Give Them Freedom, Keep the Control: Training Dogs with a Long Line
The Benefits of Using a Long Leash for Training: Freedom with Control
As dog owners, we all strive for a happy, well-behaved companion. While the standard 4 or 6-foot leash is a daily necessity, one of the most versatile and often underestimated tools in a dog trainer's toolkit is the long leash (typically 10 to 20 feet).
Far from being just a simple rope, the long leash is a gateway to safer distance work, stronger recall, and a better quality of life for your dog. If you've been hesitant to use one, here are the key benefits of incorporating a long leash into your training regimen.
1. Master the Crucial "Recall" (Coming When Called)
A solid recall is perhaps the most important command you can teach your dog, especially for safety. The long leash creates a controlled, low-stakes environment to practice this vital skill.
The Benefits of Freedom: Your dog gets the sensation of being off-leash while you maintain the ultimate safety net.
Proofing the Command: Start close, then gradually increase the distance. This allows you to proof the recall against various distractions (sniffs, sounds, other dogs) from a safe distance, building reliability before giving your dog more length on the leash.
2. Practice Distance Commands
Training is about more than just what happens right next to you. The long leash allows you to work on commands like "Sit," "Down," and "Stay" when you are 10, 15, or 20 feet away.
Build Confidence: Your dog learns that cues are important, regardless of how close you are to them. This is essential for real-world applications, like asking your dog to "Stay" on their mat while you're in the kitchen, or to "Wait" at the door while you're outside.
Generalization: By practicing in different locations while maintaining control, your dog learns to generalize the behavior—meaning they perform the behavior reliably everywhere, not just in your living room.
3. Provide Controlled Freedom for Relaxation and Sniffing
One of the biggest misunderstandings about leashes is that they are only for control. For many dogs, especially those in urban environments or those with limited access to fenced areas, the long leash is the best way to satisfy their natural instincts safely.
Stress Relief: Sniffing is a crucial mental and emotional activity for dogs. A long leash allows your dog to explore a wide area, follow scents, and relax their nervous system without the constant tension of a short leash.
Safer Exploration: You can let your dog investigate a bush or tree line while still being able to halt them immediately if a hazard (like a cyclist, a piece of trash, or another dog) appears.
Reinforce Check-ins: When allowing your dog more freedom on a longer line you still want to remain in the picture and be just as important to your dog. Take the best treat possible! I like string cheese, pureed meat baby food (the squeeze pouches work great!), or something like Bark Pouch or Rigby pouches. Reward your dog every time they check in with you or even look in your direction. Do this at short distances before allowing them the full length of the line.
4. Manage Reactive or Fearful Dogs
For dogs that are reactive (bark, lunge, or growl at triggers) or fearful, the long leash is an indispensable management tool.
Increased Distance = Reduced Stress: The 6-foot leash often forces reactive dogs to be on a tight leash. Tight leashes mean tension. A long leash allows your dog to maintain a much larger, safer distance (the "threshold") from the trigger, allowing you to reinforce good behavior more often.
Training in Parallel: You can walk parallel to a trigger at a distance where your dog remains calm, rewarding them for not reacting because there is less tension on the leash. This wouldn't be possible with a short leash.
💡 Long Leash Safety & Material Tips
A long leash is a tool, and like any tool, it must be used correctly for maximum safety and benefit. There are many, many videos on Youtube on how to use a long line properly. It is important that you practice using and handling a long line before you attach it to your dog’s harness. it is a skill for you as much as it is for your dog.
Choosing the Right Material: Why Biothane Excels
Traditional cotton or nylon lines can be cheap, but they are notorious for absorbing water, dirt, and odors, making them heavy, difficult to clean, and prone to tangling. This is where Biothane truly shines:
Waterproof and Stink-Proof: Biothane is a PVC-coated webbing that looks and feels like leather but is completely waterproof. This means no muddy, smelly lines after a rainy day—simply wipe it clean!
Low Friction/Better Grip: Unlike abrasive nylon, Biothane is smooth, reducing the risk of friction burns if the line runs quickly through your hands.
Tangle Resistance: Its stiff, consistent structure makes it less likely to snag on grass or tangle into knots than thin cotton lines.
Style and Visibility: Biothane is available in a wide variety of vibrant colors, allowing you to choose a leash that matches your dog's gear or, more importantly, ensures high visibility against grass or snow.
There are many sellers of biothane leashes on Etsy, but you can also find them at Bold Lead Designs. Even a very thin biothane leash can hold a large dog.
Essential Safety Practices
Always Use a Harness: Never attach a long line to a collar. If your dog suddenly bolts or reaches the end of the line, the sudden jerk can seriously injure their neck and trachea. A sturdy back-clip harness is mandatory.
Wear Gloves: Long lines can cause severe rope burn if they slide quickly through your hands. Consider wearing thin gloves or using a line with a padded or comfortable grip. (Biothane reduces this risk but does not eliminate it).
Check Your Environment: Use the long leash only in open, non-crowded spaces (large fields, empty parks) free of obstacles like playground equipment or benches that the line could tangle around.
No Wrapping: Never wrap the long leash around your hand, wrist, or body. If your dog suddenly takes off, you could be seriously injured.
Conclusion
The long leash is not a replacement for basic leash manners, but rather a powerful enhancement to your training. It offers your dog the best of both worlds: the freedom to explore and exercise their natural instincts, coupled with your ability to ensure their safety and practice critical life-saving skills.
If you're looking to boost your dog's recall, strengthen distance commands, or simply give your adventure buddy a chance to truly sniff the roses, investing in a quality Biothane long leash is an absolute game-changer.