29/01/2025
🐶Why We Use Long Lines at Waglands
At Waglands, our goal is to create safe, enriching experiences where dogs can learn and grow in a structured way. One of the tools we use to support this is the long line—a lightweight, extended lead that allows us to guide dogs while still giving them space to explore.
🐶Why BioThane Long Lines?
We specifically use BioThane long lines at Waglands because they are:
✅ Tangle-Free – Unlike fabric or rope leads, BioThane stays smooth and doesn’t get caught on itself.
✅ No Rope Burn – Softer on hands and skin, preventing handlers and dogs from painful friction burns.
✅ Weatherproof & Durable – Easy to clean, doesn’t absorb water or mud, and remains strong even in wet conditions.
These features allow us to better manage play safely, prevent over-arousal, and build reliable recall without the downsides of traditional rope-style long lines.
🐶Why and How Do We Use Them?
✅ Building Reliable Recall – Even well-trained dogs can become distracted in exciting environments. The long line allows us to practice recall in real-world settings while ensuring success.
✅ Encouraging Safe Exploration – With over a hectare of land at Waglands, dogs love to run, play, and investigate! The long line gives them more freedom while maintaining the ability for us to subtly interact and limit activity when needed.
✅ Preventing Over-Arousal in Play – Some dogs get too excited and struggle to regulate themselves. A long line allows us to step in and calmly redirect before things escalate.
✅ Supporting Nervous or New Dogs – For dogs adjusting to daycare or learning social skills, the long line provides gentle guidance to help them navigate interactions safely.
✅ Developing Impulse Control – Whether it’s waiting patiently, responding to cues, or disengaging from distractions, long lines help us reinforce positive habits that benefit dogs both at daycare and at home.
🐶Are Long Lines Safe in Public?
While long lines are fantastic in controlled environments, they can pose risks in public places. Using rope-style or very long leads in busy areas can cause:
⚠️ Tripping Hazards – They can wrap around people’s legs, causing falls.
⚠️ Dog Entanglement – They can tangle around other dogs, leading to injuries.
⚠️ Lack of Control – If a dog bolts on a 15m+ lead, it’s much harder to regain control quickly.
At Waglands, we avoid these risks by using BioThane long lines in a structured way and keeping our standard leads just over a metre. This allows us to quickly reconnect with the dog, gently redirect their attention, and keep play safe.
🐶How This Benefits Your Dog at Home
The training we do with long lines at daycare carries over into everyday life. If you love taking your dog to the beach, bush walks, or open spaces, a properly used long line can be an amazing tool for freedom and safety—just be mindful of your surroundings and other people.
Got questions about using a long line at home? Drop them in the comments below!
