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

Learn to handle your dog with controlled outdoor training and recall exercises.

Best long line training lead for dogs

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

Teach recall, obedience and safe exploration outdoors with the best long-line training lead for dogs. Long line leads allow your pooch freedom but you can take control if necessary, providing a safe way for them to explore the outdoors before you let them be off lead completely.

One of the key skills that can be taught with a long-line lead is recall training, teaching your pup to return to you when called. It's an essential skill for ensuring your dog's safety and obedience but it also allows for greater freedom during off-leash activities. Whether it's on the beach running with your dog or hiking in the fells, with the right training (and a bit of patience) you can look forward to lots of adventures with your dog.

Best long-line training lead at a glance

Ranging between three and 30-metres, long-line leads are great training leads but it's important to get the right length to suit your dog's breed. A 30-metre training line will quite simply be too heavy for a small dog. In contrast, a larger dog needs a strong line – made from heavy-duty webbing – to ensure they don't snap it. Additionally, it needs to be comfortable for you to hold and that it won't cause friction burns if it slips in your hands.

While we echo Barbara Woodhouse when we say there are "no bad dogs", long-line training may not be suitable for every dog. Young puppies will not be ready for this type of training. Also, it's unsuitable for dogs with extreme behavioural issues or limited mobility. We have some tips on how to use a long-line training lead in our FAQs but as a pet parent, you should continually assess your dog and consult with a professional trainer if in doubt.

Best long-line training lead for dogs

Best long-line lead to begin recall training

Credit: Rosie Floyd/Take a Break Pets

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."

Pros

  • Let young dogs get used to new situations while you keep them on a line
  • High quality, durable, yet lightweight training line
  • Easy to wash and dry when it gets muddy
  • A good length for small/medium size dogs to begin their recall training

Cons

  • Doesn't have a handle for handlers to hold
Lengths available:5m, 10m
Material:Nylon
Colours:Navy and Blue

Best training line for medium and large dogs

Joytale Training Leads for DogsJoytale/Amazon

Rrp: £20.99

Price: £19.99

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.

Pros

  • It's twist-resistant and tangle-free
  • Removable soft padded handle, with 360° swivel clasp, for your comfort
  • The clips have a safe lock so they cannot be accidentally unhooked

Cons

  • A bit heavy, so bear this is mind if you are taking it on a long walk
Lengths available:5m, 10m, 15m, 20m
Material:Nylon, Neoprene, Metal
Colours:Black, Blue, Orange

Best dog training line for features

Total Pet 20m Training LeadTotal Pet/Amazon
Price: £34.99

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.

Pros

  • Clip the line to shorten it when you're in a smaller space and use the control handle
  • Padded handle to prevent friction burns and to give owners more control
  • Heavy-duty anti-bite nylon line that stays reasonably tangle-free
  • Strong 360° swivel hook for safety

Cons

  • Some owners found using the shortened version of the line a bit tricky
Lengths available:5m, 10m, 15m, 20m
Material:Nylon
Colours:Black

Best budget dog training line

Credit: Rosie Floyd/Take a Break Pets

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."

Pros

  • Made from a strong, durable nylon
  • Feels lightweight to handle as well as for your dog to wear
  • Made with a stainless steel clip to securely fasten it to your dog's harness

Cons

  • Doesn't have a handle
Lengths available: 10m
Material:Nylon
Colours:Black

Best dog training line for outdoor sports

lynxking Check Cordlynxking/Amazon

Rrp: £18.49

Price: £16.99

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.

Pros

  • Comes in a backpack that's lightweight and convenient to carry the line
  • Range of colours and lengths
  • Versatile; use it for outdoor pursuits as well as training

Cons

  • Mixed opinion on its water-resistance
Lengths available:4.5m, 9m, 15m
Material:Nylon
Colours:Black, Blue, Orange, Purple, Red

Popular long-line lead

Looxmeer Dog Training LeadLooxmeer/Amazon

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.

