Recall is the skill every dog owner wants and few dogs are born with. A long line lets your dog explore and practise coming back from a distance while you stay in control, which is the safest and fairest way to build reliable recall before you trust your dog off the lead.
A long line is a lead of 5 to 30 metres, usually clipped to a harness rather than a collar, and it is used in an open, safe space. It needs to be light, strong, comfortable in the hand and, ideally, easy to clean. We have compared six long lines currently available at Amazon UK, covering nylon, braided rope and waterproof biothane, and explain how to choose the right length and how to use a long line safely.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Ancol Outside Training Line (9m) | Budget everyday recall | £12-£15 | 4.5/5 |
Trixie Dog Tracking Lead (10m) | Long-distance tracking | £5-£6 | 4.1/5 |
Vivifying Training Lead (10m) | Comfortable, padded handle | £6-£8 | 4.5/5 |
Loutep Training Lead (up to 30m) | Many length choices | £6-£8 | 4.4/5 |
Mendota Check Cord | Strong dogs, gundog training | £17-£20 | 4.6/5 |
Total Pet Biothane Training Lead | Wet and muddy conditions | £24-£26 | 4.5/5 |
Individual Product Reviews
Ancol Outside Training Line (Nylon, 9m)
Best for: budget everyday recall training
A long line is the safest way to practise recall in an open space before your dog is reliable off the lead, and Ancol’s Outside Training Line is one of the best-known UK options. It is a plain, hard-wearing nylon line with a sewn handle loop and a trigger clip, and it comes in lengths from 5 to 15 metres.
The nylon webbing is light enough for a medium dog to drag without feeling weighed down, and it is easy to pick up when your dog decides to run. This 9m version is a good all-round length: long enough for real recall practice, short enough to control in a field.
It costs around £14 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 180 ratings. Nylon absorbs water and can get muddy, so rinse it after wet walks and dry it before storing.
What we like:
- Well-known UK brand
- Light and easy to handle
- Good all-round 9m length
Worth knowing:
- Nylon holds water and mud
- Can burn hands if a dog pulls hard, so wear gloves
Specifications:
- Type: nylon long line
- Length: 9m
- Clip: trigger clip
- Brand: Ancol
Trixie Dog Tracking Lead (10m)
Best for: long-distance tracking and command training
The Trixie Tracking Lead is a simple, cheap long line made from a round nylon rope that comes in lengths up to 20 metres. It is a popular choice for tracking work, scent games and training a dog to work at a distance.
The round rope is light and does not tangle as easily as some flat webbing, which is useful on a longer line. It has a bolt or trigger clip at one end and a loop handle at the other.
This 10m version costs around £5, making it an extremely inexpensive way to get started. It averages 4.1 out of 5 across more than 3,200 ratings. For a strong dog or one that pulls, a thicker or padded line will be kinder on your hands.
What we like:
- Very low price
- Light round rope
- Wide range of lengths
Worth knowing:
- Thin rope can hurt hands when a dog runs
- No padded handle
Specifications:
- Type: nylon tracking lead
- Length: 10m
- Diameter: 5mm
- Brand: Trixie
Vivifying Training Lead with Padded Handle (10m)
Best for: comfortable everyday recall work on a budget
If the loop-handle long lines are hard on your hands, a padded handle makes a big difference. This 10m nylon lead from Vivifying has a soft, padded handle and a strong clip, and it is a favourite with owners who do regular recall practice.
The line is strong and light, and the extra comfort of the padded handle means you can hold it for a whole training session. It works well for puppies and for adult dogs up to medium size.
It costs around £7 and has an outstanding record for a budget product, averaging 4.5 out of 5 across almost 9,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Padded handle
- Very low price
- Excellent review record
Worth knowing:
- Nylon gets wet and muddy
- Lighter clip than premium lines
Specifications:
- Type: nylon long line
- Length: 10m
- Handle: padded
- Use: recall training
Loutep Training Lead for Dogs (Nylon Rope, up to 30m)
Best for: a choice of lengths for different training stages
Loutep sells its training lead in a wide range of lengths, from 3 metres for early lead work to 30 metres for confident recall in open spaces. That flexibility makes it useful as your dog’s training progresses.
The strong nylon rope is light and easy to carry, and it has a secure clip and a comfortable loop handle. It is a good choice for owners who want to move from a short line to a long one without buying a completely different product.
It costs around £7 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 3,600 ratings.
