Nora,

We are having a little bit of a challenge with walking as of late, and i have realized that I need to retrain Angus on how to properly walk on a leash. Which type of leash do you recommend while we are doing just a little bit or retraining so that he has better manners. Fixed or retractable? I was thinking fixed because it sets clearer boundaries than a retractable which I think is where we ran into our problems in the first place.

Which do you recommend for re-leash training???

Just had to vent about retractable leashes.  Everyone in my family uses them and wants to use them on Taz.  I really can't stand them.  Too little controll on a moments notice.  Then if you drop theat handle it scares the dog to death, and you can't step on those leases to stop them when dropped.  Not to mention - rope burns.  My aunt has wicked chis that she walk with my dogs and I have the scars to proce it.

Sorry - I have issues, I know.

Fixed leash here

The retractable leashes are being banned from many towns, they are already banned from most AKC events.. Invest in a good 6 footer and a 3 foot walking leash. We also use 20 foot long lines to excercise where we can't go off lead.. Also get a good collar, Not one of those plastic snap tings, I have seen them just pop. For walking in town we use a Martingale type collar from PETCO tha is half chain and half nylon. When adjusted correctly they can't back out of them. If you must use the snap type, get the one with rings on each side of the snap. You attach the leash to both rings.You want the collar tight so they can't back out of it.

There is such a smorgasbord of leads that can be purchased these days.  I believe that when choosing a lead,  as with choosing a collar,  the handler should consider the lead’s uses.

The retractable lead, can offer a dog “freedom” to run on a pleasure walk, but if your dog has a tendency to pull, then the dog will often just go to the end of the lead and continue to pull. They can also be useful at the dog’s elimination time, but the negative aspects (IMO) must be strongly considered. This lead is no substitute for a simple 4' or 6’ lead. If the dog spooks, the lead can easily be pulled out of the handler’s hands, which can in turn increase the dog’s terror factor. If not used carefully, handler’s hands can be burned from the cord or knuckles skinned from the casing. In my opinion, they should never be used in the city and only in areas that if the dog should get loose, would not be in danger. If the cord does get wet, the entire lead must be left out to dry to minimize the chance of rotting. The same freedom of movement that is offered by a flexi can be obtained with a 30’ lead.

The disadvantages are increased danger to the dog if the flexi should be pulled from the handler’s hand, leg injuries from being tangled in the cord, and injuries to the handler.

Bottomline... it's a personal choice, but there's a good reason why you won't see a professional trainer using one.

We are around a lot of dogs all the time, from small to very large. Control is the main issue.
I can't tell you how many times we have seen someone with a retractable not paying attention of what their dog is doing.
Same goes for a too long fixed leash. My favorite is a 30" Kangaroo that I still bunch up in my hand. Train them with a good choke type collar, it will help so much when walking in a standard collar later.
This is the collar we use and just love.

They are called a half choke. We get the Costal brand ones at PETCO or PETSMART.