Leash walking
Can I use a long line in the city?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
It is generally not a good idea to use a long line, typically 5 metres or more, in busy city streets, since the extra length is hard to manage quickly around traffic, cyclists, crowds, and other dogs, and it increases the risk of tangling around lamp posts, pedestrians, or bike wheels.
Why cities are a poor fit for long lines
A long line trailing several metres behind or beside your dog creates a tripping hazard for other pedestrians and can catch on street furniture, other people's ankles, or bicycle wheels before you have time to react. In a fast changing environment like a city street, the extra length works against quick control rather than adding useful freedom.
Better places to save the long line for
Save long line use for quiet parks, empty fields, beaches outside busy hours, or trailheads with good visibility and few other people or dogs around. These settings let you actually use the extra length for its intended purpose, sniffing and recall practice, without the safety concerns a city street introduces.
A reasonable city alternative
A standard 1.2 to 1.8 metre leash, occasionally let out to its full length in a quieter side street or small local park, still gives some extra room without the tangling risk of a much longer line among city traffic and crowds.
Key takeaways
- Long lines create tripping and tangling hazards around city traffic, crowds, and cyclists.
- Quiet parks, empty fields, and off peak beaches are better settings for long line use.
- A standard 1.2 to 1.8 metre leash is safer and more practical for city walking.
- Even a standard leash can be let out fully in a quieter side street for extra room.