If you are tired of holding your dog’s leash while you try to run, these 15 best dog leashes for running can help out. If you’ve carried a traditional leash, especially with a puller, you already know the concerns about accidentally choking your dog while walking.
There’s also the matter of back strain and potential injuries. With the best dog leash for running, it can provide adequate space for you and your dog to walk (or run) without bumping into each other, too.
Although hands-free dog leashes are excellent for athletes and runners, they’re also useful for active moms carrying their children; seniors who may be concerned about pulling; and dog owners who have forearm tendonitis, arthritis, and arm hyperextension pain.
Before purchasing, make sure to pay attention to the weight requirements. Some owners may not be able to enjoy major perks like the easy bungee pull-back option for lighter dogs while others may be too big for certain hands-free leash features.
Best Dog Leashes For Running
1. Tuff Mutt
If your dog needs more than a couple of walks a day, particularly at night, it is especially important to have reflective stitching on the leash.
Key Features
- Shock-absorbing bungee
- Dual handle (4 feet long)
- Adjustable waist belt (up to 42 inches)
While passing cars may be able to see you—or not, judging from the number of bicyclists who need reflective clothing—they probably won’t be able to see a hip-length, four-legged passenger next to you.
Available in seven color variations, the 4-foot leash can extend as long as 5 feet when pulled forward.
Pros
- Sliding belt clip to avoid twirling around
- Option to choose from hands-free to hands-on
Cons
- Not ideal for dogs under 30 pounds
- Reviewers reported the leash snapped apart and/or the bungee broke
Although this leash is usually covered by a lifetime guarantee, one user reported that since it was purchased on Amazon that it was only covered for 30 days.
2. SparklyPets
SparklyPets
$19.95
This two-in-one hands-free and/or hands-on dog running leash is made to hold your balance, handle abrupt turns, and avoid uncomfortable turns from your fun-loving dog.
Key Features
- Durable belt buckle
- Additional stainless steel clasp for extra support
- Nylon waistband and handle
Made for medium and large dogs, this professional harness has reflective stitches for night walking. Make it easy for both you and your dog to enjoy an evening stroll with assistance from the stainless steel rings and clips.
With the ability to stretch out a little over 5 feet (68 inches exactly), your dog can run in front or beside you. The waist can be as snug or loose as needed, ranging from 28 to 47 inches. When you’re done, use the storage bag to hang the leash on a hook or a door.
Pros
- Weather-resistant material
- Strong, elastic bungee
Cons
- Plastic belt buckles
- Belt only cannot be sold separately
This SparklyPets comes with a money-back guarantee.
3. TaoTronics
TaoTronics
This hands free dog leash for runners has a durable belt buckle on the waist belt (up to 42 inches) for a safe fit. For larger dogs, this is a must to avoid muscle strain and risk of injury.
Key Features
- Suitable for dogs up to 150 pounds
- Dual handle operation
- Available in blue or green designs
Use the built-in waist handle to guide your dog, getting more control of your dog, and preventing a more aggressive dog from lunging out at other dogs. Maybe you won’t need the extra handles for extra control of your dog, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have it.
The strong dual bungee construction keeps you in control of your dog, but the adjustable hands-free dog leash gives your dog the option to stretch more than five feet (67 inches exactly).
Pros
- Dual bungees for shock absorption
- Reflexive stitching for night walking
Cons
- Leash ideal for larger dogs who can actually make the bungee cord move
- No option to shorten the leash other than reclipping
The warranty policy is unclear. Before purchasing this leash, make sure to ask what the immediate and long-term warranty policies are.
4. Pet Dreamland
Pet Dreamland
$44.99
For dog owners of two dogs, you already know what it’s like when they both decide to run in different directions or release themselves at different times. With this dog leash running belt designed for two large dogs, you can enjoy your duo of up to 150 pounds.
There is also a smaller option for dogs up to 35 pounds.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty padded handles
- Available in dark grey and pink, and khaki and orange
- Adjustable leash
This adjustable hands-free leash has an extra metal ring, making it easier to personalize the length of the dog’s reach. If you need to correct the position of one of the two dogs, use the handles on the dual leash. And the reflective stitching on both sides keeps you safe for night walks.
