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Hands-Free Leash Extravaganza

5/24/2013

28 Comments

 
Typist: Bethany
We have been planning a Fit Dog Friday hands-free leash post for a while now. Since I had not yet found the perfect commercially made hands-free leash, the intended post was going to be a how-to on making your own hands-free leash. But last Saturday at Petpalooza, I bought just about the closest thing to a perfect commercially made hands free leash, the Umbilical Belt. So, now, the Cascadian Nomads present a hands-free leash extravaganza! A review of our new Umbilical Belt, how it compares to other hands free leashes. Plus how-to make your own hands free leash or modify one you already have so you and your dog can easily get out and get fit!
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Please note that hands free leashes should only be used on dogs that are properly trained to walk with a loose leash. Neither you nor your dog will enjoy exercise with a hands free leash if the dog is pulling. The Cascadian Nomads humans do not ask that the canines remain in a perfect heel on runs, hikes or long walks but we do expect loose leashes.
What I first look for in a hands-free leash is multiple dog capacity. I know that this doesn't matter to everyone but multiple dog hands-free leashes are the only ones I consider. The next thing I look for is durability. Like any sports equipment, it is going to take a beating and I want it to last. I have gone through several hands-free leashes that relied on way too much plastic to stay on my waist or hold the leash. So I have learned to steer clear of hands-free leashes with too many plastic parts. Then, not to be overlooked, I want comfort. Hands-free leashes with skinny belts, like The Buddy System, can be fine for short distances but when you are sweaty and have gone 10 miles, they can chafe. Skinny nylon belts like this that I have tried also have a tendency to slip and may need occasional adjusting on long excursions. I do, however, like skinny hands-free leash belts for snowshoeing because I can slip it through the belt loops on my snow pants.

I did once like the Mt. Tam Belt and Leash from Ollydog but it does have some issues. One is that purchasing it and two additional leashes is very expensive. Another issue I have with it is the elastic waist band. Although not a thin belt, the elastic can chafe, especially when wet, and elastic doesn't have much longevity. Then there's the attached pack, which in theory is a great idea. It may work for many people but I like more versatility. If I want a short, light hands free walk, I put some bags in my pocket and go. If I am going on a long trek, I carry a back pack and so does Huxley.
The Cardio Canine hands-free leash is almost perfect. I worry about the durability of the attachments and it could have a loosening tendency as well. Since hydration is important for humans and canines, the included 14oz water bottle is a nice feature (though I wouldn't use it unless I was sure it was BPA free) but 14oz won't get you very far. I have always just attached water bottles to any of my waist belts with a carabiner. (See photos below.)

When I found the Umbilical Belt, I was very pleased. Mulit-dog capacity? Definitely. Durable? Yes. (There is no plastic on it.) Comfortable? Very! It actually feels supportive to my low back (which suffered some fractured vertebrae a year and a half ago.) And it attaches with Velcro so I will no longer be stopping to cinch up my belt. I will also admit that I love that this belt is made locally right here in Cascadia.
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Umbilical Belt
In my opinion, the only negative of the Umbilical Belt is the leash it came with. It is a little too long even for little Wilhelm. He continuously stepped over it but I simply tied a little knot at the top to shorten it.
To be honest, I rarely like the leashes that come with hands-free waist belts unless they are really good bungees. As long as my dogs keep a loose leash, I like them to have some freedom to sniff and explore especially when we are hiking or snowshoeing. Bungees are the best way for them to have this freedom and not get tangled. My biggest pet peeve (pun intended) is when we are all out to get a vigorous cardiovascular workout and we have to
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Umbilical Belt o-ring swivel with a split ring for leash attachment
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Umbilical Belt un-velcro-ed
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Keys and wallet in Umbilical Belt pockets; keys can be zipped in, wallet is slipped in for easy access. This pouch would also be great for waste bags.
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Ready to go- Umbilical Belt with H20K9 water bottle, treat pouch and waste bag dispenser. Oh, and a dog.
stop to untangle leashes. So, I have learned to use my own bungees on hands-free waist belts that I try or use. One of the easiest ways to add a bungee leash to a hands-free waist belt is to purchase a kayak paddle leash. I have a Sea to Summit leash, purchased on sale, and I added a carabiner as a collar clip. A more affordable option is to make your own bungee leash. Keep it simple by just knotting a length of bungee cord around two snap hooks, one at each end. Fancier do-it-yourself bungees can be fabric covered elastic, bungee cord or coiled cord.
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Three dogs on an Umbilical Belt
You can also attach your homemade bungee leash (or leash of your choice) to a belt. Yes, just any belt. My fall back hands-free waist belt for the past few years has been one I made myself. It's patched together from parts of broken or disliked hands-free waist belts and leashes. I also have a "formal wear" waist belt made from a woven leather belt purchased at a thrift store. Recently, in desperation for a good hands-free leash waist belt I made one from a climbing loop chain. (Apparently, what I really wanted was a daisy chain which would probably be more comfortable.)
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A DIY "formal wear" hands-free leash waist belt like mine can be made for under $30
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Woven belts like this attach easily but get creative with a belt you like; strong carabiners are available in many sizes. You can even slide a belt through a carabiner leash attachment.
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DIY sports gear (climbing chain and kayak paddle leash) hands-free waist belt for under $40
That's it for our Fit Dog Friday hands-free leash extravaganza. We certainly hope it was helpful. The moral here is get creative! Find what works for you and your dog with both waist belts and leashes. Whatever you do, don't let cost or finding the perfect product stand in your way of exercising. Nothing should stop you and your dog from getting out, getting fit and doing what you were both made for- moving!
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Walking on our Umbilical Belt
Cascadian Nomads was not asked to or paid to promote any businesses or organizations mentioned and linked in this post. We paid for all mentioned and linked products ourselves and we are in no way compensated for clicking on the posts links we've provided. We're just sharing information or stuff we like!
Always consult a veterinarian about the nature of your dogs specific exercise needs and physical limitations. Check with your veterinarian before beginning or changing your dogs exercise routine.
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The Cascadian Nomads really appreciate you sharing your fit dog leashing trials and ideas with us and all of the other eager to learn readers on the Fit Dog Friday Blog Hop. Thanks for hopping by!

