Dogs are naturally curious. But sometimes, their curiosity can get them into trouble. Anything could grab their attention—a car, another dog, a bird, or the mail carrier—and make them want to investigate. Even if your property has a fence, they could discover a way to get out of the yard and end up wandering through the neighborhood.
One way to make your yard dog-friendly and keep your pet from escaping is to install a dog runner line. This is an aerial cable that allows your pet to maneuver around the yard more freely than other tethering devices while keeping them contained on the property. Here is more about dog runner lines and how to install them.
What Is a Dog Runner Line?
Also called an aerial dog run, a dog run cable, or a trolley runner cable for dogs, a dog runner line looks like a zipline, with a cable strung up between two posts or trees. From this main zipline cable, there is a cable leash that hangs down, which then connects to the dog’s harness. As the dog moves around, the leash that it’s attached to slides back and forth along a pulley on the main cable. Dog runner line kits come in various sizes for small to large dogs.
Reasons to Install a Dog Runner Line
A dog runner line is a way to make your home pet-friendly and it’s convenient for several reasons. Check out the advantages of setting up an aerial dog run in your yard.
Allows your dog greater mobility
The nice thing is that your dog will have free rein to roam the area surrounding the dog runner line. Of course, how much space it has ultimately depends on the size of your yard and the length of the line you install—they can range anywhere from 20 feet to 150 feet. That gives your dog a broad range to explore.
Keeps your dog safe
Unlike a tie-out cable, the dog runner line is suspended above the yard, which means there’s less chance that a dog will get tangled up or accidentally wrap itself around a tree or chair. The other benefit is that when your dog jerks forward or pulls, the device is designed to absorb the shock and force, so there’s less strain put on your dog. It’s important to use a harness instead of a collar to prevent the dog from getting choked or strangled. Still, it’s a good idea to supervise your dog while he is attached to the line to minimize the risk of harm and only keep it tethered for short periods of time.
Helps protect your dog from prolonged sunlight
The sun can get scorching hot throughout the day, particularly in summer. So, tying a dog up in an area of the yard where it can’t protect itself from the rays can be very detrimental for your dog. If you set up the dog runner line so that it extends to both sunny and shady spots of the yard, your dog will be able to maneuver between the sun and shade for greater comfort as the sun moves throughout the day.
Exercises your dog
Dogs need to expel energy and work their muscles in order to stay happy and healthy, and some breeds need more of a workout than the average walk. A great way for them to stay fit is by allowing them to move more in the backyard. Installing a dog runner line will enable them to walk, run, and play all over the yard almost as easily as they would without restraints.
Helps keep your dog out of the way
You may not want your dog in the general area if you are barbecuing, working on a home improvement project, mowing the lawn, or doing something else significant. While dog runner lines offer dogs a great opportunity to move throughout your backyard, this device also allows you to keep them in specific areas when you need them away from what you’re doing.
What You Need to Know About Installing a Cable Run for Dogs
If you want to install a dog cable run in your yard, here are some ways to go about doing it.
Determine the right location
Before installing a dog runner line, inspect your yard and decide the best place for it to go. Keep in mind that a dog runner line will have to be bolted down to two points. The greatest challenge of installation will be finding two sturdy items to run the main cable between—hanging it between two strong posts or two substantial trees is ideal. For your dog’s comfort, try to hang the post where your dog can get shade or sun whenever it needs.
Once you know where you want to hang it, you’ll need to purchase a line that runs the length of where you want to hang the dog runner line. They come in various sizes, so measure the length of the area where you want to install your aerial dog run.
Another thing to remember when installing a dog runner line is how level the ground is. Make sure the terrain where you will set up the line is flat. Also, the height at which you hang the aerial dog run will depend on which one you install. The kit you purchase should include information about how high to hang the main cable. In most cases, the cable may need to hang at a height of at least seven feet off the ground, which will keep it safely out of the way for adults.
Choose the best dog runner line
A quality dog runner line should be safe, durable, and comfortable for your dog. This one from Snagle Paw is a good example. The most important thing is to make sure that you find a line that has a weight limit that can withstand your dog’s weight. That said, if you have a smaller dog, it’s just as crucial to be careful not to opt for a line that is too heavy for it. Another factor to consider is the length of the runner line, which can extend from 20 feet to 150 feet, depending on how much space you have. A dog runner line is typically a cable made of galvanized steel and coated with vinyl or PVC or a tough nylon rope and uses sturdy bolting systems. Such materials are very durable to withstand the weight of the dog and prevent the rope from rusting.
Set up the dog runner line
Start by drilling only one end of the main cable to one post or tree. A dog runner kit typically includes all the hardware you need, usually heavy-duty screw hooks and screw eye hooks, that link onto the cable. You want to ensure the cable is installed securely into a stable structure as your dog may move a lot due to sudden changes in the environment or in reaction to what they see.
Next thread the pulley system and cable leash onto the unattached end of the main zipline cable. Finish by drilling the other end of the main cable into the other post or tree, making sure that it is not slack. Pull the leash along the cable to test if the pulley glides effortlessly back and forth without difficulty.
Give your dog time to adjust
When you’re ready to try it out with your dog, simply clip the cable leash to your dog’s harness and let him go. Don’t expect your dog to love this new dog runner line right away. It may need time to get used to being attached as well as get acclimated to the sound of the pulley gliding along the cable. Although the device gives a dog a wider range of movement than traditional tethering devices, it still has its limitations. So give your dog a chance to adjust to the parameters. It could take about a week for your dog to get comfortable but in time, it’ll likely love the increased freedom.
FAQs About Dog Runners
Are dog runners a good option for all types of dogs?
Yes. No matter what type of dog you have—big or small. Keep in mind that dog runners aren’t only beneficial for the dogs. They are also helpful for you if you have other events going on in the yard but want to keep your pup away from food, people, small children, and activities that may be going on in the yard.
Should I install a dog runner line if I have a fence in my yard?
Yes. Fences are a great way to keep your dog inside your yard. However, if your pup is a digger, it could easily get under the fence. If your dog is a jumper, it can hop the fence. Additionally, if your dog can easily chew through rope, this may not be the best option for restraining it in your yard. If your dog is an explorer, it will find a way under, over, or through the fence. It is a good idea to install a dog runner to add an extra layer of protection for your dog and peace of mind for yourself.
Are dog runners legal nationwide?
In some states, there may be rules associated with tethering. Before you install a dog runner, check the tethering laws in your state. Also, since rules could change regularly, it’s a good idea to stay current on the restrictions in your area.