A long line is the honest answer to the recall problem. A dog who is not reliable off lead cannot be let off, and a dog who is never let off never learns — a training line breaks that circle by giving them real freedom while you keep the ability to stop them.

This one is 10 metres, in a two-tone blue and navy, and the important feature is the waterproof outer. An ordinary long line soaks up a wet field and becomes a heavy, filthy rope you do not want to hold; this stays dry, stays light and rinses off under a tap. Coachi make it for all puppies and dogs and position it for recall practice, controlled socialisation and taking a newly acquired or nervous dog somewhere unfamiliar. The Coachi range comes from Company of Animals.

• 10 metres long
• Waterproof, non-absorbent outer
• Blue and navy two-tone
• Rinses clean under a tap
• Suitable for all puppies and dogs

A long line is a tool, not a lead, and it needs handling properly. Use it on a well-fitted harness rather than a collar — a dog hitting the end of 10 metres at speed on a collar can hurt their neck badly. Never wrap it round your hand, because a running dog will take the skin off it, and keep an eye on where the slack is: a line through your legs or around another walker is how people get hurt. Use it in open space rather than anywhere with things for it to snag on.

Who it's for: anyone training recall, owners of a newly rehomed dog finding their feet outdoors, and people whose dog needs freedom in a safe way before they can be trusted off lead.