When we talk about long lines as training and socialisation tools for your dog, we do not mean extendable, retractable leads. A loose, trailing long line or simple leash, no shorter than 1.5 metres, is a useful and safe way to allow your dog to interact with the world while training or socialising without you losing control completely. Having full management of them while they can move with complete restriction allows them to practice and rehearse the behaviours we want them to learn like walking to heel and coming back when called.
Often, dogs feel tension from both ends of the leash and when they walk on a short leash or a retractable leash that jerks them back and forth, this creates issues than solves them. Dogs need to sniff and be allowed learn to move away from experiences they deem scary or uncomfortable if they need to. Sniffing and communicating through body language and movement is how dogs navigate the world. When they are denied the opportunity to destress through olfactory activities or communicate properly, it causes them to amp up defensive behaviours later on.
Enlisting the help of a long line allows your dog freedom of movement without tension and the opportunity to express their body language signals and disengage with situations or experiences when they need to. As their handler, it allows you to familiarise yourself with what your dog is trying to tell you when they feel overwhelmed or showing early signs of stress.
