Our Top Choices for the Best Hands-Free Leash (Running, Hiking)

Key Points

• The #1 Best Overall hands-free dog leash is the iYoShop Hands-Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch.
• Walking or running your dog is a fun activity and a great way to give your pooch daily exercise. However, sometimes this can get difficult, especially if you are running while trying to handle your dog’s leash. Fortunately, there are many excellent hands-free leashes out there that can help to free up your hands and make your daily runs with your more enjoyable.
• We’ve done the research and put together a guide of the best hands-free dog leashes, taking into account features like materials, length, and your dog’s size and strength.

Running and walking are some of the best ways to give a dog daily exercise. However, sometimes a hand-held leash may become burdensome to you and your pet, especially on longer or more active excursions. A hands-free dog leash is a great way to keep up your routine while giving you the freedom to pump your arms normally as you walk or run. Often found in belt form, these leads help you keep your hands available and keep your dog under better control.

Whether you go on hiking trails or residential streets, many leashes often only have mediocre control over your dog. Better management is one of the overall benefits of a hands-free leash, keeping your dog from getting into traffic or challenging situations with wildlife. If your dog tends to get unruly, these leads can help make walks a fun activity again.

There are many products you can choose from, and your options even include restraint for two dogs. We’ve taken a look at the possibilities, regardless of whether you want to splurge or watch your costs.

Top Picks: Best Hands-Free Dog / Pet Leash (Running, Hiking) Today

#1 Best Overall: iYoShop Hands-Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch

The iYoShop Hands-Free Dog Leash takes its place as number one for several reasons. Not only does the waistband adjust to fit all sizes, but it also includes a zipper pouch for holding small objects (such as your phone) during activity. The waist provides all-around comfort and convenience for all types of activity. However, a handful of customers reported the pouch not being big enough or strong enough for some of the items they wanted to carry with them.

Integrated elastic helps provide the shock absorption that you need during vigorous jogs, so that if you or your dog stops suddenly, neither will go flying across the sidewalk. Two, padded handles provide the ability to reign your dog in as close as you’d like during your run or walk.

The leash comes in various colors like black, pink, orange, green, etc. Reflective stitching helps you and your dog maintain maximum visibility, especially if you are walking a small breed not as easily visible or if you are out at night. Enjoy an early morning hike or night run with your belongings while staying hands-free and safe with your pup.

Pros and Cons of the iYoShop Hands-Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch

Best Overall

iYoShop Hands Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch

•Hands-free leash with zipper pouch

•Perfect for hiking/running

•Double-elastic bungee leash

•2 padded handles for security

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2. Best for Large Dogs: Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash

One of the things that makes the Tuff Mutt Hands Free Dog Leash our top pick for large dogs is its easily adjustable belt clip. The flexibility helps to provide extra running room, perfect for breeds that need to stretch their long legs.

The bungee material makes it easy for you to bring your dog under control. However, one of the few downsides to this leash is that it is not as effective for dogs under 30 pounds. There will be less resistance when pulled, giving the dog more leeway.

Another factor that we enjoyed about this leash is the quality of the construction, making the material likely to last for life. We also appreciate the reflective material, making it an excellent runner’s choice that can be used at all times of the day for visibility. The leash itself is four feet long and the waistband can be adjusted to fit 42 inches. Two, padded handles at differing lengths allow for extra security in case you need it for your dog. The leash is also available in multiple colors like blue, purple, and yellow.

Pros and Cons of the Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash

Best for Large Dogs

Tuff Mutt Hands Free Bungee Dog Leash

•Durable bungee leash, hands-free

•Double hand hold for security

•Adjust to fit 42" waist

•Reflective

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3. Best for Training: oneisall Hands-Free Dog Leash

If you are looking to use a hands-free leash for training your new puppy or brush up on leash skills with your adult dog, we recommend the oneisall Hands-Free Dog Leash. The leash is a simple, nylon rope with a plush handle for added comfort. However, this also means that it does not have the control of a bungee leash that some customers prefer. It also does not have padding on the nylon leash, so some customers felt it was not as comfortable.

