Here Are the Best Dog Running Leashes to Keep Up With Your Pup

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Nothing beats a leisurely walk with your dog—and, of course, the benefits of walking are numerous. But have you tried running with your dog? There’s something invigorating about it. If you do want to kick your regular walks up a notch, you’ll need a leash that is ready to run with you. Enter: the best dog running leashes.

Running is a great way to get your heart pumping and your energy boosting, and going for a trot with your furry best friend can make the workout that much more fun. Whether you’re a seasoned dog running pro or a new pet owner ready for a dash around the block, finding the perfect running leash may be the difference between a leisurely jog and getting pulled by your running mate around the neighborhood. From hands-free options to tethers that offer extra storage to ones that work for multiple furry friends, there’s a pick on this list that is sure to keep up with you and your pup.

Our top picks

Ready to gear up for a run? Find all of our pet owner-approved picks below.

6 in 1 Hands Free Dog Leash

This running leash wins the award for versatility by a mile. This adjustable carabiner allows you to transform this leash into 6 different styles: 3 ft training leash, standard 6 ft leash, hands-free around the shoulder, hands-free around the waist, stationary tether, and even a two-dog leash. One dog-walking reviewer says “I have one for my dog and two that I use for my dog walking business. These leashes give me so many options on how to use them and stand up really well to dogs of all sizes.” Bonus: It has reflective trim, for those who prefer to run with their pups at night.

Hands Free Dog Leash for Medium and Large Dog

With over 15,000 positive ratings on Amazon, this pick from SparklyPets is the best bang for your buck if you’re on a budget. This hands-free leash has all the features you’d need for a stronger, bigger dog (like a bungee leash and dual handles for control), and is able to convert to a hand-held leash if necessary. One happy Amazon customer writes “I’ve got a 90 lb Saint Berdoodle. When she pulls it feels like my arm is wrenching out of my socket. This waist leash has been an absolute lifesaver. Being able to put my full weight against her pulls has really helped. It’s also helped in training her as my hands are free for treats!”

4 FT Heavy Duty Dog Leash

If the hands-free feature is not a necessity for you and you like the control that a traditional hand-held leash provides, this one is a great option for your jogs with your pup. Allie Early, Prevention’s digital director, says this pick “has a little bit of give, so you don’t get rocket-launched if they dart a bit!” It also features two handles for more of a grip if needed. Plus, it comes in three sizes and several fun colorways!

PET KZJBELT-03 Jogging Belt and Hands Free Dog Leash

If you can’t go on a run without your daily essentials, you need a running leash with great storage, like this one by Kruz. Its two storage compartments are big enough to hold your phone, keys, earbuds, doggy bags , and plenty of room for treats for your furry friend. It also features a water bottle holder, so you can truly go hands-free on your run! One reviewer writes “I used to carry a bag to carry my water bottle, baby wipes, cell phone and keys. But this belt fits all. It just makes every single sense.”

Double Dog Leash for Large Dogs

If you have more than one dog and want to knockout your workouts with multiple pups simultaneously, look no further. This pick is a great option that offers two harnesses for two different dogs, plus a 360-degree swivel splitter designed to keep the two leashes from tangling up. It’s available in multiple colors and styles specific to smaller or larger dogs, so you can find the perfect fit for you and your pups. One happy Amazon customer writes, “I have two Border Collies that do some mild pulling if there is another animal around they believe they need to herd. This has held up so far and the stitching seems to be well done. Loving it so far!”

Hands Free Dog Leash

If your pup is large enough to drag you for miles on your run, you need a bungee leash to help absorb some of that pull. This pick from Tuff Mutt has a bungee leash that stretches 5 feet, giving your dog some room to roam without pulling you in all directions. It also features two handles when you need more direct control of your larger pup. One satisfied reviewer writes “My only regret is not buying this sooner. It’s comfortable and works how it should. Perfect for my 55 lbs. Goldendoodle who was a puller on walks. Easy to adjust and just the right length. Would recommend.”

Zee.Dog Gotham Hands-Free Dog Leash

If you aren’t as worried about your pup pulling you across the trail on your runs, this pick from Rover is a more versatile option that allows you to wear the leash around your waist or crossbody. The E.zee lock adjustment buckle makes it simple to switch the way you wear it—and you can even use it as a regular dog leash too. This leash is adjustable from 3’ 3/4’’ to 7’ 10’’ and available in three different colorways. One happy Rover customer writes “As someone that takes me dog everywhere, it’s really nice to be able to super easily transition to wrapping it around my waist to quickly check out at the store, use the ATM, or for when I’m deep in emails I can walk the dog and use both hands. 10/10”

How to choose the best dog running leash

Consider the size of your furry friend: Do you have a terrier or a labrador? Hint: The right leash for one won’t be the same for the other. If you have a larger dog, particularly one who likes to dart off the trail, it might be in your best interest to invest in a leash with a bungee feature or with two handles for more control. On the other hand, if you can carry your pup with ease, you needn’t worry about getting all the heavy duty features.

Choose comfort: If you’re using a hands-free leash, consider the fit of the leash on your waistband. These leashes vary in accommodating sizes, but it may take some trial and error to find the right one that is comfortable around your body and doesn’t slip off or cause any chafing. Additionally, you want to ensure that the leash and collar aren’t too big or too small for your pup’s neck, for their comfortability and safety.

Think about special features: Many running leashes, including several on our list, will include additional features that you may want to keep in mind when purchasing. Some come with extra storage, a water bottle holder, transitional leash lengths, harnesses, and even reflective trim for late-night jogs.

How we chose the best dog running leashes

We consulted our own pet-owning editors for their recommendation. We also pored over countless online reviews written by verified customers to ensure our selections were the best options for every kind of dog owner.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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