The Evils of the Extendi-Leash (Retractable Leashes)

After reading Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer)'s book, I've been more firm about discipline/training sessions for Cody. While we start out the day with an hour of some sort of training, my philosophy in general has changed.

This is my philosophy on extendi-leashes:

There should only be 2 ways you walk a dog:

1) With a short leash while training
2) When you feel comfortable with them being off-leash.

If local laws and regulations require a leash, I think that an owner should either be practicing heeling and recall This is possible to do with an extendi-leash, but the retractable leash is often a bit hazardous for people around who might get tripped or hurt by thin-stripped leashes. Personally, I'd rather go into a tennis court or an enclosed area to practice off-leash training so it's closer to the real deal.

Cesar Millan talked about how most dogs are leading their owners during the walks and not vice versa. He indicated that it is a sign of dominance and challenging authority of the dog is not following the pack leader (you). I don't think that extendi-leashes are completely bad, but there's too much temptation to let the dog lead the owner. I would guess that 99% of people using extendi-leashes at any given point (you can probably go to a park and do the count yourself) are not leading the dog, but rather letting the dog lead them.

Of course, a lot of this philosophy I mean for training and puppyhood purposes while you're establishing pack leadership. Then again, when the dog is older and trained and there isn't a problem with leadership, it should be at the point where you are completely comfortable that the dog can be off-leash (recall trained). Cody and I have a ways to go on this, but we're definitely working on it.