The Joy of Flex

I’d been planning to write an article about Flexi-leads for a few weeks now and even recorded a video on the weekend with some incoherent mutterings on the subject. However, K9 Manhunt & Scentwork Scotland beat me to the punch and wrote almost exactly what was going through my head. So, rather than reinvent the wheel, I’ve decided to stand on the shoulders of giants and adapt the article with some added thoughts of my own. The original article, in all its glory, can be found on their Facebook site. Check it out!

Flexi-leads, or retractable leads, are a common sight in towns, parks, and even country lanes across the UK. For some, they represent convenience and a bit of freedom for their dog. For others, especially those of us in the dog training world, they can be a source of frustration and, in some cases, genuine danger.

This article isn’t about demonising flexi-leads. Like many tools, they have their place – but only when used responsibly and with a clear understanding of their purpose and limitations. Let’s break down the pros and cons, explore where and when a flexi-lead might be appropriate, and highlight the issues that arise when they’re misused.

A typical flexi-lead

The Responsible Use of Flexi-Leads

Used properly, a flexi-lead can be an extremely helpful bit of kit. For instance, when getting dogs out of the car, I’ll clip them onto a flexi-lead to give them the opportunity to stretch, toilet, or just get their bearings. It offers them a degree of freedom without compromising safety. I might also use it during play when I want the dog to remain reasonably close, particularly if we’re in a semi-enclosed area or if I’m working on recall and the dog is still in the learning phase.

It gives me an element of control, especially with younger or less experienced dogs whose recall isn’t quite where I want it to be yet. It’s not about laziness or convenience – it’s about being sensible, providing structure, and managing potential risk.

Flexi-leads are now used across the world

Where It All Goes Wrong: Flexi-Leads on Daily Walks

What grinds my gears – and I say this with no apology – is seeing flexi-leads used on daily walks, especially in busy environments. Walk through any town and you’ll spot it: dogs six to eight feet ahead of their owners (or worse, lagging just as far behind), leads locked in the extended position, the human completely oblivious to what the dog is doing.

Even at the side of a road. That’s not just irresponsible – it’s downright dangerous. It’s not dog training. It’s not even walking your dog. It’s just plain stupid.

Dogs need to learn how to walk beside their handlers. They need to understand lead pressure, loose lead walking, and what it means to engage with their human. Communicating with a dog on a flexi-lead is like talking to Australia in the 1970s – it’s slow, laggy, lacks nuance, and there’s often a lot of clicking on the line!

The only thing a dog pulling at the end of a flexi-lead is learning is the joy of pulling at the end of a lead. It’s a classic case of opposition reflex in action. The more tension there is on the line, the more the dog pulls against it. And with a flexi-lead constantly maintaining tension, that reflex is never countered – it’s fed.

An example of how a flexi-lead should be used

The Cons of Flexi-Leads: More Than Just Annoyances

Aside from the clear training drawbacks, flexi-leads present a host of practical problems:

1. Entanglement and Injury

Almost weekly, I see dogs and owners tangled in flexi-leads. Sometimes it’s mild – a bit of hopping and unravelling. Other times, it’s more serious. I’ve seen rope burns, fingers injured, and dogs panicked by being inadvertently tripped or caught. Also, they are not always easy to see and I’ve seen runners and cyclists having to take evasive action to avoid flexi-leads across paths.

2. Mechanical Failure

Flexi-leads are not indestructible. They require maintenance. If they’re put away wet, muddy, or tangled, they can jam or fail. I’ve witnessed leads snap, locks give way, or handles break clean off – usually at the worst possible moment. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take near a road or in any area with livestock or wildlife.

3. False Sense of Control

Many owners think they’re “in control” simply because the dog is attached to a lead – but with a flexi-lead, particularly at full extension, your reaction time is diminished. You’ve effectively given your dog a six-metre head start. If something triggers them – a cyclist, another dog, a squirrel – your ability to intervene quickly is severely limited.

4. Reinforcing Disengagement

Dogs on extended flexi-leads often move independently of their owner. They learn to switch off from their handler, to scan their environment instead of checking in. This is the very opposite of what we strive for in good leash manners and obedience training.

But Are Flexi-Leads All Bad? Not at All.

Used wisely, they can serve a purpose. For dogs recovering from injury who need to move without overexerting, or for controlled sniffing and toileting in designated areas, they can offer a useful compromise between total freedom and structured walking.

They’re also helpful for training transitions – giving a dog the feeling of increased freedom while still being technically on-lead. But again, this is done with intent, not as a default.

When (and How) to Use a Flexi-Lead Responsibly

• Never near roads or traffic. It’s simply too risky.

• Never on your daily structured walk. This should be about connection and engagement.

• Always check the mechanism. Dry it, store it properly, and inspect it regularly.

• Use it for short-term, purposeful activities. Sniff breaks, toileting, or certain play sessions.

• Work on recall and lead manners simultaneously. Don’t let the flexi become a crutch.

Final Thoughts: Train First, Then Trust

A flexi-lead should never replace proper training. It is a tool, not a shortcut. Until your dog understands lead pressure, walks calmly by your side, and reliably responds to recall, don’t give them five metres of freedom and expect it to go well.

As with any tool, it’s not the lead itself that’s the problem – it’s how it’s used.

Train first, then trust. That’s the mantra. Your lead – whether fixed or retractable – is only as good as the handler holding it and the training foundation beneath it.

And please, for the love of dogs – keep it off the streets and out of town centres.