Retractable leashes vs long lines

Which leash is best for you?

Using long lines and retractable leashes is a frequent and often heated topic of discussion within the dog training community. There is a wide spectrum of opinions regarding the appropriate use—or complete avoidance—of both long lines and retractable leashes. After careful consideration of safety and practicality, I strongly favor and recommend the use of traditional long lines over their retractable counterparts. The primary reason for this preference is control. A standard long line gives you superior mechanical control over your dog, especially in unpredictable environments. With a long line, you have the flexibility to use two hands for a secure grip, or you can quickly and easily step on the line to anchor your dog should an urgent situation arise. Furthermore, you can instantly drop the line if necessary, allowing a quick emergency release while maintaining a visual dragline for easy retrieval. These options for precise handling are absolutely crucial when navigating interactions with other dogs and people and are simply not possible with the fixed mechanism of a retractable leash. While retractable leashes are famously associated with the risk of rope burns, cuts, and the potential for the handle mechanism to break, long lines are not without their own hazards. They can easily become a tripping hazard for both you and your dog, or wrap around limbs if not managed actively. However, the greater degree of control offered by a long line allows a handler to mitigate these risks more effectively. The debate ultimately boils down to which tool allows the handler to maintain the safest, most reliable connection with their dog. To help illustrate this, here is a comparison of the key advantages and disadvantages of each option: