5 Benefits of Long Line Leads & 3 Safety Tips
Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both of you, but traditional short leashes often limit your dog’s ability to explore and move naturally. A long line lead is an excellent alternative that provides freedom while ensuring safety and control. Whether you're training recall or simply want to allow your pup to sniff and roam more, a long line lead can transform your walks.
Key Benefits of a Long Line Lead
1. Keeps Everyone Safe
Long lines give your dog more room to move while still adhering to Australian leash laws, offering the best of both worlds: the benefits of off-leash freedom with the control of a leash. This ensures your dog’s safety while protecting others around you.
2. A Great Recall Training Tool
A long line lead is perfect for teaching recall. It allows you to practice calling your dog from a distance while preventing them from running off. Training in a controlled way ensures your dog learns to return reliably without the risks associated with being completely off-leash. Check out our step-by-step recall training guide using a long line to get started.
3. Encourages Natural Behaviour
Dogs were not designed to walk in straight lines; they naturally move in a zig-zag pattern, following scents and exploring their environment. A long line lead gives them the space to act on their instincts, making walks more mentally and physically stimulating.
4. More Exercise and Enrichment
With a longer leash, your dog takes more steps and uses their body more freely compared to a standard 1.5m leash. This added movement leads to a more fulfilling walk, helping to burn off energy and promote relaxation afterward.
5. Less Stressful Walks
A long lead allows dogs to walk at their own pace, promoting a more natural gait. This reduces frustration and makes walks less stressful for both the dog and the owner.
How to Use a Long Line Lead Safely
While long lines have many benefits, they require responsible handling to prevent injuries and tangles. Here are some best practices:
1. Attach the Lead to a Harness, Not a Collar
Using a harness instead of a collar prevents strain on your dog’s neck if they suddenly run to the end of the lead. If your dog’s harness has front and back fastenings, attaching the lead to the back helps prevent tangles around their legs.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Long lines can get caught on obstacles like trees, people, and other dogs. Always be mindful of your environment to prevent accidents and entanglements.
3. Keep the Lead Loose
Avoid reinforcing tension on the leash. Let the lead remain loose, and reward your dog when they check in with you. Extend the leash as they explore and gently reel it in as they return.
Is a Long Line Lead Right for You?
If you want to enhance your dog’s walking experience, provide them with safe freedom, and improve recall training, a long line lead is an excellent investment. While it requires a bit of extra management, the benefits far outweigh the effort, leading to a happier, more satisfied pup.
Try the Mighty Tiga Long Line Training Lead on your next walk and watch your dog enjoy their newfound freedom!
