In our guide, we’ll take a look at the most popular and well-loved running leashes, and break down the difference between styles and features. Our buyer’s guide will take the guesswork out of choosing a running leash, and hopefully inspire you to lace up those shoes and get in some high-impact activity with man’s best friend.
Best Dog Leashes For Running
Here are our running dog leash reviews.
1. SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash
The Hands-Free Dog Leash from SparklyPets allows you to keep control of your dog while running, jogging, or even pushing a stroller. The dual stainless steel security clasps keep the belt securely latched and prevent all the tension from resting on the buckle. The belt comfortably fits waist sizes from 28 to 47 inches.
- Reflective elements in the stitching help provide extra safety in low light conditions
- Elastic bungee leash allows plenty of room for your dog to safely wander, up to 68”
- Dual handles give extra control when needed, like street crossings
2. Tuff Mutt Hands Free Dog Leash for Running
The Tuff Mutt Hands Free Dog Leash provides control over your dog while maintaining free and active movement. It is ideal for dogs between 30 and 120 pounds, as dogs under 30 pounds may find it difficult to extend the bungee. The comfortable belt allows you to keep the optimal running posture while maintaining control of your dog up to 5 feet away.
- Gliding belt clip slides along the belt, allowing your dog to easily change between running in front or on either side
- Four-foot leash bungee extends to five feet
- Luminous reflective stitching runs the entire length of the leash
3. Mighty Paw Hands Free Dog Leash
The Hands Free Dog Leash from Mighty Paw is a great option for reducing injury risk and fatigue while running with your companion. This leash has a unique formula designed to dissipate quick or jarring forces. It is available in both a 36” and a 48” bungee length.
- Constructed from an entirely weatherproof material
- Easily flexible bungee extends a full 16 inches
- Bungee attaches to a D ring that rotates freely around the belt for unrestricted movement
4. TaoTronics Retractable Hands Free Dog Leash
The TaoTronics Retractable Hands Free Dog Leash offers a high degree of flexibility and unique design. It is suitable for all dogs up to a maximum of 150 pounds. The adjustable bungee leash can extend up to 67”.
- Unique leash configuration allows you to walk multiple dogs at different leash lengths
- Dual control handles provide a handle mid-bungee and a collar handle, for increased control
- Great fit for dogs of all sizes
5. Paw Lifestyles Retractable Hands Free Dog Leash
The Retractable Hands Free Dog Leash from Paw Lifestyles is a versatile and durable running leash. It is constructed from weather-resistant nylon, and fits waist sizes up to 48”. The belt has built-in pouches for storing anything you may need on your adventures.
- Dual expandable pouches provide storage for your smartphone, keys, wallet, and more
- Second D ring for clicker, waste bags, or a second leash
- Bungee extends fro 48” to a whopping 70”
Dog Running Leash Buyer’s Guide
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a leash to fit your active lifestyle.
Number and Size of Dogs
Running leashes vary in their abilities. Some leashes are designed to hold either one or two dogs, while others have a main leash attachment along with a secondary D ring. This secondary ring can be used for a second stationary leash, or helpful accessories like a clip-on light, dog waste bags, or a treat bag. In addition to the number of dogs the leash can accommodate, it is important to pay attention to the weight limitations of each.
Owing to the bungee style of nearly all running leashes, some are unable to accommodate small dogs since they do not have the needed body weight to stretch the bungee and make use of the extension capabilities. Most running leashes have a top-end weight limit of 120 to 150 pounds, so trying to use them with extremely large or muscular breeds may lead to leash damage, or possibly even injury to the owner, should the dog lunge or charge while attached.
Other Accessories
Going on an adventure with your dog, whether it is a quick run or jog on a paved path or a run on a trail, nearly always necessitates bringing along a few items for the journey. Most of us will end up bringing along a cell phone, be it for step tracking, GPS run recording, music, or just for emergencies. Then there are things we just don’t feel comfortable leaving anywhere else, like our wallet or car keys. Lastly, there are the extra items we need for our dogs, like treats or waste bags. Some running leashes offer storage options for some or all of these items. There are leash options that have extra D rings to facilitate clipping some of these items to your waist, and there are leashes that offer multiple, large pouches to store all of these items and more behind a secure zipper.
Activity Location
Another factor you may need to consider when choosing a running leash is where you will be using it primarily. For runners in more urban areas, the ideal options will likely have more methods of controlling your dog or dogs. When running in less populated areas, rural settings, or even wilderness runs or hikes, the better-suited leashes will have longer bungees, to let your dog have a little more room to roam while being active.
Dog Running Leash Review Conclusion
We sincerely hope that this guide has helped you to decide what is important in your choice of running leash. Once you’ve accounted for what features you need and taken a look at the best options out there, you will be fully equipped to make an educated choice and invest in a running leash that will let you hit the pavement or trails with your furry friend with confidence.
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