Towline training - Would you like to find out more?

The tow lead is a method of training your dog to be retrievable in any situation and to orientate itself towards people. Using the lead is also a way of preparing your dog for running free. To carry out drag line training, you will need a drag line, a chest harness, gloves, sturdy shoes, treats and full concentration.

Here are some steps you can follow to carry out drag line training:

1. Use a tow line that is long enough to give your dog sufficient freedom of movement, but not so long that it can become tangled or disturb other dogs. 20 metres is sufficient and can be reduced to 5 metres.
2. Use a chest harness to minimise pressure on your dog's neck and prevent injuries.
3. Take your dog on a normal lead and harness to a quiet place, preferably without distractions.
4. Change the leashes by attaching the tow line and hanging the leash around you.
5. Wear gloves to protect your hands from injuries caused by the line.
6. Gradually release some of the lead so that your dog cannot run into it at full speed. The tow line is passed loosely in and through your hand. Release as many metres as your dog is allowed to move within your chosen radius.
7. Your dog should move around you within a certain radius. He is therefore allowed to move “freely” in this environment.
8. Use treats to reward your dog for staying within this radius.

If he does not yet know this radius, start with the towline training as follows:

Do you already have a signal in your head? What do you want to say to make your dog stop? Let's assume that you actually use the word “STOP” as a stop signal. Your dog is allowed to move about 5 metres around you? Ok, let's assume that. Then please mark your leash 2 metres before the leash would be taut, i.e. about 2 metres before the end. Some dog owners tie a knot there, others use a dog bag which they tie there.

Another method with the drag line is somewhat contrary to the instructions just described:

1. Use a tow line that is long enough to give your dog sufficient freedom of movement, but not so long that it can become tangled or disturb other dogs. 20 metres is sufficient and can be reduced to 5 metres.
2. Use a chest harness to minimise the pressure on your dog's neck and prevent injuries. A collar can also be used for large breeds, as the neck can withstand this. (Note, however, that it is a light lead and you may spoil your dog's ability to walk on a lead. The harness is better).
3. Take your dog on a normal lead and harness to a quiet place, preferably without distractions.
4. Change the leashes by attaching the tow line and hanging the leash around you.
5. Your dog is allowed to move about 5 metres around you? Ok, let's assume that. Then please mark your leash 2 metres before the leash would be taut, i.e. about 2 metres before the end.
6. Leave the tow line on the ground and start your walk.
7. Can you see the markings on your lead? Then step on the lead and your dog will run into the harness at full speed.
8. The dog learns to orientate itself to you without a signal and will automatically learn the distance in a few more sequences.

Author: Christian Volmering