Chain Length

My chains are 10-12 feet long, depending. Always use the highest grade chain they have available(cant even think of what its called or specs on one). I dont have one bigger than 5/16 and in all honesty probably could go smaller since I'm using the heavy duty chains. I dont trust cable at all either. I had a damn schipperke break one of those things. I have been contemplating building a cable run and attaching the cable high in the air with the chain connected to that. This way one of the dogs could run an acre or so in a straight line plus probably 5 foot of chain for each side off the cable then rotate the dogs. Just having a real hard time trusting anything other than a nice axle and chain setup.

 

I've seen two dogs hang themselves on set ups like that. Can't remember if there were any swivels in there or not. Good luck with it...and if you design it, feel free to send me the plans or pics...i'd like to see that.

 

I have thought of that problem Iverson and thats another reason I am "iffy" about it. I was thinking as long as the chain was only long enough to reach the collar it would work granted the dog didnt jump (highly unlikely) and didnt want to lay down. I've also thought, maybe the way to do it is to use too much chain, so it still lays on the ground like an axle setup would. Not sure about it, and you can be damn sure I wont build one until I'm completely satisfied its just as safe as an axle setup.

Also-I cant see how a swivel would make any diffrence at all?

 

I guess as long as the dog was supervised...it wouldn't be an issue. But we all know how easy it is to say "the dogs fine"...walk inside, grab a beer, bite to eat *phone rings* and not see the dog for another half hour....ya know?

 

if you are using a chain that size, anything over 8-9 foot is way too heavy for the dog. 3/8, 5/8, 5/16 should not be over 8-9 foot max. too heavy.

 

i stay at 9-10 feet with my dogs that are chained.

 

Get high test 10 foot 1/4" chain. The high grade carbon alloy 1/4" will handle 2500+ lbs and is easier on the dogs because it weighs a lot less. Make sure you get sturdy links and rings so that you have a very high load limit for breaking strength. I actually have setups for sale at any size you would like complete with 18,000+ lb break strength stainless axle rings and carbon alloy links, rings, and drop forged swivels. I buy my chain in 400' barrels and all my hardware in bulk to save money. Since I buy bulk chain I can do any length. If you would like, you can PM me and we can discuss it further if you want to buy a ready to install high break strength setup

Regards,

B

 

Yep. That's why I went and got it. I was planning on it already, but the other night I heard a scratching on the front door. I thought maybe it was the wind catching it or something. But I jumped up to make sure the dog didn't get loose. Well, I saw him in the back yard right underneathe the kitchen window, where he always is. I let him back in, and later that night I realized he snapped the cable. So there he goes dragging the cable behind him running around the house.

Anyway, I got the 10ft. 5/16'' chain, two double swivels (3/8 for the axle side, 5/16 for his collar side, 4 quick links (7/16), and 4, 2'' O rings to double up on the axle and his collar. I'm looking for 3'' rings though, unless 2'' will work. All I need now is an axle.

 

On your axles just go to your local junk yard and tell em what you want it for, it don't have to be a good one your going to drive it in the ground and most times they'll have them for $1.00 each

 

Swivels have been the issue with making a set up for me. The hardware stores here seem to have everything heavy duty but the swivels are 56 pounds break strength. What good is that?! We asked if we could order something stronger but they seem convinced that is the strongest they can get. :eek: They also seem to hire all 12 year olds to work in the stores. LOL Marty gave me a link for heavy duty swivels so I'll probably end up ordering one on line.
It's definitley tempting to order a set up all made up with the hassle I've had trying to piece together the components here. So much for being able to find everything you need in the big city.

 

I've got Fly on a trolly chain set up. Kinda like the one described above. I've check it twice everyday and haven't noticed any wear or tear so far. I saw one yard that had almost all his chains set up like this so I kinda copied him. I let her off in the mornings for a run and then again in the evenings for a run and check the hardware when I do. So far not a problem. But then again she's a smaller dog at 25 lbs. The trolly part is 30 ft. long and the chain is 12 ft. long. It is 6 ft. off the ground. The trolly is connected to two steel poles on each end drivin 4ft. into the ground and concreated. I haven't had a problem so far, but I do check it everytime I walk by or take her for her run. And I have another set up just incase I feel the need to switch her to a more well trusted set-up. But with the trolly she really enjoys it and has a heck of a lot of room to run around and excersize.

 

well ...ok use the lightest chain that will hold your dog there is NO need for a big loging chain ...now it comes to running space vs chain weight the longer the chain the hever the theload on your dog...in your case growing puppy so if the dog can run a 360 at the end of there chain then 10ft is plenty use a swevel at each end and a
O-ring to slip the coller into you should be fine

 

You want drop forged swivels. They can have 2000+ lb (or more if you spend the $$$) break strength.

Regards,

B

 

I put it on him last night for to see how it would work with him. The chain didn't phase him. He was jumping and running all over. So, I guessed right.

 

As for chain size, I agree with B. He knows his stuff. As for chain length, well I say have it as long as your space permits. Some of my setups are anywhere from 15ft to 30 ft as we have almost an acre to play with. But I'd like to say no less than 8 ft. There's something about not being able to lie in a different place than you pee & poop that doesn't sound appealing.

 

I use 8ft also , no longer than 10 for me.

 

It's working out pretty well so far. The only problem now, is that him and my younger pup are diggers. I saw them digging in the same hole the other day. Ever since I put him on the chain, I've even noticed it seems like he is getting more conditioned and looking better, too.

 

Yeah they will dig. Just wait, a month and it will look like that axle is on a 3 foot stand higher than the ground if you got one that really works the chain.

 

8-10 ft is fine with 5/16. No use in using too much chain.

 

I have noteced on some pic. that some people have a gray (slate like) gravle around the stob (360) little over chain lenght. what is that for?