11 Tips for Effective Long Line Training
You and your pup make a great team — but the second there's some distance between you, the obedience vanishes? If that sounds familiar, long line training is your answer.
Key Takeaways
- What it is: A long line is an extended leash (5–15 meters / 16–50 feet) that lets you control your dog at a distance while practicing recall and boundary training.
- Who it's for: Especially helpful for young dogs, dogs with a strong prey drive, or dogs that don't listen well off-leash.
- Training tips: Always use a harness, start in a quiet area, pick the right leash length, and rely on positive reinforcement.
- Why it works: Better leash manners, reduced chasing, safe freedom even in leash-required areas, and peace of mind for you.
Nothing can break the bond between you and your dog.
But let's be real — off-leash dogs sometimes take off during walks. They decide when they feel like coming back. Or they want to pick the route themselves.
Dogs with a strong prey drive are especially guilty of following their nose instead of your voice. One whiff of something exciting, and they're gone. That's where long line training helps both of you. Your dog learns that you're still in charge, even from a distance. Your authority doesn't stop at the front door — it carries over to the park, the trail, and everywhere else.
In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the long line — plus practical tips for training. Let's dive in!
What Is a Long Line?
A long line is basically a regular leash — just a lot longer. Most are between 5 and 15 meters (16–50 feet), and some go up to 20 meters (65 feet). They don't have extra loops or handles along the length — just a clip at the end that attaches to your dog's harness. That clean design keeps the line from snagging on branches or other obstacles.
With a long line, you can practice commands while your dog is farther away from you — like coming when called. It's especially popular for breeds with a strong prey drive. These dogs learn early on to respond to commands even when they're not right next to you.
Long lines also come in handy in leash-required areas. Your dog still gets plenty of room to play and explore, and you can always reel them in if needed. Training works best if you start before your dog's prey drive fully kicks in.
Your dog should already know basic commands like "sit" and "leave it" before you introduce the long line. Ideally, they're already comfortable walking on a regular leash. They need to understand that the long line isn't a toy.
Regular Leash vs. Long Line
Here's how they compare:
- Length: A regular leash is typically 4 to 6 feet long and keeps your dog close. A long line ranges from 16 to 50 feet, giving your dog way more room to roam while you still hold the reins.
- Purpose: You use a regular leash for everyday walks, training sessions, and public outings. It keeps your dog nearby and easy to guide. A long line is a training tool — mainly for recall and boundary work. It gives your dog freedom to move around while you can still step in and call them back whenever you need to.
Keep in mind that a long line isn't meant for daily walks in busy or high-traffic areas. The extra length can lead to tangles or safety issues. Think of it as a training tool for controlled settings.
When it comes to age, long line training works best with adolescent dogs. This is the phase where they're bursting with energy. Hormones are raging, the prey drive is kicking in, and your young dog is basically testing every boundary they can find.
A dog's prey drive usually shows up between 4 and 5 months, though it varies by breed and individual. The goal is to keep that drive in check from an early age and teach your dog to come back when called.
Maybe you've hit a wall because your dog just won't listen anymore. Long line training can help in those situations too. It gives you a way to regain control.
Fair warning — training adult dogs is usually harder. You might want to bring in a professional dog trainer for backup. Some breeds have an especially strong prey drive. They'll instinctively chase anything that moves, which is exactly why they blow off your recall.
For these breeds, it's best to work on prey drive control consistently from puppyhood. A long line can also be a solid compromise in leash-required areas. Dogs still need space to run and burn off energy, even when leash laws apply.
With a long line, they get plenty of room to sniff around and explore. And you don't have to stress about whether they'll come when called. They get a bigger range, and you keep control.
You need a long line for boundary and recall training to keep your dog safe. It gives you control while still letting them move freely. Think of it as freedom with a safety net. The long line helps you gradually build up distance without your dog being able to bolt. You can gently guide them back when they've wandered too far.
This is especially important when your dog doesn't respond reliably to recall yet. The long line lets you step in and protect them from potential dangers. It's a tool that makes the learning experience positive and safe for your dog. It lets you ramp up training at your dog's pace and build trust along the way. The long line is a temporary training tool — you'll use it during the learning phase to give your dog freedom while keeping them safe.