Pros
- Bungee leash absorbs shock
- 360-degree swivel splitter (tangle-free)
Cons
- Does not come with two collars
- One reviewer reported the belt unclipped when the dog pulled
With a one-year, money-back guarantee, this dual leash also comes with 24-hour customer service. Replacements for faulty leashes are also an option within this warranty time period.
6. Paw Lifestyles
If you’ve been brave enough to try to hold your smartphone with one hand and your hyper dog with the other, chances are your phone has gone flying. And hopefully, you had a durable cover to make sure the screen didn’t crack.
But why not just use a smartphone pouch to avoid trying your luck? It even has expandable pouches to fit various sizes.
Key Features
- 2-inch heavy-duty clip for additional safety
- Smartphone pouch
- Available in black and green or black and blue
Suitable for dogs up to 150 pounds, this leash has a dual handle for additional security. Bigger dogs are more likely to need the included bungee waist leash, attached to the 48-inch adjustable waistband.
Pros
- Reflective stitching for night walking
- D-ring to attach objects that are needed for immediate access
Cons
- Must take the belt off each time to access pouches
- Pouch not ideal for larger smartphones; confirm the size with the seller beforehand
This leash is covered by a money-back guarantee, but an extended warranty is not immediately clear. Ask ahead of time.
7. SHINE HAI
If your dog is an early riser who needs to be walked before you have your cup of coffee, this is yet another reason to have a hands-free leash. Once you finish your coffee, recycle the cup of course. Or, jog along with it until you get home. You won’t need to hold the retractable leash, after all.
Key Features
- Dual bungees hold up to 150 pounds
- Suitable to control two dogs
- Heavy-duty belt buckle
Durability is key with this particular leash, with the help of strong cross-stitching and heavy-duty clasps. Although you should be able to walk easily with this leash, there are built-in handles to guide your dog should you need to.
Without pulling your dog back, she can go almost 7 feet (82 inches exactly).
Pros
- Adjustable waist belt (24 inches to 43 inches)
- Reflective stitching for night walking
Cons
- One reviewer reported the leash to be “heavy”
- One reviewer felt it was not ideal for dogs under 10 pounds; another owner with a 50-plus pound dog frowned on it due to the buckle breaking
The warranty policy is unclear. Before purchasing this equipment, make sure to ask what the immediate and long-term warranty policies are.
8. YOUTHINK
In addition to the leash with strong, dual bungees, this comes with a collapsible water dish for your dog to get a slurp when needed. This will come in handy for humid regions or particularly hot days.
You can carry an emergency bottle of water in the training treat pouch or just luck up on the first house or apartment with an available water nozzle.
Key Features
- Durable shock bungee (up to 150 pounds)
- Training treat pouch
- Dual built-in handles
This dog leash set comes with a sturdy belt buckle, reflective stitching for safe night strolls, an easy-glide belt clip, and a metal clip to carry objects. Adjust the waist belt as needed, from 26 inches to 48 inches.
You can use this leash to attach two dogs without needing to buy another coupler. The two handle accessories help you maintain control of your dogs, with help from the sturdy, double handles.
Use the dual handle in nine different ways—normal lead, double leash, short leash, training bungee, or running leash.
Pros
- Padded buffer cushion (on the belt)
- Reflective design for night visibility
Cons
- One reviewer challenged the belt size, stating it is 38 inches
- Several users reported the leash broke within the first few walks
The warranty policy is unclear. Before purchasing this equipment, make sure to ask what the immediate and long-term warranty policies are.
9. QFKR
If you’ve ever had a running leash for dogs before and it accidentally fell off, you’ll appreciate the safety lock on this one. Not only will it help you avoid unclipping it without intending to, but it’ll also help avoid those frightening moments when a dog may pull too hard and get loose.
Key Features
- Poop bag holder
- Strong bungee leash
- 51-inch leash
The hands-free option on this waist-wearing belt not only reduces shoulder and back discomfort. It can also adjust for various walkers, which comes in handy for multiple family members who all walk the dog.
Pros
- Reflective stitching for night walking
- Adjustable waist belt (34 inches to 48 inches)
Cons
- Reviewer reported the leash snapped
- One reviewer said it took a little bit to get used to transitioning to a hand-held leash
There is a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee for the first 30 days.
10. BAAPET
BAAPET
$8.89
Available in 12 options, this heavy duty leash has the strongest ½-inch diameter rock climbing rope. If it’s suitable for climbing, chances are it’s good enough for you.
