The Leash: Not Just Control, but Connection

Little Mrok got a light BioThane leash. We still prefer rope — the kind we’ve been working with for years.

For many dog owners, a leash is a symbol of control. And yes - in some cases, it does work that way.

But in a good relationship with your dog, a leash can become something very different: a way to communicate clearly, and a tool for emotional support.

BioThane leashes have a lot of fans. We definitely gave up on them after Mrok accidentally chewed through one of his leashes.

Mrok often walks freely on our hikes and trips. But when he feels unsure - maybe because of a new place, busy surroundings, or the presence of unknown dogs or people - he calmly walks up and asks to be leashed.

This moment feels like a child quietly reaching out for your hand. Not because they have to… but because it feels safer to move forward together.

That’s why we believe a leash should serve the dog first - and the person second.

Mrok with the leash we bought after falling for the advertising. It turned out to be useless because it stretches. Communication with the dog on a leash like that is simply harder.

What We Look for in a Leash

Not all leashes are created equal. In our experience, a good leash should:

1. Support clear communication Avoid elastic leashes. Stretchy materials blur your signals. A slight tug might mean “slow down” or “wait,” but a flexible leash turns every message into the same vague pull. Static lines keep communication sharp and readable.

2. Be easy to clip - and unclip Especially in tricky situations. If dogs get tangled while greeting each other, you should be able to detach the leash quickly and without stress.

3. Have a secure hand loop At full length, the leash should still give you a solid grip - even in slippery or awkward terrain.

4. Work well with gloves and cold hands A thicker leash (we use 9mm rope) is easier to handle in winter and doesn’t cut into your hand if the dog pulls suddenly. It also tangles less than thin lines and is easier to “clear” on the move.

5. Handle dirt, water, and mud like a pro Our leashes often end up soaked in swamps, covered in sand, or full of pine needles. After a rough walk, we simply throw them in the washing machine - and they come out ready for the next day.

A thin BioThane cord (not a flat strap). We used a 10 m leash like this when Mrok got a bit bigger, and we still weren’t sure if we could let him off leash yet.

What We Use

After trying various leashes — retractable ones, elastic lines, even Biothane — we eventually built our own.

We now use static caving rope, the kind made for rescue operations. It’s strong, reliable, and doesn’t stretch. On one end, there’s a stainless steel carabiner. On the other, a hand loop.

We use three lengths depending on the situation:

• 3 meters – for city walks, public transport, and cafes

• 5 meters – our everyday leash; perfect balance of freedom and control

• 10 meters – for training, socializing, or controlled exploration

We use such a leash in 3 lengths: 3, 5 and 10 metres .

The ends of the rope are stitched with heavy-duty thread and additionally glued. The leather pieces are sewn and also reinforced with adhesive.

A Ready-Made Alternative (Tested) Not everyone uses caving rope — and not everyone wants to build a leash from scratch. So we tested a ready-made option from a small Polish maker: Corinnyliny.

We picked 10mm ropes described as static. They’re not the same “classic cave statics” we use in rescue and underground work, but on walks it didn’t matter: the leash behaves like a normal static line — no bounce, no elastic feel.

Corinnyliny 10 mm, 5-meter static leash.

The finishing is solid: neat ends, clean stitching, and we could order the leash with our own carabiners.

We’ve put almost 200 hours on it so far, used daily in all kinds of conditions. It still looks the same and handles the same — nothing loosening, no visible wear. If you don’t want to DIY, this is a simple alternative we can recommend. And Mrok didn’t complain — which is his highest rating.

The 10 mm Corinnyliny static leash is softer than the standard static ropes we usually use. For many people, that will be an advantage.

Choosing with Purpose

When picking a leash, ask yourself:

• Will it give my dog a sense of support?

• Can I clearly communicate through it?

• Does it allow me to guide and protect my dog — without taking away their confidence?

If the leash works for your dog first, it will work for you too. That simple shift in thinking can completely change the way you move through the world together.

Even though Mrok is off leash most of the time, we always carry a leash with us. Sometimes one of the best ways to support a dog is simply to clip him on for a moment. Worth remembering :).

Want to know more about the gear we use for Mrok? Interested in how we keep him safe while he runs free in the mountains? You’ll find more in our Dog Gear section - including real-world tests, ideas, and quiet solutions that actually work.