New leash

I am going to try something new today with Kai on our walk, a retractable leash. I tried this when I was doing obedience training with her but I think that I am not very facile with it. I am going to try it in the back yard and then out around our block. My fear is that I will not lock it in time, or be able to pull her back. We have lots of streets to cross when we do our walk around the neighborhood. I will let you know how it goes, it may be the most expensive non-used item. If I do not succeed I will donate it to a rescue shelter. Need my coffee first and a little bit warmer, before attempting.