What if we used Climbing Gear as dog-handling Gear?
Hear me out. What if we used Rock climbing gear for everyday dog-handling gear? This is what I asked myself when creating Enzo's training lead.
Back in May, my 110-pound Dobie, Enzo, needed a new long lead and treat bag for training and play sessions at the park. So, his mom, Lauryn, and I agreed that climbing gear would be a cool substitute for the standard dog-handling gear on the market. Here are a few pics of the guy!
I used to climb a lot when I was younger, so I had a good idea of what climbing gear we should use for the lead, clip, and treat bag. We headed to REI to see what they had available and were met with various ropes, carabiners, quickdraws, and chalk bags.
First, we had to decide on the rope. As we browsed the collection of ropes, I told Enzo's mom a little about Static ropes—ropes that aren't designed to stretch versus Dynamic ropes—ropes with a little stretch—and how the ropes can support a massive amount of weight under pressure. After considering a few options, we decided on a thin green and purple utility cord for its lightweight and durability, which we got cut to size.
Next was the carabiner. The goal was to get something that was locked and looked good. We picked a green and blue locking carabiner that complements the cord well. I wish we had also prioritized size because it is a bit big. Nonetheless, it doesn't bother Enzo as it moves when he runs.
Lastly, we tried a few chalk bags. We wanted to get one that would be easy to put on, close, and clean. The focus was function over aesthetics. After checking out a few options, we settled on a black Prana one.
I'm sure his mom would agree that the cord has been a great addition to his gear shelf. Even the annoyance of having to coil it back up after every use hasn't stopped us from using it for simple bathroom walks. It makes it much easier to give him some slack when he wants to break a heel to sniff around. You don't have to follow close behind awkwardly.
One of the earlier issues was the cord's toughness; we were concerned with it rubbing up against Enzo as he ran and burning our hands. But after some wear and tear, it becomes a lot softer. The only issue I have not solved regarding the lead is creating a solid handle. I recently added a new silver locking carabiner connecting a figure 8 knot to a butterfly to make a makeshift handle. But this will likely change.
Overall, the long lead is a good tool; make sure the carabiners are locked.
Using climbing gear as dog handling gear resulted in durable and simply cool solutions. I do not doubt that the lead and treat bag will last long, even with a rambunctious Doberman. Obviously, there are more practical tools out there, but this was a fun idea we decided to explore. There's great satisfaction in seeing your ideas come to life.
I want to hear what ideas you all are bringing to life. If you have the Substack app, let me know in the comments below.
As always, thanks for chopping it up with me.
Be safe.