I often hear folks chatting about letting their dogs off the lead, even when their recall isn't quite up to scratch. It seems like long lines can be a great solution! Though they can be a bit misunderstood, they really are quite handy when used properly. 

You see, a long line should be suited to your dog’s size and breed, giving them the wonderful feeling of freedom while still allowing you to reel them in if needed. But do watch out—if a long line is too long, it can lead to a bit of chaos! Imagine a dog suddenly bolting in one direction; it could spell trouble for everyone, including the pup. On the flip side, I totally get how frustrating it can be for an energetic dog to be stuck on a short lead all the time. That’s where using your common sense comes in handy! For instance, using a 20m long lead in the woods can easily lead to tangles around trees if you’re not careful. The idea is to keep your dog engaged while they're still close enough to you—they shouldn’t be at the other end pulling in all sorts of directions! 

To help your dog adjust, I suggest incorporating the long line into every walk and gradually phasing it out over a couple of weeks using these steps: 

1.  hold the longer line
2. let it trail on the ground
3. use a shorter line trailing behind
4. lightweight line 
5. tiny traffic lead
6. grab handle lead
7. finally, if all goes well, off they go lead-free! 

Now, it’s worth noting the quality of the long line itself. Personally, I recommend flat biothane—it’s waterproof and super easy to clean! And remember, always attach the long lead to a harness rather than a collar. This way, if the lead gets caught or your dog decides to make a dash, you’ll be better prepared. 

Training your dog takes time and patience, but rest assured, the more effort you invest, the more rewarding your relationship will be.

Happy walking with your furry friend!