From the January 1941 edition of Popular Mechanix:
Dog Leash on Spring Reel Plays Fido Like a Fish_________________________________
A leash attached to a spring-operated reel is a new wrinkle for dog owners. Encased in a light but sturdy aluminum housing, the reel carries twelve feet of waterproofed leash strong enough to hold a great Dane yet light enough for use with a Pekinese. A hook forming part of the housing allows the owner to hold the device securely, while the dog is free to run for a distance of twelve feet. As he returns nearer to his owner, the spring reel winds up the leash cord to prevent it from becoming tangled. A button-con-trolled lock makes it easy to stop the dog at any time as he is running out the leash, and to keep him in hand.
As a dog walking tool, I consider the retractable leash a nightmare in the hands of most pet owners, but as a dog training tool, the retractable leash is a very good Long Line, as it's easy to get it out of the way as you teach recall and work with distractors.
Bottom line: Retractable leashes have a place in dog training.
I have a Flexi 'explorer' 23 foot long ½ inch wide tape lead (large dog for my 17 lb terrier). I like it and it's sturdy. I put it on a belt around my waist to free up my hands. I reel it in when needed in tight areas or around distractions. I agree, it's a great training tool. And lets my dog have some room to run on walks when it's suitable. Putting in on a belt around my waist has been difference to free up my hands. I also noted that Flexi leads are mainly tape leads rather than the older string lead models. Don't waste your money on any other brand IMHO.
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