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Hands-free dog leashes offer a convenient way to run and hike with your dog. They also make everyday outings a lot easier, whether you need to grab a phone call, take a swig of water, or pick up your dog’s poop without hassle. But how do hands-free dog leashes actually perform in the wild, and which ones are better than others?
We spoke to Michelle Reindal, CPDT-KA, professional dog trainer and owner of The Paid Pup, about what to look for in hands-free dog leashes. With her expert insight, we’ve rounded up the best leashes for hands-free hikes, runs, and casual walks with your dog.
Best for Pullers: Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash (Verified Review)
According to Reindal, larger dogs prone to pulling can throw off your center of gravity on a hands-free leash and cause you to fall. That’s why teaching loose leash skills and using quality equipment when going hands-free is important. “Good quality hands-free leashes will have a bungee attached,” she says. “This provides a little extra flexibility and shock absorption if the dog hits the end of the lead quickly.”
Topping our list, the Tuff Mutt hands-free leash spans four feet, with a strong bungee taking up a significant portion of the length. We tested this one ourselves with the help of Big Boy, a muscular 65-pound Staffordshire Terrier. Along with the protection of the bungee, a couple of other things stood out. First, we loved the two traffic handles, which were helpful when moving Big Boy past other dogs. Secondly, we appreciated the flexibility of the sliding belt clip, which lets him move back and forth freely without tripping everyone up.
What We Like:
- Four feet but stretches to five when the bungee is fully extended
- Waistband measures up to 48 inches
- Shock-absorbing bungee leash
- Includes two traffic handles
- Sliding belt clip lets your dog move side to side
To Consider:
- It may be too heavy for smaller dogs
Best with Storage: iYoShop Hands-Free Dog Leash
“Hands-free leashes can be great for guardians who jog or walk long distances and whose dogs already walk or jog well on a leash,” says Reindal. If you’re still working on leash skills with your dog, start slowly, increase your distance, and reinforce what you like to see. That’s where a built-in treat pouch can come in handy.
This hands-free dog leash by iYoShop features a detachable zipper pouch perfect for carrying training treats and other essential items like your phone or keys. Measuring 6.8 inches x 4 inches, the pouch has one large pocket and a clip for a poop bag dispenser. Double bungees help absorb the pressure of pulling as you and your dog learn how to walk, jog, or run together. And, like the Tuff Mutt above, the iYoShop leash has two padded traffic handles.
This hands-free leash is available in two sizes, with both extending 51 to 68 inches in length. The medium has a width of 3/4 inch and suits small dogs up to 25 pounds, while the large has a one-inch width and accommodates big dogs up to 120 pounds.
What We Like:
- Two sizes: medium and large that extend 68 inches
- Adjustable waist belt: 27-inch minimum and 48-inch maximum
- Features a detachable zipper pouch
- Double bungees and traffic handles
To Consider:
- While the large size fits extra-large dogs, there is no waistbelt padding for extra back protection
Best Waterproof: Fable Magic Link (Verified Review)
Waterproof dog leashes can make rainy, muddy, and snowy romps much more enjoyable—especially when your hands can stay warm and dry in your pockets.
We tested out the Fable Magic Link and found it to be one of the best waterproof leashes around. It repels water and is mold- and odor-proof to boot. The Magic Link can be worn in several hands-free fashions, like around the waist and wrist or across the body. It can also be used as a slip-lead, acting as a collar and leash in one—a handy safety tool to have around, especially in off-leash situations.
The Magic Link comes in two sizes: one with a width of six millimeters in diameter and a maximum length of 70 inches and the other with a width of 10 millimeters in diameter and a total length of 80 inches.
What We Like:
- XS/S size measures 40 to 70 inches, M/L measures 45 to 80 inches
- Adjust the length around your waist, wrist, or body
- Water-, odor-, and mold-proof leash
- Can hold up to 350 pounds of pull force
To Consider:
- Doesn’t have the same give as traditional nylon or rope hands-free leashes
Best Multi-Purpose: Kurgo Quantum 6-in-1 Dog Leash (Verified Review)
Like the Fable Magic Link above, this leash by Kurgo offers different configurations—six to be exact—for a wide variety of uses. They include a three-foot training leash, a six-foot standard leash, and hands-free options around the waist or crossbody.
Big Boy and his human also tested this leash and liked it best for hiking since it’s highly reflective and lightweight. However, they noted that the “courier” crossbody option might not work for all body types as it makes the leash quite short.
