We're going to dive into a subject that, if mishandled, can turn your leisurely mantrailing jaunt into a clumsy comedy show: the long line and line handling. Believe it or not, mastering the art of wrangling that glorified piece of string is crucial for effective communication, maintaining control, and ensuring you don't end up in a tangled mess while your dog wonders why you're such an amateur.
What is Line Handling?
Line handling is the sophisticated (or so we like to think) technique of managing the long line attached to your dog while they trail. Unlike your usual, mundane lead walking, this requires some skill and practice enabling you to let your dog trail freely whilst keeping yourself from becoming a human pretzel.
Why Line Handling Matters
Safety First: Because, surprise! A tangled line can turn you into a human and dog pinball duo, bouncing off trees and bushes.
Effective Communication: The line serves as one of your main communication tools and is your dog’s direct line to your brain (or at least we hope it is), helping you respond to their cues.
Maintaining the Trail: A well-handled line ensures your dog can follow the scent trail without you turning it into a game of tug-of-war “to me, to you”.
Building Confidence: Smooth line handling helps your dog feel like they’re partnered with a competent human (fake it till you make it if you must).
The Basics: Line Handling 101
Remember your first day of mantrailing training? When you were handed a long line and told the aim is to “not break your fingers”? Well, those basic rules were more than just a rite of passage; they were your survival guide. Let’s recap:
Both hands on the line at all times.
Back hand to hold your loops and gather with, front hand to feed the line through.
Always keep tension. Don’t snag or tug on the line.
Let the line out and reel it back in.
But why, you ask? Why can’t I handle this like a regular lead? Let’s dive deeper and transform you into the line handling pro you never knew you needed to be.
Both Hands on the Line at All Times
If you’ve ever trailed with me, you’ve likely heard me chant, “Both hands on the line, please!” like it’s some sacred mantra. No, I’m not being pedantic or awkward. There are solid reasons for this. And by solid, I mean preventing you from becoming a human knot and your dog a bewildered navigator.
Why use both hands when one seems perfectly fine?
Safety: Doubling up on hands equals doubling up on control. It’s the difference between gracefully managing your trail or tripping over your own feet.
Efficiency: Handling the line with both hands allows you to smoothly let it out and reel it in, like a pro fisher, not a frantic beginner who’s just discovered fish exist.
Question time: Can you hold your loops and the rest of the line in one hand and effectively manage it? I’m going to bet a big, fat “no” from most of you.
Sure, with slower trailers, it might feel natural to use just one hand. But trust the process. You’re trailing! This is a whole new ballgame.
Identifying Your Back Hand and Front Hand
Forget lefts and rights. In mantrailing, we’re all about the front and back hand.
Back Hand: Holds the loops, making the motions to reel in the line.
Front Hand: Guides and feeds the line through, staying relatively static.
Visualize this: Think of an abseiler controlling their descent. The back hand rests closely to the hip with a bent elbow, making the same reeling motions you’d use in mantrailing. The front hand? It’s just guiding.
Here’s a quick tip that may help you figure out which will be your front and back hand: Lay your long line out on the ground in a straight line and stand at the handle end, walk midway down either side of the the line towards the clip, and turn to face the line. Pick up the line with both hands side by side in a way that feels comfortable for you. Now, turn to face the clip, and, voilà! You’ve distinguished your front and back hand without any mental gymnastics.
Would you look at that! You’re already on your way to mantrailing greatness.
Always Keep Tension! Don’t Snag or Tug on The Line!
Remember, the long line is your primary communication tool on the trail. Keeping tension is key. Your dog needs to feel your presence through the line. Drop the tension, and your dog might stop, turn, and give you the canine version of “Where’d you go?” Spoiler alert: It’s not an approving look.
Losing tension can knock your dog’s confidence, especially in timid or fearful dogs. They rely on feeling you there. So, keep that tension and make your presence known. Don’t snag or tug on the line, either.
Snags happen when the line wraps around an object (like a tree). Solution? Keep the line shorter in tight spaces, and remember, tree’s won’t move out of your way. Tugging is usually when handlers try to slow their dogs down by pulling against them. Instead, move with your dog. Practice at home with the line attached to a static object to perfect your technique.
Practical Exercise: Human as Dog
Want to truly understand what your dog feels? Attach the long line to a human volunteer and take a walk. When there’s no tension, your volunteer won’t know where you are. Add tension, and voilà, they feel your presence. This “aha” moment is invaluable.
The Three Amigos: Biothane, Rubberized Grip, and Leather
Now, you know how to work the line, I guess you’d better choose the right line for you! There are three types most commonly used in mantrailing, each with its own set of pros and cons. the leads we use are generally around 10 metres in length:
Biothane:
Pros: Durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t get as soggy as other materials. Perfect for those who trail in all weather conditions.
Cons: Can be slippery when wet, less flexible in very cold temperatures and can be harder to maintain tension
Rubberized Grip (my personal favourite):
Pros: Offers extra grip and control, ideal for those rainy days or when you’re feeling particularly butterfingered.
Cons: Especially with strong dogs, can cause friction burns, be sure to wear gloves.
Leather:
Pros: A classic choice, comfortable in hand, and with a bit of care, can last a long time. Plus, you’ll look extra stylish on the trail.
Cons: Requires regular maintenance to prevent cracking and drying out, and can become stiff if not properly cared for.
Which one you use is entirely down to personal preference. They all have their benefits, and finding the one that suits you best can make a world of difference.
Beware the Nylon and Rope Lines
While we’re on the topic of long lines, a word of caution about nylon and rope lines. Sure, they might seem like a good idea, but these lines have an incredible knack for knotting, snagging, and becoming unbearably heavy when wet. It's like they have a mind of their own, conspiring to turn your mantrailing adventure into a wrestling match with an octopus.
Stay Behind Your Dog:
Remember, you’re not there to solve the puzzle for your dog, only to help if they need it. Your job is to maintain your position directly behind your dog and let them lead the way. Maintain a steady pace, without yanking them to the side even if you think you know where the trail is heading. Trust your dog’s nose – after all, they know a lot more about the scent picture we do!
Conclusion:
Mastering line handling isn’t just about preventing a comedic disaster; it’s about enhancing your dog’s trailing abilities, ensuring safety, and strengthening your partnership. Practice these techniques, and you’ll soon be on your way to becoming mantrailing masters.
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