Why Using a Long Line Can Make a Better Walk for You and Your Dog

If you're anything like me, going on a walk with your dog is as much for your dog's benefit as it is for your own.  If I'm stressed or just need a break, taking my dog for a walk can be one of the best ways to instantly give me those endorphins.  It gets us both moving and gives us the exercise and socialization that we need.  But not if we stick to a rigid obedience "heel", where I require him to be at my side "watching me" the whole time - that's more like work than a leisurely outlet for our energy!  So instead of using a short leash and holding him tight and close, I most often choose to walk using a long line.

When I say “long line”, I’m not referring to the metal line that you stake into the ground in your back yard; nor do I mean a retractable leash which is like a shoestring attached to a plastic handle and offers you little control.  I mean a 12-15’ leash made of cotton webbing that looks like a regular leash only much longer.  Sometimes they are referred to as “training leads” and you can often find them online or in a store packaged wrapped in a spiral.  They come in 10’, 15’, 20’, 30’ even 50’ varieties, but 15’ is usually all you need for walking – anything longer is just too much to handle and unnecessary.  I use one of these 15’ long lines almost anytime I take my dog out and about.  He and I both love the flexibility it offers when used correctly, and it makes for a more pleasant outing for both of us!

In a nutshell, here are some of the reasons why using a long line can make for a walk that is more fun and rewarding for you both...

• You can adjust the length of the long line by simply gathering up the excess in your hand when you want or need it to be short, or feeding it out when space allows. 
• A walk on a long line allows for more freedom, which makes your dog happy, but you can still control the situation, which makes you happy (and usually results in better outcomes for your dog).  
• Pulling on leash usually occurs because the dog is trying not to be micromanaged, which is what tends to happen when we rely on a 4- to 6-foot leash to give our dog all of our communication. But using a long line to focus on the emotional connection rather than the physical tether between you builds the skill of loose leash walking and allows for a more respectful and enjoyable walk for all involved! 
• A long line is the closest thing to working with your dog off-leash as acceptable in a town or area with leash laws.  You can get your dog to work with you in a way that isn’t reliant on the leash to keep your connection, but it’s there as a safety tool or to limit your dog’s options when necessary (i.e. so he doesn’t jump in that mucky pond or chase the cyclist passing on the street).
• Because your dog needs to get energy out, a long line allows your dog more space to move about.  Going for a walk together on a long line allows him to move with you but he can sniff the grass as you walk by to get information or walk around a grate that he chooses not to step on (instead of being pressured to by being on a short leash).  A long line provides you the opportunity to train, socialize, and exercise all at the same time!
• A long line allows your dog the space he may need to explore new or stimulating surroundings at his own pace and without pressure.  He can build confidence, check that situation off on his list of life experiences, and be better equipped mentally to handle that situation the next time he encounters it. 
• A walk or hike on a long line with another dog is also the most productive way for two dogs to exercise together.  This kind of dog-to-dog interaction is much better than allowing them to roughhouse constantly in your living room or small back yard, where many times arousal levels can rise and it can turn from being a productive outlet to an inappropriate and unproductive outlet quickly. 

For some more information about how to make a long line work for you, read the whole article “Why Using a Long Line Makes a Better Walk for You and Your Dog,” and don’t forget that you can contact Maria at (845) 549-0896 or maria@mghcanineconsulting.com to help you make walks a pleasant experience for both of you!