Looking for a lightweight flexi leash for dogs

You want a Rad Dog Release N Run Collar (http://www.myraddog.com/rnr.html).

I am one of those horrible dog owners who allows their dog to run off leash on trails. The 4 feet is prefect to keep her under control when we encounter cars, leashed dogs, or bears. The leash handle is easy to grab but has never caught on bushes or branches. Even after a year, the leash retracts cleanly into the collar. When it breaks, I'll order another immediately.

ChrisG

I don't even own a dog (wish I did) but this leash is really neat. I think I'm going to order one for my girlfriend.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2751508&lmdn=Dog+Collars%2C+Tags+%26amp%3B+Leashes

I use a plain old retractable leash like this one. They come in different sizes for different size dogs. If your dog is really well behaved you could probably get away with carrying one for a much smaller size dog. Mine is meant for a 20 lb dog and it weights 6.2 oz but they make even smaller ones for teacup size dogs. If you want to put it on your pack you could just run your waist strap through the handle.

What I love about it is that the retractable leash manages the slack for me so I don't have to mess with it. I let my dog run ahead to the full length of the leash (20 feet maybe) then when I see other people coming up I call him back and lock him on a shorter leash while we pass them. I also like having him up ahead so we are not tripping over each other like if he was at my side.

Yah! Of course I need A Rad Dog Collar!! Here's someone who has used his/hers brain. Very clever! I will order one right away.
Thanks!

For two 20-25 lb. Shelties, the smallest Flexi brand leash was taken apart, and the cord replaced with braided Spectra cord from one of the cottage BPL companies.
Result – a 10-12 foot strong, retractable cord. Nite-Ize biners were added to a wrist strap so the leash could be clipped to pack, tent, bush or whatever.
Unfortunately, the newer model Flexis are more difficult to take apart and reassemble, but a few of the older models are still around in pet stores. The coil springs wear out eventually.

While Flexis have been critisized for walking dogs in high traffic urban areas, they work great in the backcountry, particularly on forest roads or mountain bike trails, where something wheely could be coming along fast.

A larger size Flexi and heavier cord would be needed for a larger dog. If you PM me, I will send you one of the old model larger ones – have no need for it. But if you want Spectra cord, you will have to do the replacing yourself.

I know of just the leash for you. It's the LeashLocket (available at leashlocket.com). It is a 6-foot retractable. What makes this especially helpful for hiking is that the handle is very small and light-weight. The leash attaches to your dog just like any other retractable, but when you want your dog to have freedom, the handle retracts up the your dog's collar or harness and then attaches magnetically right there.

That way your dog always has his leash available. Whenever you want to use it, you just grab the handle right off his collar.

I have used a Ruff Wear Quick Draw leach on the trial with good results. It is just a short leash with Velcro to stash it like a collar. If you sew, it would be pretty to make one. http://www.ruffwear.com/Quick-Draw-Leash_2?sc=2&category=15

My other trail leash solution was to take an 8'-10' hank of light line and make a simple bowline loop that will slip over my dog's head with a mini-biner on the other end. I clip it on my belt with the biner and drop it in my pants pocket. If people are coming down the trail, I just slip it over his head until the trail is clear. I can reverse it and clip the carabiner on his collar when I want a more a conventional leash. The bowline loop is a lot easier than trying to bend over and find his collar and clip a snap hook on.

I like this arrangement as it is light and cheap, and he won't get a leash tangled and possibly hurt him. He is well behaved, but I want to be a good citizen on the trail and not subject others to my dog, and there are laws too.

Another alternative is to get your dog a backpack. Many packs have a leash stash or a D-ring to clip on to. My Aussie goes crazy when the pack comes out :)