There are lots of types of dog training lead on the market. Ours come very highly recommended! As always, we encourage good training practice vs. short cut tools. However, we also recognise that sometimes there is a need for alternatives. In this article we look at the double ended style of training lead. It offers multiple purposes, as well as being a training tool. We hope to give some insight into how to use a dog training lead.
What is a dog training lead?
A dog training lead (or a double ended lead) has multiple purposes. It shouldn’t be confused with a long line which is different. A long line is a very long dog lead (several metres). It can be used in different scenarios to train your dog – such as recall training.
The training lead we are discussing is pictured. You will see it is distinct in that it has the following elements to it:
- Two ends, i.e. two trigger hooks to attach in different ways
- Two D rings for connecting the triggers to
- An O ring
- A training lead is longer than a standard dog lead (up to around 2m at full length)
- There is no traditional handle as with a standard lead
The different elements mean the training lead is a multi-purpose dog lead. It not only aids training your dog or training your puppy, but also has added benefits when out and about.
The benefits of using a training lead
There are lots of benefits and uses for a dog training lead:
- You can adjust the length of the lead. By connecting one of the triggers to any of the rings on the training lead you can change the length of the lead for different situations. It may be as your dog progresses through heel training, you begin to extend the length they can walk to. By connecting the trigger to the nearest ring, this gives you a handle and in essence a long standard lead. Thus you get the benefits of an extendable dog lead.
- You can use the extra trigger as a means of tethering your dog when you are out and about, so no more complicated manoeuvres at the pub trying to remove a lead and then reattach. With a training lead you can simply unclip the trigger not connected to the collar/harness and wrap the lead around a secure object and reconnect, no fuss!
- You can attach the lead around your waist using a trigger to a D or the O ring, allowing you to “hands free” walk or jog with your dog attached to the other trigger.
- You can change the length as described above and then thread the end through the O ring, this creates a natural handle for the owner.
- Ultimately the different length and connecting options give you choices when training or walking your dog and this continues even when your dog is fully trained. Gaining the benefits of an extendable dog lead with the practicality of training.
Using a training lead with a dog harness or headcollar
Most harnesses have two connecting points (D-rings usually) which gives you the ability to connect both triggers from your training lead to the two connection points. This then gives the owner much more control over the dog when wearing a harness. The training lead forms a natural loop for the owner to hold as a handle (ideally you should look for a training lead that is ultra-soft).
If a headcollar is used, then we would recommend using in combination with a harness. This combination allows the owner to connect to both harness and headcollar, whilst using the lead connected to the harness most of the time and only using the headcollar connection some of the time. This will help avoid any potential neck strain.
We hope you found these tips useful, to view our range of ultra soft training leads click here.
Oscar & Hooch multi purpose training leads
Our training leads are available in the signature range and the neon range in 3 widths. Wide is 2.5cm wide, medium is 2cm wide and narrow is 1.5cm wide. Alongside our training leads, we also offer a range of regular leads, collars, and coats.
Training Lead FAQs
Are training leads good for puppies?
Training leads are a safe and effective way to practice recall training before letting your dog off the lead completely. It’ll provide your dog with more freedom and the feeling of being off the lead.
What is the difference between a training lead and a regular lead?
Training leads are much longer than traditional leads, and will give your dog greater freedom of movement compared to a normal lead.
How do you stop a dog pulling on a lead?
To stop a dog pulling, you can put something on the floor that your dog likes (such as a toy). If your dog pulls on the lead to get towards the toy, stop and call them back. This way, your dog learns that pulling the lead will only slow things down.
Why isn’t my dog coming when it’s called?
There could be many reasons why your dog doesn’t come when it’s called, including distraction, confusion, or fear.
