Can someone explain to me the benefit of lunge leads? I'm assuming from what I've read that it's just a very long lead? Does the dog not get hurt if he charges off at full pelt and then runs out of lead? What do people think about extendable leads? Thanks - new to this game!

I use them so that my dogs can have a bit of freedom while out walking as i don't ever let them off in public places.
None of mine have ever been hurt by running as i give the line a little tug before it gets to the end and it slows them down.
Extenders are not half as long so the dog doesn't get so much room to move.

As Alfie is a pointer I will have to let him run free when the time comes. I suppose a lunge lead be useful as a build up to letting him run completely free?

Yeah!
You both have the security of knowing that he cannot do a runner and you can build up his recall!

When they get to near the end of the length of lead, do they not get tangled up round the dogs legs then?
Hilda

No as the harness keeps it out of the way and its broad/heavy enough not to tie up their legs like briskets, unlike extendables.

I don't know what lunge leads are - but I know many trainers will recommend a lunge line/rope as a training aid for a dog who has a poor recall. These are originally designed for schooling horses in a large circle around the trainer, with or without a rider. When used with a dog they are used simply to reinforce the recall, not to restrain him when he's running free, and ideally should be used (as should extending leads) with a simple body harness (not a 'no pull' type). The handler should be aware of the risks of rope burn (probably a good idea to wear a stout pair of gloves) and it's best practise to only hold the piece of rope you need to hold and not to try and coil it up - you'll just end up with a piece of bad knitting......

Last night we set off on a dark walk with Morse securely attached to the lunge, and Heid the Ball here decided to let the spare lunge trail behind. On our return discovered we'd collected a forest worth of golden leaves and twiggy sticks, so less knitting than applique. :)

sometimes when i take Ollie up the field for training mainly when training to retreive things i attach a washing line to his colar and let it trail loose so if he sees another dog and decidesto have a look i just tread on the other end while calling him it really helped in training him to bring things back

Hello,

I use the trainning lead especially with the dark nights and the "nutters" letting fireworks off all over the place it means she has freedom but I have the security of knowing she won't be able to bolt.

Karen

I like to use lung rein because when walking you can gather it up short and when its safe let the dog wander . plus i only got mine for a pound cuz i live right next to the airbourne factory:D dam i wish they would have another sale soon i need a new one :p
I dont like those retractable leads. i think u can drop them really easy leads u have somthing to grip onto

I've found that!
The plastic handle on the extendable doesn't allow any sort of grip does it? Where as the Lunge Line has a handle and you can wrap it round the wrist for extra secuity.

I always say "steady" as they get towads the end of the line, with a little tug at the start. They soon learn what steady means and that they are on a line.

Helen