Long Line Training -Biothane lead review

What is it?

If like most people who are training their dog use a long line, you may have noticed that most long lines get very wet and heavy. This makes the extra weight difficult to not only handle the lead, but for the dog too, especially if they are a small or toy breed.

We have used all sort of leads for training, including tracking leads and horse lunge lines. We love the horse lunge lines as they are tensile, strong and well made. Once you are well practised in the art of safe holding and daisy chaining they make a great training tool for recall, emergency stop and chase prevention training. BUT when wet and muddy are grotty to hold and the dog is pulling extra weight around which may compromise them physically.

So what to do? Invest a BioThane lead. Plenty of suppliers and sellers in the UK, here is the BioThane website [click here] for more information and ideas on products where Biothane can replace your current leads, collars, bridles and what it is made of and so on. Isn't technology wonderful! I invested in one from Amazon which was orange, had a claw clip on both ends and a handle, like this one: 

The lead is sturdy feeling, 1.6cm wide and feels like rubbery plastic. It is entirely waterproof and because of the handle, I feel safer about those sudden jolts than can occur and catch off a person off-guard, I wouldn't want the lead slipping out of someones hands and the dog running off.

Kirsty reported the lead felt comfortable, but not soft in her hands, there was no rope burn and she had a good grip, but because it was new, its inaugural use meant she was untangling it as it tried to coil back up again. Then she took it on a wet, muddy track walk and discovered she would need gloves for better grip and comfort when it was muddy. Once stretched it is easier to gather up and no longer coiled.

Any further advice

Gloves recommended if muddy!

The lead is 10m so plenty of length although 20m would be perfect for wide open space exercise. 

The lead is easy to clean after use, you simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. Much easier than trying to dry a soaked long line dripping water all over the floor. In all, a worthwhile investment; the one I purchased was £20 but totally worth it, so we would be happy to personally recommend this product. Please try and buy local though, my mate Roz at Mutty Professor in Bristol will be happy to help you choose the right Biothane lead for you.

Enjoy your training and your dog!

I’ll be writing a long line training blog shortly to go with this review, subscribe to be the first to read it. Lucky you.

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Practising reinforcement zones!