Should all dog owners try out a running leash?
Why smartphone alerts can teach you a lot about your dog's outdoor temptations
Blame frigid Chicago winters. Blame the obsession with not missing one alert from smartphones. Blame dog owners who insist that their dogs don’t need traditional leashes — or to be leashed at all. Running leashes are a happy medium for all three groups, and I found that out first hand during my first dog sitting job on Rover.
I spotted the tan circle and wondered why it was connected to a bungee-style leash. And the minute I tried it on, I was sold. Whether it’s pure laziness about holding a leash or insisting on texting and working while you walk, the pros often outweigh the cons of buying a running leash.
ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links.
Running leashes keep hands free and warm
If you’ve ever lived or even visited Chicago during the winter months, you know exactly why gloves are mandatory. And if you don’t have a pair, your hands will be shoved into your pockets. But with a dog who wants to investigate every leaf, ever piece of grass and snow, and check out wet spots on gates, cold hands will compete with a curious dog. And dog owners know that walking a dog must happen all four seasons, including on some of the frostier days.
My dog Junee once darted in the opposite direction that I was walking in to catch a squirrel. I immediately heard a rip. About two inches of fabric tore underneath the corner of my coat pocket. I was pissed. This is/was my favorite coat, but at least I know how to sew. Still, a running leash would’ve resolved all of this, and it would’ve looked like a natural belt or purse over my coat.
Downside of using a running leash with your dog
So what are the downsides of using a running leash? The primary one is related to people with back problems. Because dogs can dart, run or jump within seconds, specifically hunting dogs or those who are not socialized, that quick bolt can lead to an injured spine. Additionally, if the running leash is placed too high or low on your body, this can also pull your spine out of alignment. For dogs who pull a lot and aren’t used to walking and running on a leash, your core and back muscles can become chronically tight and lead to consistent pain while wrestling with these pups.
ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I know some consumers are choosing to boycott Amazon for its DEI removal. However, I enjoy promoting intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses who still feature their items on Amazon. All four of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business. If you still choose to boycott, I 100% respect your decision.
Leash train first, test running leashes later
It is never recommended to try a running leash with a dog who isn’t already comfortable walking alongside you with minimal-to-no pulling with a regular leash. Minus the squirrel incident, Junee walks alongside me to the point that I very loosely carry her padded leash.
However, when other dogs are near and I see one too many bunny rabbits, I hold onto her leash a little tighter. For people with running leashes, this is highly recommended. Running leashes often have a handle so dog owners can switch back and forth. Don’t take a risk you can avoid.
Additionally, choose a running leash with a bungee (stretch) section to absorb abrupt pulls. Opt for a running leash that can comfortably sit around the hip area instead of the lower back. And don’t get so comfortable walking on one side. Take advantage of zig-zag-walking dogs who may switch sides depending on where the grass is. This’ll not only help strengthen your own arms and core, but it also helps with balance.
Walking two dogs with a running leash
It is indeed possible to walk two dogs with a hands-free, running leash. However, if the dogs tend to fight each other or leap at other dogs, this could be dreadful for your back. Only consider a double-dog running leash for well-trained dogs who can easily walk with hand leashes already.
And while some dog owners can handle the running leashes with all the bells and whistles such as a smartphone holder and a water bottle, keep in mind that these extra attachments are even more tempting at becoming a distracted dog walker. Additionally, the weight of the water bottle could add more strain on your back even if the dogs are well-behaved. It may make more sense to carry a dog walking bag and stick to a simpler leash.
What’s in a dog walking bag?
Will all dog walkers eventually do well with a running leash?
Human physical strength varies. Dog training and behavior varies. Neighborhoods vary. And distractions are aplenty. The only way to know if a running leash works well for you and your dog is to first try it out after the dog is leash-trained. I lucked out and was introduced to a dog who was already used to having a pet owner who jogged regularly, so a running leash felt no different than a hand leash for me.
However, I wouldn’t have allowed my own dog to start off with a running leash. Although I know I can let her run loose in a pet-friendly park and a dog park and she’ll return to me, squirrels and rabbits will almost always make her ignore me. A dog’s prey instinct will make her temporarily lose track of every command she’s ever learned — sorta like a human’s reaction to hearing a bunch of smartphone alerts going off. By knowing what tempts your dog (and you) and plenty of practice, you’ll figure out on a case-by-case basis whether a running leash makes sense for your multi-day dog walking commutes.
Shamontiel is a dog lover to her core: 666 completed walks with 102 dogs, eight dog house sittings and 10 dog boardings at the time of this publication.
Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the weekly posts every Wednesday. Thanks for reading!