Sparky is a 60 pound Standard Poodle. We purchased a retractable dog leash for him at Rural King which failed after about 2 months.

Looking at Amazon, there are too many options at every price point. We'd like to keep the price under $50.00, and would like the leash to last for years. Thanks!

We use Flexi for our cats. About $15, scaled up for a 60lbs I can't imagine over $50.

I'm also interested since our goldendoodle will be born any day now. He/she will probably be between 50 and 70 lbs, so we want something which will go the distance.

I can't remember the brand for the one we're probably getting at Petsmart, but it says it is made in Germany prominently on the front of the package. I've looked at different ones there at Petsmart, Pets Barn, Tractor Supply, TJ Maxx as well as other places on-line, so I still haven't made up my mind. Still, I'd like to bit have to purchase one from China if I don't have to.

I always wanted a Retractable Dog...

I can't remember how made the one used. It had 1/2" wedding instead of a cord. I also got one that was longer then most. Worked great for my lab.

https://www.amazon.com/Flexi-G...ts=p_72%3A2661618011

We have two of these and they have withstood much abuse and are still going strong...

Walmart sells the Flexi leash too.
We have had them for our dogs for years and they work and hold up well.
The real old ones had a rope type cord that could give you a serious rope burn. The ones that are sold now have a flat strap and are much safer to use.

The Flexi standard From wal-mart works well,cheaper than petsmart.
They come in round and flat line.
None last more than a few years.
They are strong enough to make a 95 # lab drag you face down.
Yep several times over the years,thanks to feral cats and a cat haten lab.

I got the small size version as my dogs both weighed together are less than 25 lbs. This one is for 110 lbs. I like the 26' length. $38.47

Flexi New Classic Retractable 26' Dog Leash (Tape), Large, Black

walkwithlove.com ...easier on you and your pup...more control. Retractable leash not a great idea...frowned on by most professional dog trainers.

I let my dog pull a retractable leash out of my hands and it retracted when it hit the ground. I had a hell of a time catching the dog by the short length. What I do now is make my own 50 ft leashes out of paracord and let it drag the ground behind me. Let the dogs have some extra line when coast isclear and tighten it up when they need tp be controlled. Got to wear gloves or rope burns will happen.

Menards sells 100' lengths impregnated with reflector thread. I buy 2 colors and that makes it easy to keep the tangles out.

As a motorcycle rider, dogs on retractable leashes require extra cognizance.

quote:

Originally posted by RichardC:
As a motorcycle rider, dogs on retractable leashes require extra cognizance.

I get this. Whenever traffic approaches, I command the dog to stay, then take up the slack and lock the leash until the traffic passes. Fortunately, we walk in a very quiet, relaxed environment!

Yes to all-tape Flexi with a big strong dog.

Flexi it is. Thanks!

Consider training your dog to walk properly to heel and under control. The vast majority of experts believe that is the correct way to walk a dog.

I use training leads , since most of the time I am walking two dogs at a time. The ones purchased at Petsmart did not last very long , and frayed , due to dragging , these were 15' lengths.

Then I ordered some Clix training leads from Foster and Smith in 16' lengths, and they have lasted 3 years, being dragged along the asphalt on the rural road I walk, no sign what so ever if fraying.

I simply coil up the training leads in my hand when I need to bring in my dogs for traffic etc.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/...9+26631&pcatid=26631

Had such a lead for my rescue. He had panic attaches and would bolt. The brake on the lead didn't do much. At the end I'd get a huge snap on my shoulder.
Every trainer I'm known has been against retractable leads. A six foot leash is best. If you need more, get a prong collar with a quick release.
The best thing is training.

We buy them at Harbor Freight for cheap and they last. We've yet to break one.

We've had no trouble using the largest corded model with both of our English Mastiffs. Definitely sturdy. However they were both trained to stop, stay, and heel.