Long Line: Safe Freedom for Recall Training and Tracking Work
With a long line, you and your dog can practise recall without giving up on safety. Here you'll find long lines from 10 to 15 metres in length.
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Kerbl DENVER Tracking Leash, Nylon, with Carabiner Hook, 6 mm, 10 m
Sale price: €7.14 Regular price: €8.49 (15.9% saved)
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Kerbl PVC Towline, 15 m Green with Carabiner Hook, Weatherproof
Sale price: €15.39 Regular price: €22.99 (33.06% saved)
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Kerbl Easy Care Dog Training Long Line, neon yellow, 20 mm x 10 m
Sale price: €23.71 Regular price: €27.99 (15.29% saved)
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Kerbl Antislip Rubberised Dog Towline with Carabiner Hook
Sale price: From €12.09 Regular price: €18.99 (36.33% saved)
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Kerbl Miami Tracking Leash with Soft Grip, Orange, 10 m x 20 mm
Sale price: €11.00 Regular price: €16.99 (35.26% saved)
Long Line: Freedom with a Safety Net
A long line is the most important tool when your dog is learning to come back reliably. It can move freely, and you can still step in at any time. Here you'll find long lines and tracking lines from 10 to 15 metres in length: Denver made of nylon, Miami with a soft grip, Easy Care in neon, a wipe-clean PVC line and a rubberised Antislip line for a secure grip.
The Right Material for Every Use
Nylon is light and pleasant to hold, but soaks up water on wet grass and gets heavier. PVC and rubberised lines don't absorb water, are easy to rinse off and stay clean even in the rain. An anti-slip coating gives you a better grip when you need to grab the line quickly. Neon colours are easier to find again in long grass. For small dogs a thin, light line is enough, while large dogs need a wider one.
Working Safely with a Long Line
Always attach the long line to a harness, never to a collar. If your dog runs into the end of the line at full speed, the jolt would otherwise go straight to the neck vertebrae. Wear gloves when training so the line can't burn through your hand, and never wrap it around your fingers or wrist. Let the line trail along the ground and step on it in an emergency. Make sure it doesn't get wrapped around trees, posts or other walkers' legs.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a long line be?
For getting started with recall training, 10 metres is easy to handle. Once you're well practised and have plenty of space, 15 metres gives your dog more freedom, but is also harder to control.
How do I practise recall with a long line?
Call your dog at a moment when it isn't highly distracted and reward it generously when it comes. The line stops it from getting into the habit of running off. Only increase the distractions once the recall works reliably.
Can I use a long line where dogs must be kept on a lead?
Whether a long line is allowed there is decided locally, and sometimes there's a maximum lead length. Check which rules apply where you are, and always shorten the line when you meet other people or dogs.
A Long Line for Training and Free Running
A long line gives your dog lots of freedom of movement and gives you the security of being able to step in at any time. You can use it to practise recall, do tracking work or let a newly adopted dog run in a controlled way. Nylon is light and pleasant to hold, while PVC and rubberised lines don't get waterlogged and are easy to wipe clean. Neon colours are quicker to find again in long grass. Always attach the long line to a harness, wear gloves when training and never wrap the line around your hand. Ten metres makes getting started easier, and 15 metres gives experienced teams more space. Let the line trail on the ground as your dog runs and make sure it doesn't get wrapped around trees, posts or other walkers' legs. That way training stays relaxed.