28 Comments
SlimDoggy link
5/23/2013 03:29:17 pm

LOVE this post. This is great information. I'm still struggling with two bulky expandable leashes when we go on long walks - what a major hassle. I really like the idea of the bungee leash. I'm going to have to check these out and get a better outfit going for hiking with the dogs. Great ideas here. And love the pic of the four of you - your pack seems so well-behaved, I can't imagine tangled leashes!

Reply
Bethany
5/23/2013 03:59:18 pm

Thanks, Slimdoggy. With three wildly active dogs, well-behaved (and attached to bungees!) is the only way we can get anywhere!

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Taryn link
5/23/2013 09:13:39 pm

The biggest problem I have is, when attached to any leash, my boys become stand in one spot sniffers. We don't seem to get more than 10 consecutive steps before we stop again. I've trained them with "Keep Moving" and "Jig-Jig" to mean keep up the pace, but it never lasts for long. Eventually I have egged them on so often, we are all irritated with each other! When I want a good cardio walk, I bring the boys back home and go out by myself! They get cardio playing fetch in the back yard.

Reply
Bethany
5/24/2013 02:30:30 am

I know a lot of well trained, super-speedy sport dogs that get on a leash and decide that means their work is done and they can relax and sniff and meander. It is so opposite of my dogs who know when the leash goes on- especially the bungees- we get serious. While I can't imagine a walk without my dogs, their attitude about the leash is a bit of a problem as we progress in obedience and other training. I have taught them all various "work" commands to keep them from getting silly when the leash comes off. This especially helps control the "there's agility equipment!" zoomies!

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SUGAR link
5/24/2013 12:18:09 am

Always want to try that it especially when we go for a run. Sugar is she's really good healing (even off leash). Mostly likely I will try to make my own as the one on the market seems to be bulky (less fashionable). Golden Thanks for this post. Golden Woofs!

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Bethany
5/24/2013 02:16:48 am

The wonder of the DIY leash is that is can be any weight or style you want. I occasionally see cute belts on sale and my first thought is "that would make a great leash belt!" (This lovely rainbow tye-dye one at REI still sticks in my mind...I could have easily slipped it through a carabiner with the leashes attached...) Yet another thing to add to the "I'm a crazy dog lady list." Keep us updated on what you make. We'd love to see it!

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JC link
5/24/2013 12:34:52 am

I tell Jodie all about what her brother is doing and she literally goes over to her blue chair and takes a nap. lol

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Bethany
5/24/2013 02:18:25 am

Jodie Belle should come for an adventure with us sometime! After her nap, of course.

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DogTread link
5/24/2013 01:49:26 am

Great articles! I am working with 2 Rescues right now and we are using two separate leashes working on heel. Have you found a good bungee that works to maintain a heel position?

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Bethany
5/24/2013 02:11:05 am

I used one of the cloth covered coils pictured above to help a foster dog we had maintain heel by simply tying a knot in it to shorten it. You could tie a know in a kayak paddle leash as well. Knots in DIY hands-free leashes also make nice just-in-case control handles. If you make your own bungee leash, you can use any length or strength bungee. Buy a bungee cord that is a bit longer than what you need at the hardware store, remove the ends it comes with and replace them with snap hooks. Less stretchy bungee cords will make it more difficult for the dog to pull away and get out of position. You can still get a tangle free training session and have hands available for giving lot's of treats! Good luck!

Reply
Peggy Frezon link
5/24/2013 03:33:35 am

Fantastic post! To tell the truth, I'd never thought of a handsfree leash before, but now that you've posted this, I'm thinking of getting one. I love the idea of everything handy all attached. Kelly is a sniffer but if I'm moving faster, will keep up with me. Sometimes I take her out for a sniff walk one time, and then an exercise walk the next. That seems to help.

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Bethany
5/24/2013 07:06:52 am

We actually cue our dogs as to whether they are out for an exercise walk or a sniff walk by the leashes they have on! When the bungees are on, they are all business about moving but when the braided leather leashes are on, we stroll and they sniff. I feel so much better after a long walk when I was able to swing my arms!