Key Features
- ½-inch diameter leash
- 5 feet with handle and hook
- Soft padded handle
The durable clip hook can be used to control medium and large dogs. The padded handles make this 5-foot leash easy to hold as you run or walk. It also helps you avoid those burn marks that happen from holding a leash too tight, especially for dogs that pull.
This 360-degree tangle-free, swivel-heavy clasp resolves all of your twirling problems. If the dog circles behind you or in front of you, you can stay in place.
Pros
- Double reflective threads
- No rope burns
Cons
- One reviewer reported the clasp has a strong initial order
- Another reviewer reported that the glue on the rope is visible and black, plastic clips broke off
Although the leash is advertised with a 100 percent, money-back guarantee, the extended warranty is unclear.
11. TAKE YANKEE
If you or your dogs are night owls, these red and bright green options help make you obvious to passersby on bikes and drivers, too. The kit, which is designed for two dogs, can be used as a hands-free leash, a basic leash, a traffic leash, a bike leash, a tree leash, a shoulder leash, a double leash and/or a running leash.
Key Features
- Double leash set
- Adjustable waist belt (26 inches to 51 inches)
- Strong bungee leash (extends up to 63 inches)
This four-in-one hands-free leash has a poop bag dispenser (one roll included), storage bag, neoprene waist belt, and shock-absorbing bungee leash. With double stitching and an easy-grip handle, this hands-free dog leash makes it easy for your dog to walk freely and pull her in when needed.
The additional D-ring can be used to hold keys or other lightweight items that need immediate access.
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- Reflective leash for night vision
Cons
- Several reviewers reported the metal clip broke
- Heavier dog (Siberian Husky) broke the ring that connects the collar to the leash
The warranty policy is unclear. Before purchasing this equipment, make sure to ask what the immediate and long-term warranty policies are.
12. Pecute
Depending on how often your dog needs to be walked, there will come a time for some walkers to ditch the purse or book bag and find a more compact way to travel. While ID and keys are the essentials, sometimes you may want to bring a water bottle, dog treats, money, etc.
Pack this multi-pocket bag and hit the road.
Key Features
- High-strength spring rope
- Dual handle
- Waist belt (24 inches to 48 inches)
This hands-free dog leash can support up to 220 pounds, along with you comfortably juggling smartphones, water bottles, and more. The easy-grip control handle and its bungee cord create a smooth dog walking experience.
Pros
- Wide, mesh, breathable waistband
- Long enough to stretch more than 8 feet (98.4 inches exactly)
Cons
- 33-inch reviewer reported the belt was too loose (fanny pack bounces up and down)
- May not be ideal for owners who don’t want their dog to have this much leeway (8 feet)
The warranty policy is unclear. Before purchasing this equipment, make sure to ask what the immediate and long-term warranty policies are.
13. JC HOUSE
This leash gives you the option to use it in multiple ways: basic leash, medium leash, or long leash. Or, opt for the double leash, shoulder leash, or the hands-free leash.
Key Features
- Available in two shades of orange or green
- Leash length range (53 inches, 70 inches, 87 inches)
- Heavy-duty rope
This 1.3-inch ultra width design has fast colors, making it bright enough to be eye-catching for night view, in addition to the reflective threading. The 360-degree swivel clasp design makes your walk much smoother. When your dog turns, you don’t have to.
And it’s sturdy enough to withstand the force of up to 480 pounds. The heavy-duty alloy clasp is easy to operate without snapping. And you can use the metal D-ring to hook a dog poop dispenser.
Pros
- Easy wash for premium webbing material
- Shrink resistant
Cons
- May be too long for a smaller dog
- Must be OK with print saying “The army is approaching” on the leash
The warranty policy is unclear. Before purchasing this equipment, make sure to ask what the immediate and long-term warranty policies are.
14. YOUTHINK Phone Pocket
Ideal for larger dogs, the three reinforced cross stitching sewing and anti-tear nylon makes it much easier to control them versus more flimsy leashes that claim to be able to control dogs of the same size.
Key Features
- Shock absorbing bungee leash (up to 180 pounds)
- Waist belt (18 inches to 46 inches)
- Zippered pocket in the pouch
Walk your dog with your accessories (phone pocket, 3.5-inch water bottle holder) at reaching distance. And unlike using traditional leashes, you won’t have to worry about big jolts while drinking water or operating your phone.
