long retreives

[memyselfandmiah]

I took Thor out yesterday to the park and did LONG distance fetches. Since we were not at a fenced park I had him on a long line. Basically some light-weight nylon cord that I have had for a while. It is about as thick as clothes line, but a LOT stronger. I had the cord in my hand, and threw the bone. He takes off running, and pulls the cord against the back of my knee for about 1/2 of a second. Thanks to that I have got a NASTY welt on the back of the knee.

Does anyone else do something like that? (not the burn, but the long distance retreives on a light line) if so, what do you use as a light line? I am thinking of looking for a rubber coated clothes line, but I don't know if there is something better out there.

 

[Giny]

Ouch, that must have stung!

A while back when I had my dobe and was training it to retrieve a tennis ball for Flyball I did use a 50ft long rope on him. It was just a plain yellow tie out rope and I used leather working gloves so I didn't hurt my hand. One thing I learnt from that experience though, never through the ball farther then 50ft, you'll have a ride of your life once they hit the end of the line.

 

[memyselfandmiah]

I had the rope tied onto a 10lb weight, and I threw it too far a time or two. I didnt think that he could pull 10lbs at a dead sprint!

 

[MomOf7]

I use what is called a check cord. You can use a longe line for horses depending on the size of your dog. The check cords are light wieght as where the longe lines are heavier made for horses but work on a 50lb+ dog.

Here is a check cord. They come in different lengths.
http://www.gundogsupply.com/checcorcorby.html

What I do is shorter retrieves with a check cord. All I am trying to accomplish is a good return. I use it for puppies. My older dogs if need be have a E-collar on when I am at a more public park. Helps remind them that they have to mind. I rarely have to stimulate them with it. I dont suggest a E-Collar unless you know how to use one. You can really do some damage with them if you dont know what your doing.
I would venture out to find some not so used parks...State parks are often pretty empty. THere are dog parks but I dont really like them much.
Some clubs have thier own training grounds might contact a local dog club too. Maybe join so you can have the use of thier grounds.