So far I have been using the red, vinyl covered galvanized cable...not happy with it. The dogs twist it, the vinyl cracks and peels, then the "galvanized" cable rusts...then the dogs break it. Happened to 3 so far. I plan to change to chain. Question is what size/weight rating chain should I use. I am going to get swivels and probably quick connects for both ends. The quick connect I have now on Ami's redundant shackle is rated for 500# - is that overkill? There's a weight versus strength conflict...I'ld like to use the least weight that has sufficient strength to reliably hold the dogs. Ami is way bigger than Archer, but Archer lunges more often.

Bump.

Any thoughts on how strong a chain? 200# 500#? Has anyone had there vinyl covered cable break?

Well Amy, yesterday was "Hold Hughie Hostage in Illinois" day so I didn't see this, but I have now and I'll see what I can do. In the past, I have used uncovered stainless steel cable since it resists rust, and is strong. Chain can also be used for the lead part, twist link chain is fine if the cable run has a spring installed at one end to absorb the energy from the dog pulling. It needs to have some size to it, nothing in the pet dept. will be big enough (The one I used came off a hay baler) but think of it this way, it should slow the dogs lunge in the same way a bungee slows a jumper, ease to a stop,not a quick jolt. A spring from a garage door could be shortened and made to work, but I think I would keep it between one and two feet long so it has plenty of travel. I hope this makes sense, I don't write as well as I once did so I don't always draw a very good picture.

Hughie wrote:

Well Amy, yesterday was "Hold Hughie Hostage in Illinois" day so I didn't see this, but I have now and I'll see what I can do.  In the past, I have used uncovered stainless steel cable since it resists rust, and is strong.  Chain can also be used for the lead part, twist link chain is fine if the cable run has a spring installed at one end to absorb the energy from the dog pulling.  It needs to have some size to it, nothing in the pet dept. will be big enough (The one I used came off a hay baler) but think of it this way, it should slow the dogs lunge in the same way a bungee slows a jumper, ease to a stop,not a quick jolt.  A spring from a garage door could be shortened and made to work, but I think I would keep it between one and two feet long so it has plenty of travel.  I hope this makes sense, I don't write as well as I once did so I don't always draw a very good picture.  

Beginning to make sense - its late, I'm tired but I think I get the point...I'll digest this and if questions, will post tomorrow.

Hostage in Illinois? What happened?