Gear tips from a dog trainer: long lines
Watch for joyful bouncy dog body language! I love giving dogs meadow time with a long line.
less sidewalk, more meadow time
Muffin is a dog who can be stressed in some environments. Some of the main triggers for his reactivity are ones found on city streets: the beeps of trucks backing up and skateboards. An easy way to decrease his stress and reduce reactivity is to choose locations for exercise and enrichment like quiet, grassy spots. He has lots of space from dogs, vehicles and loud noises and extensive options for sniffing.
Using a long line when I’m taking Muffin to big, grassy expanses means that he can access a larger space to sniff and run around. A long line also allows Muffin’s path to circle, zig-zag, go back and forth and meander in ways that aren’t always possible or easy when I’m walking him on the 6-foot leash we use for walks on city sidewalks.
Long line logistics
Long lines aren’t appropriate for all locations. When I’m walking on a city street, I use a 6-foot leash. When I’m in the right location for giving a dog more space safely, I love using a long line. I use a 15-20 foot long line, always attach it to a harness (not a collar), and pick a safe location with distance from roads.
Using a long line can allow a dog to follow their nose and maximize enrichment and de-stressing. Your dog has more space & freedom to move, but is safely attached to the long line. A long line can be an incredible tool for dogs who can’t be safely off-leash.
handler skills
I DON’T recommend putting on a long line, holding the very end, and letting your dog run to the maximum distance. This can be dangerous and cause injury to your dog and/or you when your dog reaches the end of the long line.
Instead, do these 2 things:
Hold your long line in loops (check out the video included here for a sense of what this can look like). Practice giving your dog more of the long line, and then less by looping and unlooping.
Alternate between engagement and sniff-time. Reward your dog for checking-in with you, then encourage them to go sniff. Make being near you a reinforcing place to be in addition to the access and freedom to sniff and move that the long line provides. Rewarding for engagement can look like play, food and movement, depending on what your dog finds most delightful.
get expert coaching
Want to explore the use of a long line for your dog’s specific behavioral needs? Work with me and gain access to tools that can benefit you for years to come. I provide personalized support for each unique dog household. Reach out to learn more about consultations and ongoing training.
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