5 Reasons to Use a Long Line

Date: 2024-09-26   |   Author: Beth Dowbiggin

Looking for a way to make leash walks more enjoyable for you and your dog? An easy way to better meet your dog’s needs is to swap your traditional 6-ft leash for a long line!

A long line is simply a long leash; long lines can be anywhere from 10–100 ft long, and are made from a variety of materials.

5 Reasons to Use a Long Line

•  dogs who are walked on long lines can explore and use their bodies more freely, which means they’ll get more steps in per walk than they can on a traditional 6-ft leash.
•  your dog will have more freedom to engage in doggy-specific behaviors on walks, which is very enriching and decompressing for them.
•  most dogs pull on leash simply because they walk faster than us humans do. Using a long line helps reduce pulling because it allows your dog to walk at their natural pace.
•  a long line allows you to train recall at a distance, without risking your dog being off leash.
•  long lines allow your dog freedom of movement while still obeying leash laws.

When and Where can I use a long line?

Long lines are best used outside. You can use a long line anywhere you use a 6-ft leash and can adjust the length accordingly. Keep in mind that some municipalities have leash-length regulations.

Safety tip: Always attach a long line to a back-clip harness, not a flat collar—and NEVER to a head collar.

Safety tip: To make gathering up the excess leash length easier, tie a small knot in your long line at 6ft of length and at 10ft of length.

Best Long Lines

• Viper Biothane long line
• Long line (small to medium dogs)
• Overall Favorite – Mendota Long Line – We sell this in-house at the facility!
• Locally-made biothane long lines from Two Beggars