7 Benefits at a Glance
- Reduces unwanted chasing behavior
- Improves leash manners
- Great training method for young dogs
- Keeps exercise going even in leash-required areas
- Helps you react faster to dangers (poison bait, traffic, etc.)
- Gives you control even at a distance
- Makes recall training more reliable
The two most important things to consider with a long line are material and length.
How long should the line be? If you're just starting out, go with about 5 meters (16 feet). A bigger radius would be overwhelming for both of you at first.
Once you're both comfortable with that range — and your dog reliably follows commands within 5 meters — you can move up to a longer line. The sweet spot is 10 to 15 meters (33–50 feet). Longer options exist, but keep in mind that a longer line means a higher risk of injury if things go sideways.
Also make sure the line matches your dog's weight and size. Picture how much force a large dog generates at full sprint. With a very long line, stopping them would be tough, and the injury risk for both of you goes way up.
The most popular materials are oiled leather, BioThane, and nylon. A lot of dog owners love oiled leather for its grip and smooth feel. It won't give you painful rope burns if it slides through your hand, and it doesn't tangle as easily.
As long as the surface is well-maintained, it won't soak up too much mud and water in bad weather. That also keeps the line from getting heavy.
One downside of oiled leather:
It needs regular conditioning and can't be machine washed. And when you apply leather conditioner, less is more. Too much conditioner makes the line slippery. Oiled leather long lines tend to be on the pricier side.
BioThane is tear-resistant, flexible, and basically maintenance-free. It doesn't absorb mud or water, and you can rinse off dirt with a hose. These lines come in bright signal colors too. They feel good in your hand and glide smoothly.
Just know that some BioThane lines can be a bit slippery. Price-wise, they fall in the mid-range. Long lines also come in nylon — both rubberized and non-rubberized. Go with the rubberized version if you can.
They're lightweight, washable, and dry fast. Most aren't waterproof, though. Once they soak up water, they get pretty heavy. Nylon lines come in signal colors and are the most budget-friendly option.
No matter which material you pick, make sure the line is durable, tear-resistant, and has a good grip. It's always smart to wear gloves to avoid scrapes and burns.
How Do I Use the Line?
If you're a beginner, start with a line around 5 meters (16 feet). The right length also depends on your dog's weight and size. Rule of thumb: the bigger and stronger your dog, the shorter the line should be. It takes a little while to get the hang of handling a long line.
You can hold the line in your hand or let it drag on the ground. To stop your dog, either pull on the line or step on it with your foot. Both take practice.
Tip #1: Always Use a Harness Always pair a long line with a harness — this is non-negotiable. A regular collar can cause serious neck and spine injuries if your dog hits the end of the line at speed.
Tip #2: Match the Line Length to Your Dog's Size Make sure the line length fits your dog's weight and build. The heavier or stronger your dog, the shorter the line should be. A good starting length is about 5 meters (16 feet). Once you've got some practice under your belt, you can move up to 10–15 meters (33–50 feet). Again, this depends on your dog's size and strength. Also pay attention to the width of the line. Smaller breeds do better with narrower, thinner lines.
Tip #3: Go with Signal Colors Pick a line in a bright signal color so other people can see it. This is especially important in low light or bad weather. Neon orange, green, or pink are all great choices.
Tip #4: Wear Non-Slip Shoes and Gloves In wet weather especially, wear shoes with good traction. If you need to step on the line to stop your dog, regular shoes can send you sliding. Gloves are also a must — they protect your hands from scrapes and friction burns if the line slips.
Tip #5: Start in a Quiet Spot For your first sessions, find a calm, low-distraction area. Your dog needs to focus on the training, not on every squirrel and passing jogger.
Tip #6: Master Regular Leash Walking First Long line training builds on solid leash manners. Don't skip ahead — make sure your dog is already comfortable on a regular leash first. Jumping straight to a long line without that foundation can lead to burns, joint problems, or other injuries.