Pros

  • It's available in a range of lengths and four colours
  • Hugely popular and an Amazon's Choice product
  • Responsive line so dogs can feel when you correct their behaviour

Cons

  • An excessive chewer gnawed its way through the line
Lengths available:3m, 5m, 7m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 25m, 30m
Material:Nylon
Colours:Black, Neon Blue, Neon Orange, Neon Yellow

Best value long-line lead

Vivifying Long Line Dog LeadVivifying/Amazon

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.

Pros

  • Soft on hands, yet strong and durable
  • Lightweight yet has strong stitching and metal fixtures
  • Popular and well praised in reviews

Cons

  • A review suggests wearing protective gloves to make holding the lead more comfortable
Lengths available:6m, 10m, 15m, 20m
Material:Nylon
Colours:Black, Blue, Orange, Red

Best long-line for large dog breeds

X XBEN Training Leads for DogsX XBEN/Amazon

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.

Pros

  • Comfortable grip handle
  • Reflective threads for night-time visibility
  • Available in a wide range of lengths and colours
  • Heavy-duty hook and material

Cons

  • A review comments that the rope can cause friction burns if you allow it to slide through your bare hands
Lengths available:3m, 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 25m, 30m
Material:Nylon
Colours:Apple Green, Babyblue, Black, Blue, Olive, Orange, Pink, Turquoise

Best heavy-duty long-line lead

Lampop Heavy Duty Strong Dog Training LeadLampop/Amazon

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.

Pros

  • Extra durable nylon lead, suitable for larger dogs
  • Easy to wash and dry
  • Soft padded handle for your comfort

Cons

  • Some customers struggled to use the line correctly, so be sure to watch a training video first
Lengths available:6m, 10m, 15m
Material:Nylon
Colours:Black

How we chose the best long-line training lead for dogs

All of these long-line training leads have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, durability and affordability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching long-line training leads to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.

FAQs

What should I look for in a long-line lead?

Purchasing the best long-line training lead for dogs depends on several factors, including the dog's size, temperament and training environment.
Choose the length based on your training needs. Shorter leads (3-10 metres) are great for controlled training, while longer leads (15-30 metres) are suitable for recall training and giving your dog more freedom.
Nylon and polypropylene are durable materials that withstand outdoor use, while cotton is softer and better for indoor training. You may come across BioThane, which is a synthetic material made of polyester webbing, which is waterproof and tangle-free. It's an ideal material for leads and dog collars. A long-line lead that doesn't have any stretch to it makes it clearer for the dog to feel your corrections. When you pull on the line it tells your dog to stop. The downside is that it can give both you and your dog a bit of a jolt. You also need to take care that the lead doesn't slip through your hands and cause a friction burn.
Look for durable leads with reinforced stitching and heavy-duty clips to ensure they can handle your dog's strength.
Reflective stitching is a plus if you plan to train in low-light conditions.
Padded handles can prevent hand strain and friction burns during training sessions.

How do my dog and I use a long-line lead?

Long-line leads are fixed in length. Lightweight materials are suitable for small dogs to prevent the lead from being too heavy, while larger dogs need more heavy-duty materials. You should base your purchase on the dog size you are buying for.
Whether you're using a shorter or longer long-line lead, the first thing is to become used to holding it correctly. Some leads have a basic loop handle, while other training leads come without.
Choose a big open space and be mindful of your surroundings. A long-line lead can become tangled and be a trip hazard to others.
Unravel the long line to remove tangles. Then, gather loose loops in one hand, holding the end of the line with the clip in your other hand.
Attach the long line to your dog's harness. A harness is preferable to a collar because it's safer and eliminates the chance of your dog injuring its neck.
Hold the line with both hands, letting the hand that's closest to your dog feed the slack and act as a brake if needed. You can grip and release this hand on the line to gently stop your dog and get them used to being responsive to you. Your other hand will hold the rest of the line. If you want more control, use both hands to rein in the slack and bring your dog closer to you. It's a gentle way of stopping your dog.
The aim is to build up to dropping the long line altogether, with your dog walking with you. You can always pick up the trailing line to regain control. This way, you can train your dog in recall before you let them off their lead entirely.
This method effectively trains recall and ensures your dog's safety while allowing them more freedom to explore. For more information on how to train your train, watch The Battersea Way video series.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.

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