Canny Recall Lead: What It Is And How To Use It Safely
Teaching your dog reliable recall takes time, patience, and the right equipment. A standard lead restricts movement too much for proper training, while letting your dog off-lead before they're ready can be dangerous. The Canny Recall Lead bridges this gap, giving your dog freedom to explore while keeping them safe and under your control.
At Canny, we designed our recall leads with real training scenarios in mind. Available in 5m and 7m lengths, these long lines let you practise recall commands at a distance without risking your dog running off. Whether you're working in the park, on the beach, or in your garden, the right recall lead makes all the difference.
This guide explains exactly what a Canny Recall Lead is, how it works, and how to use it safely during your training sessions. You'll also find practical tips to help you and your dog get the most from every walk.
Why a long recall lead helps training and safety
Traditional short leads keep your dog close, but they don't teach proper recall behaviour. Your dog needs space to practise coming back to you from a distance, just like they would in a real off-lead situation. A long recall lead lets you create this training environment whilst keeping full control if your dog gets distracted or runs after something.
The main benefit is graduated freedom. You can start with shorter distances and slowly increase the gap between you and your dog as their recall improves. This builds their confidence and yours, without the risk of losing them in an unfamiliar area or dangerous situation.
Distance work builds confidence
When you train recall on a short lead, your dog never really learns to respond from far away. They hear your command when you're already close, which doesn't replicate what happens in a park or field. A long line lets you stand 5 to 7 metres away whilst your dog explores, sniffs, and plays. When you call them back, they get used to turning around and coming to you across that distance.
The more your dog practises successful recalls from a distance, the more reliable their response becomes.
Repetition at various distances builds muscle memory and makes the behaviour automatic. Your dog learns that coming when called always results in something positive, whether that's a treat, praise, or more play time.
Safety when off-lead isn't always possible
Not every location allows off-lead dogs. Livestock areas, busy streets, and nature reserves often require dogs to stay on leads for everyone's safety. A long recall lead gives your dog much more freedom than a standard length lead whilst keeping them legally under control. You can also use it near roads, around other dogs your pet doesn't know, or anywhere your dog's recall isn't yet 100% reliable.
What the Canny Recall Lead is and key features
The Canny Recall Lead is a long-line training lead designed specifically for teaching dogs reliable recall behaviour. Unlike standard walking leads that measure 1 to 1.5 metres, our recall leads come in 5m and 7m lengths, giving your dog significant distance to roam whilst you maintain full control. The extended length lets you practise calling your dog back from realistic distances, mimicking the freedom they'd have off-lead without the safety risks.
Built for Irish weather and outdoor training
We constructed our recall leads from strong polypropylene webbing with a soft yet strong neoprene handle and grab points down the length to vary the distance. This durable, flexible material withstands rain, mud, and wet grass and won't crack in cold weather or become stiff after repeated use.
A training lead needs to perform reliably in all conditions, not just on sunny days.
Each lead features solid brushed steel or coated aluminium fittings that won't rust or corrode, even after months of outdoor training sessions. The clasp attaches securely to your dog's collar or harness, and the comfortable handle lets you grip the lead quickly if you need to regain control. Both lengths coil neatly for easy storage when you finish training.
How to use the Canny Recall Lead safely
Safe use of the Canny Recall Lead starts with proper handling technique and environmental awareness. You need to hold the lead correctly, choose appropriate training locations, and stay alert to potential hazards that could injure you or your dog. The extended length requires more attention than a standard walking lead, but with practice, you'll develop confidence and control.
Start in a secure area
Begin your training sessions in enclosed spaces like a fenced garden or secure field where your dog can't bolt into danger. This lets you focus on handling the long line without worrying about traffic, other dogs, or unexpected distractions. Attach the lead to your dog's collar or harness, then let them explore whilst you hold the handle loosely.
Never wrap the lead around your hand or wrist, as a sudden pull could cause rope burn or injury.
Keep the excess lead gathered in loops rather than dragging on the ground. Practice calling your dog back from short distances first, gradually increasing the gap as they respond reliably.
Watch for tangling hazards
Long leads can wrap around trees, posts, benches, or your legs if you don't pay attention to your surroundings. Position yourself in open areas where the lead has clear space to move. If your dog circles behind you or around objects, guide them back to prevent tangling before it tightens.
How to choose 5m vs 7m and what to attach
Selecting the right length Canny Recall Lead depends on the size of your dog.
The 5m recall lead works best for puppies and small dogs whilst the 7m lead is suitable for medium to large breeds.
Attach to collar or harness correctly
Attach your Canny Recall Lead to a strong flat collar or better, a back-clip harness for most training sessions. Front-clip harnesses can cause the lead to wrap around your dog's front legs when they turn quickly. Never attach a long line to a head collar or slip lead, as sudden movement could injure your dog's neck or spine.
The attachment point affects both your dog's comfort and your ability to respond quickly during training.
Troubleshooting, care, and Irish rules on leads
Even the best-designed recall lead needs proper care and understanding of legal requirements. Your Canny Recall Lead stays in top condition with simple maintenance, and knowing Irish dog lead laws prevents fines or problems in public spaces. Common handling issues resolve quickly once you understand what causes them.
Common issues and quick fixes
If the lead wraps around your legs, stop moving and guide your dog around you in the opposite direction rather than trying to step free.
Cleaning and storing your lead
Wipe your recall lead with a damp cloth after muddy sessions, and use mild soap for stubborn dirt. The material dries quickly. Store it hanging loosely in a dry place, avoiding tight knots that may damage the fittings over time.
Irish legal requirements
For dogs not kept under control, you can be liable for an on-the-spot fine of €300 paid to your local authority. If you don't pay the fine, you can be prosecuted in the District Court with a maximum fine of €2,500 or 3 months' imprisonment (or both).
Many public spaces require leads in designated areas, and some councils enforce maximum lead lengths of 2 metres in certain parks. Always check local bylaws before using your recall lead in public areas.
Key takeaways
A Canny Recall Lead gives your dog freedom to explore whilst keeping them safely under your control during training sessions. The 5m and 7m options suit different sized dogs, letting you practise recall commands at realistic distances without the safety risks of going fully off-lead. You gain the benefits of distance work combined with complete control.
Start in enclosed spaces and gradually increase distances using the grab points as your dog's recall improves through consistent practice. Keep the lead properly gathered to prevent tangling, and attach it to a flat collar or back-clip harness, never to a head collar. Regular training sessions build your dog's confidence and reliability across various outdoor situations.
Remember to check local bylaws before using long leads in public areas, as some councils restrict maximum lead lengths in designated parks. With proper technique and consistent practice, your dog develops strong recall behaviour that transfers naturally to real off-lead scenarios.
Ready to transform your dog's recall training? Take a look at our Canny Recall Leads and start building reliable recall behaviour today.
