What’s even better than going on a walk, hike, or run with your dog? Going for one with your dog using a hands-free dog leash!
When it comes to making the most of a walk, a hands-free leash is a game-changer for you and your dog. Not only will you have both hands available for petting your dog, but you can answer your phone, take photos, or take a drink of water.
IRON DOGGY Runner’s Choice Hands-Free Dog Leash
Pet Dreamland Hands-Free Double Dog Leash
Who Benefits Most from a Hands-Free Dog Leash?
A hands-free dog leash is a great choice for a wide array of activities and dog owners. One of the best uses of a hands-free dog leash is to reduce stress on your hands and wrists–this makes it an excellent option for dog owners with arthritis, weak hands or grip, or Parkinson’s disease. A hands-free leash also reduces neck and shoulder strain.
Other dog owners that can benefit from a hands-free leash include:
Who Should Not Use a Hands-Free Leash?
While hands-free leashes can make easy work of walks, hikes, and running, they are not always appropriate. If you have back issues or your dog is not leash-trained, you may want to use a front-clipping harness, instead.
If your dog weighs more than you or is extremely strong, a hands-free leash may not be the best choice. If a heavy, strong dog pulls on a hands-free leash you could fall.
Dogs with strong prey drives may not be good candidates for hands-free leashes. Their sudden lunges can startle you, pull you down, or hurt your back.
Reviews: Hands Free Dog Leashes
While a hands-free leash makes a world of difference, choosing the right one is a little tougher. We picked out the most durable, comfortable, and effective hands-free leashes, so you don’t have to run in circles trying to decide which to buy.
1. IRON DOGGY Runner’s Choice Hands-Free Dog Leash
We just finished our review, full details coming soon!
2. RuffWear Crag Dog Leash
RuffWear did it again. This hands-free convertible leash is a well-designed, durable option that allows you to tether your dog to your waist, belt loop, or stroller.
For greater control and versatility, you can switch this leash to a regular handheld leash or shorten the length. One of the best-hidden perks of this product is its durable and easy-on-the-fingers clip.
Perfect for: Dog owners that want a standard leash option, owners with limited tactile strength or wrist issues
3. iYoShop Hands-Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch
This leash is made for comfort and convenience. Not only does this leash have a large zippered pouch that is perfect for keys, phones, and poo bags, but it also has double shock absorbers to keep you and your dog safe from strain.
We love that the waistband has added padding to prevent chafing. YoShop even included two handles for maximum control of your dog when needed. When it comes to value–this leash takes the cake.
Perfect for: Running, jogging, walking, hiking, and dogs of all sizes.
4. ManlyCamp Hands-Free Dog Leash
This leash is built for the elements. It’s durable and comfortable. It also has a reflective strip for added visibility, which is great for winter walks or runs.
One feature that many dog owners adore is the double-pockets with zippers. Having two pockets helps distribute the weight better across your hips or waist and allows you to keep the scent and oils of dog treats away from your phone or wallet. This sturdy leash is strong and uses heavy-duty clips.
Perfect for: Night walks, runs, or adventures, and multi-dog walkers
5. Pet Dreamland Hands-Free Double Dog Leash
Tired of untangling the leash from your dogs’ legs. Pet Dreamland’s hands-free leash is the one for you. This leash will save your wrists, shoulders, and back strain while making walking multiple dogs a cinch.
The long bungee and three handles make controlling your dogs easy and pain-free while the neoprene padded handle adds a little more comfort for your hands. This leash is also top of the line when it comes to quality–it features durable stitching, strong hardware, and thick bungee material.
Perfect for: Multi-dog walking
6. ThinkPet Hands-Free Dog Lead–Two Dogs
Go for a run with your entire pack with this waist leash. You can bring along everything you want and need with ThinkPet’s large pocket.
This leash protects your shoulders and your dogs’ necks with the strong bungee sewn tightly into the reflective leash. The shorter leash (47” to 59”) helps encourage dogs with distraction issues to keep moving forward.
Perfect for: Running with multiple dogs (especially newbie runner pups)
7. Kruz Jogging Belt & Hands-Free Dog Leash
The Kruz Jogging leash lets you maintain control of your dog while you run, walk, or jog. This leash is strong, long, and comfortable. With a multi-pocket pouch and LED light ring, this leash is great for dog owners that enjoy bringing their dog along on all their adventures.
This great leash has a spot for poop bags and distributes weight evenly, so you stay balanced and comfortable. We also love the extra reflective strip on the waist belt.
Perfect for: Hiking and night walks
8. Kurgo K9 Excursion Belt
The Kurgo K9 excursion belt makes running with your dog easy. Not only does this belt distribute weight evenly over your hips, but it stays put.
This belt has a spot for water to keep you and your dog hydrated, and with heavy-duty neoprene, this belt keeps your hips comfortable.
With a carabiner clip, you can clip and unclip your dog in seconds. For avid runners, this belt is a must-have.
Perfect for: runners and trail running
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should My Hands-Free Dog Leash Be?
The length of the leash you choose depends on your dog and activity. For long-bodied dogs that keep tension on the leash, use a longer length–the last thing you want is to accidentally kick your dog as they run ahead of you or trip on the leash and go tumbling. If you need to maintain better control over your dog or you’re running in a crowded area, you may want to go a bit shorter.
Can a Large Breed Use a Hands-Free Leash?
Some can, but if your dog weighs more than you, do not attempt a waist-clipping leash. While your dog may be extremely well-behaved, it is not worth the risk of possibly being pulled down or injured.
If you’re unsure if your dog is a good candidate for a hands-free leash, leash them up, but bring along their traditional leash to switch back if needed. Bring a friend along to help unleash you. If your dog brings to pull beyond your control, grab the leash handle, pull it towards you, and unclip it from your waist.
Do I Need A Bungee-Style Leash for My Waist Belt?
A leash that helps absorb impact and reduces strain is always a good idea for dogs on runs, jogs, or long walks. While dogs have strong necks, they can be prone to injury from the strain caused by stopping or reaching the end of the leash. Using a harness with your dog’s hands-free leash can also reduce the risk of neck and thyroid injury.
Can I Use a Hands-Free Leash for Biking with My Dog?
Yes and no. A waist-belt style hands-free leash is not a good idea for bicycling with your dog–being connected to your dog via your waist can result in a bad accident should your dog pull you over or off your bike. A waist-connecting leash also doesn’t give your dog enough distance to stay far enough away from your tires and pedals.
There are hands-free leashes designed for bicycles, though! They connect to your handlebars or hand grip to give your dog more leeway.
Can Service Dogs Use Hands-Free Leashes?
Absolutely. There are no reasons a service dog cannot use a hands-free leash. In fact, many people who own service dogs love hands-free leashes since they allow better multitasking.
Are There Hands-Free Leashes for People in Wheelchairs?
Yes. You can get an attachment that fastens to your wheelchair that you can clip your dog to or a leash that attaches to your hand without needing you to grip it. Many wheelchair users also appreciate the Liberty Wristband. This wrist band connects securely and comfortably to the wrist.
Give Yourself a Hand!
With a hands-free leash, you can get a grip on your dog while you enjoy your walk, hike, or run. These leashes reduce your wrist, finger, and shoulder strain while protecting your dog’s neck and thyroid. If you’ve been considering a hands-free leash, give yourself a hand, and pick out one that will leave your dog trotting comfortably by your side.
Better listen to him and sign up below!
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