Long leash training is a dog owner's favorite dog training lessons!
You and your dog are going to LOVE how fun the long line is! Plus, you can start building the foundation for off-leash control.
In this post, I'll share how to best use the long line to help your dog with exercise, fulfillment and to build connection and awareness!
Long Leash Training
Long Leash for Dogs
The long-line seems to be the most well-kept secret of dog training. So many owners don't know about this training tool that can open so many doors for them and their dogs!
Often, owners don't see the middle ground between a 6 foot leash and off-leash freedom and end up allowing their dog off-leash unprepared.
Or, they hesitantly grab a shock collar, cross their fingers and hit the vibrate and tone button until something happens..
Related: How the Shock Collar Beep Sound is Actually Undermining Your Dog Training
Not exactly setting our dog up (or YOU) up for success..
Enter: A Long Leash.
A long leash is the perfect middle ground for dog owners and trainers who are looking to prepare their dogs for off-leash skills, or to just get their dog's more exercise and fulfillment!
There are so many ways to use a long line with your dog. Each dog trainer may have a different flavor of working with the long line.
And, some owners just prefer to allow their dogs to play without worry that they'll run away.
Whatever your purpose is with a long line, the most important thing is that you and your dog are happier and more connected.
Best Long Leash for Dog Training
As far as picking out a long leash for you and your dog there's a few options. I'm a little biased, but I have my reasons! This is my all time favorite long line.
You can definitely go out and buy another one and be totally happy! However, I love a 30 foot leash, and biothane material.
Seriously every dog owner should have this. If I had to be sent to an island to train 100 dogs and I could only take one tool, this would be it. Chihuahua to Great Danes, this leash is the GOAT. It's super light weight, durable, cleans up easy, and is somehow almost never gets itself tangled.
In my opinion, this leash is so easy to clean, almost never gets tangled, and is so light and manageable.
Nylon leashes tend to get tangled, and start to stink after they've been soaked a few times. I've actually had clients go out and buy other leashes, and then change their mind and go out and buy this leash instead!
Related: Best Dog Leashes for Training
Biothane Long Line
The long line listed above is biothane material, but Nylon is also an option.
This leash is a nice combination of cost effective, durable, lightweight and can clean up easy if you wash it. Nylon tends to get tangled easily, but this is slightly better than the orange, Hi Kiss brand.
Whatever long line you decide to use, make sure your line is secured to a collar or harness that won't slip off.
That's why I prefer the martingale collars. I have only once seen a dog slip out of this- and that was because it wasn't fitted properly.
A well fitted harness is also an option for attaching your long leash too. Attach the leash to the back loop, and please make sure your harness is secure.
Our favorite adventure brand!
Best Leash Length for Recall Training
Most dogs have more than enough room to move with a 30 foot long line. A 15 foot long line also works well, especially for smaller dogs who don't need as much room to get up to full speed. 30 feet is my personal sweet spot.
There are trainers and other dog owners who prefer 15 foot- and that is totally okay! You do what makes your heart sing!
There are 50' and 100 foot leashes (and probably everything in between. This is a LOT of leash)
Remember, the leash is a radius from you, so really you need to manage double whatever the leash length is- which can be really difficult between people, dogs, trees, telephone poles and anything else that might come your way.
How to Use a Long Leash
There is really one main rule for using your long leash:
Once your dog reaches the end, do not let them keep going.
You have two options as your dog nears the end of the long line.
Option #1:
Say "let's go" and turn 180 degrees in the opposite direction and start walking. Do not treat your dog. The reward is allowing the dog to run to catch up with you and being closer to you.
Option #2
Back up, say "yes" when your dog looks at you (keep backing up), and treat them for coming to you.
You can encourage them to come towards you vocally and with your body language as they're on their way back.
(Hint: The more excited you are, the quicker your dog will come back to you).
Option #2 is the building block for recall.
Long Leash Recall Training
When used correctly, a long line teaches a dog to care about where you are.
This means, you can start to call your dog to you without using any words.
Dogs are naturally super aware of space and your body language.
They even pay attention to what direction your body is facing.
Often, owners tell their dog to "come" as a catch-all command for "stop doing that", "leave that alone", "calm down", "I'm worried I don't have control."
Related: 53 Recall Words for Dogs That Aren’t “Come”
That's why it's important to learn to recall your dog without using any words first. Your body language is the ultimate recall tool.
If you can call your dog in with your body language only, you'll have much more control and confidence in working to off leash obedience.
Once you are comfortable and understand how to invite your dog towards you with just your space, you can start adding in a word.
(And I tell them to pick a new word that isn't "come" for their recall).
Basically, you want to get the behavior from you and your dog fluid, before you start naming it.
Then, if you're really wanting an extra layer of security, we look at layering in an ecollar that uses TENS unit stimulation. But that's a lesson for another article.
Recall Lead
A long lead will increase your dog's training to come back when called.
When you have a long line on your dog, your dog won't have the opportunity to ignore your command. Therefore, allowing you to follow through on what you want from your dog.
If you ask your dog to come, you're able to reel them in if they ignore you(see option #2 above for tips on recall).
If you consistently set your dog up for success, eventually, you won't need the long line anymore!
Happy Training!Don't have a dog trainer? Schedule a consult now to discuss a custom plan for you and your dog!
