Really long lead

miket

I have a great big park about a 2 min walk from my place, but it's not fenced. Apparently Remy is a ball chasing machine and he even (occasionally) brings it back! I found a 40' lead but it was about $40!!! I figure I can fashion something decent from some rope fairly cheaply instead of paying a hefty price. I'm going to hit up home depot tomorrow after work and see what I can find. Anyone have any ideas?

CrimsonO2

Unless the price is wrong on this one, here's a 50ft lead for $21.99...

http://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Gear-Cotton-Training-Leads-Green/dp/B000Y91NXU/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=miscellaneous&qid=1226449587&sr=8-11

miket

Thanks for the idea, but I checked and they don't ship to Canada. I'm sure I can pick up a clip and find a secure/reliable way to fasten it to a length of rope. If I figure out something ingenius, I let you guys know. Cheers!

ljowen123

Do you have a store close by that sells horse supplies? They usually have some good braided rope - nylon or cotton, in addition they'll have the clamps there to add a clasp hook for the leash

ShikokuSpirit

Yeah, I have a 33" long line...but I'm also gulity of having a horse lead for my dogs! It is very nice, I love it. Depending on the quality of the horse lead, could run you $10-$25. I believe I paid about $15 for mine.

Edgewood

The "horse leads" that are long are called lunge lines. They are used for exercising a horse around a circle that is about 22 yards in diameter. And they will be cheaper -- you should easily be able to find one in Canada. Most tack shops will carry them and will immediately know what you mean if you say that you want a "lunge line". There are some all cotton ones that are lighter (not as heavy) as the nylon ones. Plus, the snaps will be of high quality (generally) because they are meant to hold up to the pull/weight of a 1200 lb horse!

Examples

http://dressageextensions.com/KyWordSearch.asp

http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=WBLL&Category_Code=

http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=WSTLL&Category_Code=

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?splid=0608RRT&pn=X1-30055&idu=1A7EA92PB0KX&ids=217505777&bhcd2=1226453387

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-3077&idu=1A7EA92PB0KX&ids=217505777

ljowen123

That's what I use for a run line for Jazz when we are outside working in the yard so she doesn't have to be on leash.

miket

Thanks guys, that's great, I'll look into that. In surfing around, I also found this link if anyone else is interested

http://www.ehow.com/how_2188046_dog-leash.html

I'd imagine I could get 50'+ of nylon webbing or cotton at a fabric store for a reasonble price. Then all I'd need is a swivel hook

Heidi

I make leashes for my dogs all the time out of nylon or polyester rope. Since long leads get dragged around and abused, I don't like to spend much on them, so I just get 50' of polyester braided rope and use splicing fids to make loops for the snap and handle. If you don't have fids/can't find them (I got some online for super cheap), then you can get metal clamps and hammer them in, but I can't ever find clamps for thins rope, and I like really thin rope for long leads since they are being dragged and a long one can get heavy. Nylon webbing is pretty easy to come by, too. There are online stores that specialize in it, plus most businesses that make dog supples (mushing outfitters and the like) have lots of the stuff and will sell you a bunch for pretty cheap. The nice thing about that is you don't need fids or clamps, you can just get a needle (use a heavy-gauge or "denim" needle) and thread (polyester thread - it's stronger than cotton) to sew the loops in. Or, if you have a sewing machine you can use that, but use a sharp needle (as opposed to ball-point) and make sure it's heavy (again, denim needle) and fresh!
As a side note, I like to use a harness for the pups when they have a long lead on. I don't like the idea of them running full speed and hitting the end of the rope and having their necks jolted. Plus, I think it's more comfortable for them since a long leash has some more weight to it.

Leonberger

I suggest finding something that is a bit elastic too build your own long line (like those rappel cables), so when he shoots running - and he will- he won't be surprised by the jolt at the end of the long line. This way there will be a bit of warning pressure before that he'll learn to associate with the "end of the line".
I have a 9m cotton lead for Kuma, it's very light, but he has "banged" at the end of it a few times. It hurts my hands and I bet it's quite a bump for him.

miket

Good point. Maybe a length of bungee at the end would work well. I'll add that to my list!

I also just had a mental picture of an akita running full steam and reaching the end of that line...not pretty for either of you!!