Taking your dog for a run is the perfect way to get some much-needed exercise for both of you. Most medium and large breed dogs love to go for a jog or a run, but if you’re finding it difficult to keep your stride when you’re running together, this may be due to using the wrong type of leash. The best dog leashes for running are designed specifically with the runner in mind. These hands-free leashes will not hinder your movements and will allow you and your dog to fly down the street, without the need of adjusting your posture or running style.
If you’re looking for a new leash you can use when you and your dog are out for your morning jog, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will go over the different styles of running leashes available, how to pick out a model that’s perfect for you and your pup, and the features to look for that indicate quality and durability. Below, I’ve created a comparison chart, which lists the top products on my list, their stand out features, and other important information, including how each model is rated.
Dog Leashes for Running Comparison Chart
| Product | Length | Reflective Stitching | Breed Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SparklyPets Dog Leash   Check On Amazon! | 68 in | No | Medium and Large Breeds | |
TaoTronics Dog Leash  Check On Amazon! | 67 in | Yes | Large | |
Paw Lifestyles Dog Leash  Check On Amazon! | 48 in | Yes | Large | |
Pet Dreamland Dog Leash  Check On Amazon! | 55 in | No | Medium and Large Breeds | |
FURRY BUDDY Dog Leash  Check On Amazon! | 53.5 in | Yes | Medium and Large Breeds | |
Black Rhino Dog Leash  Check On Amazon! | 60 in | Yes | Large |
SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash
Our Rating:
Want a better way to run with your dog? Do you need a safer alternative than their standard leash? This latest model by SparklyPets may be the answer. This is a hands-free style leash that comes equipped with stainless steel clasp support mechanisms that are designed to take the tension off the plastic buckle, pulling the force to each side of the belt. This model is perfect for medium-sized and large breed dogs, thanks to the shock-absorbing design that will allow you to control your dog’s pace without breaking your stride. The flexible bungee design gives both you and your dog enough flex to run at the right pace, in total comfort, while the durable design is able to withstand plenty of use and abuse from a large hyperactive dog.
Pros
- Durable
- Flexible bungee design
- Adjustable
- Low price
Cons
- Not designed for small breeds
Conclusion
This versatile leash can be used for both walking and running, thanks to its multifunctional design that allows you to hold the leash in your hands or wrap it around your waist when you’re going for a jog or a run. This model is built tough and designed to handle medium-sized and large breeds alike, allowing you both to run in total comfort, at your own pace.
TaoTronics Retractable Hands-Free Dog Leash
Our Rating:
This is a hands-free waist wearing leash that allows you to run with your dog with ease, thanks to the dual shock-absorbing bungee system and the adjustable leash length. This model is designed for large breed dogs up to one hundred and fifty pounds. The leash also comes with extra handles for improved control, allowing you to guide your dog without even breaking your stride. This built-in waist handle will be invaluable in the event your dog becomes difficult to control. The second handle is located on the collar itself.
Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Dual bungee system design
- Two built-in handles
- Reflective stitching
Cons
- Not designed for small or medium-sized dogs
Conclusion
This durable hands-free leash features reflective stitching that’s designed to keep you and your dog highly visible in low light conditions, comes equipped with a couple of built-in handles, giving you ultimate control, and is rated strong enough to handle dogs up to one hundred and fifty pounds. This model is perfect for large breed dogs and owners in search of a leash that will give them more control over their pet during a run, making it easier to teach their dog commands and learn how to keep up.
Paw Lifestyles Retractable Hands-Free Dog Leash
Our Rating:
This hands-free leash comes with dual handles on the leash and collar that will give you more control over your dog during a run, and a couple of expandable pouches that you can use to store your phone, keys, wallet, and other personal items. The reflective stitching on the leash and belt will make you highly visible to other runners, pedestrians, and drivers, which is essential if you normally go for a run early in the morning or late at night. This model comes equipped with a two-inch heavy-duty clip for added safety and it’s a must for owners with hyperactive large dogs.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Reflective stitching
- Dual pouches for storage
- One hundred percent money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not designed for small or medium-sized dogs
- Belt can be difficult to adjust
Conclusion
The manufacturer offers a one hundred percent money-back guarantee, so dog owners really have nothing to lose by purchasing this model and giving it a shot on their next run. This leash is a great buy for pet owners with large breed dogs, thanks to the two built-in handles, innovative shock-absorbing bungee system, and durable nylon material.
