Would you like to run or hike with your dog but find holding the leash in your hand to be too cumbersome? A running leash, also known as a hands free leash, can help you enjoy these activities without the need to hold a leash in your hand.
Table of Contents:
| What Is A Running Leash For Dogs? | |
| Who Is A Running Leash Good For? | |
| What Should I Look For When Choosing A Running Leash? | |
| Best Running Leash For Dogs |
Related: Glow In The Dark Dog Leashes, Leash Walking Training Your Dog, Best Leash For Dogs That Pull, Use A Bicycle Leash To Exercise With Your Dog, Is It Good To Use A Retractable Dog Leash?
What Is A Running Leash For Dogs?
A running leash is a leash that wraps around your waist instead of your hand. The leash attaches to a band you wear around your waist and then to a longer lead that you attach to your dog’s collar or harness. This allows you to walk, run, or hike with your dog essentially hands free.
Who Is A Running Leash Good For?
A running leash is good for:
- Leash trained dogs.
- People who like to drink water or coffee (or some other beverage) while walking their dog.
- Those who may need to get some work done on their walk while on their phone.
- Individuals who like to be active with their dogs, like running or hiking.
- People who have shoulder or other upper extremity issues that cause them to have difficulty holding a leash.
A running leash should only be used on a dog who is well trained to walk on a leash. If your dog tends to pull a lot on your walks, a running leash may not be best suited to use with them.
Your dog may see something and lunge after it, pulling you with them if you are not prepared.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Running Leash?
When deciding on which running leash is best for you and your dog, there a few things you may want to consider like length, adaptability, adjustability, attachments, bungees, traffic handles, padding, reflective stitching, waist sliders, material, and if you are planning to run with more than one dog. Let’s look at each one.
Length
Check the leash length to be sure it is long enough for you to walk or run with your dog. Some running leashes include the waist band as part of the leash, making the lead part of the leash shorter than what you might think.
Adaptability
Does your dog run or walk on either side of you? If so, look for a leash that offers your dog the ability to move freely from side to side. Some have a sliding ring on the waistband that allows freer movement.
Adjustability
Look for a running leash that allows you to adjust the length of the waistband. You will want one that can accommodate your waist size and fit you comfortably. Some leashes also enable you to adjust the length of the lead as well. For those leashes that allow adjustments, be sure that by adjusting one element of the leash, you are not changing the size or length of the other.
Attachments
Pay attention to how the waistband attaches to your waist. Some use buckles, others may use Velcro. If you think your dog may pull while on your adventure, a Velcro closure may not be strong enough to hold your dog.
Bungee
Many hands free leashes have a bungee component. This allows for some “give” when your dog is on the leash. If your dog wishes to explore during your activity, the leash will stretch a bit to allow them to do so. This stretch also allows for some “shock absorption” if your dog were to pull on a walk, taking some stress off of you.
Traffic Handles
A traffic handle is a handle in the middle of the leash. Some hands free leashes have more than one traffic handle, depending on how long the leash is. A traffic handle enables you to pull your dog close to you, if necessary. This could be in a high traffic area to keep your dog safe from passing cars or if you feel your dog may react to a passing dog or other animal.
Padded Handles
If you do opt for a running leash with traffic handles, look for sufficient padding. This will make holding on to the handles more comfortable.
Reflective Stitching
This is important if you tend to walk your dog in low light conditions. The stitching will help you to be more visible to passing drivers.
Waist Slider
As mentioned above, a waist slider will allow your dog to walk or run on either side of you. Choose a leash with this feature if this is important for you. Other running leashes will have a stationary ring where the leash attaches.
Material
Many running leashes are made of nylon. Keep an eye on your dog if they have a tendency to chew, as most dogs can chew through nylon very easily.
Multiple Dogs
Do you walk more than one dog? There are running leashes available that allow you to walk or run with more than one dog at a time. Look for a hands free leash with dual leash attachments. You will also want one with good shock absorption to take some of the pressure off of having two dogs pulling on your waist. The attachment should also swivel so as to not get the dual leashes caught up in each other.
Best Running Leash For Dogs
Here are 6 top choices for a running leash for your dog. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best Reflective
Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash
This running leash is a bungee design, has a slide belt, and reflective stitching.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Measures 48 inches and extends to 60 inches.
- Bungee design.
- Waist belt is adjustable from 26 to 48 inches.
- Heavy duty clip on waist belt.
- Slide belt clip allows your dog to move side to side while you are running.
- Two control handles.
- Reflective stitching.
- Recommended for dogs up to 110 lbs.
Best Bungee
Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash
This hands free running leash comes in two different lengths, can be used hands free or hand held, and has a traffic handle.
- Available in different lengths:
- 5.5 to 7 feet.
- 7.3 to 11 feet.
- Comes in multiple colors.
- Stretches and absorbs shock.
- Can be worn around the waist or hand held.
- Swiveling talon shaped clip.
- Handle is adjustable.
- Padded handle.
- Side release buckle.
- Traffic handle.
- Accessory loop.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Adjustable
PetSafe Nylon Hands-Free Running Leash
This leash is a non-bungee design, and the waist uses a Velcro attachment. This would be good for people who have difficulty using a buckle attachment.
- Waist belt adjusts from 31 to 53 inches.
- Waist belt closed with Velcro.
- Leash adjusts from 31 to 54 inches.
Best Running Leash With A Traffic Handle
EzyDog Road Runner Dog Leash
This running leash uses a “zero shock” technology to reduce strain on you and your dog. It can also be used in different configurations including around your waist, around your shoulders, or hand held.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Contains “zero shock” technology which reduces strain and pull to both you and your dog.
- Can wear the leash around your waist, shoulder, or hand.
- Reflective stitching.
- Neoprene padded handle.
- Leash is 7 feet in length, but you can adjust the length.
- D ring.
IyoPets Hands Free Dog Leash With Dual Handles
This hands free option can accommodate dogs up to 120 lbs, and has two padded traffic handles in addition to double bungees.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Comes in various sizes.
- Medium for dogs up to 25 lbs.
- Large for dogs up to 120 lbs.
- Removable zippered pouch.
- Soft, padded handles.
- Adjustable waist belt from 27 to 48 inches.
- Waist has a buckle with a safety lock.
- Extra D ring on belt.
- Double bungees for shock absorption.
- Leash extends from 51 to 68 inches.
- Reflective stitching.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Running Leash For Two Dogs
Double Dog Leash For Small, Medium, And Large Dogs
This is a good option for those who want to run or walk with two dogs at once. It can hold two dogs up to 150 lbs. each and has a tangle free design.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Designed for two dogs up to 150 lbs. each.
- Has two bungees.
- Padded handles.
- Tangle free.
- Swivels 360 degrees.
- Reflective stitching.
- Waist adjusts from 27 to 48 inches.
- Leash adjusts from 43 to 55 inches.
Check Price At: Amazon
If you are looking to run or walk with your dog without using your hands, a running leash for dogs may be just what you are looking for. It allows you to go on adventures with your dog hands free.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.