Most dog owners prefer a six-foot dog leash, but there is no clear consensus when it comes to leash lengths. Your dog’s leash—long or short—influences the daily rhythm of your life with him. Whether walking your dog is peaceful, controlled, or unruly depends, at least in part, on the length of his leash. In certain scenarios and with particular dogs a short or standard-length leash is your best bet, but in other situations, you and your dog will appreciate the freedom of a long leash. Either way, a leash helps protect your dog and other dogs from unexpected encounters. Here’s the long and the short of it:
As a dog parent who’s tried just about every leash option out there, I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing long leads with my own pups. If you’re wondering whether a long lead is right for your furry friend, you’ve come to the right place!
Long leads (also called long leashes or training leads) can be excellent tools for dog training and exploration, but they’re not perfect for every situation. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about these versatile tools.
What Is a Long Lead Leash?
A long lead is exactly what it sounds like—a leash that’s significantly longer than your standard 6-foot walking leash These leashes typically range from 15 to 50 feet in length, with some extending up to 100 feet! They give your dog more freedom to explore while still keeping them connected to you.
Unlike retractable leashes that automatically adjust length, long leads maintain their full length unless you manually gather up the slack
Types of Long Lead Leashes
Before deciding if a long lead is right for your dog. it’s important to understand the different options available
- Nylon Leads: Durable, lightweight, and suitable for various environments
- Biothane Leads: Water-resistant, easy to clean, and perfect for water-loving dogs or rainy climates
- Rope Leads: Sturdier option ideal for dogs who might chew their leash
- Retractable Leads: While technically adjustable in length, most trainers avoid these due to potential safety issues
I personally prefer biothane leads for my pups since they don’t get stinky or damaged from sandy beach walks!
Benefits of Using a Long Lead
1. Enhanced Training Opportunities
Long leads are invaluable for training essential commands like “come,” “stay,” or practicing distance commands. They allow your pup to venture further while still giving you control if they don’t respond to verbal cues.
As one positive reinforcement trainer put it, “A long lead resolves the issue of calling your dog over and over without response because you can reel them in if needed, showing them what behavior you’re looking for.”
2. Mental Enrichment and Exploration
Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. Long leads are perfect for “sniffaris” (sniff walks) where your dog can explore at their own pace, following interesting scents and investigating their surroundings.
This freedom helps reduce boredom and can improve your dog’s overall mental well-being. It’s especially beneficial for city dogs who don’t regularly access large open spaces.
3. Safety in Unfamiliar Environments
When hiking new trails or exploring unfamiliar areas, a long lead provides safety without restricting your dog’s ability to explore. It’s a great compromise between off-leash freedom and on-leash control.
4. Behavior Modification
For dogs with reactivity, anxiety, or aggression issues, long leads allow them to still enjoy running and playing in their favorite places when being off-leash isn’t an option. They’re also excellent tools for rehabilitating dogs with trauma or anxiety, letting them explore the world at their own pace.
Potential Drawbacks of Long Leads
No tool is perfect, and long leads do come with some challenges:
1. Entanglement and Trip Hazards
The length that makes long leads so useful also creates risk of entanglement around trees, bushes, your legs, or other obstacles. This can potentially lead to injuries if not carefully managed.
2. Risk of Injury to Your Dog
If your dog runs at full speed and suddenly hits the end of the lead, they could experience a jarring stop that might injure their neck, back, or joints. This is especially concerning for puppies and older dogs with joint problems.
3. Management Challenges in Crowded Areas
Let’s be real—handling 30 feet of leash in a busy park or on city streets isn’t easy! Long leads can be awkward and potentially dangerous in crowded spaces.
4. Potentially Reinforcing Bad Habits
If not used properly, long leads can inadvertently reinforce pulling behaviors or other unwanted actions that might transfer to regular leash walking.
5. Increased Risk of Dog Conflicts
While providing safety in some ways, long leads can increase the risk of problematic dog interactions if your pup is reactive or has a history of aggression. The distance can make it harder to prevent your dog from approaching others.
Best Practices for Using Long Leads
To maximize benefits and minimize risks, follow these guidelines:
Choose the Right Equipment
- Select a lead appropriate for your dog’s size and strength
- Use a properly fitted harness rather than a collar to prevent neck injuries
- Consider a lead without a handle for use as a drag line
- Opt for bright colors that are easily visible
Start Gradually
Don’t jump straight to a 100-foot lead! As one experienced dog owner explains, “Before jumping right to a 100-foot-long lead, try a 30-foot-long lead first. You want your dog to get used to how far they can run out without being jerked back.”
There’s also a learning curve for you in handling all that leash length safely!
