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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nJust in case he would break the stay, he wasn\u2019t able to run off. Of course, by the time I used the long line in new places, his stay was very solid. But you never know what can happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So how do you use a long line when training a dog?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, I\u2019ll discuss various reasons to use a long line as well as how to use it safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Used correctly, it can really help you have a better relationship with your dog. And it can make training certain commands more successful when your dog is at a distance from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The long line is something we recommend on our New Puppy Checklist<\/a> (check out #29 on our list)<\/p>\n\n\n\n A long line has many uses. It\u2019s useful to teach many commands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, a dog should be reliable on a shorter leash when performing commands before moving onto a long line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As is true of any training, first start without distractions in an area your dog has previously been trained in before training in new settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to set your dog up for success on a long line, physically exercise your dog at first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Go for a walk or fetch to take the edge off. This is especially important if you have a high-energy or high-drive dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A long line is great for teaching distance recalls. Of course, make sure that your dog understands what the command \u201ccome\u201d means before you use a long line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First work with the command inside without distractions, then outside. After he\u2019s reliable in those settings, you can move on to more distracting settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also teach distance stays while the long line is attached to your dog. You can also work on his \u201cleave it\u201d command while using a long line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The long line is also very useful for Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT)<\/a> set-ups. Essentially, this is a training method in which the dog is permitted to make choices in certain situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a series of leash skills that train<\/a> owners of reactive dogs on how to safely use a long line around the dog\u2019s triggers such as people or other dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By letting the leash out, the dog has a sense of freedom. The leash is not jerked because doing so would potentially increase the dog\u2019s reactivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s also useful in gun dog training and for tracking dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the long leash<\/a> isn\u2019t just for training. It can also be used to further the bond with your dog by engaging in fun activities that aren\u2019t as structured as training exercises are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A long line can also give your dog the freedom to run and get exercise safely while not in an enclosed area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When I had my first sheltie, Amber, I didn\u2019t have a fenced yard. Even though her obedience was great, I still used a long line to let her run around and play fetch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When she was playing, her natural herding drive may have kicked in, making it unsafe for her to be free. The longer leash wasn\u2019t expensive but gave her some freedom. It was a win-win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also use it when hiking or walking with your dog in areas in which the long line won\u2019t catch on shrubs or other items in the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With a water-proof line, you can even use it at the bay, the ocean, and in creeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When we let our golden retriever<\/a> Spencer swim in the bay down the shore, I had him on a 50-foot-long line in a harness. Then, he could retrieve his ball to his heart\u2019s content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And letting your dog sniff and investigate the environment while on a long line also is a great activity for canine enrichment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As is true with any type of activity or training of our dogs, safety comes first. In the beginning, you should hold onto the long line every time you use it<\/p>\n\n\n\n After you\u2019ve trained your dog to be reliable in many everyday situations, you can drop the long line and just grab it if you need to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But don\u2019t rush the process. Use it 100 percent of the time until he\u2019s reliable in the places you\u2019ll use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro-Trainer Tip: Always have very high-value treats ready when using a long line. These are usually meat, cheese, or fish-type treats. Vary the type of treats so that your dog doesn\u2019t become bored. And treats should be cut or broken into the size of a pea.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you even decide to use a long line, your dog should reliably do the following commands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If he won\u2019t perform these commands when he\u2019s close to you on a six-foot leash, it\u2019s unlikely that he\u2019ll do them when at a distance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And make sure before using a long leash that your dog has been trained in the distracting environments that you\u2019ll use with a longer leash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So now assuming that you\u2019re ready to use a long line, make sure that your dog\u2019s in a well-fitted back-clip harness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a harness that\u2019s clipped to his back is less likely to get caught in his feet. And it\u2019s too dangerous for a long line to be attached to a dog\u2019s collar. It would place too much pressure on his throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When first using the long line, you may want to ensure your <\/em>safety too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can wear well-fitted cotton canvas gloves that you can easily work in. You also should wear sturdy long pants and a long-sleeve shirt (depending on the weather).