Nicole hardman Webboard User Reg: 12-21-2014
Posts: 107
Loc: Texas
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I have started my 12 MO old gsd on tracking through drive. I am hoping he will pass SAR certification for volunteer work (I'm not too stressed if he doesn't have what it takes to pass, it'll become just a hobby for us).
My question is about a tracking line. Is it overwhelmingly beneficial for me to use a long line that I have to bundle and drag as opposed to a retractable one? From what I have researched, that was the original intent for the retractable before they became popular with the common owner. I can't find any pro's or cons for them pertaining to tracking specifically. :-)
Thanks in advance for any help!
For sport tracking I don't know if it's written in stone but the rules call for a 10 meter (30ft) tracking lead. I'm not sure I've seen any longer then 25 ft.
ian bunbury Webboard User Reg: 01-19-2012
Posts: 685
Loc: whistler bc ca
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never ever heard of anyone using a retractable for tracking , especially tracking thru drive .
you're running along as fast as the dog can work the track , and you are constantly working your way up and down the line depending on how the dog is working . when he gets on a good line you are gauging the dogs' " dedication " ( for want of a better word ) by allowing the line to slip through your hand . . . i don't think you can employ the same technique , and get the same line feedback using a retractable .
as for bundling the line : the only time you gather the line is maybe when you come to a complete stop and need to manage the line in close quarters .
and there are times when you have to drop the line completely , say to let the dog work his way through heavy cover that you can't follow , the retracting handle would likely get hung up and tangled which would really hamper the dogs' performance .
I would like to sit back in a chair with a beer and watch you try the retractible in the woods. It would be fun. The last answer was very good so just adding a couple of things.
You need to have a line long enough so some of it can trail behind you as you work. You don't need a hand loop....you will need the trailing part of the line so when your dog goes around trees and through brush you can reach the line with your 2nd hand and not loose tension on the lead. When I have to work my HRD dog on lead, I never gather the end of the line but I have a bright red one and my flankers better stay clear of it.
Put a kid on the long line and tell them to zig zag through the woods. Good way to get a feel for line handling.
Nicole hardman Webboard User Reg: 12-21-2014
Posts: 107
Loc: Texas
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Ha ha, thanks for the advice! Once I become more experienced I'm sure I'll laugh at myself. :-) All of your comments make sense. I will get a 30ft lead.
Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004
Posts: 3825
Loc: Northeast
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Ray Allen has some nice all weather leashes & tracking long lines. I really like my tracking line. I've used it for years with several dogs. I have 2 leashes that I have also used daily for 8+ years.
I also have LB Amish leather leashes that I have had for years. Buy they need some care if they get totally drenched.
Go to K9NOZ and call Bud. I would do 20 feet for SAR, not 30 feet. He sells this lockjaw clip but I like the standard. (he has a variety of brass clips)- A lot of SAR folks use his stuff.
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