How to Tie a Dogshank Knot

Use a dogshank knot to shorten the length of a rope. It is similar to a sheepshank but is much less likely to slip. While you can tie a sheepshank in the middle of a rope, the following method of tying a dogshank requires access to both ends of the rope.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Form a loop A from a horizontal length of rope so that the loop is pointed downward and the right end passes over the left end.

2. Make a loop B to the right of loop A so that loop B points upward and the left end passes over the right end. You should have two loops separated by the length by which you wish to shorten the rope.

3. Create a bight from the right half of the rope separating the two loops and pass it through loop A. Similarly, pass a loop made from the left half of the rope separating the two loops and pass it through loop B.

4. Adjust the distance between the two loops as desired by pulling bights of equal length through the two loops.

5. Place the left free end of the rope through the bight that goes through loop A. Pass the right free end of the rope through the bight that goes through loop B. Dress the dogshank by pulling the bight and loop tightly against the free end of rope on both knots.

Resources

• Learn more about knot tying at Realknots.