Using rock climbing webbing for homemade lead!

[kimble]

Has anyone had any experience using webbing sold for rock climbing for making a good, strong lead?

I'm asking this because I'm looking for a washable, low maintainence alternative to the traditional leather training lead....but I don't want rope burn.

I've used tubular webbing (much stronger than doubling a single nylon strip) for a lead for my Golden Retriever and it was excellent. It was light and strong yet VERY smooth on the hands (blurb on webbing says it will withstand 1500kN force or something like that).

My question is whether I will get rope burn if I use the same lead on my Rottweiler?

[Judi W]

I have the tubular webbing for a tracking and all purpose long line and love it. It is very strong, does not soak up moisture and get heavy like the cotton lines, does not tangle easily..........

Not sure what you would be doing that might cause rope burns.

For leashes - stick with good leather.

[kimble]

Rope burn- when the Rott lunged at the Chinchillas at the vet's... ...

Btw, speaking of leather training leads, are the braided and stitched leads strong enough for Rotts? Or should I go for the riveted leads?

[Judi W]

The braided or stitched have always done fine for me and I have some that are 15 or more years old.

When in tight quarters, don't give your dog enough lead to lunge. Problem solved! :D

[laurlitt]

I use the tubular webbing material for ALL of our training. We use the longest for tracking, a 15' for obedience and protection training, and I have plenty of 3', 4', 6', 10 for all other purposes... I prefer these to leather mostly b/c of cost, but also I prefer the 1" width over the 1/2" width which most leather comes in.

I have a professional sewer make these for me and have them made 300' at a time... so I have plenty available if you're interested in buying one or more... I usually sell them to club members and stuff for close to cost... I have 1" and 9/16" in most sizes and multiple colors.

[kimble]

Laurlitt, I'm mighty tempted by your offer, but since I don't live in America, the shipping would probably cost more than the lead, plus it would take an age for the lead to arrive... ... ;) I've found a rock climbing shop nearby that sells the webbing quite cheaply too! I made a 1/2" wide, 5 ft long one for my GR, stainless steel snap from a hardware shop- very cheap, and much stronger and cheaper than the nylon ones from the petshop. I needed a nylon one for Max because he's being trained to retrieve dummys in water.

Btw, would you know the difference between the rust resisting properties of bronze vs brass snaps?