How to use a long leash for dogs: the mistake to avoid

The difference between a leash and a long line is quite simple.

A long line is a long leash, generally between 5 and 20 meters, whereas a standard leash rarely measures more than 2 to 3 meters.

But beyond this difference, questions arise: why use a long line, when should you use it, and how do you choose the right one?

Let's answer all these questions together.

Why use a long line for a dog

The long line is a fantastic tool, both for training and for offering your dog more freedom.

Here are the main situations in which it is useful.

You have just adopted a puppy

Let your puppy discover the world at his own pace.

Everything is new to him: smells, sounds, people, other animals...

By giving him more freedom, you limit frustration while encouraging a natural discovery of his environment.

The long line allows you to offer this freedom without compromising his safety.

A training tool

The long line is an excellent training tool.

It is particularly useful for working on:

• recall;
• distance commands;
• distraction management.

During your training sessions, it will quickly become indispensable.

Discover how to work on recall with your long line.

Semi-freedom

Are you walking your dog in the forest but don't fully trust him yet?

The long line is an excellent step before switching to being off-leash.

It is also ideal in a large, uncrowded park to allow your dog more autonomy while still maintaining control.

The long line: the mistake to avoid

The long line is a temporary tool.

It should not replace the leash for all your walks.

Situations where you should not use it:

• During city walks.
• In busy areas where your dog risks disturbing passersby.
• When the environment does not allow enough space around him.

In these situations, favor a standard leash.

Discover how to choose your leash (nylon, leather, or biothane?).

Situations where you should use it

• In a large, uncrowded park.
• In the forest.
• For training in your garden.
• During training sessions.

These are the most suitable environments for fully enjoying the benefits of a long line.

How to choose a long line for a dog

Various lengths, various designs...

Let's see how to make the right choice.

What length for a dog long line?

The choice depends mainly on:

• your experience;
• your dog's level of training;
• the use you wish to make of it.

My goal	5 m	10 m	15 m	20 m
I am discovering the long line and learning to handle it	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	❌	❌
I am working on recall	⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
I want to offer true semi-freedom	❌	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
My dog has poor recall or is easily distracted	⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐
My dog has good recall and I have mastered the long line	❌	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

Our advice

If you are a beginner, a 10-meter long line is often the best compromise.

It offers enough freedom while remaining easy to handle.

And for a puppy?

We recommend a 15-meter long line.

It allows him to explore his environment freely without feeling the constraints of a leash that is too short.

The design of the long line

Always favor a flat long line rather than a rope one.

Why?

Because a long line is meant to drag on the ground.

A rope long line generally wears out more quickly:

• it frays;
• it catches on obstacles more easily;
• it is less resistant to intensive use.

Conversely, a flat long line offers better resistance over time.

Need a long line? Choose our dog long line - FreeLine, which is light and supple.

How to hold a dog long line

There are two ways to use a long line, depending on the situation.

In your hand

If you are working on recall, or any other training exercise, hold the long line in your hand.

This allows you to quickly regain control if your dog moves too far away or heads toward danger.

However, never wrap it around your hand or wrist. If your dog takes off suddenly, you risk injury. It is better to hold it in large loops so you can easily let it run out.

Letting it drag on the ground

When you trust your dog more, simply let the long line drag on the ground behind him.

This is the method we prefer in large, uncrowded spaces. Your dog feels like he is off-leash, while still remaining safe. If necessary, you can quickly recover the long line by stepping on it or grabbing it.

This technique is particularly useful with a dog that is not yet ready to be off-leash (in suitable environments).

Can you walk your dog with a long line?

Yes, but not systematically.

The long line is an excellent tool for giving your dog more freedom or working on his training. However, it does not replace a standard leash.

During your daily walks, especially in the city or in busy areas, use a leash. The long line would risk bothering other pedestrians and would be more difficult to handle.

Reserve it for large spaces, such as forests, fields, or uncrowded parks. Your dog will then be able to enjoy more freedom while remaining safe.