Imagine you have to take a dog for a walk. But this one is big, and you fear the injuries it would cause to your hands if you have to be pulling the chain every two by three, either to slow it down or to make it walk. Don't you think that in those cases a hands-free strap?
This type of accessories is more common for sports, such as canicross, but the truth is that it could be used on a day-to-day basis. Now, what is the best hands-free strap on the market? What should you take into account when buying it? How is it used? We will answer all those questions below.
The best hands-free straps
What is a hands-free strap
We can define a strap hands books as a belt that is placed around the waist and from which a strap comes out that is hooked to the dogEither to your harness or to the collar.
In this way, the animal is held by us but, at the same time, leaves us both hands free. If the animal pulls, we can stop it by applying pressure with the whole body, and not only with the hand or hands, avoiding ailments in the wrists that, in the long run, can be very negative.
The vast majority of these straps are adjustable, in such a way that they adapt to the waist of any person. They are also widely used in sports as an accessory to practice, among others, canicross, the fashionable sport.
Canicross, the sport that is making hands-free straps fashionable
Canicross is a sport that is gaining more and more followers by having to perform a routine accompanied by your pet. This is that both the dog and the owner run at the same time, balancing each other, and at the same time helping each other.
For this, it consists of a hands-free leash together with a canicross harness and an elastic strap that allows the dog to be attached to its owner and both can run more freely. On the one hand, people benefit from the strength that dogs have, by forcing them to follow their rhythm. On the other, the dog exercises by having to pull the human, at the same time that it establishes a bond with its owner.
It is not necessary to think about a professional or high intensity routine, but it can also be a daily walk or going for a run with your dog, thus sharing a moment in which the dog and the owner must become one.
How to correctly choose a hands-free strap
Now that you have an idea of what the hands-free strap is, you may have seen the solution in it. Whether you just want to go for a walk with your dog keeping your hands free to do other things with them; Either you want to practice canicross or any other sport, this component may be what you were looking for.
Now, it is not as simple as going to a store and buying the first one you see. It is necessary that you take into account several factors that will make you choose one model or another.
Dog size
A hands-free leash is not the same for a giant breed dog as for a toy. Not only the dimensions of each animal, but also the force they can exert. For this reason, when choosing one you must keep in mind for the type of dog you are looking for, especially because, in this case, the one who must be protected from injury is you.
Stretch length
Another point to take into account is the "freedom" that you are going to give your dog. That is to say, if you are going to let him separate from you a lot or not. They are normally allowed between one meter and two meters apart, but no more.
Additional add-ons
Some hands-free straps think of everything. And, when we go out, we need to carry some objects, such as keys, mobile or some loose money. But, if you don't have pockets, you will have to carry everything in your hand.
Because of that there are models that double as fanny packs so you can put in some elements. The space is very limited, but it will give you to carry what is just and necessary.
Reflective elements
If you like to go for a run or a walk at night, it is important that the hands-free strap has reflective elements so that people know that you are around and see you.
How to use a hands-free strap
Thinking of buying a hands-free strap? Well, you know that it is very easy to use. Most of them have a ring that opens so you can put the strap around your waist and close it. You should secure it so that it does not open, as well as so that it is well fixed on the waist (if possible without wrinkles of the clothes or similar that, when using it, can be annoying).
Once you fix the leash, you just have to join the chain or elastic strap with your dog (on its collar or harness) and you will be ready to go out with your dog without having to carry the leash in your hand.
Where to buy a leash to run with the dog
Now that you know a little more about the use of the leash to run with the dog, it is time to opt for one of the many models that you can find on the market.
Note that It will not only serve you to do canicross or some similar exercise, but it could also be the instrument to take it out for a walk every day and thus have your hands free (and protected from jerks).
- Amazon: It is one of the largest stores and where you go to find sports equipment for dogs of different brands and prices. Normally these hands-free straps will offer them to you to exercise but it does not mean that you cannot use it for other uses.
- kiwiko: Kiwoko is a store specialized in pets. In it you have some models of hands-free leashes for dogs, but it is very limited. In fact many are sold with the canicross harness.
- Decathlon: This option is perhaps the best to find specific models for this sport, or even for everyday use. While they don't have much to choose from, there is no doubt that the hands-free leash, as well as the canicross harness and other accessories have a pretty decent quality and many recommend them.
Do you dare to try a hands-free leash for daily walks or do you sign up to exercise with your dog?