How to Braid an Agility Training Tab With Paracord

Agility Tabs are a "mini" leash that is used for training a dog for running an agility course. They are primarily used during the early stages of off lead work, when the handler needs a little handle to quickly grab their dog to get it back on course.

This tutorial will show you how to make an agility training tab using a four strand braid method and then finishing the tab with a terminal turk's head knot.

Tools And Supplies

Tools that you will need are; scissors, a C-clamp, hemostat clamps, a wood burning tool, paracord and a small leash snap. If you don't have a wood burning tool, a lighter to melt the cord ends will suffice.

Paracord will shrink when it gets wet, so it is VERY IMPORTANT that you preshrink the cord before you start to braid. If you don't, the first time that you walk your dog in the rain, your leash will get all misshapen and lumpy.To preshrink the cord, soak it in hot water for about five minutes and then hang it to dry. You can toss it in a pillow case, knot it closed and dry it in the dryer as well, it's your choice.

I am making an eight inch agility tab To determine how much paracord that you will need, break down the length of your project into inches and multiply by four. 8" X 4 = 32" so I will need 2 separate paracord strands that are EACH 32" long

STEP 1 - Arranging The Cords

Thread the cords through the eye of the snap, laying them side by side. Clamp the snap down to a steady surface like a table. This will prevent the cords of twisting during braiding, which can be frustrating for the novice braider.

STEP 2 - Braiding Move One

A and B are the first strip, while C and D are the second strip. Now take A and cross over B. D lies to the left of B while C lies to the right of C. Keep a constant, light tension on the strands.

STEP 3 - Braiding Move Two

Now cross D behind B and cross over A.

STEP 4 - Braiding Move Three

Now take C and cross behind B and over D. To continue making your leash, cross B behind D and over C. Remember that the new strand that you will use to keep making the braid will always be the topmost strand.

STEP 5 - Arranging The Cords To Start The Turk's Head Knot

While you are making your knot, plug in the wood burning tool since it takes a little while to heat up.

Grasp the end of the braid with the loose ends poking through the top of your fist and arrange the cords in an X pattern. Cord 1 goes over Cord 2. Cord 2 goes over cord 3. Cord 3 goes over cord 4 and cord 4 goes over cord 1.

STEP 6 - The Turk's Head Knot Part Two

Gently side the knot off of your thumb and tighten it up. Take the hemostat clamp, poke it through the center of the knot. Grasp cord one, sliding it under cord two. Continue this process until all the cords have been pulled through the center of the knot. Pull all the cords tightly so that the knot appears even.

STEP 7 - Finishing The Turk's Head Knot

All the cords are now poking through the top of the turk's head knot. Trim the loose cords very close to the top of the knot. Gently melt the cord ends with the wood burning tool in a sweeping motion until they are flush with the top of the knot.

Your agility leash is now finished and ready to be used for your next training class!

Karen Friesecke is the author of Bloggie Stylish a new blog dedicated to recipes and free projects for dogs. Please visit Agility Training Tab Tutorial to see this tutorial, complete with pictures.