Hi C4c:
I used to use one on my friends Lab when I walked her at my house. She was a little unruley on or off the leash. Walking her in an area without any other dogs or people, it was fine. I never used it on her in a busy area and in my neighborhood no one ever walks their dog. I never had one break on me.
I agree with both arguments on the retractable leash. I also have a Flexi leash for Bobby, he only weighs about 44 lbs. I would never use it in the city or any busy place.
The two parks I take Bobby to by my house never have dogs or people there when I go. There is another park with a fenced area that most people with dogs go to. I prefer the parks with no people. lol But, just in case there are other dogs or alot of people at the park when we go I keep a regular leash with me.
