The Best Hands-Free Dog Leashes for Multitasking Pet Owners
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Hands-free dog leashes are designed to make human lives easier. By freeing up our hands, we can chat on the phone, go for a run or sip our coffee—things that are harder to manage with say, a retractable dog leash. Of course, a hands-free leash doesn’t mean ignoring your dog completely. Wearing a hands-free leash around your waist or across your body still means being in tune with your dog’s movements. Hands-free leashes are ideal for dog-human pairings who trust each other and aren’t at risk of pulling each other over. Overall, our favorite is the Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash ($25) because even if your dog does pull, there’s shock absorption to keep you both safe.
The Best Hands-Free Dog Leashes at a Glance
Meet the Experts
How We Chose the Best Hands-Free Dog Leashes
We asked our experts what to look for in a hands-free dog leash (more on that below) and took all of their advice into consideration when choosing the best options, as well as the length of the leashes, the materials used and how versatile the product is. We also considered price and user reviews, as well as our own experiences taking our dogs out and about.
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1. Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash
Chewy
For an all-around terrific hands-free leash, go with the Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash. We love that it includes two built-in handles in case you need to reign in your pup in a pinch. The bungee is meant to absorb any shock if your dog jerks suddenly. Adjust the waist belt between 26 and 48 inches to fit your body snugly, without being too tight. On this model, the leash clip moves as your dog moves, gliding along the waist belt. The manufacturer says this leash is built for dogs between 25 and 110 pounds (which covers a wide range of breeds). With hundreds of 5-star reviews on Chewy, this leash is a game-changer. One reviewer says after using it with a dog she watched who was a habitual puller, she bought one for all her other canine clients.
2. PetSafe Nylon Hands-Free Running Dog Leash
Chewy
Pet parents on a budget should consider this option from PetSafe. Its simple design consists of a waist belt and a leash—that’s it! The leash attaches to a specific spot on the belt, which means the leash doesn’t glide along the belt as your dog moves (which could make it tricky for pups who like to zig zag on walks). Reviews say this still allows for easy movement while out walking. Though the manufacturer says the waist belt expands up to 53 inches, a few reviews say they can’t get the belt to expand this much. Similarly, this hands-free leash is recommended for small breeds.
3. Fable Pets Magic Leash
Fable Pets
Fable Pets has long led the charge in stylish pet accessories and their Magic Leash is no exception. This industrial strength hands-free leash can be worn around the shoulder or waist (or wrist if you want) and is very easy to clean (just wipe it down). The Magic Leash is available in five chic colors and two lengths; the 60-inch version is designed for dogs under 20 pounds and the 70-inch version for any breed over 20 pounds. Large dog breed parents will love to hear this leash is strength tested and can withstand up to 350 pounds of pull force. In fact, one reviewer noted, “We are currently training our reactive dog…It’s been an absolute godsend and makes me feel very secure and less anxious. We had a situation where my dog broke away from the single leash that was around my wrist and ran into the road - the cross body design has given me so much confidence that it won’t happen again. Can’t recommend enough!”
4. Awoo Infinity Standard Dog Leash
Chewy
If your dog gets finicky about walks, or you need something more versatile than a hands-free-only leash, go with the Awoo Infinity Standard Dog Leash. With a few simple maneuvers, this single leash can become 10 different leashes or tethers, depending on what you need. Most notably, it can be worn as a hands-free crossbody or waist belt leash. You can even walk two dogs without adding an extra attachment! The only drawback we see is that if this thing gets dirty, you’ve got to put it in a mesh washing bag and into the washing machine to clean it up.
5. Kurgo 6-in-1 Hands-Free Dog Leash
Amazon
Outdoor adventures often call for more durable dog equipment, which is why we love this hands-free leash from Kurgo. It’s made with durable reflective nylon webbing and a steel carabiner that allows for six unique styles (including a short training leash, long standard leash and a hands-free waist or crossbody leash). This means you can adjust on the go as needed. There’s also a bottle opener in the carabiner, which is just fun. All nine colorways come with a lifetime guarantee from Kurgo. With over 2,000 five-star ratings, this hands-free leash is a sure bet.
6. EzyDog Road Runner Dog Leash
Chewy
Runners rejoice! You can perfect your form without gripping a leash the entire time you’re out training. The manufacturer says the product’s Zero Shock Technology reduces strain so you can jog naturally without overcorrecting for your dog. Wear it as a crossbody hands-free leash or around your waist (or on your wrist if you prefer). One reviewer says, “While the leash itself is a little on the longer side, the traffic control handle allows for you to pull your pup in closer as needed. Otherwise, I think the length is perfect while running.” Other reviewers note the length of the leash depends on your waist adjustment, as the waist belt is included in the 7-foot length. Finally, there’s a D-ring so you can clip any accessories you need onto the leash (poop bag holder, car keys, etc.).
7. iYoShop Hands Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch
Amazon
The whole point of a hands-free leash is to, well, free up your hands. Choosing one with built-in storage makes that objective even easier. This leash from iYoShop comes with a zippered pouch to store your essentials, like a phone, keys or lip balm. You can even outfit it with poop bags as there’s a built-in dispenser. The pouch is removable if you decide you don’t want it one day. Beyond the storage, we love that this leash has two padded handles in case you need to get a quick grip on your dog’s movement. Its bungee feature absorbs shock from sudden jerks and the lead glides around the waist belt as your dog moves, so pup can seamlessly move from one side to another. There are more than 12,000 five-star reviews of this thing from dog parents who’ve had great success with it.
The Benefits of Using a Hands-Free Dog Leash
The most obvious benefit for a hands-free dog leash is that humans walking their dogs can multitask. Nicole Ellis, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with Rover, says pet parents who love going everywhere with their dogs, including running errands, can use a hands-free dog leash to be able to hold coffee, groceries and phones while still being attached to their pups.
“Some hands-free leashes attach to the waist (or below the waist), which also may give pet parents more control over stronger dogs, as you can use your whole body as the center of gravity,” Ellis says.
Are There Any Cons to Using a Hands-Free Dog Leash?
Large breeds who are strong-willed may not be a great fit for hands-free leashes, especially if their humans are on the tiny side. Basically, if you’re worried your dog could pull you over, Ellis recommends sticking to handheld leashes. A tumble could harm you and your dog, so let’s avoid that at all costs.
Ellis also notes that puppies who haven’t been leash trained may need some extra help learning to walk attached to a hands-free leash. “If the dog isn't trained to walk on a leash, they may zig zag around you,” she says. “This could potentially be a tripping hazard.”
What to Look for in a Hands-Free Leash
As with any leash, you’ll want to find one that is an appropriate length for your particular dog. A hands-free leash should be long enough to fit around you comfortably and reach your dog with a little slack. Neither of you should be yanking the other as you walk.
It’s also important to choose a hands-free leash that is adjustable or has multiple connection points. “You want to ensure the leash is not going to fall and trip you,” Ellis says. “There are many styles from crossbody to around your waist. I always look for ones with metal clips that are strength tested.”
Dog parents who spend lots of time outdoors should also look for durable material like PVC coated webbing or biothane. Ellis says these materials are easy to wash and won’t hang onto nasty smells.
“Look for leashes that give you the opportunity to style how you want to wear them, such as cross-body or around your waist,” says Jeremy Canade, co-founder and CEO of Fable Pets. “Also, pay close attention to the quality and construction of the clip that attaches to the collar or harness.” Canade has seen his fair share of dogs getting loose and warns faulty clips are to blame.
