Are Hands-Free Leashes Safe? The Ultimate Dog Walking Leash FAQ (From Real Dog Owners)
We’ve all been there: balancing a water bottle, answering a text or even pushing a stroller, all while holding onto an unpredictable flexi leash with two fingers… and a prayer, while your dog has its fourth attempt to find a perfect poop spot. 💩
Dog walking shouldn’t feel like a stressful, chaotic juggling act. We know, because we’ve been there and let me tell you, when we first got our hands-free dog leash - it’s like our lives changed for the better. 😁
But if you’ve never used a hands-free dog leash before, you might be wondering: Are they actually safe? What happens if my dog pulls? How long should the dog leash be? So let’s answer them!
As dog parents and dog trainer combo here at Pocket Puppy School, we’ve made our version of the hands-free leash - a piece of dog gear designed to solve the exact frustrations we faced when we first got our dog.
How our hands-free leash works?
Before diving into the FAQs about dog walking leashes, we’ve actually also made a video about the PPS hands-free dog leash. It’s a short video that explains all the ways you can use it and how this dog leash will serve you for years and years. 👇
Are hands-free leashes safe for strong or pulling dogs?
When it comes to our Pocket Puppy School hands-free leash, we can confidently say, yes.
Since we’ve made these leashes ourselves at home, the quality control is definitely on point. We make the hands-free leashes using heavy-duty materials and hardware to make sure that any dog walk would be enjoyable.
Many commercial leashes actually use cheap zinc clips that degrade and might even snap over time. To compare, we’ve constructed our leash with a heavy-duty polypropylene (leash material) and pair it with solid brass carabiners.
So even if your dog is a heavy puller, wearing the Pocket Puppy School hands-free leash cross-body or even around your waist uses your core center rather than just your arms. And that gives you significantly more balance and leverage, even if your dog suddenly pulls or reacts.
How long should a dog walking leash actually be?
If you look at standard leashes, they are usually about 1.2m to 1.5m. And when it comes to good old Flexi leashes, the most common length is about 5m (up to 10m). And there are quite a few problems with both of them.
1.2 meters is okey, especially when you’re just on your regular walk. BUT when you want to give a bit freedom for your dog to have a sniffing break, then it might be just a bit too restrictive.
With 5 meters though - if it’s your everyday leash, it is just TOO MUCH. You need to have good walk hygiene with your dog in order for them not to pull. But Flexi leash with its 5m leash that won’t teach your dog anything about walking nicely and not pulling… well you tell me how that sounds.
Our leash length (3 meters) and the design has been thought through.
We’ve found that 3m gives your dog enough room to sniff and run circles around you, while allowing you easily shorten the leash by moving the floating D-rings when you need to keep your dog close.
What is a “traffic handle” on a dog leash and do I need one?
A traffic handle on a dog leash is a short built-in loop which is located close to your dog’s collar.
It’s a very useful (and quite seamless) little feature and it simply gives you control instantly, without having to wrap up the regular long leash or start doing the typical Flexi “bicep curl” move, just to get your dog closer to you… while still having no control over your dog.
A traffic handle is especially great if you need to cross streets often or might pass other reactive dogs on your walk. That way you know that you have everything under control, even if the other dog goes bazookas.
Can I use a hands-free leash for running, hiking or biking?
OF COURSE! This is also one of the many perks of having a hands-free leash - you can use it more than just for walking with your dog.
Wearing the leash cross-body allows you to walk freely. But putting the hands-free leash around your waist allows you to run freely, bike with your dog and even hike with no problem. Use your hands to hold onto your water bottle (or two 😏), hold onto trekking poles or just swing them in the air.
How do you adjust a hands-free leash for different body sizes or walking styles?
Of course it depends on the leash you have at hand. But if we talk about the Pocket Puppy School hands-free leash, then the secret lies in our adjustable D-rings.
Now, a lot of the times, it is pretty annoying to adjust any leashes/straps really. But we’ve used the custom-fitted D-rings. So if you just pull them slightly and slide them along the leash you can easily customize your leash length in seconds. We also have a “live demo” in our video that shows how you can adjust it and also use it in different styles.
Are hands-free leashes useful and safe for nighttime walks?
Some dog owners might have this question, because if you’re walking your dog hands-free, then how safe is it.
And especially since we live in a place where about 4 months of the year the daylight drops to only about 6-7 hours. 🥲 So walking in the dark with our dog definitely needs to be safe for our dog as well, not just for us.
That’s why we made a reflective stitching throughout the leash. So even if it gets slightly dark outside, the leash reflects car headlights and the street lamps making your dog visible for others.
The last leash you’ll need: the Pocket Puppy School handmade hands-free dog leash
We didn’t design “just another dog leash”. We made a dog leash that we, Ki and Bee, wished existed for our own dog.
Every leash is made by us with care as a very small family business. So if you’re looking for a leash that elevates your daily dog walks or a sturdy companion that keeps your hands free when you need to answer a call, bike or hike with your dog - consider supporting our family business, while receiving this handmade walking leash. 💙
Want to train your dog for free?
Pocket Puppy School is more than just a free dog training app – it’s our way of helping every dog and human enjoy life together without stress. 🐶💙
Alongside the app, we share tips, stories, and fun moments on YouTube and Instagram – feel free to join us there too!
And if you ever visit our little shop, you’ll see that it is not your average merch. If you upload a picture of your dog or a special memory of both of you together, we’ll turn it into a custom design that will beat any regular product. Every design is drawn by us, every leash is made by hand, which makes products unique and carries a bit of the love we put into Pocket Puppy School.
By shopping with us, you’re not just getting something cute and personal – you’re also helping us keep the app free for everyone and keep doing what we do here. 🥹🐾
