Wanderlust Limited:
When and How to Use a Long Lead

You've probably seen dogs on very long leashes, sniffing and exploring while their person maintains control on the other end. Using a long line is a great way to give your pup freedom without compromising safety. But there is an art to it.

Using a long line might initially feel unwieldy, but it's a good first step towards off-leash freedom. Let's break it down.

Pick the right length for your long line. Anything over 15 feet will probably be a hassle in city parks, but a 20- to 30-foot lead can work well for rural open areas.

I prefer long lines made of biothane, a coated, polyester webbing that is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. Nylon long leads are more affordable, but they tangle and knot quickly, can cause rope burns, and get really filthy. Trust me, it's worth spending the extra $20 for a biothane line.

Smaller dogs need thinner lines, while the big fellas usually need something sturdier. Dogs under 30 pounds do well with these types of lines. Bigger, stronger dogs will need a heavier-duty lead like these with a half-inch thickness. If you’re in the Bay Area, buy from High Tail Hikes and support a local business!

Please never attach a long line to your dog's regular collar; if the lead snags on something, the impact could cause neck injuries. Instead, always use a harness. Clipping the lead to the back of your dog's harness also makes it less likely that the lead will tangle in your dog's front legs.

Purchasing a lead without a loop handle will help minimize the lead snagging or getting caught. If you’re concerned about your dog unexpectedly pulling the lead out of your hand or accidentally dropping the leash when picking up dog poop, attach the end of your long line to a waist-running leash (this is also an excellent safety back-up for any length leash). A slightly higher-tech but still affordable option is this brilliant leash belay set-up.

Safety first: long draglines can get caught on your feet or legs and pull you to the ground or wrap around another dog's legs and cause injuries. Stick to wide-open spaces away from traffic. Do not use a long dragline in crowded places where the line can trip other people or around dogs that are running and playing.

Long lines work best in large open areas like fields and beaches. On narrow trails and wooded areas, take care that the leash doesn't get caught on tree branches or brush. I do not recommend letting a dog run through a densely wooded area with a dragging long line because the chances of it getting caught in the underbrush are high.

Keep in mind that California's leash law states that dogs "must be restrained on a substantial leash not exceeding six feet in length by a person capable of controlling the dog, while on public property or common areas of private property." This means a leash over six feet should only be used in designated off-leash areas. While it’s unlikely you'll receive a citation for using a long leash, a park ranger or cop would be within their rights to ticket you.

You may notice that your dog pulls less when they are on a longer lead, which is a win for everyone. With more freedom to move around, there is less need to drag you toward every exciting smell. But many dogs will still pull on a long leash. A big dog hitting the end of a 15-foot lead can easily knock you off your feet, as your dog can build momentum and exert more force on a longer leash.

There's nothing natural about restraining an animal and keeping them captive on the end of a piece of rope. If it were, teaching your dog to walk without pulling would be a cinch. Dogs don't come pre-loaded with an understanding of loose leash walking, and most dogs will pull if you clip on a leash of any length without training. Pulling on a leash is reinforcing: your dog pulls, and they get to sniff. Your dog pulls, and they get to greet another dog. Your dog pulls, and they get to move forward. If a behavior works and is reinforced with positive results, it will be repeated, whether you like it or not.

The golden rule for both of you should be no tension on the leash. In fact, you can teach your dog that any tension on their harness means "stop and check in and get a treat." If your dog starts pulling, plant your feet, stand still, and wait for them to chill out before moving forward. If your dog doesn't think to return to you, try a kissy noise and then a treat. You don’t need a stern "no" – just be patient.

If your dog is at the end of their lead and you need them closer to you, resist the urge to reel them in like a fish. Instead, call them back or wait for them to come to you, rewarding their good behavior. Practice gathering up the lead hand over hand to get closer to your dog rather than pulling or yanking them.

In fact, you’ll want to throw a few knots in that line. It's not just for show – these knots give you some grab points, making it easier to control your pup when needed. If the line is dragging, you can step on it, and the knots will prevent it from sliding out from under your foot.

If you struggle with a reactive, hyper-vigilant, or over-aroused dog when outside, find time to take them on what dog trainer and podcaster Sarah Stremming calls "decompression walks." Find a quiet place in nature or a park with as few distractions as possible, put your dog on a long loose lead (at least 6 feet long, but ideally 15 feet), and just let them sniff.

It may take a while for your dog to settle into this new outside activity, but you can encourage sniffing by scattering treats or kibble on the ground and letting them search for it. If possible, allow your dog to choose the route of their sniffing safari rather than leading them around by the leash (for more tips on using a long line with a reactive or aggressive dog, check out Grisha Stewart's Behavior Adjustment Training BAT 2.0).

While a retractable leash can afford your dog similar privileges as a long line, there are many drawbacks specific to this tool.

Using a retractable leash can inadvertently reinforce undesirable behavior in your dog, as the constant pressure it puts on the harness or collar can teach them to pull. Corded retractable leashes also pose risks to your safety, as they can cause burns or even finger amputations. Additionally, the clunky handles are hard to hold. If you accidentally drop a retractable leash, the plastic handle can startle your dog, potentially causing them to run away as the noisy clattering handle chases them.

According to Consumer Reports, "​​retractable leashes are responsible for a surprising number of injuries each year, including amputations." Of course, things can go wrong with a long line, too, but they are still safer than a retractable leash.

Resist the temptation to think of off-leash as all or nothing. Depending on where you are with your dog's recall training, you’ll want to allow for gradations of off-leash activities. Your dog may be able to be safely off-leash in some places and under certain conditions, but in other situations, should stay leashed. Knowing your dog and understanding their limitations is paramount.

Using a long lead is helpful when first teaching recall and for new environments. Start by holding the lead; then, as your dog becomes more reliable with recall ("come"), allow more freedom by dropping the lead and letting it drag on the ground. As your dog progresses, you can then transition to a six-foot dragline and finally to no leash at all. Long lines are also essential for teaching automatic check-ins, a definite requirement for off-leash freedoms.

But don't get rid of that long line once you've trained a solid recall because earning only sometimes occurs in a straight line. Even though you've trained a solid recall with your puppy, they may start blowing you off when they reach adolescence. Instead of getting frustrated, dig out the long line and keep training. As with any training, you can always contact a force-free dog trainer if you need help teaching a reliable recall.

Letting your dog off leash is always a gamble. There's no such thing as 100% compliance (do you follow every rule and never make mistakes?). A long line can offer a safe middle ground for those pups who might never achieve a reliable recall or for owners who feel a bit nervous about off-leash adventures but still want to give their dog freedom to do their thing – sniff, pee, and explore.

For many dogs and their humans, a long line is the sweet spot between freedom and control during outdoor escapades. Here’s to more happy adventures together in the great outdoors!