Does the Type of Lead You Use Really Matter?
If you want to choose the best dog lead for running, just any old lead will not do the trick. You want something that will be comfortable for both you and the dog. The thing is, not everyone wants to try to hold onto a traditional dog leash while we are trying to run. Dog leads are made from a variety of materials and come in different styles and lengths, including hands-free styles.
Most dogs love to go for a run and there is no better way for both ourselves and our pets to stay happy and healthy than to engage in regular exercise. Doing it together just makes it all the better. But you don’t want to be on a run and trying to hang on to a dog leash that is threatening to wrap around your legs or let your dog run too far off and potentially encounter danger.
If you are in a rush, here’s our top choice:
- ★ HIGH QUALITY Hands Free Dog Running Lead by Barkswell. Allows your Hands Freedom while Walking,...
- ★ SHOCK ABSORBING BUNGEE LEAD Stretches from 4 Foot to 5.5 Foot to Allow Your Dog a Little Freedom...
- ★ ADJUSTABLE THICKER 1.5" DOG RUNNING BELT Adjusts from 28 inches to 48 inches for your comfort....
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Lead for Running
Firstly, you want to choose the material for your leash. Most often, people use leather or nylon, but there are a lot of different options on the market for you to choose from. Secondly, you want to consider the length of the lead. You want to keep both your pup and yourself safe. You don’t want the lead to be so long that the dog can run into the street, but you also don’t want it so short that you have to keep stopping to keep the dog with you without pulling them.
Height matters as well when it comes to choosing the best dog lead for running. Shorter people will prefer a shorter lead. Chances are, if you are short and have a lead that is too long, it can drag on the ground, leading to potential tripping hazards. If you are taller, you will probably want a longer lead. Ideally, you will choose a lead that gives you a few inches of slack to allow your dog some space to run behind or in front of you, but not so much that it becomes a tripping hazard.
Some people like adjustable leads as they can be calibrated exactly to the size of your dog and the length of the lead. Durability is another consideration. You don’t want to plunk down a nice chunk of change for something that will fall apart in a matter of weeks.
If you run in high traffic areas or in the evening, you might also want to consider getting a reflective lead, as this will make you and your pup more visible in low lighting conditions.
Related Post: Best Dog Walking Harnesses
Our Top 5 Picks for Best Dog Lead for Running
There really are a ton of great choices on the market for a quality and safe dog lead for running. If you have ever looked online, chances are you found yourself overwhelmed at all the choices, terms, and price points. How do you know which works and which are just gimmicks? Luckily, we have taken the time to review a huge number of dog leads and have narrowed down our choice for the best 5 leads available today.
Like with any roundup list, this is not exhaustive. We seek to provide a range of choices that cover different price points and features to provide a selection of leads that will meet the needs of most people.
Let’s take a brief look at each of our top five picks.
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick Pecco Hand Free Dog Lead
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| Check On Amazon |
 | Pecute Hands-Free Running Lead
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| Check On Amazon |
 | LANNEY Hands-Free Dog Lead
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| Check On Amazon |
 | Cadrim Hands-Free Adjustable Dog Leash
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| Check On Amazon |
Our Top Pick  | Barkswell Hands-Free Running Dog Lead
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| Check On Amazon |
1. Pecco Hand Free Dog Lead
- 【Running Dog Lead】- Enjoy a hands Free dog leash belt that lets you free your hands while...
- 【Dual Held Control】- 2 handles on each side of the bungee part to give you full control of your...
- 【Strong Dual Bungees】 The shock absorbing & extra freedom design helps to absorb shock of quick...
Pecco is a newer and up-and-coming brand that makes a range of products including dog leads. Their hands-free dog lead features two handles on each side, which make it a lot easier to keep your dog under control while running.
The lead also features shock absorption by way of high-quality bungee material so that even the most energetic dog doesn’t knock its owner off their feet.
The lead can extend from 62.9-102.3 inches giving you a lot of play. The dog will be able to run beside you or a short distance in front of behind you without issues.
This lead also features reflective tape that makes you far easier to see at night, helping ensure that you and your pup are safe even in low lighting conditions. The lead is suitable for dogs large and small and can handle a dog that weighs as much as 110 pounds.
Likes
Works well with a harness and is incredibly durable
Dislikes
For people with really large dogs, this lead may not hold up to the challenge.
Overall Value
This is an incredibly affordable, high-quality lead that is adjustable to accommodate dogs of a range of sizes.
Summary
The Pecco dog lead is a great value for a durable and well-made lead that provides you and your pup the protection you need for a safe run. With an adjustable lead length and reflective tape, you can confidently run with your dog, even in low lighting conditions.
2. Pecute Hands-Free Running Lead
Pecute is a trusted and well-known company that makes a wide range of high-end pet products from car seats for your dog to animal beds.
Their hands-free dog lead comes in three colour choices and is made from the highest quality materials for long-lasting durability. The lead also features a support waist bag which not only provides enhanced back support while running, but also gives you a place to put things like your phone, poop bags, treats, or water. The belt is adjustable so you can get a perfect fit.
Double bungee cords provide for enhanced shock absorption so that even the most energetic dog won’t knock you off your feet. It can be used as a hands-free leash and can even be adjusted for use as a traditional hand leash.
With dual handles, you can easily control your pup to keep them safe from danger, and with reflective stitching, you have the peace of mind that you and your pup will be visible even in low lighting conditions.
Likes
Durable design with enhanced comfort features for back support.
Dislikes
Might not be suitable for small dogs.