The 360-degree metal swivel clasp gives your dog and you more freedom to move while walking, including at night with the reflective threading to keep you and your pet in sight. Use the pockets for easy-access items and the metal D-ring for keys and other looped items.
The breathable fabric and antimicrobial properties make this pouch more comfortable during humid days.
Pros
- Bonus waste bag dispenser
- Velcro belt adjusts from 18 inches to 46 inches
Cons
- May not be ideal for all dog sizes
- Some smartphones may not fit into a zippered pocket
The warranty policy is unclear. Before purchasing this equipment, make sure to ask what the immediate and long-term warranty policies are.
15. EzyDog HANDY
EzyDog HANDY
If you’ve ever had whips and marks all over your hands while walking a dog, specifically a dog that is a puller, you know why hands-free glove leashes make so much sense. As you do with any other form of exercise, you may want to leave the jewelry at home to avoid potentially damaging your rings for a snugger-fitting glove.
Key Features
- Adjustable leash (36 inches to 48 inches)
- Ezydog soft-touch webbing
- Neoprene glove-style handle
Available in black and red, this fully adjustable hands-free leash is comfortable with better control than a traditional leash. The patented zero shock technology helps to reduce strain between a pulling dog and an owner.
Although there may be some users whose hands are too big for the glove, the manufacturer advertises it as being able to fit the hands of all types.
Pros
- Reflective stitching for better night views
- Shock-absorbing technology
Cons
- May not be ideal for people with hand arthritis
- May require an alternative for those with hand injuries
The warranty policy is unclear. Before purchasing this leash, make sure to ask what the immediate and long-term warranty policies are.
15. LANNEY
You can use this anti-tear nylon option as a hands-free dog leash for runners. Or, for heavier dogs who may be a bit spontaneous around other dogs, use the dual handle to pull your dog back without sliding or stumbling around him.
The bungee cord also has enough tension to notify your dog when he’s gone too far.
Key Features
- Pull force from dog up to 150 pounds
- Dual handle
- Waist belt: 34 inches to 46 inches
If you really want to go hands-free, enjoy the extra pocket fanny pack (or zipper pouch) on the ergonomic waist belt. It has a sliding 360-degree O-ring so your dog can move around you instead of the usual “Ring Around the Rosie” dance he does while you walk.
There’s also a 1.1-inch wide band for comfortable wear. Inside of the two pockets of the pouch, add the ID, your smartphone, waste bags, and other necessities. Loop your earphones through the dispenser hole or use this option for waste bags.
Pros
- Soft neoprene pads for comfort
- Extra D-ring for small accessories or keys
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Bungee cord does not actually stretch back and forth, just pulls back once
Although the long-term warranty policy for this leash is unclear, initially there is an option for a new replacement or full refund if this is not what you’re looking for.
Bottom Line
Families of all types may find dog leashes for running or even swiftly walking, come in handy. However convenient and fun as these dog leashes may be, keep in mind that they should not be operated by children. More often than not, the waist belt on a child will be even with the dog’s body.
And even older/taller children should still be able to handle the dog with the leash first before trying a hands-free option (if at all). Although the belt can ideally be used without consistently holding the leash, these running leashes are intended for dog walkers who can do both.
It is highly recommended to keep this leash out of a child’s grasp to avoid it being treated like a toy or used without parental supervision. Additionally, walking your dog with a leash is an effective way to figure out what does and does not trigger your dog. Some dogs love to jump on people.
Others have no interest in people but will become frantic around other dogs. And still, other dogs are aggressive around other animals (ex. squirrels, rabbits, skunks, etc.). Know what triggers your dog so you’re prepared to control your dog’s sudden jolts, jumps, or even nervous reactions before moving onto anything new.
It will save both you and your dog a lot of surprises later from either of you pulling the other.
The Review
Best Dog Leashes For Running
Read through our review of the best dog leashes for running to find the product that is most suitable for you and your dog's needs.
Review Breakdown
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Tuff Mutt
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SparklyPets
-
TaoTronics
-
Pet Dreamland
-
Paw Lifestyles
-
SHINE HAI
-
YOUTHINK
-
QFKR
-
BAAPET
-
TAKE YANKEE
-
Pecute
-
JC HOUSE
-
YOUTHINK Phone Pocket
-
EzyDog HANDY
-
LANNEY
Best Dog Leashes For Running DEALS
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