Practice Proper Handling Techniques
- Keep a vigilant eye on your surroundings
- Never wrap the lead around your hand (in case your dog suddenly pulls)
- Gather excess leash as your dog moves closer to prevent tangles
- Practice reeling in smoothly rather than yanking
Choose Appropriate Environments
Long leads work best in:
- Open fields
- Quiet parks
- Hiking trails with minimal obstacles
- Beach areas (where permitted)
They’re not ideal for:
- Busy sidewalks
- Crowded dog parks
- Areas with dense vegetation
Use as a Training Tool, Not a Crutch
The ultimate goal should be to develop reliable recall and off-leash skills (where safe and legal). Use the long lead as a stepping stone, not a permanent solution.
When NOT to Use a Long Lead
Some situations where long leads are not recommended:
- High-traffic areas: Stick with standard leashes in busy environments
- Addressing severe behavioral issues: Long leads won’t solve serious reactivity—seek professional help
- Unsupervised use: Never leave your dog unattended on any leash, especially a long one
- Swimming without a life vest: Long leads can be dangerous in water if they get caught on something underwater
- With multiple dogs: Managing more than one dog on long leads can quickly become chaotic
FAQs About Long Leads
Q: Can I use a long lead with a collar instead of a harness?
A: While possible, it’s not recommended. The sudden stops can damage your dog’s neck. A properly fitted harness distributes pressure more evenly.
Q: How do I teach recall using a long lead?
A: Start in a low-distraction environment, call your dog enthusiastically, and gently guide them to you using the lead if needed. Reward generously when they come! Gradually increase distance and distractions.
Q: What length should I choose for my first long lead?
A: Start with 15-20 feet and work your way up as both you and your dog become more comfortable.
Q: How do I prevent my dog from getting tangled?
A: Stay vigilant, keep the lead off the ground when possible, and avoid areas with many obstacles. Practice gathering and releasing the lead smoothly.
My Personal Experience
I’ve used long leads with both my high-energy lab mix and my more cautious shepherd. For my lab, it was perfect during adolescence when his recall was… let’s say “selective” around squirrels! For my shepherd, who came to me with some confidence issues, the long lead helped her explore without feeling too restricted.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced is managing the lead itself—I definitely tripped a few times before getting the hang of it! I’ve found that biothane leads get less tangled than nylon ones, and bright orange makes the lead more visible to both me and others.
The Bottom Line
Long leads can be fantastic tools when used correctly and in appropriate situations. They offer your dog more freedom while maintaining safety, but they require practice, awareness, and proper technique.
As with any training tool, the goal should be to eventually phase it out as your dog develops reliable off-leash skills (where safe and legal). Until then, a long lead can be the perfect middle ground between safety and freedom for your furry friend.
Have you tried using a long lead with your dog? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Before Buying a Leash, Consider These Factors:
- How large is your dog? You’ll want a leash that’s sturdy enough, but not overwhelming. Consider leash length and width compared to your dog’s size.
- Is your dog likely to pull? Long leashes aren’t the best option for pullers—instead, a four- to six-foot leash paired with a harness or suitable collar can provide better control.
- Where are you most likely to walk? Hiking and trekking through large, open fields are perfect scenarios for using an extra-long leash, but the same leash won’t do for a jog in a crowded park. Don’t rely on one leash to take on everything: Keep the right leashes on hand for each of your favorite activities.
- Are you working on off-leash training, or looking to allow a little extra freedom without letting your dog roam free? A longer leash is the best option—choose the length based on your intended activity. A check cord is designed to resist tangling and snagging for romps in the field, while a long nylon leash gives your dog a little extra distance while keeping him secure.
- Does your dog have any health considerations? Brachycephalic dogs or breeds with delicate tracheas are not good candidates for slip collars or short collars that may trigger pulling. Choose a leash that allows a little slack, and clip it to his harness and not his collar.
Leash length isn’t dogmatic: Whether you choose a long or a short dog leash mainly boils down to the situation and your best friend’s temperament. Once you’ve got a couple of strong, appropriate options there’s only one thing left to do—get out there and enjoy walking with your dog.
When To Use a Slip Lead
Use a slip lead to train a dog who is having difficulty learning to walk without pulling, or when you need to maintain his attention. The positioning of a slip lead should always be just behind your dog’s ears and under his chin to indicate corrections to him. Never position the collar part of the lead over his windpipe, or yank or pull it too tightly. Slip leads are not meant for everyday walks.
Pros: Ideal for temporary use for training and quick on-and-off.Cons: Not a solution for every walk—this style should be used only for training or in an emergency.