Does anyone know where I can get a long lead for my westie.  He is on an extended lead just now but I want one that I can let go off but still be able to catch him as we havn't yet mastered recall.

How about buying an appropriate length of blind cord from a hardware shop and putting a clip on one end? That was what I did when I made one for my Boxer. I would suggest putting something on the end so that you can stand on it rather than pick it up as it can burn your hands.
HTH Anne

Isn't that a bit dangerous, letting go of the lead ?. I'd worry that my dog would run too far for me to keep up and would end up getting caught somewhere. We did all our recall work (until we were more confident) using the extending lead. Everytime he was walking a bit ahead of us we just called him back and gave a reward.

Val

He always stays near us but when we try to put the lead back on him he dives away thinking its a game even if we have a treat. I would prefer the lead or rope so when he is near I can keep hold off him.

You could buy a lunge line if you have an equestrian shop nearby, they are about £5

There is also a long tracking lead (really really light) you can buy from most decent pet shops they are about £9 I think. The ones I've seen have been either 10ft 15ft or 30ft from memory. I have a 30ft one I used for Sal when she hit the "I ain't listening to you phase...even that leaf is more interesting" I just let it go and it trailed behind her but close enough to put my foot on if I needed too. The trick is to hold the lead/line in one hand and instead of wrapping it up pull it behind you when you reel them in.

Karen   

I've tried this with my bitch whose recall seems to have gone AWOL since she had a litter. She seems less inclined to disappear into the blue when using it, but in the present wet muddy conditions it gets into the most disgusting state from dragging on the ground. I've been trying to avoid using an extending lead but I'm beginning to wonder whether it might not be more practical. The training lead is fabric, so I suppose it is at least washable...I have carried it in a "bum bag" to avoid it soaking my pocket. How do the rest of you manage?
Cathy.

I just get grubby ;)
   I gave up trying to remain clean on dog walks long ago, as every dog I have ever owned thinks it absolutly great to charge back to me covered in mud/soaking wet/anything disgusting really and jump up. :)  My hands get dirty but I have stopped wondering what other people think, as long as Sal and I are happy.
   The long lead is only on when the park is full of dogs...because not every dog is friendly and some are just plain aggresive, plus the fact the park borders a main road and has no dog proof fencing only a 2ft high metal bar to stop cars/caravans from driving on. But I rarely ever touch the lead it just drags behind her no problem at all to eaither of us. I just throw it in a carrier bag when I get back to the car and then hang it over the washing line.
Karen

I went to pets at home they never had one does anyone know where I can buy one. Thanks.

Pets at home do have them, they have a nylon one and a leather one i think they are called puppy training leads. If you ask them to order one they will have it within 2-3 days or they can locate the nearest store and get it or you get it :)

Kazzstaff I got a longline at about the same time as 'I aint listening to you anymore' when his recall had been perfect until then.

I've got a 10m one from training lines which has a trigger hook that I can attach to my cocker's harness and release quickly if I need to (I used to have a washing line attached but I couldn't release/re-attach it very quickly)

I have the same one, from training lines, and we have also used a lunge rein, though the one I got was a bit thick and heavyweight. I'm looking for a longer, lightweight one now.

As for the grubby hands bit, I do the same as Kazzstaff - just have an extra plastic bag in my pocket ready to scoop it into - I also have a pair of gloves kept especially for the occasion, in case Sparky runs through the unmentionable ;). They usually go straight in the washing machine with the lead when I get back, ready for the next walk. I've given up stripping off at the front door now, though - I just keep a clothes drier spare for my dog-walking clothes, as I was beginning to really resent having to wash them after an hour for the sake of a few splashes of mud. I just dry them off and stick them back on for the next walk. Leyland's Best Dressed Woman? No competition!