I have been recently having problems with Jessie not recalling from other people and dogs so I have bought a long training line. Any tips before I try it out today?
Before you use it on Jessie just go out to the backyard or a field and have a few practice goes at gathering it up quickly without tangles Try to keep the long line not too much longer than the distance she is from you. Keep a bit of a loop in it but not so much that it's trailing on the ground. That'll mean being attentive about gathering it up and letting it out without tension on it. As you're walking keep an eye on your surrounds and look out for hazards that the line might get wound around - try to keep Jessie on the same side of trees, posts as you.
Remember to use it only with a back fastening harness and not attached to a collar to avoid neck injury.
How long is your training line? We used a long line on our rescue Charlie for over 3 years as he had no recall at all. Absolutely no question you must only use it with a back fastening harness and you do need to practice first. Could you find a field to have a go in first? be very careful not to let Jssie reach the end of the line. We didn't start to drop the line for a long time into training until we were sure Charlie was responding to a recall and this gave him a little more freedom. It does take some getting used to, but for us it was an invaluable tool Some people don't like them, but like everything it's a training tool to help you through your recall training and not used for ever. Good luck x
You have to be careful with them, and it's a good idea to make sure you know what you are doing with them. We've had broken fingers on the forum before with people holding them wrapped round their hands when their dog has taken off etc. Charlie got a really nasty burn across the inside of his thigh because a line was between his back legs when it went tight (my mistake, I messed up), so you need to be very concentrated on training, and having the line in a clear run to you and your dog, without a lot of slack. I personally do not think a long line is the best for stopping a dog running off, but they are good to be able to recover the situation if you need to. The trouble with that is if your dog is running to other dogs and people, you add the annoyance of them getting wrapped up in your line to the annoyance of being bothered by your dog.
Great Advice, Not much to add. But it has been a life line where poppy is concern as she is still not good at recall.it does give her a bit of freedom so that she can explore the world. I practised on onyx ( Bless him) so that i could get the feel of it. Good luck x
I feel if you have to choose a long line, it is best to put some knots in the end and let it trail, so that you can stand on it rather than hold it, have seen a very bad burn, right down to the bone, due to the line pulling across handler's hand.
We have lots of knots in ours, and let it trail behind Casper. Casper is beside me and most of the line is behind us running straight without tension. I stand on it when he has caught a scent, that moment when he is still, but nose in the air, I have a fraction to grab his attention, chuck roast chicken at him THEN I recall I use it for short, snappy recalls, working on a quick response with Casper, as well as saving me a long wait whilst he is off chasing deer and rabbits I think it is important if you use a long line for recall, to set it up for success, lots of high value treats, but follow through a recall, make sure by hook or crook you get him back.
Just to add, whilst using the long line we followed Pippa's Total Recall which helped us to train in all different situations, moving to different locations. We started off with only about 10 mtrs for short recalls with warm, juicy chicken
That is brilliant advice everyone, thank you so much. Our garden is big enough to practice in for starters. We have been working through total recall, and her recall is pretty good unless she sees a person or dog, when it totally falls apart. We are working on her ability to be around people and other dogs as well, but i've had a few running off incidents and thought the long line worth a try! Thanks so much everyone.
Is a long line the same as long lead? The ones we used were 3/4" cotton webbing, so they were easier to hold, and less dangerous to fingers etc. Maybe 20' or 30' long.
A decent pair of leather gloves helps prevent injuries to hands and are much nicer when the line gets wet and muddy.
I also can recommend a pair of strong gloves. I keep my line in a cheap rucksack, along with the usual extras - bags, water, balls, etc.
Thanks for the further advice! It was cold enough for gloves here yesterday (summer in the UK). I like the rucksack idea because at the moment I have poo bags in the pockets of ever item of clothing I own! It is only time before I block the washing machine filter! We are seeing our trainer on Saturday, so going to try the line out with her first as Jess just stands still in the garden with it looking at me balefully!
