Hands-Free Leash Extravaganza

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!

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.

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

Umbilical Belt o-ring swivel with a split ring for leash attachment

Umbilical Belt un-velcro-ed

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.

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.

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.)

A DIY "formal wear" hands-free leash waist belt like mine can be made for under $30

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.

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!

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.

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!