

But, when you consider it might be one of the last leashes you ever have to buy, that seems pretty reasonable. It’s incredibly well-made, and Atlas is so confident of that fact that it warranties this leash for life, “even if your pup destroys it.” That said, this is the priciest dog running leash in our roundup at almost $70. In the end, we were hard-pressed to find much of anything to dislike about this leash. The hardware is cleverly designed, so you don’t have to think or work too hard to change things up on the go. Like the Rove, the Lite Leash moves seamlessly from hands-free to handheld to tie-up positions without missing a beat.

What also stood out about this model was its versatility. The 1-inch nylon webbing is extremely durable, and we found it easy to clean, too. “Two years of zig-zaggy runs and walks with Willa and it’s still going strong.” After months of use, our test models looked almost brand new. “My Berner loves to tug me along, and this waist leash keeps my gravity centered,” said Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Liz Plosser. The opinions were unanimous that this was a fantastic dog running leash for heavy pullers. We tried Atlas Pet Company’s Lifetime Lite Leash on a few especially strong-willed puppers. (Side note: for your and your pup’s safety, it’s key to get this under control as much as possible before attempting to run with them on-leash) If this is you, you need the best dog running leash designed for your pooch’s running “style,” if you can call it that. This is more true of certain breeds, but really any dog can have a puller’s temperament. There’s no getting around the fact that some dogs just love to pull.

Runners looking for extra storage and a bit more length can also pair this seamlessly with Runners’ Cross Body Bag. At $39, it’s priced right in the midrange of the best dog running leashes we tested this year. It’s a design that should appeal to just about any runner with almost any size dog, up to and including heavy pullers. While the Rove works great as a traditional leash, it really shines (pun intended) as a hands-free dog running (or walking or jogging) leash. We found the reflective detailing was bright and easily identifiable in any of the six colors in which this leash is available. Two of our testers regularly run before sunrise every morning, and they also liked how reflective this leash was. We loved the quick clip design that made it easy to switch between hands-free and handheld modes, especially in changing environments with different crowds and traffic. Even on longer runs with hard-pulling pooches, it never chafed or rubbed our hands raw. The versatile design is strong enough to support up to 500 pounds but lightweight to not feel like it's weighing you down if you opt to run with it like a traditional leash.Īlthough it looks like a basic rope, our testers found this dog running leash to be comfortable to hold and to wear around the waist (though not quite as comfy as a traditional waist band). The carabiner and adjustable middle loop make it easy to clip and unclip to switch between handheld and hands-free “modes.” This also makes it easy to use as a tie-up option for tethering your pup to, say, a bike rack while you pop into a store.
#Hands dog leash for running free#
Runners Athletics’ Rove Hands Free Leash is a thick, durable rope that’s designed to be comfortable to hold and to wear around the waist. Plus, it pairs seamlessly with Ruffwear’s own Trail Runner Running Belt for hands-free, on-leash running, in case you need to mix things up. It’s also priced right at just under $25, making it a great value. Lastly, at just 2.2 ounces, this is the lightest dog running leash in our roundup, making it very pocketable and perfect for travel or keeping on hand just in case we might need it.Īs a straight-up leash, the design of this trail-run-friendly dog leash can’t be beaten. We also found the swiveling, locking clip that connects the end of the leash to the collar ring moved very freely, ensuring that our dogs were comfortable, no matter how and in which way they moved their neck and head. The Wavelength material is incredibly shock-absorbing, too, so we never felt those sudden, perpetual “jerks” that often come with running with our pups on-trail. Our most active test panelists-the trail runners, in particular-loved the super-stretchy design of this running leash. The result? A whole lot more stretch and give, making it perfect for trail running.

But this leash is made with bungee material running the entire length, from the handle to the buckle. Many dog running leashes are built with alternating sections of thick nylon webbing and bungee material. If you’re looking for a straight-up dog leash, without the matching waist belt, this is a simple, yet durable option from Ruffwear.