What we like:
- Many lengths from 3m to 30m
- Strong nylon rope
- Very low price
Worth knowing:
- Basic loop handle
- Rope can tangle on long lengths
Specifications:
- Type: nylon rope long line
- Lengths: 3m to 30m
- Clip: secure snap
- Brand: Loutep
Mendota Check Cord
Best for: strong dogs and gundog training
The Mendota Check Cord is a braided rope line used by gundog trainers. The braided construction is strong and tangle-resistant, and the cord feels solid in the hand, which makes it a good choice for a strong dog that puts real pressure on the line.
It comes with a solid snap clip and a braided handle loop, and it holds up to heavy use. Braided ropes shed water better than webbing and are less prone to knotting.
It costs around £18 for the shorter lengths and averages 4.6 out of 5 across almost 1,300 ratings. It is more expensive than nylon lines but built to last.
What we like:
- Strong braided rope
- Tangle-resistant
- Excellent reviews
Worth knowing:
- More expensive than nylon lines
- Thin rope can burn hands without gloves
Specifications:
- Type: braided check cord
- Clip: solid snap
- Use: gundog and strong dogs
- Brand: Mendota
Total Pet Waterproof Biothane Training Lead
Best for: muddy or wet conditions
Biothane is a coated webbing that does not absorb water, so it stays light, does not smell and wipes clean. That makes it the ideal material for a long line used in rain, mud and rivers.
This waterproof biothane lead has a solid clip and a comfortable feel, and it does not knot or freeze. It is the best choice for dogs that do their recall practice on wet fields all winter.
It costs around £25 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 900 ratings, which is a good record for a premium product.
What we like:
- Waterproof and wipe-clean
- Does not absorb mud or smell
- Strong and durable
Worth knowing:
- More expensive than nylon
- Stiffer feel than soft webbing
Specifications:
- Type: biothane long line
- Feature: waterproof
- Clip: solid clip
- Brand: Total Pet
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Long Line Lead
What to Look For
Look for a strong, light line with a secure clip and a handle that is comfortable to hold. A padded handle is worth having if you train regularly. The clip should be solid metal, and the stitching around the handle should be neat and strong.
Consider the weather. Nylon is cheap and light, but it soaks up water and mud. Biothane and braided rope shed water and are easier to clean. If you train in wet fields all winter, a waterproof line is worth the extra cost.
Long Line Types Explained
Flat nylon webbing is cheap and comfortable, and it suits most dogs. Round nylon rope is light and easy to tangle-manage. Braided cord is strong and tangle-resistant, and suits big, strong dogs. Biothane is waterproof and wipe-clean, and it is the premium choice for wet conditions.
Size and Length Guide
Start with 5 metres for early work and move up to 10 metres as your dog gets more confident. Fifteen metres and longer suits experienced dogs and open spaces. Thicker lines suit larger, stronger dogs, and thin, light lines suit small dogs and puppies.
Always clip a long line to a harness rather than a collar. If your dog reaches the end of a long line at speed, a harness spreads the force across the chest instead of the neck.
How Much Should You Spend?
£5-£10 buys a serviceable nylon line. £13-£20 buys a better-known brand or a braided cord. £25 and above buys a waterproof biothane line that will last for years.
Frequently asked questions
Should I attach a long line to a collar or a harness?
Always use a harness. If a dog hits the end of a long line at speed, a collar puts a sudden force on the neck, which can cause injury. A well-fitted harness spreads the force across the chest and shoulders.
What length of long line should I start with?
Five metres is a good start for most dogs and most spaces. Once your dog is responding well, move up to 10 metres. Only use 15 metres and longer in open spaces where the line is unlikely to catch on obstacles.
How do I stop the long line getting tangled?
Keep the line off the ground where possible, gather it in loose loops in your hand and keep your dog moving rather than letting them circle round trees and posts. Round rope and biothane tangle less than flat webbing.
Can I use a long line as an everyday lead?
It is not designed for walking on pavements, since a long line gives too little control near roads. Use it in a safe, open space for training and switch to a normal lead in traffic.
Is a long line suitable for puppies?
Yes. Puppies benefit from short, light lines of 3 to 5 metres, used with a harness. Choose a lightweight line that does not weigh them down, and keep sessions short and positive.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Vivifying padded-handle line is the best value: it is comfortable, light and has one of the strongest review records in the category. The Ancol Outside Training Line is a familiar UK option with a good record, and the Trixie and Loutep lines are excellent low-cost choices.
For strong dogs and gundog work, the Mendota Check Cord is a durable braided option. For wet, muddy winters, the Total Pet biothane line is the best choice, since it stays clean and does not soak up water.
Whichever you choose, use a harness, wear gloves if your dog is strong and practise in a safe, open space.
This roundup is part of our Dog Walking Gear: The Complete Guide.
