Tab leads for obedience

[Emily]

Honestly, I can't remember. LOL When I see them I buy a couple. For some reason I think I got a couple at Tractor Supply.

Ah ok, my nearest TSC is an hour away, grrrr. Home Depot only has big snaps. Guess I'll order some online!

 

[Elrohwen]

Two ideas for that- First, you can buy small snaps. I'd run attach the snap to the cut end. Second, you can use it "as is" by simply running it through the collar ring and holding both ends, but I'd wait for more advanced work to do that.

Aren't you glad I "hang" with the Top Dog crowd on occasion? LOL

My leads have a little loop on one end and a handle loop on the other. I attach the little loop to a show collar by putting it through the ring and pulling the lead through the loop. I'm not sure how to describe it ... But basically I could easily attach it to his collar, it's just not easy on/easy off like a snap. I'll keep an eye open for little snaps though.

 

[SpringerLover]

Not what you're talking about but, rather than worry about undoing a clip when going into the obedience ring, I often just run the leash through my dog's collar and hold both ends. Then I can just drop one end and slip it out without bending over/fumbling/etc. So, depending on what you're using it for, maybe that would work?

 

[Elrohwen]

Not what you're talking about but, rather than worry about undoing a clip when going into the obedience ring, I often just run the leash through my dog's collar and hold both ends. Then I can just drop one end and slip it out without bending over/fumbling/etc. So, depending on what you're using it for, maybe that would work?

That's a good idea.

I was only really interested in the tab leash because it's required for this seminar. Otherwise I hadn't really thought of getting one. They require a 2-3' leash, a 4', a 6', a slip, a tab, and a 26' flexi, so I'm trying to cover as many bases as I can. lol Luckily MicksMom has taken the same seminar, so she knows what the instructors are looking for.

 

[SpringerLover]

That's a good idea.

I was only really interested in the tab leash because it's required for this seminar. Otherwise I hadn't really thought of getting one. They require a 2-3' leash, a 4', a 6', a slip, a tab, and a 26' flexi, so I'm trying to cover as many bases as I can. lol Luckily MicksMom has taken the same seminar, so she knows what the instructors are looking for.

Ah, that's a lot of equipment for a seminar!

I picked up the tactic I mentioned above from another competitor. Nothing fancy, just so much easier, and one less thing to worry about when I'm focused on keeping my dog working!

 

[Elrohwen]

Ah, that's a lot of equipment for a seminar!

I know! I wanted a 4' leash anyway, and a dual lead from Zumi, so I'll get one and that will cover my 4' and slip requirements. I also wanted a flexi, since I use a long line a lot and it would be a nice alternative, so I don't mind picking up one of those. I might make the tab, or just get one there. I also don't think I'll get a 2-3' lead before and hope I can make do, or see if they'll lend me one (I'd rather not buy one since I don't know that I'd use it). Oh, I also have to buy a dumbbell!

It should be a good seminar. It's 3 full days (I'm going to be exhausted) and the instructors have trained some of the top obedience teams in the country. One of them is well known in Welshie circles (put a UDX and MACH on Welshies), so I'm excited to meet her for that reason.

 

[MicksMom]

That's a good idea.

I was only really interested in the tab leash because it's required for this seminar. Otherwise I hadn't really thought of getting one. They require a 2-3' leash, a 4', a 6', a slip, a tab, and a 26' flexi, so I'm trying to cover as many bases as I can. lol Luckily MicksMom has taken the same seminar, so she knows what the instructors are looking for.

Hmm, I don't remember taking all that to the seminar. But, that's probably because I'd been accumulating it for over 20 years and already had it all in my bag. LOL And I honestly don't remember using anything more than my regular obedience lead (probably the 3 foot one) and flexi. The slip is for exactly what SpringerLover mentioned- slipping through the collar and be able to let go of the non handle end when doing jumps, etc. You really want a snap on the tab. I'd cut the show lead a smidge longer than I needed and either attach the snap the same way you attach it to the collar or put the snap on the cut end with a knot. Either way, you want a knot on the other end so it doesn't slip through your hands so easily.

Oh- good luck finding a 26 foot corded flexi. The only 26 foot they make now is all tape.

 

[Elrohwen]

Hmm, I don't remember taking all that to the seminar. But, that's probably because I'd been accumulating it for over 20 years and already had it all in my bag. LOL And I honestly don't remember using anything more than my regular obedience lead (probably the 3 foot one) and flexi. The slip is for exactly what SpringerLover mentioned- slipping through the collar and be able to let go of the non handle end when doing jumps, etc. You really want a snap on the tab. I'd cut the show lead a smidge longer than I needed and either attach the snap the same way you attach it to the collar or put the snap on the cut end with a knot. Either way, you want a knot on the other end so it doesn't slip through your hands so easily.

Oh- good luck finding a 26 foot corded flexi. The only 26 foot they make now is all tape.

My regular lead is a 6' leather one, so I do need something shorter. I was between another leather lead, or a Zumi, and I like that the Zumi will work as a slip for agility, so I'll get that and hopefully it will be ok. I'm sure I'll get some other lengths of leather at some point, but my husband will kill me if I buy that many leashes all at once. :lol-sign:

Does the flexi need to be corded? I would prefer a tape, since I do plan to use it outside of the seminar and don't like the corded ones from when I used them on past dogs.

