Best long-line training lead for dogs to give your pooch controlled freedom on walks

Developed by training experts Dr Roger Mugford and his team at the Company of Animals Pet Centre the Coachi Training Line is a 10-metre long-line training lead to learn positive behaviour through play and reward. It's a waterproof training line, that's ideal if you're in the countryside and the line gets wet and muddy. Because it's lightweight, dogs feel like they're off a lead. It gives your dog enough freedom whilst you keep them safely on a line.

Its 10-metre length is an excellent in-between option for small-medium size dogs, allowing them to run freely while giving you some control.

Reviewed by Senior Writer, Rosie Floyd and 11-year-old Yorkshire Terrier cross, Gina: "Gina is generally really good at coming back to me when she's off lead but when going to the beach and areas that are a bit more open, she tends to ignore me more as there are a lot more distractions. The Coachi Lead allowed Gina to still have freedom to run around the sand and swim in the sea but I still had hold of her. I do wish the lead had a handle just for my comfort for holding and I think if you had a dog that was more likely to run and pull the lead, you'd want the handle for greater control. That being said, Gina's not really the type to pull (except for when she spotted the seagulls) so this wasn't an issue for me. The lead felt really tough and durable so when she did try and launch herself at seagulls nearby, it didn't feel like it was going to snap and I also liked how easy it was to get the sand off once we'd made it off the beach."

Ideal for outdoor running, recall training and playing on the beach, Joytale Training Leads for Dogs come in a range of lengths and colours – we've chosen the 15-metre line in bright orange. It's strong enough to hold large breed dogs because it's made of sturdy climbing rope with heavy-duty swivel-style clips at each end.

Customers praise Joytale training leads for their quality and length of line. Reviews indicate that it's comfortable to hold, easy to unknot and it's a strong line. The only downside is that it is a little heavy in comparison to other long-line leads that are available. However, if you have a large strong dog, you might want to consider it as a training line for recall training and controlled socialisation.

Total Pet training leads have several innovative features that give them an edge. First, there are 10-metre and 5-metre marks where you can clip the lead and use it over shorter distances—useful if you are in a small park or garden. It also has a padded handle for owners so it doesn't burn your hands and it gives you some control over the line. The control handle – which attaches around the lead with Velcro – is an effective brake when you need to slow your dog down.

Customer reviews comment that the nylon line means it doesn't tangle, plus it's bite-resistant. Some customers commented that they found it difficult to use the shortened version of the line because of the excess line getting in the way.

If you're new to using long-line leads and want to try one out before deciding to properly invest, the Pets at Home Outdoor Dog Training Line is a good place to start at under £10. It's 10 metres long so your pooch will be able to go the distance in open spaces, such as the park or the beach while you've got peace of mind that your pup is still in your control. It has a stainless steel clip to secure it to your dog's harness with ease and when you're finished using it, you can simply roll it up into a wheel and pop it away until the next time you're ready to practice recall with your dog.

Tested by Senior Writer, Rosie Floyd and two-year-old Cockapoo, Bella: "Bella still has a long way to go with her recall and general lead training but as I didn't want her to miss out on the fun of having almost free roam of the beach, I thought using this Pets at Home Outdoor Dog Training Line would be a good place to start with practising her recall. Cockapoos are known for being Velcro dogs for a reason so I shouldn't have worried that Bella would stray too far from me, but this Pets at Home lead gave me peace of mind that if she did dart off for any reason, I'd still have some kind of grip on her. That being said, this lead doesn't have a handle so I wrapped it around my hand a couple of times just so I knew I had good control over it. The lead felt pretty durable when walking Bella but also lightweight so I knew that it didn't put any extra strain on her during our beach walk. As it's made from nylon, it's not the most waterproof of materials so it did get a bit soggy as Bella dipped her toes in the sea but for a long line lead for under £10, I've got no real grumbles."

A bit of training can help to raise a confident dog. Great for taking your dog on outdoor pursuits, such as hiking and swimming at the beach, this lynxking Check Cord is available in a range of colours and lengths. It has a soft padded handle that's comfortable and prevents rope burns, plus a 360° tangle-free hook. The line is a non-absorbent, highly durable rope that will float in water, making it a top choice for outdoor sports with your canine companion. Enjoy exercising together or use it for recall training.

