Does Your Dog Really Need to Be Off Leash?
There’s no denying it: the idea of our dog romping freely through open fields, bounding across a hillside, or running ahead of us on a woodland trail is deeply romanticized. Many of us dream of having our dog be our hiking or adventure partner, exploring the wilds with us. And dogs can be amazing adventure buddies!
But the reality is that total off leash freedom often isn’t always the win we think it is.
Our world is so unpredictable. Whether you’re in a city, suburb, or rural area, shared outdoor spaces are full of variables and triggers we can’t control - wildlife, people, other dogs, and environmental hazards. While it’s easy to get swept up in the idea of “freedom,” that freedom can come with real risks for our dogs, for others, and for the spaces we share.
We firmly believe in prioritizing safety - for ourselves, for our dogs, and just as importantly, for the people and animals we share space with. That’s why we recommend long lines as a smart and respectful alternative to being off leash.
Here are five reasons why we believe long lines are a better choice!
1. Environmental Hazards Are Real - and Often Unseen
Back in my early days of dog walking, I took a small group of dogs out on a familiar trail. I trusted their recall, had my treat pouch ready, and figured they were safe to be off leash. What I didn’t realize was that some cows had wandered over from a nearby public grazing area, and were hanging out at the bottom of a steep hillside below us.
One of the pups in my group spotted the cows before I did, and before I had time to leash him up, he had taken off down the hillside and was romping around, trying to play with the cows - and then treating himself to a mud bath in a giant puddle.
While I was scrambling to grab the leashes, one of my other pups decided to join the fun - and all I could do was stand there at the top of the hill while the two pups frolicked and had the time of their lives. Luckily everyone was okay (including the cows) and the dogs came back eventually (completely covered in foul smelling mud). While it’s a funny story now, it was incredibly stressful at the time. The dogs could have easily been hurt or scared into a flight response by an angry, charging cow. Not surprisingly, I kept the dogs on leash at that trail from then on, and learned an important lesson.
Even on familiar trails, unexpected hazards can abound: rattlesnakes, ticks, foxtails, barbed wire, toxic mushrooms, livestock, and even human waste. Keeping your dog on a leash dramatically reduces the risk of injury, potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife, livestock, or other dogs or hikers, or your dog getting into something before you have a chance to intervene.
As a bonus, when your dog stays on the trail, they help protect the environment by preventing erosion, protecting water quality, and preventing damage to sensitive wildlife habitats.
2. Safety Trumps Obedience - Every Time
You might be thinking: “But my dog never runs off.”
And most of the time, that may be true. But dogs are living beings, not machines. Even the most well-trained pup can make an unexpected decision in a moment of fear, excitement, or curiosity. A sudden loud noise, a darting deer, or a surprise encounter can override even the strongest recall. Off leash recall might work 99 times - but the one time it doesn’t can have serious consequences.
A long line is a safety backup. It doesn’t mean you don’t trust your dog—it means you’re accounting for the unknown. It lets your dog explore, sniff, and roam, while still keeping them connected to you. It’s a way to prioritize safety without sacrificing your dog’s autonomy. The best part? Your dog can enjoy outdoor spaces free from pain and the threat of punishment. No corrections, electricity, or metal spikes needed.
3. Dogs Don’t Need to Be Off Leash to Be Fulfilled
We all want our dogs to be happy, enriched, and able to burn off energy. But off-leash zoomies aren’t the only way to meet those needs.
Contrary to popular belief, most dogs don’t need hours of intense running or hiking every day. In fact, too much high-intensity exercise can actually increase stress and the risk of injury. What dogs really need is the chance to engage in natural dog behaviors—sniffing the air, following scents, digging, rolling, stalking bugs or lizards, lounging in the sun, playing, eating, drinking, and simply spending time with their people.
Rather than focusing on steps, speed, or distance, we recommend focusing on the quality of the outing, and how many different behaviors your dog has the chance to engage in. We promise - letting your dog do more dog stuff will support their mental and physical well-being way more than logging miles ever could. It will also make for a happy, fulfilled, and snoozy pup when you get home.
Some ideas:
Take a “sniffari”—a walk where your dog leads the way and sniffs to their heart’s content. Explore novel locations - we promise that the new sniffs will help your dog have an incredibly enriching experience! Check out our list of 20 locations to try for an enrichment walk for some great ideas!
Play recall games or hide-and-seek on the trail.
Practice simple training cues like “find it,” “touch,” or “up” to build engagement.
These activities are mentally enriching and often more satisfying than pure physical exertion. Plus, they help you and your dog build a stronger connection that will naturally keep your dog closer to you and more engaged. Read lots more about this in our blog all about enrichment walks.
4. Long Lines Reduce Stress and Provide Peace of Mind
When my dog is on a long line or drag line, I can actually relax. I can focus on the trees, the sky, the rhythm of my own movement - without that constant undercurrent of anxiety about what my dog might be getting into, or whether he’ll come back if something unexpected happens. Without worrying about someone getting mad at me or my dog.
A long line gives me peace of mind, and it gives my dog the freedom to explore safely. It’s a win-win.
My go-to setup? A 10-foot drag line made from lightweight BioThane. I use the 3/8” width, which is super manageable and easy to clean. If I want to give my dog a little more range, I switch to a 15 or 20-foot line. Learn more about leash and long line sizing. Often, I let the line drag as we hike. If we encounter other people, dogs, a horse, or a fast moving bike, I can quickly and calmly pick up the line and pull over.
5. Using a Leash is a Simple Way to Show Respect for Others
Off-leash dogs, even friendly ones, can cause real stress for others. We’ve all been there - trying to enjoy a peaceful walk when someone’s “friendly” off leash dog barrels toward us. Despite your clear signals to avoid contact, the other person shrugs and says, “He’s fine!”
But what if your dog isn’t? You’re left stressed out and anxious, and feeling totally powerless to protect your pup.
The reality is, not everyone on the trail is comfortable around unknown dogs—and that’s completely valid. Some dogs are reactive, fearful, or recovering from injury. Some people may have had negative experiences with dogs in the past, or they might simply prefer to enjoy the outdoors without unexpected interactions. When we give others space by keeping our dogs close and leashed, we're not just avoiding conflict. We're showing basic respect and making shared spaces more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We’re saying “I see you, and I respect your right to feel safe here.”
Keeping your dog on leash isn’t just a safety issue - it’s community care. It’s a simple shift that, in our opinion, can make a big difference in creating more inclusive and peaceful outdoor experiences for everyone.
Long Lines: The Best of Both Worlds
Long lines allow you to meet your dog’s need for freedom and exploration, while still keeping them safe and under control. They come in a variety of lengths and materials, and our BioThane options are especially great for adventures - they’re durable, waterproof, stink-proof, and easy to handle. Design your custom BioThane long line today.
If you're looking for a long line that you'll actually enjoy using, check out our custom leash collection.
Final Thought
At High Tail Hikes, we believe that freedom should never come at the cost of safety - for your dog, for others, or for yourself. We’ve been taught to think that off-leash is synonymous with a better life for our dogs. But that’s a myth.
A long line lets your dog sniff, explore, and experience the world - while keeping them safe and connected. It allows you to meet your dog’s needs for movement and autonomy without putting them, wildlife, or other people and dogs at risk. At the end of the day, being thoughtful about how we give our dogs freedom is one of the best gifts we can give them - and others we share public spaces with.