I need 30' of 1/2" rope

[Canyon Angler]

Does anyone know where I might purchase 30 feet of 1/2" polyester rope, preferably orange, for making a "check cord" for training a bird dog?

I have some 1/2" orange climbing line that would be just about perfect -- it's nice and stiff, and you want something fairly thick and stiff -- and the orange color would be good for spotting the rope during those training sessions when you allow the dog to drag the check cord through the brush.

Problem is, I don't want to cut my new climbing rope.

Does anyone know of any vendors who sell this stuff by the foot, or would sell me a 30-foot piece?

Alternately, do any of you have any "retired" half-inch orange climbing ropes that you would sell me a 30' piece of? (It doesn't really matter to me if the rope is worn, but kernmantle rope is no good for this application.)

Thanks for any leads,

Jeff

 

[TDunk]

Ebay would prolly be your best bet for 30'. If you wanted to buy a 120' hank then Baileys or Blue Ridge (who are both sponcers) would have some.

 

[clutch25]

Sorry about the hijack but I've got a good story involving one of those "check cords".

Years ago, I came home and my dad's hunting dog have some scratches on his snout...

I asked my dad what happened to the dog and he said he let him out with a 50' check rope on him and the dog was doing laps around the yard wide open dragging the rope. My dad was mowing the lawn with the old rider that we had. Dog runs right in front of the mower and gets the rope tangled in the blades, starts getting reeled in from 50' out! Dad barely got the mower shut off in time as the dog's face hit the deck of the mower.

My .02

 

[John464]

baileys or sherril will sell by the foot. call them

 

[eljefe]

Re: 1/2 inch line

Hi, Try Wesspur, Wesspur.com, you can buy it by the foot or look at the clearance rope section. Nice people. The danger is you will probably find other things which you need--you just didn't know you needed them.
Eljefe

 

[Rftreeman]

I looked on ebay for you and this is the only 1/2 inch orange on there other than longer ones.

 

[(WLL)]

i can make you somthing custom if you like. i have lots of orange rope and could whip you up a sweet 30ft spliced lead. i have lots of nice swivel snaps or you could send me what you want on the ends. i sent you a pm. let me know.

 

[KodiakKen]

1/2 " rope for a dog?

I would like to know what kind of dog you are training, because I have trained bordeaux mastiffs on 1/4" or less. here is a trick..I hope it helps..use mason's twine..really cheap and if you tie an overhand knot with a keeper to the collar..go around the waist like a cinch not..if you are anywhere close enough to step on it..they will stop..works on a 130 pounds mastiff with 1/8" line. If not..teach the dog to a silent whistle or a 130 decibel training whistle. start in the back yard with a tennis ball or a dummy...if you need a lead cord after that. go back to the yard. I have to tell you if you are traininig a bird dog..30 foot is too long..get your dog to heel on a leash and use whatever you have that is 20' long in the back yard...when you get them in the field they should criss cross you on instinct..if not..blow the damn whistle..I trained my dog a little different.. I don't hunt bird..but I love english springers..he has been perfect..teach him or her something unique to you at home..and use it in the field. people will have jaws hanging and eyes wide open... I have been just under a mile from my dog running a bobcat...stupid dog....and he turned back...by the time he got to me..his whole underside was cut up pretty bad...being male..poor bastard.. I flipped him in the front seat and put iodine and neosporin on him and by the time I was done an old farmer told me that he stopped and turned back on a dime. training does pay off..go figure...train your dog to a light touch. If he or she has a good bloodline..it will take time..but well worth the effort. walk them on a dental floss leash..that gives your confidence too

 

[Canyon Angler]

Thanks guys. I wish I had waited longer because y'all have made some great suggestions and offers. I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I already ordered a piece from a vendor here in VA. That ebay deal on 75 ft for $35 looks like a great deal...I paid more than that for 35 feet!

I guess I should cool my jets before spending too much! :bang:

Jeff

PS KodiakKen, it's for an English pointer. The thickness of the rope isn't for strength but for stiffness -- so it doesn't get hung up on stuff in the woods/brush. You also want it stiff enough so you can put a sine wave into it and tap the dog on the chin with the clip if you need to make a mild correction.

Thanks again, everyone.