The leash is 8 feet long and adjustable to be as short or as long as you need for whatever training you are trying that day. It can make for a smart hands-free leash used while running or hiking, and it can even be adjusted to secure two dogs at one time.

The leash and its fasteners are durable and sturdy, meaning they will last for a long time. Whether you’re spending a day on the trails or in a park training with your rambunctious puppy, the leash will hold up and feel comfortable.

Pros and Cons of the oneisall Hands-Free Dog Leash

Best for Training

oneisall Hands Free Dog Leash

•8 ft nylon leash

•Adjustable

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4. Best Double Dog Leash: YOUTHINK Double Dog Leash

If your hands-free needs include a leash for two dogs, the YOUTHINK Double Dog Leash is a great option. The belt also comes with storage, so you can keep your keys or phone quickly accessible.

When you are walking two dogs with this leash, there’s no need to worry about both leashes becoming tangled. A swivel clasp prevents tangling while helping you maintain control over the dogs. The leash is made of tough nylon, made to hold the strongest of pullers. Two padded handles allow for extra control in times when you need it, and reflective strips keep your dogs more visible during low light or night activity. However, if you have never used a double dog leash, this may take some getting used to.

Pros and Cons of the YOUTHINK Double Dog Leash

Best Double Dog Leash

YOUTHINK Double Dog Leash

•Nylon leash for double dog use

•Twist-free swivel clasp

•Padded handles

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How to Choose the Best Hands-Free Leash for Your Dog

Let’s look at some of the features to consider as you shop for the best hands-free leash for your dog:

• Material
• Length
• Dog size and strength

Material

Some pet parents opt for nylon or leather leashes since they’re both heavy-duty and long-lasting. Although leather might be a bit of an investment, it will usually outlast nylon leashing material. Nylon is offered in more colors than leather but isn’t as chew-resistant for dogs who like to gnaw on their leash.

Some dogs do well with bungee leashes, depending on their walking style. If your dog gently pulls and is just beyond the reach of a traditional leash, a bungee leash could be ideal for them. However, people who have high-energy dogs that run in every direction should avoid using this type of leash.

Length

After you decide on the color and materials of your dog’s leash, think about how long you would like it to be. A shorter leash is often better for dogs who tend to pull, giving their owner more control. On the other hand, a longer leash can give trained dogs more room to explore while they’re out with their owners.

Dog Size and Strength

Another detail to mull over is the size and strength of your canine companion. Given that large dogs are usually stronger than small breeds, they might need a stronger leash that can hold their weight and keep them from pulling.

What Are the Benefits of a Hands-Free Leash?

Dogs who are already leash-trained, including large dogs, are excellent candidates for hands-free leashes. You can keep your hands free for other tasks while walking your dog. Many of these leashes offer pouches on the waistband for an even more convenient experience.

If you jog with your dog, one of these leashes will also help protect against hand or wrist injury. Some of the breeds best suited to running are particularly strong, making a safer option a better choice.

How to Train Dogs on Hands-Free Leashes

The first thing to remember is that a hands-free leash will work best for a dog that is already leash-trained and for dogs who are well-mannered. If a dog is already somewhat rowdy on a leash, even the best options may not keep them under control.

Consider a small fenced area like your yard when you first get your dog familiar with a hands-free leash. Training in an enclosed area gives you freedom for trial-and-error within the safety of your own home.

Using these leashes is easy and similar to using ones that are hand-held. What will take getting used to is adjusting the leash around your waist as your dog moves around you, which is straightforward and becomes habitual after a few times. It is important that you stay aware of your dog’s movements, as they may be able to get in front of you and stop abruptly, causing you to trip if you aren’t paying attention.

Up next…

• Best dog leashes: Reviewed — Unsure which leash is right for your dog? Take a look at our reviews of various types of leashes for some ideas.
• The Best Double Dog Leashes: Reviewed — Two dogs is all fun and games until walk-time. Check out these leashes that will make your life easier during your double-dog walks!
• Reviewed: 10 Best Dog Harnesses — Here are our top choices for dog harnesses on the market.
• Here are the 9 Best Dog Collars: We Checked — More of a collar person? Here are our reviews of the best dog collars today.