EC.TEAK Retractable Dog Leash, 30 FT Dog Walking Leash for Medium Large Dogs up to 77 lbs, Heavy Duty No Tangle, Large
We are not a fan of everyone having a retractable leash. They should only be used for training and away from others walks. Too many people do not control their dog on a retractable leash, heck they don’t even retract it. I myself have almost crashed my motorcycle many times from dogs on extended leashes running out in front of me. I have also been a victim of bike crashes due to the same thing.
Well, we did buy one. We are using it for training our new Mini-Husky Ryder Todd. He is a flight risk and needs to be on a lead at all times when he is outside. I also take him to work with me where we deliver heavy equipment. Having an adjustable leash works so he can have some space but not too much space based on the work area we are in. We have also been using this 30′ retractable leash for training him on recall and other skills.
Ryder is only 23 pounds to this leash rated for 77 pounds works great. Always make sure the retractable leash you are getting is strong enough for your dog. I was once riding bike with our previous dog Dakota while an elderly man was walking his large lab across the street from us. As we got closer I could see the dog making space between him and his owner while the retractable leash was making awful clicking noises as the dog pulled more leash out. Well, so far Ryder has only challenged the length or lock on this leash a few times and it held him back.
We wanted a long lead for training and this was the only 30′ one we could find. It is a cord like a paracord for the actual lead. The last couple feet by the dog is a flat strap which works great for short leash handling. The brake on this one works great and the lock for controlling the distance has functioned everytime once I learned how to use it. Actually pretty simple; push the button down and then slide the tab forward that is by the bigger button. Slide that tab back and the lead is free flowing again. Pushing the big button is a temporary brake and it holds nicely.
Overall this has been a good retractable leash for Ryder, remember he only weighs 23 pounds.
UPDATE:
Ryder now weighs 24 pounds. His recall is good in our fenced backyard and while on leash, this 30′ leash helps to give him practice.
Recently Ryder ran out the end of this retractable leash and it broke! He was chasing a rabbit into some thick growth. There was no way to see him and he might not even have heard us since the brush was so thick. We got him back after about an hour of looking.
Come to find out the leash broke at the end where it attached to the spool inside. My guess is after him running it out too many times it weakened there. I respooled it with some paracord. In the future we will stop it before he gets to the end. This will be good practice to teach him he can’t just run without permission. We were thinking him hitting the end would be a self correction but we can do that before it hits the end so there is some cord left for shock absorption.
After using this leash for a few months and having this happen we would not recommend it for a break away runner dog. If you need something to give your dog some space to explore it is great. Always make sure you have control of your dog and don’t try to use a retractable leash to train a runner. Our escape worked out in the end but not all outcomes will be this good.
