Reward Selection
Using a Long Line, or Training Lead.
(Objective: To safely use a long line to keep your dog secure.)
Always use a well fitted harness with any long line!
A long line, or training lead, allows greater freedom of movement and area of control for your dog’s training sessions. A 5-6m line length is a good compromise for general training requirements.
A long line gives more secure movement at a distance with greater confidence for the handler. Because training sessions can be very dynamic, with an excited and fast dog, take extra care to prevent embarrassment and injuries.
It is important that a long line is only used with a well-fitting harness on your dog. This prevents harm to the dog’s throat due to the dog being able to move at greater speeds because of the freedom of movement a long line gives. A dog checked by their collar at speed involves considerable forces on the throat and neck. Consider wearing gloves to prevent burns from the line paying out quickly through your hand. Do not use an extending lead as an alternative. The thin but strong cord used in these can cause bad cuts to both people and dogs.
During the early stages of training, it is best to always have your long line with you. As with other training sessions, the environment where you employ a long line, needs to have minimal unwanted distractions that may change to dogs focus and draw them away.
The long line can be a trip hazard for the handler, especially if the dog moves erratically around you. If this happens, and it will, calmly settle the dog’s movement before attempting to untangle yourself. Be patient and carefully extract yourself whilst maintaining good balance. If you have other people with you, ask them to keep out of the lines reach to prevent people tangles.
It is important to identify the type of line that’s suits your needs. A 5-6m line length is a good compromise for general training requirements. There are two basic types of material used.
- Webbing Tape: Can be more difficult to hold and the tape edges can hurt your hands.
- Light Rope: Thick enough to held by a tight grip (10mm diameter+).
Initially a long training lead will keep your dog safe in new training scenarios. Keep using the line until the dog has great focus on you and eagerly responds to your cues. As an evolution you can release the line so that the dog pulls the line behind it. It is easier to recover the long line rather than having to catch the dog by its collar/harness if you need to gather them in.
You can reintroduce the long lead if needed in later training sessions or during their adolescent stage.
Always use a well fitted harness with any long line!
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Clever K9s 