Retractable dog leash for parrots

[SammyAndyAlex]

I have been using a Flexi retractable dog leash (like an extension for the AVIATOR harness) for Sammy when he's outside to be able to fly longer distances without needing to have a long line in my pocket tangling itself up.

The one I use is of the brand Flexi and a Small size, 5 meter (and another one that is S, 8m). Sammy is able to fly against the pull of it. So even if I were to remove the "lock" and let it TRY retract the leash, Sammy would not be bothered and stay put.

It has worked really well for us.

Most of the time the leash is just in my pocket but when I want him to fly I'll take it out of my pocket, manually pull out the leash and let him fly either back to me or to something.

It is attached to the Aviator with the help of knots. NOT directly to Sammy I will shortly make and upload a video on how to attach the Flexi to the AVIATOR (without the heavy metal clip).

 

[akrrm]

I have seen dogs get tangled or degloved when their owner has lost hold of the handle and the cable retracted.

 

[SailBoat]

As the above Post so well defines; there are downsides to the use of such products. I am very happy to hear of your method of attachment as attachment to the legs or neck could result in serious harm. Your attachment point needs to be highlighted, possible using the bold tool.
Thank you for the insightful DIY project.

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

I have seen dogs get tangled or degloved when their owner has lost hold of the handle and the cable retracted.

Yeah, some of the ones are super strong and therefore dangerous. I have chosen one of the weakest ones to minimize the risk Of hurting Sammy. Obviously the aviator has a leash that the retractable one is attached to so the risk of serious injury is somewhat lower, although knowing how to use the leash and making sure it is locked is very important.

 

[EllenD]

The first thing that came to my mind when I thought about this is someone having their parrot on a retractable dog-leash, and then them accidentally hitting the button to retract the leash without any control, and the bird suddenly being violently whipped-back quickly...Of course this doesn't happen with dogs that weigh "pounds", as they're much too heavy, but with a Parrot, even a larger Parrot, my worry would be that they don't weigh nearly enough to not be suddenly yanked backwards...Has that ever happened to you? I might be totally wrong, I've not ever tried this, but I have one of those leashes and have used them for a long time with my dogs, and I know how quickly they come flying back in when you hit the button to retract them...

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

As the above Post so well defines; there are downsides to the use of such products. I am very happy to hear of your method of attachment as attachment to the legs or neck could result in serious harm. Your attachment point needs to be highlighted, possible using the bold tool.
Thank you for the insightful DIY project.

I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you mean by attachment point?


EDIT: I am stupid and didn't realize what you meant. I got it now.

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

The first thing that came to my mind when I thought about this is someone having their parrot on a retractable dog-leash, and then them accidentally hitting the button to retract the leash without any control, and the bird suddenly being violently whipped-back quickly...Of course this doesn't happen with dogs that weigh "pounds", as they're much too heavy, but with a Parrot, even a larger Parrot, my worry would be that they don't weigh nearly enough to not be suddenly yanked backwards...Has that ever happened to you? I might be totally wrong, I've not ever tried this, but I have one of those leashes and have used them for a long time with my dogs, and I know how quickly they come flying back in when you hit the button to retract them...

No. I have it in locked mode (so no button pressing is required, it stays like it is until you push the lever) and I have tested to see if Sammy still can stay where he is with the force of the retractable leash wanting to, you know, retract. Sammy is strong enough to stay where he is because the one I use is for the tiniest of dogs (not a big or even medium sized dog)

 

[ChristaNL]

I am relieved you combine it with the aviator- because there is at least some elastic there to soften the *snock* when the bird reaches the end of the line.

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

HERE is the promised video on how I modified the retractable dog leash to be used safely with the aviator

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uejq9CsIFPQ&feature=youtu.be"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uejq9CsIFPQ&feature=youtu.be[/ame]

 

[MikeD91]

What a cool idea! I'm sure that you would never want anything to happen to your friend so you know what is going on with your set up. I would love to see a video of the unit working.

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

Here are videos of Sammy flying with the retractable dog leash:

Slo mo: https://www.instagram.com/texxla/p/BjPrxxJAy9D/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=bx5f56phiuts

Normal:

https://www.instagram.com/texxla/p/BKda-oyDvFQ/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1fnzjwhsqswzw

 

[EllenD]

I hadn't even thought of the fact that those retractable dog leashes come in a small-size like that; I have always had medium to large dogs and only even had the larger ones that come whipping-backwards with pretty-good force...So it's a great idea as long as people know to buy the smallest size of retractable leash...

 

[SammyAndyAlex]

I hadn't even thought of the fact that those retractable dog leashes come in a small-size like that; I have always had medium to large dogs and only even had the larger ones that come whipping-backwards with pretty-good force...So it's a great idea as long as people know to buy the smallest size of retractable leash...

Yep, most pet stores around where I live have different sizes on display and I personally found that the XS had MORE of a pull than the S - this may have been a one off or brand specific.

We currently have one dog, Latte, (about 70 lbs) and due to his size we dont use a flexi (and because we want him to have proper leash behaviour - although retractable leash vs traditional leash for a dog is a whole other topic). Also because he is a trained service dog (also why he can interact (supervised, of course) with Sammy) he's highly trained both to ignore other animals (including dogs, parrots etc.) when working (and off duty, by command) and good behaviour.