DIY Dog Leashes

[xBa380]

Our dogs needed new leashes, so I figured I would just make my own. At the store, they run something like $15-25 per leash depending on length. So I headed to Home Depot to make my own replacement for the one my dog has destroyed!

My dog is around 70lbs and is a puller (Husky!), so I needed something strong and capable of holding him back.

I ended up with 100ft of 3/8" diamond-braid poly rope which is able to withstand up 244lbs. Also picked up two snap hooks with a rating up to 110lbs and rope clamps to make the two loops on both ends (handle and attach the snap hook).

My total bill was $20... I have enough extra rope to make 8 or so more leashes. If I ever need to replace the leash line in the future, I just have to buy a pair of new rope clamps for $2.21 to make a brand new leash all over again. Not shabby!

Took me about three minutes per leash to make. Cut to length, hammer rope clamp and tape up.

Took the dog for a walk and he seems to enjoy the long lead he has now (our last one was something like 5ft only). Current leash is around 10ft and is quite comfortable to hold in the hand actually (one part I was worried about). I taped up the rope clamps in electrical tape and topped that with gaffers tape.

Excellent quality and really cheap (in the long run if replacements needed)... And was fun to have something to keep me busy today with! Now I got to find something for tomorrow!

 

[The_Jeff]

This thread reminds me of Labman making his own muffler clamps.

 

[IndyIan]

Good idea.
For tommorow I'd work on getting the dog not to pull so much, I find that really annoying myself. Even sled dogs have to learn when to go and when to stop!

 

[xBa380]

Don't know if there is much hope for him!

I have tried endless times to get him to heel the past give years. He is easily trainable on most anything else, except this. He always just wants to be ahead pulling. Although he has gotten much better than he used to be. He also pulls less with longer leashes.

But yeah, he is better now than he was... He keeps tension on the line but not really pulling so much anymore

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Interesting idea, but if your dog pulls hard I'd rather be holding a flat strap leash than a narrow chunk of rope. I suspect that could dig into your hand pretty well.

 

[xBa380]

I was worried about that (uncomfortable) but it is actually surprising how comfortable it is. He does not pull that hard though, and the taped up clamp is a great area to grab comfortably for extra grip.

 

[dwcopple]

get a Halti head harness and he'll stop. they guarantee it. it worked for a mastiff i had right away.