fright of my life..

Yes marley again... in the park tonight on the last lap when marley thought he saw something. Of he went like usual and all of a sudden the flexi went slack. To my horror it had snapped and the speed that dog can run at is amazing. While he is in hunt mode he has no recal whatsoever which is why he is never off the lead. Spent best part of an hour calling him but couldnt see or here a thing. Was just about to give up hope when he comes running up the path to me and went all wiggle bum on me like he does when I come home. So flipping relieved I just hugged him.
That flexi is for a 50kg dog and I check leads and harnesses regularly.
No my throught is killing me through all the shouting his name. Lil sod will be the death of me.

Which is one reason I won't use a flexi! 

I bet you were so relieved to see him again! Naughty boy to make you so worried. 

Do you think he caught whatever it was he was after?

  Are you able to send it back ??

We only have the next one down for Rocky which is up to 25 Kg dog

you must have been so relieved when he returned from his little adventure,i always say that sash will be the death of me too as i worry about her,glad he's back safe n sound Nath  

I don't trust flexi leads I have heard too many horror stories. Glad the little rascal is okay

Oh crikey what a fright Nathan. I can just imagine how you felt as Kuchar did a similar thing not so long back - escaped out of the back garden into the black black night. It's the most frightening thing ever.

You did right by hugging and welcoming him though; sometimes the severe fright makes us shouty, but that is counter-productive, so we have to bite our tongues!

I use a flexi-lead as Kuchar is the same as Marley - goes completely deaf when he's excited over something, but I couldn't cope with trying to haul in yards and yards of training tape, especially with 10 tons of staffie going at 100 mph  

I did have a flexi-lead snap once, many many years ago, and I suppose I've just hoped that they've been made stronger since then. But your experience has reminded me at least to check them regularly.

Jees Marley you near gave your poor dad a heart attack thank goodness everything is ok nath

I dont think he caught anything as its only squirrels out there and as it was in the bushes I guessing they would habe been well out of his way.
Not sure about sending it back but will see what they say.
I was expecting a horrid night searching and im so glad he came back. I think he must have gone out the park into the old town as there wasnt any sign of him in the park.
Right time for something to eat and relax with "both" dogs

Heart in mouth moment glad he returned safely.  

I agree Lynda about how to react when they come back. No point in getting angry or shouty as the deed has already been done and they will only think they are being punished for coming back. Not good if it ever happens again.

Oh dear! I would use a ribbon one rather than a thread one, much stronger in general. Glad he came back all wiggly, little monster!

Nathan wrote:I agree Lynda about how to react when they come back. No point in getting angry or shouty as the deed has already been done and they will only think they are being punished for coming back. Not good if it ever happens again.

Absolutely, Nath. When Kuchar did it I felt like bawling him out at the very least, particularly when I at last found him and he knew he was a wicked boy and was the devil's own job to catch, but by huge effort I gave him a hero's welcome. Hard to do but necessary.

What a little bugger!Xx

little sod! glad he came back

Oh no, thank goodness wiggle bum came back.

I see you also use the Julius K9 harness, Nathan. How do you find it? We're crazy about ours but we did manage to find stronger leads to go with them or we use the long training lines

RoxysMum wrote:Oh no, thank goodness wiggle bum came back.

I see you also use the Julius K9 harness, Nathan. How do you find it? We're crazy about ours but we did manage to find stronger leads to go with them or we use the long training lines

I like them alot as they spread the strain really well when they pull. most other harnesses have rubbed or he's got out of them.

I did have an issue with Marley backing out of it but found adjusting the front strap stopped it, but I think some people on here have still had issues with the dog backing out. since i have adjusted the strap he has tried but failed to get out.
I use a training lead with Laska sometimes but it gets a bit fun when they are both flying about trying not to get tangled. its a bit like having two uncontrolled jet skies on the end of each lead  

As for the flexi, it has had a bit of a hard life over the last year and a half so i guess there is only so much they can take. if i do get one again i think i will just replace it every year rather than risking it breaking again

get the extra large leads for XXlarge breeds that wont snap

i think they about £45

this one is my this will never snap like that thin flexi leads

cheers Steve that looks like a tough one, and £45 is great for the peace of mind it brings. think i will def go with that one now.