog walkers and what doesn’t.

When you are walking your dog, be present. Put away your phone. Realize that not everyone wants to meet your dog. Keep him close to you when you’re walking by people. Don’t assume that his charging up to everyone will be welcomed; if he does that to another dog that’s not in the mood, watch out.

Having your dog close to you so that you can control him is key but so is your leash setup. We use a Ruffwear harness that has a leash attachment in the front and a standard nylon 6 foot leash. Jackson was a puller most of his life so clipping him in the front really helped with that. Avoid attaching the leash on the top of the harness, it encourages the dog to pull even more.

Have you ever seen a dog show? Do you see how they lead their dogs? With a nylon rope slipped over, high on the head. That’s it. That’s how dogs respond to your lead. You don’t need super fancy gear.

Use whatever leash setup works best for you and your dog. Just know the pros and cons of what you’re buying. It may be convenient for you but it can also create problems for your dog or other dogs around you.

Be safe out there dog walkers!