Using a harness with a dog training lead also helps keep your dog from stepping over the lead. Our Marty Harness is suitable for use with a long dog training lead. Although retractable leads are undeniably great and easy to use when walking a dog, they’re not the best option for training purposes and won’t help prevent pulling behaviour. Training and Behavior Modification: Dog training leads play a crucial role in obedience training and behavior modification programs. They aid in teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, and heel, as well as more advanced exercises like recall or loose-leash walking. With a lead, handlers can guide their dogs through desired behaviors, reinforce positive actions, and discourage undesirable behaviors through gentle corrections or redirects. If you’ve got to the point where you’re letting the full long-line lead trail on the floor without holding it, you ideally want one that does not have a handle, or if you’re confident in your dog’s progress you could consider cutting the handle off. Without a handle the long-line should move more safely across the ground and should avoid getting caught as easily on things like branches. If you need a hands-free lead for running or hiking, the LANNEY Hands-Free Dog Lead is a perfect choice. The belt is adjustable and wide to ensure comfort during wear. Dual sliding D rings on either side of the belt mean you can decide where you want to attach the lead, or can even walk 2 dogs at once.

For name recall training, experts recommend using a longer lead of around 15 feet. This is just short of 5m and allows you to give your dog the feeling of free roam while still providing a large degree of control. You can then begin calling their name and should they not respond, it won’t take long to slowly draw them in and reward them to create a learned behaviour. In general, most training leads tend to be shorter in length to give you maximum control and teach your dog how to walk on a lead and reduce pulling. These will often be around 1m – 2m and are fantastic for training dogs in preparation for busy or built-up areas where they are less free to roam. The lead was made of such good quality that if it gets wet no panic just pop it in the airing cupboard or on the washing the line and a few hours later you’re ready to take your dog about again after it’s rest and feed. A long-line is a long rope with a clip at the end that you can attach to your dog’s harness like you would a normal lead. And so when a product describes itself as a ‘training’ lead or collar, this is because it will often have features which really enhance your control and ability to guide your dog with.

About the long dog lead

If you or your dog do start to get tangled, try to stop your dog from moving. If they’re food motivated, throw some treats on the floor to divert their attention and keep them still while you untangle. However, there are also leashes out there that are better for recall trials. By purchasing a lead with large ranges of 2m – 20m, you can practice letting your dog run ‘free’ in larger open spaces without losing your control over them. This long lead means you can then work on recall training and build up confidence and trust until you feel safe letting them off the lead. Although you can get very long versions of these leads, it’s best to stay within 2m – 5m for the maximum amount of control. Dog’s Comfort Aside from lead length, there are lots of other factors to consider when it comes to control. A handle that gives you a comfortable, firm grip is crucial. Additional handles near your dog allow for extra control when needed.

So I had a look and rang a lady called Sarah asking for advice which was duly given in a friendly and not condescending way and a 15 m lead arrived with a couple of days…it was well made, nice and wide at 25mm with good quality clips,padded handle and a brilliant new to me but so simple and obvious”double up” which basically means if you start with a 7.5m lead you can immediately let it out to 15m(hence the double up) to give your pooch a nice long run and still be in control…and vice versa. After lead length, the other most important thing to consider is the type of collar or harness you are using.Socialisation and Desensitisation: Training leads are useful for socializing dogs with other animals, people, and different environments. They allow handlers to control the interactions and gradually expose dogs to new experiences, stimuli, and distractions. By using the lead to guide and manage the dog’s responses, handlers can help dogs become more confident, calm, and well-behaved in various situations. Be aware of what’s around you when allowing your dog freedom on the long line. If your dog runs for something and you are caught off guard not holding the line properly it could run through your hands and cause an injury. If you’re new to lead training, there are lots of great, detailed guides online to help you. You can also seek the guidance of your dog’s vet or a professional dog trainer. Some basic tips to help you get started are included below:

Leather and metal tend to not be particularly good choices for training, as both tend to be an aesthetic choice rather than a controlled one. Not only are they more expensive but leather is more breakable than nylon ann biothane, while metal options have too little give and could be painful when yanked. metres – same as 10 metres, ideal for where you have more space. Better for advanced recall training (allowing more distance between dog and handler), also a good length for dogs who are rarely or never allowed off lead. Control and Communication: Training leads allow handlers to maintain control over their dogs during training sessions. By attaching the lead to a dog’s collar or harness, the handler gains physical control and can guide the dog’s movements, redirect its attention, or enforce commands. This physical connection also facilitates clear communication between the handler and the dog, enabling the transfer of signals, cues, and corrections effectively. DOUBLE UP – see the explainer video here. Double up means you are able to use the lead at half the length. For example, you buy a 20 metre lead, you can use it at 10 metres as well. The lead handle becomes the half way point. Long line: Long lines are extended training leads that can range from 10 to 160 feet in length. They are useful for training recall, distance commands, and off-leash training in controlled environments such as parks or open spaces. Long lines provide more freedom for dogs while still giving handlers the ability to maintain control if necessary.When choosing a dog training lead, consider factors such as the dog’s size, behavior, and training goals. It’s essential to select a lead made from sturdy materials that can withstand pulling and offer a comfortable grip for the handler. Additionally, always ensure that the lead is securely attached to the dog’s collar or harness to prevent accidental escapes.

No lead can safely run through your hand at speed without getting a burn, so common sense, lead usage skills and the correct length are important factors. Always do a risk assessment to determine the correct lead length. As you can see in the product options, you can choose a padded handle for your comfort. Safe use of dog training leads

Quality of life benefits for your dog with the Dog Training Lead

In terms of name recall training and slightly longer lines, we would suggest the Company of Animals CLIX Recall Line lead for dogs. This is the only lead on our list and one of the few in the world that has been specifically designed to cater to this form of training. Given COA’s dog training and behaviour centre is one of the most celebrated and respected of it’s kind in the UK, we’d be fools not to suggest their very own training lead! What length of dog training lead do I need?