It feels like there’s a new training tool on the market for your dog everyday. Whether it's some advice from a coworker, an accredited dog trainer, or the newest gizmo: we know it can be overwhelming.
So, what is a training leash and is it really that important?Think about it for a moment. Your dog spends a lot of time on their leash. Whether you’re out for a walk around the neighbourhood, hiking, at the beach, at the dog park, at the pet store… There are numerous situations where your dog is tethered to you by a lead.
A training leash will take your outings and training sessions to the next level.
A regular leash tends to be relatively short and is meant to keep your dog by your side at all times. There’s not much room for your dog to roam when out the park and there’s not much room for you to work with them either.
A training leash is much longer. It gives your dog extra mobility while out and about. They can freely choose their own path, but remain tethered to you in case you need to quickly recall them. This extra freedom also allows you more room for training.
Our Ragnar Training Leash can be used in six different configurations and we’re going to show you how and why they work!
Over the Shoulder Training Leash for Extra Leverage
Big dogs are popular and for good reason. They’re loyal, make us feel safe, and despite those mean looks can be some of the sweetest pooches out there.
But, it can be very difficult to walk your dog when they’re larger than you are.
Even the most well trained dogs will sometimes make a mistake or have an off day. It’s difficult to keep control with just a handle in those moments. You might need a little more leverage.
By placing the training leash over your shoulder like a shash, it does two things for you.
It allows you to use your full body instead of just your wrist and arm to keep control of the lead, and it allows you to grip the free part of the lead between you and your dog as an anchor point.
There’s no worry about dropping the lead when it’s attached to you around the shoulder and it will help to relieve any stress or strain on your wrist.
It’s a lot easier to maintain control when you can use your full body to leverage the lead instead of just your arm. Think about a time your dog has pulled on the lead and how strong of a tug it’s been.
That’s because the leash is attached to their harness that’s around their full body and gives them extra leverage.
By using the over the shoulder configurations, you create your own harness.
Short Handle Training Leash for Room to Roam
Sometimes our canine companions need some extra space while out on a walk. Maybe you’re out hiking or some place with few people around and it’s okay for them to do a bit of extra exploring.
Or, maybe you need to work on their recall in a safe manner. They aren’t a pro just yet and you can work on their skills without worry that they might get distracted and wander away.
In either case: the short handle configuration is the answer.
By shortening the handle; you lengthen the leash.
With a long leash, your dog is able to wander further away, but you stay in control. They can’t completely get away after all since you’re still tethered together, but they have so much more freedom than being only a few feet away from you.
Of course, these aren’t the only reasons for this configuration.
If you have a particularly active canine, it gives them more room to run and be themselves. They’ll have more freedom on hikes to run ahead or off to the side to sniff around. It’s great for letting them work off some of that extra energy in a safe manner!
Long Handle Training Leash for Extra Control
There are a variety of skills that a short lead comes in handy for working on.
Whether you need to work on the heel command, pulling, or jumping: a long handle configuration is the way to go.
Think of how hard it would be to keep your dog from hopping up somewhere they aren’t supposed to if they were on a huge lead. It would be almost impossible.
By making the handle of your training leash longer, you make the lead itself shorter and keep your dog closer. Now, if you put any tension on the leash, your dog immediately feels it and knows to respond.
Or, perhaps you’re walking in a downtown area or somewhere that’s crowded. A lot could go wrong on a longer lead.
Your dog will feel safer closer to your side and it will help to keep them out of trouble. You wouldn’t want something to spook them and send them out into the road or for them to get too excited and to go greet someone who isn’t ready to meet them.
Around the Waist Training Leash for Hands-free Walking
Now, sometimes you don’t need all of the steering or power control in the world. Afterall, training isn’t all heel work or how to not pull on the lead during a walk. Maybe you need to work on other things like hand signals while giving commands. You need your hands free to do so!
By having an around the waist training leash configuration, you free up not one, but both hands for whatever it is you need to do.
Whether you need to give out treats, carry something, or your hand is starting to cramp up from holding the leash so long this use has something to offer you!
You can strengthen your nonverbal communication with your dog and give out treats without having to ever worry about dropping your lead.
Two Dog Training Leash for Double the Fun!
But, a training lead may not just be for training!
Do you ever get tired of your leads tangling when you walk multiple dogs? Look no further! There are two attachment points on the training leash, one at each end. This means you can attach it to two harnesses or collars at the same time.
Whether out walking, jogging, running, or hiking, you’ll be able to comfortably handle two dogs at once on your adventure; though we certainly don’t recommend the two dog configuration at first. You’ll want you and your dogs to be comfortable with walking on a lead of their own before you try this out.
Double Connection Point Training Leash for Pressure Relief
Sometimes our dog pulls the lead or we yank on it without meaning to. It may be a knee jerk reaction to outside stimuli of some sort. It happens!
Whether your dog got distracted by a squirrel or you worried about a car cutting just a little bit too close, we’ve got you covered.
The double connection point training leash configuration connects to the back of the harness as well as to the front chest area. This way, all of the tension isn’t felt in one area of the harness and any pressure is spread out over a larger area.
This helps to alleviate pressure points and not cause as much discomfort.
You can also use this configuration in helping to teach your dog to leave things alone when they start getting too interested in things they shouldn’t.
By attaching to the chest area and not only the back, when you guide your dog, it helps pivot them away from the unwanted item whether it be a piece of trash or something else.
Not only that, but those who have had difficulty in the past with faulty training tools will feel some peace of mind with the dual connection. If one should happen to fail, your dog is still securely on the lead!
Conclusion
As you can see, a training leash isn’t just for training! It’s used to tackle the everyday as well. It’s a versatile tool that, when used properly, can be an asset to any sort of situation.
That’s why our Ragnar Training Leash has the everyday in mind as well as training.
It’s tough and durable to hold up to not only use during training sessions, but for everyday use as well. Whether you like to stroll the neighbourhood or do something a little more active, this leash has you covered.
The material makes it comfortable to hold onto on long journeys and what’s not to love about it? No matter what situation you and your dog are facing from day to day, it has a solution for you.
Won’t you join us on a journey to become a successful canine leader and try one today?