For those needing to keep their dog close, this leash comes in one size and extends up to 72 inches.
What We Like:
- Adjusts from 48 to 72 inches in length
- Versatile six-in-one hands-free leash
- Highly reflective and lightweight for low-light running and hiking
- Custom steel carabiner is also a bottle opener
To Consider:
- Crossbody configuration might be too short for some handlers
Best for Two Dogs: Pet Dreamland Hands-Free Double Dog Leash
If you have a multi-dog household, walking both dogs simultaneously can be a handful—unless, of course, you can keep your hands free. This double dog leash by Pet Dreamland has a 360-degree swivel splinter that gives each pup enough room to do their own thing without getting tangled up in each other. Triple traffic handles help you move the dogs together or individually when needed. The entire contraption is basically made of bungee cords, helping to protect everyone involved from injuries.
This leash comes in two versions. One suits two large dogs up to 150 pounds each, while the other works for two smaller dogs up to 35 pounds each.
What We Like:
- Both leashes extend 43 to 55 inches
- Waist belt can extend from 27 to 48 inches
- No-tangle 360-degree swivel
- Triple traffic handles and extra shock-absorbing bungee cords
To Consider:
- Not advised to walk a small and large dog together on this leash
Best for Night: Zee Dog Hands-Free Leash
Visibility is a must for pet parents walking their dogs in dark or low-light conditions. Zee Dog has two hands-free leashes for night walks. The Glo comes in a bright fluorescent neon green color that’s easy to spot, while the Nox has reflective material woven throughout the entire length of the leash.
Each version features a slidable lock, so you can adjust the length to your preference, wearing it on your waist, shoulder, or as a traditional leash. The length is also on the longer side for hands-free leashes, extending out to almost eight feet. However, there is no bungee cord on this one, making it a better option for dogs with good leash skills. Reindal also recommends that pet parents understand how their dog reacts to outside distractions—like critters, dogs, people, and noises—before going hands-free, especially when walking their dog in the dark.
What We Like:
- Adjusts from 46.8 to 94.4 inches
- Can be worn around the waist or shoulder
- Comes in a bright fluorescent or reflective version for visibility
- Slider makes it easy to make adjustments
To Consider:
- Does not have a shock-absorbing bungee cord
Best for Hiking: Ruffwear Hitch Hiker (Verified Review)
Having a longer leash for hikes can help prevent pulling by giving your dog extra room to explore. Extending out to 12 feet at full stretch, the Ruffwear Hitch Hiker is the longest hands-free leash on our list—though a handy locking mechanism can shorten the length to your preference. The waistband can also be used as a tie-out, securing the sturdy rope leash to a tree or post.
In our testing, we loved the lightweight and compact design that made it work well for hiking, camping, and other outdoor romps with our small to medium-sized dogs. There’s no stretchy bungee portion to this leash, though. And pet parents with power pullers will want an option with more cushion around the belt.
What We Like:
- Rope-style leash extends to 12 feet
- Waist belt can adjust to 49-inches in length
- Stow bag keeps unused leash length contained
- The waistband doubles as a tie-out
To Consider:
- No bungee cord or padded waist belt
Best for Running: Ruffwear Trail Runner Dog Leash
For pet parents who want to run with their dogs, Reindal strongly advises that they first check to see if their dog even enjoys it. “Most dogs prefer to stop and sniff on their outings, but there are a few breeds that may thrive with regular runs,” she says.
If you have a dog who lives for their runs (we see you, Cattle Dogs), then the right gear can elevate your experience. Making our list again, Ruffwear has a running leash and belt combo that helps absorb shocks for more comfortable jaunts with your best friend.
Offering a bounce-free fit, the Trail Runner Running Belt is lightly padded and lays flat around the waist. It pairs best with the Trail Runner Leash, which has trademarked webbing for shock absorbency and smoother runs. Its compact design can also easily fit into your pocket when it’s safe (and appropriate) to let your dog run off-leash. Available in one size, this leash extends to nearly six feet.
What We Like:
- Length adjusts from 39.6 to 70.8 inches
- Pairs well with the Ruffwear training belt for added protection
- Webbed and shock-absorbent
- Compact design fits into pocket
To Consider:
- The Crux Clip tightly secures leash to harness but can be hard to unbuckle
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with expert trainers. We prioritized hands-free leashes that are supportive, strong, and comfortable. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.