Leashes for Sports

[SoCrafty]

So, right now I have a standard 6ft, snap leash for Addie. We are going to purchase a harness for her Scent/Nosework. Trainer recommends at least a 10ft leash. She uses biothane with her dogs, but I don't like the look of them.

I was already looking at a tug leash because we were going to start agility in the fall, and I just like the look of them. Can I use a tug leash for scent work?

Does anyone know if they make a dual kind (that has the option for no slip, and a snap)? The purpose of the harness for scent work, so I am told, is so that there is no pressure on the neck while searching/tracking, otherwise I wouldn't care if it was just a no slip. I would rather not have to buy two separate leashes if I didn't have to.

If not, can someone recommend their favorite brand of leashes? I appreciate it!

 

[meepitsmeagan]

Zumi and Rocket Dog of Vermont both have dual leads that are awesome. Buuut, I don't think you can get longer than 6'.

 

[Tortilla]

I don't know about nosework but I have two tug leashes for agility (one from Rush to Tug and one from 4 my merles) and like them a lot. I also have a zumi dual leash that I like too. They aren't 10 ft though, I think mine is 6 ft.

 

[ThreePs]

So, right now I have a standard 6ft, snap leash for Addie. We are going to purchase a harness for her Scent/Nosework. Trainer recommends at least a 10ft leash. She uses biothane with her dogs, but I don't like the look of them.

I was already looking at a tug leash because we were going to start agility in the fall, and I just like the look of them. Can I use a tug leash for scent work?

Does anyone know if they make a dual kind (that has the option for no slip, and a snap)?

I have my aesthetic preferences but looks is lower on the priority list than weight, give, hardware, grip, feel, etc for a leash. You can make nearly any snap leash into a slip by adding a floating ring. Voila!

What kind of tug leashes do you like the look of? Do you use the leash as a tug reward? I imagine a 10' tug leash (the kind I'm envisioning) would be rather heavy and obtrusive for nosework.

 

[MicksMom]

My black biothane leashes look like leather (they are a different "brand" than my coyote/tan and orange ones). I have a 10 foot one I use for nosework.

...I imagine a 10' tug leash (the kind I'm envisioning) would be rather heavy and obtrusive for nosework.

The biothane lead I use for nosework is 3/8 of an inch wide, so isn't heavy.

 

[Laurelin]

You probably don't want a tug leash for nosework. I do both nosework and agility and in nosework you want a longer line, probably thin. A lot of people use leather. Something easy to handle and not likely to get too messy or get tangled up easily. Tug leashes are too short and thick and fleece. I also like having separate gear for nosework and agility. Agility means focus on me whereas you DON'T want that in nosework. I want to give my dogs clues as to what we're doing especially early in the game.

10' is also better for nosework. Gives the dog more freedom and the dog really does lead nosework.

 

[stardogs]

Agree with Laur. I use a 10-12' tubular nylon lead and a specific harness in nosework/sport detection and a Zumi clip/slip in agility. Very distinct cues and both fit my needs well for the different sports.

 

[SoCrafty]

Yes, she has a fleece tug rope my SIL made her and she loves it, and is always tugging on her leash. It would be a great reward to let her tug on the leash! Since nosework is so praise your dog friendly, I thought it would be a good thing but can see now why it might not be.

I do appreciate the feedback and I will look into the lighter, longer leashes. She always mouths/pulls on her leash so leather is a no go for me. Never heard of tubular nylon, so I will check that out!

Tortilla, thanks for Rush to Tug. I LOVED the look of the convertable tug leashes and am definitely going to order from there at the end of the summer.

 

[Kati]

So, right now I have a standard 6ft, snap leash for Addie. We are going to purchase a harness for her Scent/Nosework. Trainer recommends at least a 10ft leash. She uses biothane with her dogs, but I don't like the look of them.

I was already looking at a tug leash because we were going to start agility in the fall, and I just like the look of them. Can I use a tug leash for scent work?

Does anyone know if they make a dual kind (that has the option for no slip, and a snap)? The purpose of the harness for scent work, so I am told, is so that there is no pressure on the neck while searching/tracking, otherwise I wouldn't care if it was just a no slip. I would rather not have to buy two separate leashes if I didn't have to.

If not, can someone recommend their favorite brand of leashes? I appreciate it!

We have the IDC Lumino leash that is glowing (phosphoresce) in the dark. This leash is made of a waterproof, near leather-, and gum material. Thanks to this special combination it's extra comfortable, elastic, and easy to handle. It's waterproof and well passed the crash test, (up to 130 kg). Available in different lenghts, with or without handles, so you can choose easily which suits the best to your current activities. Great choice for working dogs, sport dogs and pets as well.

 

[PlottMom]

Hijacking this thread - anyone have preferences regarding Rocket Dog of Vermont vs. Zumi? Rocket Dog's look the same to me, but cheaper...

 

[BostonBanker]

I do Rocket Dog because they are local to me. I see the person who makes them at trials all the time.

I have several of the leashes from volunteer raffles and such, although I don't use them much. I don't like unlimited slip leashes for more than a quick grab. I love my martingale tug leashes for agility, even for my non tugger. They are nice on my hands, nice in the dog's necks, and easy on/off.

 

[MrsBoats]

I use braided leather and regular leather leashes for obedience and rally.

I do use tug leashes in agility though. A friend of mine makes some great ones (and all sorts of great tug toys.) She sells them through Clean Run and on her etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeanieBraidedLeashes

The tug leash I'm using came from Beanie Braided Leashes and it's holding up to Ocean's hard thrashing.