Man, training a dog can be a real handful, especially when they’re full of energy and just want to run wild. I’ve been working with my buddy, a young golden retriever named Max, and let me tell you, a good leash is a lifesaver. I recently picked up a 30-foot training leash, and it’s been a game-changer for our training sessions.

So, first off, I had to decide on the length. I did a bit of reading, and it turns out a longer leash, like this 30-footer, is great for practicing recall, or teaching Max to come when I call him. See, in the past, I’d been using a regular, shorter leash, maybe 6 feet? But it just wasn’t cutting it for recall training. Max would get distracted, and with the shorter leash, I couldn’t really let him wander far enough to practice coming back from a distance.
I found a simple one, from a brand called HALTI, or something like that. Anyway, the first thing I did was get Max used to the new leash. We started in our backyard, which is pretty spacious. I clipped the leash onto his harness – gotta use a harness, way better for control and safer for the pup. Then, I just let him explore a bit while I held onto the other end.
Once he was comfortable, we started with some basic recall exercises. I’d let him wander about 10-15 feet away, then call his name and say “Come!” When he started heading towards me, I’d give him tons of praise, you know, “Good boy, Max! That’s it!” and maybe a little treat. We did this a bunch of times, gradually increasing the distance.
- Getting Started: First, I just let Max sniff around and get used to the feel of the long leash. No pressure, just exploring.
- Short Distance Recall: We started with him just a few feet away, calling him back and rewarding him with praise and treats.
- Increasing Distance: Slowly but surely, I let him get further away before calling him back. We worked our way up to using almost the full length of the leash.
- Dealing with Distractions: This was the real test. When a squirrel ran by, or another dog walked past, it was tough for Max to focus. But with the long leash, I could gently guide him back on track. I found that if he tried to bolt ahead, I had to be the one to take the lead. You know, “You go first” kind of thing. It’s all about setting the tone.
- Lots of Practice: We practiced in different places too, the park, and even near a hiking trail. I am happy to find that he has performed well in most of time.
The 30-foot leash gives Max the freedom to explore while still keeping him safe and under my control. It’s like having an invisible fence, but way more flexible. It’s also been super helpful for teaching him other commands, like “stay” and “wait.” I can walk away from him, knowing he’s not going to take off, and then practice those commands from a distance.
A Few Rough Patches
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. There were times when Max would get tangled up in the leash, especially when he was really excited. And, honestly, it took a bit of practice for me to get used to handling such a long leash without tripping over it myself or getting it wrapped around trees. I may still trip over my self in the coming future. But I always choose a safe and open space, like a park or a large backyard to avoid any potential safety issues.
All in all, this 30-foot training leash has been a great investment. It’s given Max the freedom he craves while allowing me to keep him safe and focused during our training sessions. We’ve still got a long way to go, but I’m feeling way more confident about our progress now. If you’re struggling with recall or just want to give your dog a bit more freedom while training, I’d definitely recommend giving a long leash a try.
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