What length lead for recall training?
Gladyce Schulist
2025-06-11 13:38:09
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Long-lines come in a variety of lengths, from 3 metres all the way up to 30. They usually have a handle at the end, but you can buy ones without. Even if using a long line that is 5 metres, for example, the dog does not need to have the whole 5 metres reeled out all the time. Long-line leads are a fixed length and are more robust than the retractable long leads you can also buy. For example, a light-weight fabric long-line would be more suitable for a small dog as it won’t weigh them down, but for a larger dog you could look at a biothane, grippy material or a heavy-duty webbing as it’s more robust. Whatever you choose, it’s important to make sure you can hold it comfortably in your hand and that if it pulls through your fingers it’s not going to hurt you.
Jeff Hartmann
2025-06-01 16:20:18
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A longer lead can make life easier. Something as simple as switching to a 2m lead, or even longer, can make for a much more satisfactory walk for everyone. Your dog, or puppy, can wander over to a sniff, and even if you take a couple of steps before you realise they have stopped, there is enough slack in the lead that they aren’t dragging you with them. A training lead is one you can make into multiple lengths, as it has a clip at either end, and various rings down it’s length meaning we can lengthen or shorten it as we need to. Longer leads are also really important for helping our reactive dogs, if they are anxious they may ‘react’ to other dogs as they feel confined by a short lead, a longer lead gives them a sense of freedom, and means they can move away if they feel they need to. If you use a short lead at the moment give a longer one a try and see how you get on.
Edwina Bergnaum
2025-06-01 15:59:47
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Having just bought a longline for recall training my pup I'd say start off shorter and work your way up. I bought one of these 20ft/6m leads and one of these 10m ones. The 6m is plenty for nice loose lead walking around the park giving him enough space to sniff and run a little. I sometimes clip the two together to give him a bit of extra length. The longer the line the harder it will be to handle effectively without getting tangled around you, the dog, any trees in the vicinity etc and the really long-lines can also be a right pain to reel in as your dog recalls. I do intend to use it in larger open spaces such as the beach though. In fact I've only used the 10m line a couple of times when I wanted him to be able to run with our older dog more freely.
Monroe Doyle
2025-06-01 15:10:47
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A long line is a leash that is usually between 15-30 feet of length, or longer. Long lines are an excellent management tool during recall training to ensure your dog is successful, and is unable to ignore your recall cue or wander off into a potentially dangerous situation. My dog does well on a 30-foot long line, which I also find quite manageable to handle, whereas others might prefer a longer leash. Leash length is personal preference. Prior to utilizing a long line, there are a few things that are helpful to consider, including where you are walking and leash material. A long line further grants your dog the space to explore the world around them without sacrificing safety for them or others in the environment. Long lines can be a fabulous investment for dog guardians if you are looking to provide your dog with more freedom, to reduce leash pulling, for dogs still in training, for dogs who are unreliable off-leash, or in spaces where leash laws are in place.
Sasha Krajcik
2025-06-01 11:53:23
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A long line is a lead that is between 5m and 25m long. Personally, I recommend going with a 5-10m long line as it’s easier to handle than a 25m lead which will likely end up tying you up in knots. Too long and you have no control of your dog, opt for a 5/10m long lines. If you are in busy areas with dogs/people/trees shorten your line to a normal lead’s length. Try to keep your line as slack as possible so your dog doesn’t feel tension through it. You can do this by allowing the dog more line.
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