 

[MicksMom]

...Does the flexi need to be corded? I would prefer a tape, since I do plan to use it outside of the seminar and don't like the corded ones from when I used them on past dogs.

That's what was recommended when I got mine (way back when Betsy first opened at that location). The reason being, the corded ones are lighter weight and easier to maneuver. Plus, there are issues with the tape ones retracting sometimes. They're used for recalls and teaching the jumps. I don't spend much time in the main building anymore (Nosework and Rally run thrus are in the front building), so I don't know what they prefer now. You could email and ask.

 

[Elrohwen]

That's what was recommended when I got mine (way back when Betsy first opened at that location). The reason being, the corded ones are lighter weight and easier to maneuver. Plus, there are issues with the tape ones retracting sometimes. They're used for recalls and teaching the jumps. I don't spend much time in the main building anymore (Nosework and Rally run thrus are in the front building), so I don't know what they prefer now. You could email and ask.

Hmm, yeah, I guess I will email them and see. From a quick look, the 26' were all the tape kind. We shouldn't need a lead for recalls or jumps at this point (especially by June) so it might not be much of an issue.

ETA: Amazon does have corded ones at that length, but they are only recommended for dogs up to 44lbs, which is almost exactly what Watson weighs. I'd be nervous about using that out in the real world where he's likely to lunge at wildlife.

 

[Emily]

Oh- good luck finding a 26 foot corded flexi. The only 26 foot they make now is all tape.

Huh, I'm pretty sure mine is 26' and corded. It's definitely corded! It might 23' though...

 

[Elrohwen]

Huh, I'm pretty sure mine is 26' and corded. It's definitely corded! It might 23' though...

They do make them, I just some on Amazon (the second is 23'):
http://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Explore...=UTF8&qid=1391619227&sr=8-2&keywords=26+flexi

http://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Explore...-Pound/dp/B006MUQQXC/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_6


The only long corded ones I've found are only rated up to 44lb dogs though, which makes me nervous with Watson. I'm sure it would be totally fine in a class situation, but outside he will still lunge full speed at deer and I'm worried it would snap. I'd rather get a flexi I can use for training and walks.

 

[MicksMom]

...ETA: Amazon does have corded ones at that length, but they are only recommended for dogs up to 44lbs, which is almost exactly what Watson weighs. I'd be nervous about using that out in the real world where he's likely to lunge at wildlife.

I can't remember what the weight recommendation was on mine, but I know it was less than the 75 pounds that Mick weighed. I want to say 50-55 pounds. It's 20+ years old and still going strong. Then again, I only used it for training, potty breaks on road trips and for walks when Mick was so feeble he just toddled along behind me.

Huh, I'm pretty sure mine is 26' and corded. It's definitely corded! It might 23' though...

Depends on when you bought it. Originally the 3-8 corded was 26 ft. Now it's 23. Not sure when they changed the length. A friend pointed it out to me about a year ago.

Now, if I'm reading the conversation table right, you can get a 26 ft corded flexi in the UK for a dog up to 110 pounds.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flexi-Comfort-Long-Rope-Retractable/dp/B000A215G6

The conversation table
http://www.metric-conversions.org/weight/kilograms-to-pounds-table.htm

 

[SpringerLover]

I have a 26' corded Flexi (and so does Lauren, haha) that's rated up to 110lbs! My new one is tape though, and as much as I hated it at first, I love it more now!

 

[Elrohwen]

I have a 26' corded Flexi (and so does Lauren, haha) that's rated up to 110lbs! My new one is tape though, and as much as I hated it at first, I love it more now!

I'll have to keep looking then! What do you like better about the tape? I have my own issues with the cord ones (used them all the time with our dogs before I went to college), but I haven't actually used a tape version. I'm just assuming I would like them better, but that might not be the case.

 

[SpringerLover]

My tape one doesn't have the 2' or so extra leash at the end, which I find really convenient living in an apartment complex (especially because my dogs are wearing a harness while on a flexi). It also feels more 'normal' in my hand (ergonomic?).

 

[MicksMom]

...What do you like better about the tape? I have my own issues with the cord ones (used them all the time with our dogs before I went to college), but I haven't actually used a tape version. I'm just assuming I would like them better, but that might not be the case.

My neighbors have a belt/tape one for their Brittany. It retracts slower than the corded ones (I take their dog out on my way to work every morning and also dog sit when they go away) and is heavier.

 

[JessLough]

My neighbors have a belt/tape one for their Brittany. It retracts slower than the corded ones (I take their dog out on my way to work every morning and also dog sit when they go away) and is heavier.

Relaly? I definitely find my corded to be heavier than the tapes!

I prefer the tape. I feel like there's less chance I'll cut my finger off

 

[Elrohwen]

I have a 26' corded Flexi (and so does Lauren, haha) that's rated up to 110lbs! My new one is tape though, and as much as I hated it at first, I love it more now!

Is it Flexi brand? I'm having a tough time. All of the large sizes they make are tape from what I can see.

 

[MicksMom]

Is it Flexi brand? I'm having a tough time. All of the large sizes they make are tape from what I can see.

I found the corded ones for 110 pound dogs, but they were on a UK site.

ETA- You can borrow mine if you don't find something. I can leave it at Top Dog with your name on it and you can just leave it there when you're done.