Tip #7: Nail the Basic Commands First Your dog should already know basic commands before you start long line training. Teaching "come" or "stay" from 50 feet away is a lot harder if your dog doesn't know them up close. Make sure you can rely on these commands before adding distance.
Tip #8: Always Reward Good Behavior Praise is huge in dog training, and long line training is no exception. Whether it's a treat, a belly rub, or an excited "good boy!" — that's up to you. What matters is that the reward comes right after the correct behavior.
Tip #9: Patience, Patience, and More Patience Take it slow. Never yank the line when your dog doesn't listen. Don't yell either. The long line should never feel like a punishment. Keep your communication calm and consistent. That way, your dog won't develop a negative association with the line.
Tip #10: No Playdates While on the Line Don't let your dog play with other dogs while on the long line. The line can wrap around legs during play, creating a real injury risk. Things get even messier if the other dog is on a leash too.
Tip #11: Stay Alert at All Times When you're using a long line, you need to stay focused and aware of the risks. If your dog bolts suddenly, the line can wrap around your feet and knock you off balance.
2 Exercises with the Long Line
Exercise #1: Recall Training
- Start in a safe, fenced area.
- Clip the long line to your dog's harness.
- Let your dog drag the line behind them while you hold your end.
- Take a few steps back and call your dog in a friendly but firm voice.
- When they come to you, reward them with praise, a treat, or both.
- If they don't respond right away, give the line a gentle tug to get their attention.
- Practice regularly and gradually increase the distance between you.
- Never punish your dog or yank the line — that kills trust and motivation.
- Start in a distraction-free environment and slowly add distractions as your dog gets better.
- Over time, shorten the line or phase it out entirely once your dog comes back reliably.
Remember — recall training takes time and patience. Stay consistent, keep things positive, and always reward your dog for getting it right.
Exercise #2: Boundary Training
- Start in an enclosed area, like a fenced yard or gated space.
- Clip the long line to your dog's harness.
- Let your dog drag the line while you hold on.
- Walk slowly toward the edge of the enclosed area.
- Keep the line loose so your dog has room to move.
- When your dog reaches the boundary, call them back in a friendly but firm voice.
- Reward them with praise or a treat when they come to you.
- If they don't respond right away, give the line a gentle tug and guide them back.
- Practice regularly and gradually expand the area where your dog can roam freely.
- Add distractions over time — other dogs, people, interesting smells — so your dog learns to respond even when things get exciting.
- Use the long line to teach your dog to stay near you and respect the boundary you've set. Over time, shorten the line or remove it once your dog reliably stays within the designated area.
Be patient and build up the training step by step. Reward good behavior and stay consistent with your expectations.
Why Does My Dog Pull on the Leash?
It's completely normal for puppies to pull — they want to sniff and explore everything. When older dogs pull, it's usually because of inconsistent training, breed tendencies, stress, or walks that are too short to burn off their energy.
How Do I Teach My Dog Not to Pull?
When your dog starts pulling, stop immediately and wait until they ease up. If they don't stop, turn around and walk the other direction. Whatever you do, don't jerk your dog back hard.
What Harness Should I Get If My Dog Pulls a Lot?
In general, harnesses are the better choice because they're much gentler than collars. A harness distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of concentrating it on the neck and spine.
What Is a Long Line?
A long line is basically a regular leash — just much longer. Most are between 5 and 15 meters (16–50 feet), and some reach up to 20 meters (65 feet). They don't have extra loops or handles — just a clip at the end that attaches to your dog's harness.
When Is a Long Line Useful?
A long line is especially helpful for young dogs, dogs that don't listen well off-leash, breeds with a strong prey drive, and as a practical solution in leash-required areas.
My Takeaway
The long line is a fantastic training tool, and for good reason — it's the go-to for anti-chase training.
Your dog learns to follow your commands even when they're far away from you. Want to give your dog more freedom in areas where leashes are required? Whether it's a park or a wooded trail, the long line is a perfect compromise.
As long as you follow the tips above and take the right precautions, a long line can seriously level up your training. It strengthens the bond between you and your dog. And when there's more distance between you than usual, you'll have the confidence — and the control — to handle it.