Overall Value
This is a great affordable option for runners with medium to large dogs.
Summary
This is a well designed hands-free lead that can easily be adjusted for a perfect fit and can also be used as a traditional hand lead. The back support pouch is a unique touch that not only gives you added support while you run but also gives you some storage space as well. With dual handles, you can easily keep your dog with you and the reflective stitching helps ensure your safety at night or early in the morning.
3. LANNEY Hands-Free Dog Lead
- {Shock absorbing bungee with 2 handles} Perfect degree of flexibility, reduces stress from pulling...
- {Adjustable waist belt with dual D-Rings} Nylon waist belt is 1.1” wide for comfortable wear. It...
- {Hands free design, functional pouch} With the waist wearing, you can control the pet with body...
LANNEY makes a wide range of products designed especially for pups and their parents. From pooper scoopers and pet treat pouches to dog leads, they are known for making quality and useful products that make life easier.
The hands-free leash is a high-quality hands-free lead that is available in your choice of six colour options. The lead features shock-absorbing bungees and two handles so that you aren’t knocked down by an energetic dog that makes a fast move and so you have easy control to keep them safe from danger.
The belt is adjustable so you can get a perfect fit. The lead also features a hands-free pouch that lets you bring along something like your phone or poop bags.
The lead is made from high-quality nylon for a durable and long-lasting lead and also features three seams of reflective stitching to keep you safe at night.
Likes
A durable and stylish way to safely run with your dog at any time of day.
Dislikes
Not suitable for dogs under 25-pounds
Overall Value
This is a great, affordable choice for those who want a high-quality dog lead that also comes in a range of colours.
Summary
The LANNEY hands-free dog lead is a great choice for people with dogs over 25-pounds. It features shock-absorbing bungees with dual handles that make it easy to control your dog to keep them safe.
4. Cadrim Hands-Free Adjustable Dog Leash
- This dog training leash allows you freedom to exercise at your pace and for your dog to have fun...
- Reflective strip on waist belt to keep running safe in the night. Comfortable and adjustable...
- This waist training dog leash not only allows you to effortlessly run with her, but it also had the...
Cadrim is a trusted and reputable company that makes a wide range of products from things for your home to hands-free dog leads. They provide high-quality, affordable solutions to everyday needs.
Their hands-free dog walking belt is a great value and is available in two colours. The belt features an adjustable waistband and can fit waists up to 39-inches with ease. With this belt, you can get an almost custom fit.
There is a reflective strip on the belt that allows you to remain visible when running at night or early in the morning. It features a strong bungee cord that provides for shock absorption and can even handle pulling from large dogs.
The belt also features a portable, detachable pouch that you can use to bring beverages or to hold your phone, keys, poop bags, or other small items.
Likes
Affordable and suitable for dogs of all sizes.
Dislikes
Doesn’t have dual handles like many of the other leads described here.
Overall Value
This is a great all-purpose running lead that is affordable, safe, and well made.
Summary
For those looking for a basic hands-free lead that is suitable for dogs of all sizes, the Cadrim is a great choice. It features high-quality construction for long-lasting durability. It features an adjustable waist strap as well as reflective tape that keeps you safe when running in low light.
5. Barkswell Hands-Free Running Dog Lead
- ★ HIGH QUALITY Hands Free Dog Running Lead by Barkswell. Allows your Hands Freedom while Walking,...
- ★ SHOCK ABSORBING BUNGEE LEAD Stretches from 4 Foot to 5.5 Foot to Allow Your Dog a Little Freedom...
- ★ ADJUSTABLE THICKER 1.5" DOG RUNNING BELT Adjusts from 28 inches to 48 inches for your comfort....
Barkswell is a trusted and reputable high-end maker of dog leashes and leads. Since this is their specialty, they are well known for making some of the highest quality leads on the market today.
The lead comes in two versions: original and athletic and even has options for those running with two dogs.
The lead features shock-absorbing bungee material which allows your dog to have from 4-5.5-feet of lead space. You can also use the handles to control an energetic pup or to keep them safe from potential dangers.
This is well-made and durable and can handle a dog that weighs as much as 60kg. It also features reflective stitching on both the waist belt and the lead, helping to ensure both you and your pup are safe, even when running in twilight or low lighting conditions.
The waist belt is 1.5″ which makes it incredibly comfortable, especially when compared to narrow options. It can be adjusted from 28-48 inches, making it accommodating for people of all sizes and even suitable for use around a bulky winter coat.
The lead also features a zipped pouch with two compartments so you can easily store your keys, phone, poop bags, and treats.
Barkswell also provides a 90-day money-back guarantee to give you peace of mind about your purchase.
Likes
Well designed and suitable for dogs large and small.
Dislikes
The biggest complaint associated with this lead is that it is more expensive than many other models.
Overall Value
This is a well-made and well-designed lead that provides a safe and comfortable hands-free walking or running experience.
Summary
This is a high-end lead that has options to accommodate multiple dogs and even ones specially designed to use with more athletic dogs. It is well-constructed from quality materials and is durable. It features enhanced reflective tape and stitching to ensure safety, even when running at night. The adjustable wide waist belt makes it incredibly comfortable for runners of all sizes.
Conclusion
When choosing the best dog lead for running, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind when making your final decision. You will need to consider how big your dog is, how tall you are, what type of material you prefer, and whether or not you want a hands-free pack. Any of the options we discussed here are a great choice for a quality running lead that will stand the test of time and keep you and your pup safe while you are staying fit and healthy.