Suburban Gal – that is not true about any leash causing tension like retractables do. A ret leash is constantly trying to pull itself back (even though it is just a /tiny/ bit of pressure). The only way this can be prevented is to leave it in a lock until there’s slack, which I have never in my life seen a ret leash where the owner trained the dog to leave slack.
A normal leash will only have tension when the dog pulls, instead of all the time.
When I was younger, I realized that constant tension only makes matters way worse (found this out when walking a neighbors dog. They had it on a choker, and all it did was make her pull harder). However, a properly-timed quick tug will not encourage pulling. It discourages it.
And dogs who are used to slight tension will get used to that, and will always be pullers. They think a walk means “keep at the end of the leash” as opposed to “stay near mom and enjoy myself.”
I’ll stop on my vent though, because I know it does absolutely nothing of benefit.
The issue of heeling. I know you don’t care, but I do. If my Loki is anywhere out of a heeling position, he is immediately noticeably insecure and realizes that he’s taken over the leading. He gets tense, holds his tail straight, starts prancing, and keeps his ears high up. If I tell him to heel though, he lowers his tail/head and lays his ears back – which is VERY important as he’s a highly reactive dog.
My other dog, Shasta, isn’t very reactive (he’s just an emotional grump lol)…. I /could/ walk him on just a loose lead, but having him be at my side/behind me keeps him happier as well. I know most people think a walk is a walk, but I find it to be a source of infinite training, bonding, knowledge, and communication IF it’s executed correctly.
Sure, there’s plenty of free time for sniffing, rolling, and being goofy….but it’s always on my mark. They aren’t allowed to pull over for a sniff unless I give the okay. (Because I’ve walked dogs who are allowed to sniff wherever. Not fun at all, especially if they’re 120lb rotties LOL)