Pet Dreamland Hands-Free Double Dog Leash
Our Rating:
This hands-free leash allows you to walk two dogs at once, thanks to its dual swivel splitter attachment. Both of the leashes are highly adjustable, so you can lengthen or shorten the leash based on your height and the height of your dogs. This model is very beginner-friendly and simple to use, just attach the carabiners to your dog’s harness or collar. The included dual handles will also give you more control over your dogs, should they get distracted by a cat, squirrel, or the neighbor’s dog.
Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Allows you to walk two dogs at once
- Built-in handles
- Easy to use
Cons
- Can be difficult to use with two large breed dogs
Conclusion
While the design allows you to walk two dogs at once, that doesn’t mean you should. If you have dogs that are not leash trained I don’t recommend running with both of them at the same time. While the built-in handles will help you to regain more control over your dogs in the event an aggressive dog is around or a cat crosses their path, you’ll find that it’s still difficult to gain control over two dogs that are pulling you at once. Overall, this leash features a durable design that’s highly adjustable. If you have two leash-trained dogs that you enjoy running with, then this model is an excellent choice.
FURRY BUDDY Hands-Free Dog Leash
Our Rating:
This leash features an adjustable strap and buckle design that will work for waist sizes that range from twenty-eight inches up to forty-eight inches. The inner pocket in the belt will allow you to safely store your personal items during a run. This model also comes with a few heavy-duty D-ring connections and a bungee leash design that will give your dog the room they need to run. The leash also has reflective stitching, which will make you both highly visible in low light conditions.
Pros
- Built-in pockets
- Highly adjustable
- Reflective stitching
- Durable
Cons
- Belt can be difficult to adjust
- Not designed for small breeds
Conclusion
This hands-free leash is reasonably priced, comes equipped with a zippered pocket that’s waterproof and designed to hold your personal items during a run, while the belt itself is highly adjustable. The bungee leash allows you and your dog to run at your own pace, providing the type of freedom of movement that allows you to do your best, improve your speed, and enjoy time with your pup.
Black Rhino – Premium Hands-Free Dog Leash
Our Rating:
This model features dual handles that are layered with a thick neoprene padding for improved comfort. The leash itself is very versatile and can be wrapped around your waist or used as a standard leash. The length of the leash is highly adjustable and can go from four and a half feet up to five feet. The dual leash design will allow you to walk two dogs at once, which is a huge plus for most pet owners. The length of the leash can be difficult to adjust for some. Additionally, the longer length can be a drawback for pet owners with medium-sized breeds since it can only be shortened to four and a half feet.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Can be used to run with two dogs at once
- Dual handles
- Neoprene padding on handles
Cons
- Leash length is difficult to adjust
- Not suitable for small or medium-sized dogs
Conclusion
This model is durable and comes loaded with some nice features, but I wouldn’t recommend it for medium or small breed dogs since the leash can only be shortened to four and a half feet, which will be too long for dogs of this size. Overall, this is a great buy for the large breed dog owner in need of a durable, versatile, and highly adjustable hands-free leash, although it does have its limitations.
Dog Leashes for Running Buyer’s Guide
There are many benefits that come with running with your dog. Both of you will get much-needed exercise, and it will give you both some quality time together and a great chance to really bond. But using a traditional leash can making running difficult for both you and your dog. Since a traditional leash has a somewhat rigid design, when the arm that’s holding the leash moves, the motion travels down to the leash and can tug on your dog’s neck, throwing both of your strides off. If you have a large breed dog, it can also be difficult to control them. For both runners and joggers, a hands-free leash is usually the best solution.
Design
The portion of the leash the attaches to the dog’s collar is very similar to a standard leash. The leash itself is usually made out of a type of webbed nylon material and comes equipped with a clasp or clip that will attach to the dog’s harness or collar. For the most part, the biggest differences that you’ll find from model to model will involve the portion of the leash the runner holds.
