I live in a neighborhood where you see a lot of walkers/joggers mornings and evenings. Many with dogs. Though we don’t know everyone we always say hi and practice doggie etiquette. Our dogs stay on the leash and do not bark at other dogs or people. This morning while walking Poco a lady jogged past us with her dog. I had never seen this before but she had a hands free leash on her dog. Maybe they’re popular in cities (?) but this was a new one for me. I turned around as she passed us by, her dog in perfect unison to her pace. He was obviously well trained and they made a great running pair. (Poco take note)
Pretty neat whoever came up with this idea! I could see where this would be very useful for Mothers pushing a stroller as well as the joggers. Not sure it would work on little guys like Poco but on medium to large sized dogs it would be great. I have to wonder if it’s hard to train them though?
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Wow, how neat.
I’ve seen this before, but not often.
At the suggestion of one of my favorite dog training books, entitled Mother Knows Best, I once made my own hands-free leash for a pup, but I didn’t really need it with that particular pet, who was not all that independent-minded.
My only problem with runners jogging with their dogs is how insufferable it might be to any dog who might like to stop and sniff, and maybe go to the bathroom.
I realize that some breeds require quite a bit of exercise, and do love to run. But I’ve seen many a Lab crouching and stumbling, desperate to poop or pee, while his clueless Lycra-clad owner blithely strides on. A savvy dog owner might perhaps let Fido do his own thing for the first 10-15 minutes or so.
Laoch – yep I agree.
Cilicious – great point about letting the dog do it’s business. I have seen people do that too and it’s pitiful for the poor dog. I always allow yard time for Poco before I walk him, think he’s shy about ‘going’ in front of other people or dogs.
Shelby always goes in the same places before the walk. And now she’s training the new puppy. But German Sheps really are snuffingly along kind of beasties. So the standard leash works just fine.
Still mighty find picture. Is it yours?
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I came across this post searching for our new product. We make a hand free retractable leash called the Walk-Along at animallovepets.com. Please let us know your thoughts?
That is indeed an interesting concept, however I think the crucial thing here is the dog needs to be well trained because can you imagine if the dog starts running all over the place or suddenly gets into a raging fight with another dog? Boy it’s sure gonna be hard to control the dog with a leash around your waist! I say this because I had a dog who was unfortunately not properly trained, and hence he used to be a nightmare sometimes when we took him out for walks
Elaine, if it wasn’t already obvious to me that you are a thinking, authentic human, this post would have provided all the evidence I needed. You clearly know how to walk your dog (even if Poco doesn’t quite get it yet).
I really appreciate any dog owner who is out for a walk/jog and keeps his/her dog on a leash of any kind merely because others doing the same don’t have to worry about getting chased or nipped by a roving canine. I’m afraid I have been in the latter category.
But to use this hands free method, one must have a dog equal in temperament and intelligence to Lassie; I know it wouldn’t work for my canines (altho I’d probably end up with quite a tiny waist, if I didn’t mind the scrapes, bruises and possible broken bones).
Grandalfe – nope, picture from google. My little Poco is a one year old male, fawn Chihuahua that weighs about 5½ lbs. Plus that picture is an urban setting, where I live looks nothing like that.
Animal_pets – thanks for stopping in. I did check out your site and you have quite a nice one! Thanks for stopping in.
uncannyman - I agree, that was my first thought when I saw this lady, though she had a very well trained dog. Don’t think it would work on all breeds though.
Keli – I agree this method is not for all dog breeds. Personally even if I did have a larger breed which I don’t, I would be afraid of tripping on them or the dog getting in front of me and causing a fall. I’ve only had Poco for one year and last summer he was just a puppy and too tiny to walk on a leash. Then came 5 months of snow. So this summer is really his first summer out walking on a leash. He really is a well behaved little guy, never barking at people. He likes to try to switch sides though which I’m still working on. I think he gets spooked when someone passes us so he tries to move to my other side.
Is it to late to respond to your post?
The Hands Free Leash concept with your dog(s) is a great idea. So good my wife Nikki invented a new style hands free leash. It’s called the Alpha Pac. She invented it when we found out she was pregnant. We have 2 boxer/pits and she wanted a leash she could push a stroller with and walk the dogs. Weust had our first baby, a girl, in June. I am very proud of her. it has taken about a year, manufacturing, patents… but we finally have a very unique, comfortable, and extremely durable hands free leash. I love it. I use it to run with the dogs. It is worn over your shoulders as opposed to the traditional waist models. It provides great balance, and you can easily control the dogs with your upper body and core strength.
One of your responses mentioned dog fights or if your dog is not a good walker. Of course there is a risk of another dog being aggressive with you on a walk, hands free or not that is always a potential problem, the Alpha pac has a quick release that allows the leash or leashes to pop off if you are in trouble, and as far as a behavior problem, I would nor recommend teathering any animal that you do not have control over to your body. hands free is the least of your concerns, trainning should be first.
I am not trying to push this product. I am interested in everyones opinion. We realize you can’t make everyone happy, but those who have tried the leash so far seem to really love it. Here is the site. http://www.thealphapac.com I would love to hear your thoughts.
What an excellent idea, but I have to agree with uncannyman, the dog would have to be exceedingly well trained. That being said, it could also be used as part of the training process.
We have a hands free leash available on our website at http://www.jactrac.ca. It fits snuggly around your hips with the attachment for the leash on the back of the belt at your tailbone, that disconnects and can become a regular leash ifso desired. We designed this out of necessity. We have a 2.5 year old 80 lb male lab that is very exciteable and dominant which made it impossible it impossible for me to walk him because I just didn’t have the arm strength to hold the leash. With the hands free leash around your hips right at your core area, you have strength and stability, and can easily stand your ground. The dog is always in a submissive position because he is either walking beside or behind you, never can he get in front. You can give a quick hip check when unwanted behavior happens. It absolutely works for dogs who have no training, and is much safer than walking with a regular leash. It is really a very quick training tool which helps establish you as pack leader over your dog. We have had great results with this leash.
@Just Jac – I did look at your website before approving your comment and it looks like a great product! This particular post (hands free leash) receives many hits directed from search engines. I hope your link sends some business your way. Good luck!
We have the best hands-free leash – it attaches over the humans shoulder and back for maximum support. It is so convenient – I have 2 pitbulls and a baby and this leash allows for no hassle outings. i love it!
I had a look at this hands free leash. It seem very effective and easy to control the dog without using all the energy.
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