Question re Flexi leads (Follow-up)
I recently surveyed the L regarding Flexi leads (cord versus webbed). I believe I thanked everyone who replied to me privately, but was remiss in thanking those who responded to the List. I really do appreciate everybody's input. A synopsis of the results: 1) Flexi leads are the greatest invention on the face of the earth 2) Flexi leads are the worst invention on the face of the earth 3) Corded leads are surprisingly strong 4) Longest and strongest is the way to go 5) Regardless of the construction (cord or web), it's pretty much a given that my shoulder will be - or will just feel - dislocated at some point courtesy of a runaway Berner. Since the Berner-L camp was divided on which way to go, I purchased what appealed to me. I found a nice green lead that just happens to be webbed. After a week of using it, I can honestly say I love it!!! I'd thought that 16 feet would be long enough, but it's a lot shorter than I'd imagined. Maybe Santa will bring us a longer one ... although longer = heavier. Jake is very happy with the new freedom, and we cover more ground on our walks since I no longer have to stand and wait for him to stop sniffing. While the 6-foot leather lead will still be used when manners are required, the Flexi is perfect for our early-morning and late-evening jaunts. A very wise investment all around! Thanks so much to everyone who took the time convey their experiences with and impressions of Flexi leads! Maureen Barry & Jake Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
Re: Question re Flexi leads
Here's my reasons that I agree, partially, with Rose. I don't feel Flexis should be commonly used, particularly with young dogs where other people are around. I think they contribute to learning bad manners. I've seen young male dogs learn to do that obnoxious lunging when on flexis. You just can't be quick enough to stop it. They also allow a dog to be self-employed on the end of that 26 feet so they're not paying attention. I've got a couple of 8 ft leather leashes for long walks where other dogs/people may be around. The only time I think using flexis is ok is while training. They're great for learning to 'drive' through the tension of the flexi, like while going out to the scent articles, for go-outs, and for the dumbbell. Marjie
Re: Question re Flexi leads
- Original Message - From: "Rose Tierney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Personally I think Flexis belong in the trashcan but if one must use one > the tape variety is better than the cord. It is kinder on the poor > pedestrian who might get in the way. Care to share with us why? Aside from the obvious that rude people in public can allow their dog to tangle with other pedestrians. I'm just wondering if there is another reason you don't care for them. Eileen Morgan The Mare's Nest http://www.enter.net/~edlehman --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 - Release Date: 10/31/2002
RE: Question re Flexi leads
Hi, Personally I think Flexis belong in the trashcan but if one must use one the tape variety is better than the cord. It is kinder on the poor pedestrian who might get in the way. Rose
Re: Question re Flexi leads
Hi, when 3 months and 12kgs our puppy broke her flexi lead through a bid to chase birds - it was designed for dogs up to 20kgs, now she has the adult big dog lead (up to 60kgs) and she is fine though the click spring does seem to be getting less trusty after only three weeks. When she is bigger I don't think we will use this, but we only need a lease in town and she has free rein of a large yard otherwise. emma - Original Message - From: "Maureen Barry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 4:17 PM Subject: Question re Flexi leads > > To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, > is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a > determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or > would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a > wiser investment? > > Ninety-five percent of the time when we're out and > about, Jake would not abuse the added freedom the > Flexi lead would afford him. However, that other five > percent of the time, when a squirrel or another dog > beckons ! Till now we've been using a 6-foot > leather lead. > > Any input would be appreciated. > > Maureen Barry > Montreal, Quebec > > __ > Do you Yahoo!? > HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now > http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/ >
Re: Question re Flexi leads
- Original Message - From: "Maureen Barry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, > is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a > determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or > would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a > wiser investment? When we kicked up a deer, my 130 lbs Newfie bitch hit the end of the flexi at a full gallop. Other than me taking some really big steps until I got her attention back, nothing bad happened. The leash has stood up to my guys for years now. They are polite almost always, but they do test it often enough for me to think they are pretty darn strong. I have the largest, heaviest, longest flexi's they make. Eileen Morgan The Mare's Nest http://www.enter.net/~edlehman --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 - Release Date: 10/31/2002
RE: Question re Flexi leads
Maureen, I use a 10 yr. old "Blue" Flexi leash. It has always been able to hold a Berner (we are on our 3rd BMD, 2 rehomes and an SPCA rescue). The first BMD worked that leash for all it was worth - in & out, in & out. The 2nd was the best dog I ever walked on leash (former owner "sent" him to Obedience classes). Our current was 165 lbs when we got him from the SPCA and he was not leash trained at all (he's down to below 130 lbs now and still losing weight - target is 100 lbs). The Flexi leash has taken it all, even though it's the "Up to 50 lbs" model. If and when it breaks, I will definitely buy another. But I think I'll get the Red model then! :-) The nice thing about the Flexi-Leash is that you have a choice between letting the dog be a dog and sniff, sniff, sniff or have them Heel when needed or desired. Later, Carl "Skip" Seibert Williamsburg, VA Visit Skip's Berner Links at: http://www.widomaker.com/~seibert -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:owner-berner-l@;prairienet.org]On Behalf Of Maureen Barry Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 10:18 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Question re Flexi leads To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a
Re: Question re Flexi leads