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Jan K link
5/24/2013 06:25:19 am

Wow, I had no idea they even made hands free leashes! I remember my husband in the past trying to tie whatever leash we had around his waist and it never working well. I'm not sure my dogs walk well enough that I could take multiples, but as they get older they do walk better, and I would love to start out just trying one with one or two of them. I'd love to have my hands free for taking photos, etc., when walking. You've given lots of options to choose from too, so I'd be certain to find something that works for me. Great post, thanks!

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Bethany
5/24/2013 07:12:12 am

When I was a kid, my dad would attach the dogs leashes to the hip strap on his backpack and I used to try to tie leashes around my waist too. I was thrilled when I first found a hands-free leash about 11 years ago. I could swing my arms, carry groceries and, best of all, take pictures. I'm glad my experiences with them will help you find the right hands-free leash and enjoy your walks more!

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Dachshund Nola link
5/24/2013 10:35:55 am

I've always wanted one of these for Nola.
Nola's Mom

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Bethany
5/24/2013 02:37:48 pm

Wilhelm is the very best on the bungee. He hates getting tangled and having his walk interrupted so he always prefers the bungee attached to his harness. I always imagine Nola being a dainty version of him so I bet she'd love it!

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GizmoGeodog link
5/24/2013 11:25:57 am

What a great review...I've never used a hands-free and now I know what to look for...and the idea of using that paddle leash as a bungee dog leash is genius! Thank you!

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Bethany
5/24/2013 02:39:06 pm

Thank you! If you decide to go hands-free, be sure to stay in touch and let us know what you decide to get or make.

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Finn link
5/24/2013 08:33:16 pm

OMD, this is GENIUS! I love this idea, and I didn't even know it existed! Just this morning I was able to take Finn and Charley for a mile walk and I just prayed that we would be able to handle it without any problems (usually hubs comes with us but this morning he slept in). This would solve so many of our little problems. Thanks for posting about this!!

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Bethany
5/25/2013 12:54:09 pm

People ask me all the time how I handle three dogs and if I didn't have a hands-free waist belt for at least one of them, I wouldn't be able to! And really, it's not because of them, it is my impatience with tangled leashes and legs. I'm glad this could help you. Maybe you'll go hands-free and want a third dog too. :)

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Val link
5/24/2013 11:40:40 pm

Hi, what a great review. Since we are moving soon this hands free leash idea would be perfect for our adventures at the beach, so I can take photos!, used to have an awesome bungee leash that I just loved,must find another one. Thanks for the tips.

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Bethany
5/25/2013 01:03:16 pm

You're welcome! The Ollydog Mt. Tam bungee leash is great and versatile but you can get a kayak paddle leash for a lot less money. You also have a choice in length with a kayak paddle leash or by making your own bungee, which is nice for safe, on-leash beach roaming.

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Pippa link
5/26/2013 01:14:27 am

Hiya Bethany! Thanks so much for visiting my bloggy!
that lead thingy looks so clever! I have a normal lead, but when I get to the park or the beach, I usually get let off of it!
Have a grrreat week,
Pippa :)

Reply
Jen K link
5/27/2013 08:50:43 am

Great info!

When it comes to hands-free/umbilical leashes, I wholly support Jac Trac, a small local business that only uses green products and only sells online or in stores that don't sell pets. I've been a fan if theirs from the beginning and own a few different colour combinations. Highly recommended :)
http://www.jactrac.ca/

Reply
John link
5/27/2013 11:20:21 am

Thank you for including the Umbilical Belt on your hands free dog leash review. We appreciate all the wonderful words you have to say and especially how the Umbilical Belt works for your needs. We like the idea of you tailoring the belt to your needs and for your conveniences.. Thanks again and enjoy!

Reply
Melisa
4/3/2015 10:53:18 am

I recently got a hands free leash for my dog and I love it! My only issue is that when we go running the filled poop bags bounce around (i tie them on the leash handle) and it's really annoying. With a regular leash, it doesn't bounce as much since the leash is in my hand. Any ideas on how to hold onto the poop while still being hands free? Thanks!

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Bethany
4/5/2015 10:37:07 am

First, I commend you for being an extremely responsible dog owner and always scooping poop while your running. You should be very proud. The PoopPac (pictured above) will also shake while you run but I personally find it less gross and annoying than jiggling plastic bags. You could also try The Fifth Paw. That handy gadget makes it so you can quickly and easily attach poop to anywhere on the leash. A lot of people I know who run with their dogs love The Fifth Paw. I tried it but I liked my PoopPac better. Another option to consider is a dog backpack or utility vest so your dog can carry the poop. Be very aware of the possibility of chafing on your dog though. I certainly hope these ideas help and thank you for your comment.

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Melisa
4/5/2015 10:49:34 am

Thanks Bethany! Those are both good options that I've never heard of. I looked on Amazon and the Fifth Paw is $15, but the Poop Pac is $40! I think I'll try out the fifth paw one. Thanks! Oh, and I tried tying it to her harness, it she was not having that!


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