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Steve's Favorite Check Cord
Tight Core / White Rope 7/16th inches x 20 feet

Best-Seller. Nice, stiff rope but easy on your hands.



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$29.95






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Code: M8583
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Tight Core Check Cord Buckle Detail







White, tight core rope -- approximately 7/16" thick. Brass snap secured with a bowline knot. Stiffer than our standard white nylon check cords.


Steve Says: Steve's Favorite CheckCord

Let's start with one of my favorite pieces of gear: the check cord. A check cord is typically a long rope with a snap on it. Check cords we sell are made from either braided rope, nylon webbing, or biothane which is a PVC coated polyester material.

Check cords allow you to keep your hands on your dog while letting them work. A check cord is crucial for doing yard work training, such as teaching commands like "here," "whoa,” and working on quartering.

For younger dogs, they'll drag the check cord while running. Sometimes I'll remove the knot at the end so it doesn’t get snagged on brush.

I generally prefer a twenty-foot check cord, though occasionally I'll use a thirty-foot one. The problem with even longer check cords is they can become unmanageable, but some folks want to have a really long line on their dog.

I'm very particular about the check cords I use for training. This is a braided nylon rope check cord that we make right here in Mathiston, Mississippi, from American rope with some imported parts. The rope is made exclusively for us, and designed to our preferences, while the hardware is made in Italy.

This snap is made from Italian bronze, which is super tough, handles all sorts of weather conditions, and holds up year after year. Many of the cheaper check cords out there (including some we sell) use Chinese brass snaps that are not as high quality, and just don't hold up.

Another important aspect is how the snap is attached. We hand-tie a hondo knot, which is super tight and won't come undone. After tying the hondo, we soak the knot in water, and then stretch the wet rope with an electronic hoist machine to make the knot even tighter. When it dries, it’s almost impossible to untie.

I also like a knot at the end of the check cord to catch my hand if needed.

The stiffness of rope is important because it allows you to guide your dog almost instantly. I want a check cord with enough body to stand up on its own. Some cords are too stiff and can burn my hands, so I look for a balance between stiffness and softness.

The unique thing about this rope is that it's stiff but still soft to the touch, so I can often work with it without wearing gloves. I want a check cord stiff enough to hold its shape, but not so stiff that it burns my hands. As you can see, this cord holds its shape when I hold it up.

Braided rope check cords hold up well over time and, in my experience, get better with age. I like it when they get a bit dirty, which makes them a bit stiffer. You'll get some rope fraying over time, but you can use a cigarette lighter to remove it if you want.

Overall, a check cord is a must-have piece of gear for your training tool kit. I usually carry two or three check cords with me.






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Customer Reviews

 
Review Summary
4.9
15 Reviews
5
87% (13)
4
13% (2)
3
0% (0)
2
0% (0)
1
0% (0)
100% Recommend this product (15 of 15 responses)
By L G.
Tampa, FL
Steve is Spot On
September 9, 2025
This is my favorite check cord yet.
By Erick
Windsor, CO
Great cord
August 12, 2025
Nice check cord. I really like the stiffness level and look forward to getting many years of use out of it.
By Steve
Boston, Ma.
Useful
August 5, 2025
Like the 20 ft. length and the feel of 7/16" rope but might like better with slightly smaller diameter. The rope rides well on the dog and hardware is primo.
By Hank
Florida
Nice check cord
August 1, 2025
Been using this check cord about a year training an English Cocker. We train 3-4 days per week and it is holding up well. The cord has what I consider the appropriate amount of stiffness. Easy on the hands.
By Steve
Texas
Still going strong
August 1, 2025
Well made and resilient. This product wears well and has withstood a lot of use without degradation or wear.
Pros
  • Strong and well made.
  • Gun Dog Supply will not see me order another because I don
By Sam
Covington Ky
Tight
July 31, 2025
Great cord! Purchased 30ft and 40ft for training. Does its job
By joe
northern michigan
good quality
July 31, 2025
works well I think it could be a little stiffer but maybe it will stiffen up with more use ie. water mud and dirt
By Mark M.
port allen, LA
Top Shelf
July 31, 2025
A cord that works as hard as you want, always functions wet or dry, have not been able to wear one out. Every dog we own gets excited when they see one of the cords come off the wall because they know it's time to go to work!
Pros
  • instant action/ cues even on the longer ones, flips side to side quickly to assist in accurate cues for quartering. The tight core allows you to provide the precise level of cue or correction that you need giving the confidence to take your training to the next level.
By Joe S.
Brighton, TN
My favorite check cord of all time
July 31, 2025
I love these check cords, I own several of them.
Pros
  • The check cord is a solid choice. Its stiff rope feels great in hand, allows easy side-to-side dog guidance, and stays firm without stretching giving the dog solid feedback.
Cons
  • None
By ward
WV
made right!!
July 31, 2025
It's great when you purchase a product and the quality level is as expected. Been using this sevaral years for training, and it's still holding up. Even take it to the beach so our pup can swim and still be on leash.
Pros
  • tough /well made
By Justin
Wetumpka, alabama
Nice quality
July 31, 2025
Order this check because my buddy that is a trainer recommended it. He was right. The quality is great and is easy on your hands while training.
Pros
  • Easy use and easy on hands because of the material
Cons
  • None
By Andrew J.
Castroville Texas
Great Check Cord with Heavy Snap
July 31, 2025
Nice nylon rope check cord with heavy brass snap and well tied knot at snap.
Pros
  • Good length for short lining dogs.
  • Well made
  • Takes getting dirt and wet well with washing off after use.
Cons
  • Need to wear gloves.
  • Picks up burrs and stickers.
By Robert L.
SC
Very sturdy and durable
July 31, 2025
These check cords are essential for dig training using the Smith method. It has just the right degree of stiffness.
By Blake
Arkansas
Checkcord
July 31, 2025
Works well. Made well. Quality material.
Cons
  • None
By mark s.
pittsburgh, pa
Stiff, heavy lead
May 20, 2022
this is a quality lead for dield work

Steve's Favorite CheckCord

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