Susan's story: I put him on a flexi when we got ready to go out the door and when I opened it and he bolted I held on with both hands as he charged full speed to the end of it. He was only about 100# but at that speed I couldn't hold on and he popped the lead out of my hands as it flipped him backwards into the air. My story: Scene: Dog #1 on flexi ready to be walked while I am trying to hook up dog #2 to another flexi. Not paying attention to dog #1 = BIG MISTAKE. Dog #1 (female, around 90lbs) sees rabbit and proceeds to chase it. Dog #1 reaches end of flexi in about 2 seconds flat. Person holding flexi (me) is caught completely off guard and is sent literally *flying* through the air as she reaches the end of the lead. Person lands in middle of road in front of house (a cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborhood) on shoulder. Dog #2 still waiting in driveway as frantic husband rushes to my side. Dog #1 happily racing around neighbor's yard after rabbit, still dragging flexi behind her. End Result: One completely separated shoulder; surgery to put it back together plus a screw to hold pieces in place; another surgery to remove screw; yet another semi-surgery (under anesthesia while they break up scar tissue so I can raise my arm above shoulder height). Four years later? Still have the dog, still have problems with that shoulder!! Moral of the story: Pay attention to what you and your dog is doing at all times. Flexis are great! Regards, Lynne Robinson Ft. Collins, CO DuCoeur Bernese http://home.attbi.com/%7ebmtndog/index.html
Re: Question re Flexi leads
On Tue, 5 Nov 2002 07:17:30 -0800 (PST) Maureen Barry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > > To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, > is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a > determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or > would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a > wiser investment A story - Years ago I had a problem with my Granville bolting out the door. I put him on a flexi when we got ready to go out the door and when I opened it and he bolted I held on with both hands as he charged full speed to the end of it. He was only about 100# but at that speed I couldn't hold on and he popped the lead out of my hands as it flipped him backwards into the air. I still have that flexi 10yrs later and am using it with other dogs. Whether it stops you dog will depend on if you can hold on. BTW, Granville quit bolting out of doors Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Question re Flexi leads
I find the webbed version, despite price, much nicer not only in resistance but also in case it ever gets tangled around yr legs or other dog´s legs. My Mali has a webbed flexi and a lab I used to walk had the cord and it hurt incredibly any time it got tangled! Simone Brasilia Brazil - Original Message - From: Maureen Barry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 1:17 PM Subject: Question re Flexi leads > > To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, > is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a > determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or > would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a > wiser investment? > > Ninety-five percent of the time when we're out and > about, Jake would not abuse the added freedom the > Flexi lead would afford him. However, that other five > percent of the time, when a squirrel or another dog > beckons ! Till now we've been using a 6-foot > leather lead. > > Any input would be appreciated. > > Maureen Barry > Montreal, Quebec > > __ > Do you Yahoo!? > HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now > http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/ >
Re: Question re Flexi leads
Sherri wrote: >I know plenty of people who've bought the webbed flexi, but no one who uses it . >The problem is that it's very heavy and cumbersome...most people just don't like it. I have, and I do! My only gripe about it is that the tape freezes up in the snow and doesn't retract too easily! Wendy, Boris and Tanja too (with 2.5 inches of snow - whoo hoo!) wendy beard ottawa, canada http://www.beard-redfern.com
Re: Question re Flexi leads
In a message dated 11/5/2002 10:18:05 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, > is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a > determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, I'd be more concerned about your shoulder holding up than the flexi chord ;-} So long as it's not chewed, the flexi chord is very strong...but seriously, you have to use a flexi with care. Unchecked, your dog can build up quite a head of steam in that 16 ft resulting in either injury to you or a dropped leash. I use flexis all the time, but I do keep an eye out for squirrels, other dogs, other people...and I keep an eye on my dog's body language. The point of all this 'awareness' is to get my dog focused on me BEFORE he takes off after a squirrel or in tangled up (in play or otherwise) with another dog. By and large, my dogs know to control their pace while on the flexi, but if one starts gaiting out...I alway use the leash 'brake' BEFORE they get to the end. This helps to control them and keep my shoulder intact (no laughing matter after 14 weeks of PT, cortisone injection, and still the possibility of surgery). or > would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a > wiser investment? I know plenty of people who've bought the webbed flexi, but no one who uses it . The problem is that it's very heavy and cumbersome...most people just don't like it. -Sherri Venditti
Re: Question re Flexi leads
I always used a Flexi with Riot, and didn't have any problem. On the odd occasion he would race after something, I'd call to him to stop - call very quickly! You can also (kind of) push on the button on the Flexi to kind of slow it down a bit (creates a bit of a drag on the line). It's very touchy, so you might want to practice. Last resort, I'd start running and pull back to slow him down. Last, last resort, I'd let go! :-) The sound of the Flexi dragging usually made him stop and turn around to see what the noise was. Then I could get his attention for a sit so I could walk up and grab the Flexi again. Dana Pero & Simon the PWC (who's marked like a Berner, but a little short!) Remembering Riot always Tustin, CA
Question re Flexi leads
To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a wiser investment? Ninety-five percent of the time when we're out and about, Jake would not abuse the added freedom the Flexi lead would afford him. However, that other five percent of the time, when a squirrel or another dog beckons ! Till now we've been using a 6-foot leather lead. Any input would be appreciated. Maureen Barry Montreal, Quebec __ Do you Yahoo!? HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/
