05/12/2025
Long Line Training
Handling the Long Line Smoothly is the key to effective use of the line.
Long lines are easily available and often a go to tool in foundational recall training. The thoughts are that we give the dog more space and we can then practice recalls safely and keep the dog under control.
However, dogs can easily form negative association with a long line due to handling errors and a lack of pre planning.
Long line handling is a skill. It takes practice to develop smooth handling, learning how to feed the line out and reel it in appropriately, and how to manage it effectively to avoid entanglement into the dog’s undercarriage.
It requires concentration, focus, and an understanding of how to apply and release pressure on the line.
Common mistakes are attaching a line to the dog and giving it full range of the line where it bolts to the end causing a jerk, rough handling occurs as a result and the length of the line becomes an impediment to the dog’s movement and the handlers ability to communicate with the dog in any positive way.
Long lines can be an integral part of your training or without skill and deliberate practice be a nightmare and dangerous tool for both handler and dog.
Skilful use of the line is a breath of fresh air for you both.
Do you need help with effective long line training for your early recalls?
Get in touch and I’ll arrange to set you up for better training and handling in your recall practise.
www.action4dogs.co.uk