Hands-free models come with a type of adjustable loop or strap, which is designed to wrap around some part of the runner’s body, whether it’s wrapped around the chest, waist, or wrist.
Configurations
As I mentioned above, there are many different styles and types of running leashes, that can be used in a variety of ways. Some can work as both a conventional leash and a can be changed to a hands-free configuration. Other models can be adjusted to allow you to use one hands-free leash for two dogs, which is perfect for the multi-dog household.
Shock Absorbing Power
Many higher priced models will feature a shock-absorbing design that will provide the flex in a leash that’s needed in order to minimize the level of tugging the dog and the runner experience as they fly down the street.
Lights and Reflective Material
Do you find yourself taking your dog out for a run at daybreak or in the evening? Then a model that’s equipped with LED lights or reflective material is exactly what you need in order to make your pet and you highly visible in low light conditions. This will allow other pedestrians and drivers quickly spot you, even in foggy weather conditions.
Belt
Models that feature a straight belt design will require you to wear the belt at all times. This will give you the freedom to pump your arms as you run, without tugging on your dog’s collar and throwing their stride off. The belt should be easy to put on and take off, should be highly adjustable, and should be comfortable to wear. These belts usually come equipped with a durable clip that allows you to adjust the size and quickly secure the belt in place. Higher-priced models will feature a belt design that has a similar appearance to a support belt. These models are made out of soft stretchy material that’s designed to comfortably wrap around your waist and even helps to ensure you use the proper posture while you’re jogging or running.
Length
The length of the leash will have a major impact on safety and your performance as you run. If you’ve ever gone for a run with your dog using a standard length leash, then you may have noticed that it’s difficult for a dog to match your pace, or they may even run ahead of you, which will definitely throw you off your stride. The correct length of a leash for the runner should be long enough to give a dog plenty of room to run so you’re not dragging them, but it shouldn’t be too long since this would give your dog enough length to easily outrun you, which can result in your dog dragging you all over the neighborhood. Since the leash is attached around your waist, it’s important that you measure your dog before you buy. You’ll need to take into consideration the height of your dog and the distance from the belt to the ground.
Material
Regardless of how strong or big your dog is, you should invest in a leash that’s durable and built tough. A low-priced hands-free leash can easily snap or break under pressure. Most manufactures will make leashes out of nylon webbing. This material is reinforced with double stitching.
Durability
Aside from the type of material used, pay close attention to the leashes’ adjusters, clips, and buckles. If you have a large breed dog, then you’ll want to ensure you use a model that earned high marks for durability.
Color
Models that come equipped with lights or reflective material can help to make you highly visible, as can a brightly colored leash. If you want to stay safe on a run, make sure you choose a model made out of brightly colored material, which will make you highly visible to other runners, pedestrians, and drivers.
Ease of Use
When you take your dog for a run, you don’t want to deal with a leash that has a belt that’s difficult to adjust. The belt itself should be highly adjustable, should come with a quick-release buckle system, and should also allow you to adjust the length of the leash, in order to ensure that your stride isn’t thrown off due to a leash that’s too short or too long. Some models will offer this type of adjustability, while others will feature a fixed design, which is why it’s recommended that you measure your dog before you buy.
Harness and Collar Compatibility
Most models of leashes will be compatible with traditional harnesses and collars. Most manufacturers recommend using a harness with a hands-free leash since it will give you more control over your dog. This will be important for dog owners with dogs who are not yet leash trained, dogs that are hyperactive, and large breed dogs. Not only will a harness give you more control over your dog as you run or walk, but it can also prevent a serious neck injury that can occur if you don’t notice that your dog has started to slow down and you continue to keep a faster pace.
Final Thoughts
The best dog leashes for running will be highly adjustable, easy to use, and designed to last. The six top-selling leashes I’ve included on my list will do wonders for both you and your dog on your next run. You may notice that you’re running faster, your dog seems happy and more comfortable, and you no longer have to bend slightly over or focus on controlling your arm movements in order to avoid tugging on your dog’s collar. Basically, these hands-free leashes will improve both your performance and your dog’s giving you the ability to do your best, beat your last time, and spend a fun and exciting morning running all over the neighborhood with man’s best friend.