<\/p>\n\n\n\n At first, get your dog used to a long line in an area without distractions that he\u2019s used to being in, such as your yard. Make sure that there are no obstacles that the leash can catch on to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Start with a 20-foot-long line. Hold the loop (handle) of the leash firmly in your hand. Manage the slack by gathering up the leash in large loops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At first, just let out about six feet of the leash and walk around on a loose leash. After your dog\u2019s comfortable on the line, let out another four feet\u2013about one loop\u2013that you\u2019re holding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let your dog sniff around, then call him to come to you. When he comes, praise and give him a few high-value treats in a row. A jackpot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then use his release cue so that he can wander away again. Eventually let more leash out, periodically calling him back to you every few minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Always praise and highly reward him for coming. Because he\u2019s used to not pulling on a leash and having slack, he should be likely to not pull on the long line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each time that you release a loop on the line, make sure that there are about two feet of slack in the line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Occasionally, ideally, your dog should look back at you and even come to you without you calling him. Always praise and reward these check-ins. If at any time your dog ignores you, go back to a step to which he was successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After your dog will readily come when called (and check back with you occasionally), start to add distractions. Take him to other places that he\u2019s used to where it\u2019s safe to use a long line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I don\u2019t recommend taking him to any place where there may be loose dogs. Even if your dog\u2019s friendly, another dog may not be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And even if both dogs are friendly, the long line may become entangled, which can panic the dogs and even prompt aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When he\u2019s reliable in known environments, take him to open fields where the line won\u2019t catch on anything and practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If he\u2019s reliable, take him on hikes or other places you would normally take him. Always call him back periodically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take frequent breaks and just keep him with you only letting out six feet and do a few minutes of loose-leash walking. Then, let him out again four feet at a time to investigate the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Untangle the leash from any small branches or other items that may become entangled in the long line when needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Always call him back to you and keep him on a short six-foot portion of the long line when near people. This is especially important if he\u2019s not people-friendly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But it\u2019s also important if he is, as he may knock someone over with his exuberance. Most people don\u2019t want a dog rushing at them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, letting him have such undesirable behaviors will be self-rewarding to your dog. He would keep rushing at people or animals then because it\u2019s so much fun when he reaches them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When practicing this, do it at a distance at which he cannot reach the people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, in practicing him coming to you, get silly, make a kissy sound or say WHEE and run a few steps in the other direction when he looks at you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It has to be more of a party coming to you than all the distractions that are around your dog. Praise and give him a jackpot of a few treats in a row when he reaches you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After he\u2019s reliable on the long line, you can also practice known commands. Place him in a sit or down stay and go away from him as much distance as he can handle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then return to him and release him, keeping the long line on him of course. Praise and reward him before releasing him from the command. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do a sit\/stay\/come and praise and reward when he comes. Tell him to \u201cleave it\u201d when he sees a bird or squirrel and call him back to you. Praise and reward when he does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After you feel confident that your dog is reliable on the long line, you can let him drag the line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Start in an environment without distractions as you did at first when training him to become accustomed to the long line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, after he\u2019s reliable in that setting, let him drag the long line in the more distracting settings that you did when holding the line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Always make sure that he doesn\u2019t get too far away from you. You should always be able to pick up the line if need be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consistently use the long line when practicing with your dog until he\u2019s reliable all of the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When I teach a dog to do off-lead work, I make sure that he can handle and be reliable in listening to me in any environment that he will need to before I work on him off a lead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When transitioning from a long line, I also attach a second lighter line that\u2019s still strong enough to hold the dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, I\u2019ll let him see me taking off the heavier long line and test him. He\u2019ll probably think that he\u2019s free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Always start without distractions only adding them over time\u2013weeks or months\u2013as he can handle them. If he readily comes, does sit and down stays, and performs other commands reliably, eventually he may be able to be off a leash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Have a lot of patience and don\u2019t rush the process. Some dogs who have very high drives may never be reliable off a long line. Safety is more important than risking your dog\u2019s health and life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long lines come in many standard lengths from 10 feet to 50 feet. You can even have a custom length made if you desire. The long line is really just a longer leash with a handle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The long line comes in various materials too. <\/p>\n\n\n\nArticle Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why Use a Long Line?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Teaching Obedience Commands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other Uses for the Long Line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long Line Dog Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Types of Long Lines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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