The Flexi Comfort Promise:

• The world’s #1 selling retractable leash
• A Consumer’s Digest Best Buy
• Soft grip and ergonomic design
• Durable construction
• Smooth, reliable retraction mechanism
• Tough braking system

Sniffing Snout Review:
I honestly wouldn’t recommend this dog leash for dog training purposes.  Cesar Milan encourages that owners and dogs walk side by side to enforce human leadership over the pet. The Flexi Comfort Retractable Leash (and all retractable leashes for that matter) allows the dog to charge ahead of the owner.  While I can see that this type of behavior is acceptable and safe with certain types of dogs/situations (ie. small toy dogs, geriatric dogs, open space environments), it is not in NYC with my 75lb beast of a dog.

The braking system on this brand is pretty exceptional. I can attest to this because I have had to apply it quickly when Mr.Brown went charging off in some random direction, so Kudos! for that However, if you are expecting to train a dog with this leash, I would look elsewhere.  Even when it is entirely coiled up, there is about 16” left dangling so achieving a quick training correction is delayed.

I do use this leash for my parents’ mild mannered, extremely obedient, and majorly geriatric labrador retriever, Hanna. So, again, with some does this could be an excellent walking device.

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The Grrrip 2 in 1 Dog Leash Promise:

• Patented built-in traffic handle leash is designed for medium to x-large sized dogs

• Extra strong nylon leash is perfect for training your dog to heel and for daily use
• No more wrapping the leash around your hand to gain more close control
• Great value because it’s like having two leashes in one

Sniffing Snout Review:
Whenever Cesar Milan gives advice about walking unruly dogs, he advises to keep the dog leash loose and slack, but not to have too much distance between the owner and the dog.  I bought this leash from Petco (I’m not sponsored by them or Cesar Milan..I promise!) and find Mr.Brown much easier to manage when he is closer to me- corrections are more effective and I can react to his body cues more quickly. The shorter of the 2 loops is extremely useful for walking a dog through the crazy New York streets where the next taxi or unruly dog could come charging by.

I bought the 6′ dog leash but really should have purchased the 4′. I wish they made the “handles” of the loops more padded because a dog pulling on the leash can wreak havoc on your hands!

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The meal time vigor and enthusiasm from a Labrador Retriever requires durable and heavy duty dog food bowls and water dishes.  Growing up in a Chinese household, we were fairly apathetic when it came to dinnerware for our pets.  Most of my childhood dogs ate out of retired stainless steel pots and pans which serves its purpose but, looking back, is pretty stinking ghetto.

Mr.Brown currently gobbles his food out of Petco’s Jumbo Stainless Steel No Tip Bowl.  So far its lived up to its promise to being “no-tip”, “anti-rust”, and “easy to clean.” However, I am not a fan of the cheap rubber ring surrounding the base which is supposed to keep the bowl in place.  It doesn’t stay put, which caused my husband to ask “what is this black thing for?” I’m pretty sure you can get this cheaper elsewhere, but it is very durable so I have no regrets.

Mr.Brown stays hydrated from his lovely Petco Basic Two-Toned Stainless Steel Bowl. True to its promise, its “anti-rust”, “anti-tip” and “easy to clean.”  I do have it placed on top of a shoe box to elevate it and make it more ergonomic for canine comfort.  I bought the largest bowl, but a smaller size could have sufficed since Mr.Brown is indoors and stagnant water is no bueno.

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Living with a medium to high energy, large breed dog in New York City has a few notable drawbacks. In addition to adjusting to living in a small confined space, dealing with city cacophony, we had to solve the dilemma of dog food.  Back in California, driving to the pet store, picking up a 40lb bag of kibble and storing it in the house somewhere didn’t even cause me to flinch. Now in the city, I had to locate a retailer that carried Mr.Brown’s dog food in the 40lb size, figure out how to lug it home, and find room in the apartment to store it…man, the things we take for granted.

The nearest retailer that carried the right dog food in the right size is Petco in Union Square. I’m bummed that they charge a flat rate for delivery, they really need to reconsider zoning and charging per zone (ie. Trader Joes). I learned the hard way not to be a cheapskate and carry 40lbs home, so $7 bucks and a 3 minute cab ride later, I’m home.  Petco Union Square is pretty huge and seems to carry pretty much all the major labels of food and a modest-decent selection of dog supplies (clothing, leashes, collars, toys).  I’d give this location a demerit for poor customer service, but then again, that applies to basically all retailers in NYC.

One great thing about this location is its central location and proximity to the Union Square Dog Run.  Whenever I get to this dog run and realize I’ve forgotten a toyl, I can run over to Petco and buy an overpriced tennis ball (seriously, don’t buy tennis balls here!). Or, I can stop by the Farmers Market on Mon, Weds, Friday/Saturdays

As much as I’d like to shop at local dog boutiques, sometimes I welcome the predictability of a corporate chain store.

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