Customers comment that this line is hard-wearing and good quality. They use it for all sorts of dog walking, not just training. A review comments that they use it to give their dog a bit more freedom at the beach, whilst not totally taking them off the line as they struggle with recall. There is mixed opinion about the water absorbency of this product, with some reviews saying it's great for wet walks and others saying it becomes heavy and wet.

Teach your dog through kind and rewarding walkies with the Looxmeer Dog Training Lead. The line is made of strong and durable nylon fastened with solid stitching. It is not stretchy, so it provides clearer feedback to the dog. When you pull on the line, the dog can clearly feel the correction, signalling it to stop. Plus, the material is easy to clean and fast-drying. The carabiner has 360° rotation to prevent twisting. Also, it has a soft handle that makes it more comfortable for you to grip.

It's a popular pick and an Amazon's Choice recommended product with over 16,900 reviews rating Looxmeer 4.5 out of 5. Customers praise the sturdiness of the line. A review comments that it doesn't get as knotted as their previous line. Plus, it's much more comfortable to hold. It can withstand being dragged through mud, puddles and sand. However, beware if you have a dog that excessively chews as a customer comments that their pet gnawed through its line.

If you own a Beagle, you'll be all too familiar with their insatiable hunting instinct. In addition, if you have a dog that's not so great at recall, then a long-line lead can provide peace of mind as well as an opportunity to train. The 10-metre Vivifying Long-Line Dog Lead weighs just 250g. It's made of lightweight yet strong and durable nylon fibre. The seams are double-stitched, and the handle is subtly padded for comfort. The fixtures are high-quality stainless steel, including a 360° clip. You can use it in the garden, at the park, for adventures in the mountains, or at the beach.

This is another popular Amazon's Choice product with over 8,140 reviews rating Vivifying 4.5 out of 5. Customers highly praise this long line for being strong, comfortable, and lightweight. A review comments that they've added an extra carabiner clip just in case the existing one snaps. Another customer says that they wear protective gloves to make it more comfortable to hold the line.

The X XBEN Training Leads for Dogs has been tested with weights to find its breaking point, and this high-strength line can withstand 2,026 lbs. It's made of climbing rope material with double-thread stitching, stable clasps, and a heavy-duty clip with a 550lb load capacity. The bright colour and reflective threads make it a safer option for night walks and training.

Customer reviews are positive, saying this is a strong long-line lead that is chew-proof and doesn't knot. It's sturdy and is good value for money. Whilst there is a handle for you to hold, there may be instances where you are reigning in the line. Take care of this, as some reviews comment that the rope can cause friction burns.

For obedience training and recall, this NavoX Training Lead is a great choice. It's available in a variety of lengths, so you can choose a long line that best suits your dog's size and needs. It's made from double interlock webbing, so it's extremely durable and easy to clean. Plus, it has a heavy-duty 360° swivel-style stainless steel clip to keep your dog safe and make attaching it to their harness easier.

It's an Amazon's Choice recommended product, with over 1,800 reviews rating it 4.4 out of 5. Customers praise the quality of this long-line lead, saying it's strong and a good choice for a larger dog. However, there are remarks about the limited range of colours, with reviews saying that the red line is preferable as the black is a bit difficult to see. Also, the handle is a bit uncomfortable, so do wear a pair of protective gloves.

Lampop Heavy Duty Strong Dog Training Lead is a top choice for medium to extra-large dog breeds. It's a durable nylon webbing long-line lead that's available in three lengths. Its extra features make it stand out: It has a comfortable Neoprene padded handle and a Velcro strap to bundle it and make it easier to store or carry in a bag. Also, it has a heavy-duty rustproof metal clip. It can be used for outdoor exploring, swimming and recall training.

Customers praise it for being of great value for money and good quality. The material washes and dries well, and it doesn't fray. They particularly praise the handle, which prevents friction burns. A review comments that the line taught them as much as their dog how to use a long line. Because of its length, it can get tangled up in a dog's legs or slip through fingers, causing a jolt and burns. So please watch training videos on how to hold and use a long-line lead correctly.