How to Make Climbing Rope Leashes

Your canine pal will benefit from your old climbing gear.

If you've taken a trip to a mountain resort you may have seen dogs being led on climbing rope leashes. These high-country pooches get walked on old climbing ropes by their climbing owners. Make a climbing rope leash of your own if you have a proclivity for rock climbing and dogs. Recycle your old climbing rope and make a leash for your four-legged friend. Walk the dog around town so people will think your pup is a mountain stud with his climbing rope leash.

Things You'll Need

• Discarded nylon climbing rope
• Carabiner(s)
• Utility knife or scissors
• Lighter

Instructions

1. Measure out a 7 to 8 foot piece of rope and cut it off the main line.

2. Hold the cut ends at the lighter flame to melt the nylon fibers. This prevents fraying.

3. Tie a small double-figure eight knot at one end of the rope (see "Resources"). Slip the carabiner --- the metal D-clip with a hinged gate --- into the knot's loop.

4. Tie a double figure-eight knot at the opposite end where the loop is big enough for your hand to use as a handle for the leash.

5. Clip the carabiner onto the dog's collar loops.

References

• Animated Knots by Grog: Double Figure 8