I'll admit it. I was jealous. My sister took her Golden Retriever, Max, for a walk with Jack and I, Jack was 4 mos. old. Max was 2 yrs. old when my Black Labrador was very much a puppy. Max enjoyed his roaming and respected the intended give and take if he crossed the line of getting too far ahead. Bonus was how he stopped at the STOP signs at the end of the curbs for a sit-stay so nicely at the end of his retractable dog leash.

Got me thinkin'. I wanted my Jack to have the controlled freedom to wonder and smell, then retract by my side with an understood command. As a new puppy dog owner, I thought about the fun times he and I could share on walks and playing in the streams with a flexible leash.

So I did what any proud canine parent does to show off their new addition and my daydreams became a nightmare. Jack toured me all over the place. From one smell on one side of the road to another. If you struggle with a puppers that pulls on the other end of the leash I feel your frustration.

I put aside the flexible leash and my vision of a perfect puppy walk. As recommended by a trainer I first put in the training time with a pinch/prong collar and standard short lead. After many, many walks I can proudly say Jack gained back his retractable leash.

A training tool? Hmm. I learned from those in the know that a retractable dog leash could be used as a training tool. At first, Retrieving was not as much fun as the infamous Chase-Me games we play much too frequently. However, one could find some interest if praise was waiting at the other end of the lead perhaps? Sure enough. Retriever is now retrieving, yippee! How, you ask? Toss favorite toy the length of the extension cord/tape. Encourage your pup with the "Come" command. Allow the cord/tape to retract back into the handle compartment you are holding. Praise big time. Dragging or pulling your dog is not going to benefit either one of you. Yes, consistency is everything when training. If you want to "get real" add some distractions to the mix when you’re both ready for advance lead work.

As with any leash, I have been told and witnessed for myself that a dog picks up on vibe at the other end, meaning YOU. If the master is not calm and in a good mental state, do not expect fantastic results from the student.

Where to buy a flexible dog leash or for more information about supplies and puppy accessories, I recommend http://www.fordogowners.com/RetractableDogLeash.html