How did I survive before without this leash? Hands-free leash lets you get your dog and retrieve the groceries, shopping bags, etc all at the same time. I use it to go get my mail, get things in/out of my car, shopping, and just about everywhere else in between. I no longer have to worry about juggling things.. It's one less thing to worry about! We even use it while skateboardingthe bungee cord is a wonderful safety feature. The latch also merits mention bc you dont have to pull down the clasp to open it like most traditional latches. It's a single motion latch-on. So smooth.Also, the handle with reflective band is great for city sidewalk walking, where you need a short/tight handle on your dog.
The only thing I would change is making the leash length adjustable and the adjustable waist even smaller (I am using it without the fanny pack. Although its good for keeping poop bags and tissues, it adds length to the leash and I just don't need it). I'm average weight and the waist hits lower on my waist than I would like. But overall, I've found this leash to be worth every penny.
I was impressed with this leash right awayright out of the package, it felt much more durable than I expected it to be. I was wary of the nylon loops the leash is supposed to attach to, thinking they might be too flimsy to accommodate the tugging of my 50 lb. dog on our jogs, but they actually seem to be incredibly sturdy. The fanny pack is an added bonus! I usually stick my keys and my phone in my bra when I jog, but it's SO uncomfortable and I've had stuff fall out on more than one occasion. It's surprisingly handy having your stuff zippered and secure. The quick-release feature of the leash is also pretty cool because you can keep the belt (and your personal belongings stashed in the fanny pack) on your body. I haven't needed to do this yet, but I can see how it would be useful for getting in and out of the car with your dog.
The bungee leash is awesome. My dog can speed up or slow down as she pleases without getting whiplash or jerking me around. The elastic waistband complements the gentle give of the leash, so all of our walks and jogs go very smoothly now. I feel very little (if any) resistance, and no sudden jerks whatsoever.
I honestly don't think the leash is too long at all, but my neighborhood has very little traffic so I very rarely have to grab the safety loop to keep my dog out of harm's way. I can, however, see how the elasticity and length of the leash could lead to some safety issues...if you needed to grab your dog quickly, the leash will stretch at LEAST another 10" or 12" before you'd have enough tension to pull him to your side. Obviously, exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings; I really think you'll enjoy this product as much as I do. Money well spent!
Buy OllyDog Mt Tam Hands-Free Dog Leash and Running Belt System Now
I have used this for 10 walks so far, each walk is just under 3 miles. My dog is 27 lbs., male, and likes to pee on every corner as we walk. Not that he needs to pee, just likes to "pee-mail" all his buddies.... this is not good for a brisk work out/walk and I just could not break him of this habit. I was using the extendable leashes for the last 4 years but my arm was getting more and more sore from the jerking it took each time he would stop too long to pee. I ignored it the best I could until one day last month I went to pick up something and got a terrible jolt of pain from my ear all the way down my arm.... the same areas that are strained during the walks. That was it, time to find a different solution. I am SO HAPPY WITH THIS LEASH it is hard to say enough. This is basically a very nice fanny pack with elasticized straps that adjust to fit your shape. The pack hold my house keys, dog poop bags, id, and iPhone with room enough for some money, too. There is a little hole you can put ear buds or the dog poop bags through so you can just pull them out or not hold your iPhone if you want to listen to music while walking. Also, when you adjust the waist straps be sure to fold them tightly and then use the attached band to hold them to the desired spot. One time I did not fold them tightly enough and the first good pull my dog made it came loose but once I did it correctly that problem was solved immediately. The leash detaches from the waist and you can hook it to either side, which is very handy. Also, and this is the best part for my situation, the leash itself also has a bungee type elastic built into the leash and this alleviates the pull when my dog tries to sneak a quick pee....also, my dog learned (from the very first walk) that this leash is prohibitive to his pee stops and he does not try to do it nearly as often now....The best part of all is my arm is almost back to normal! Plus, I had forgotten just how wonderful it is to really get to swing my arms while I'm walking, which really improves my gait, posture and stamina. I love this leash and I highly recommend it. I am so glad I decided to buy it.... it is pricey but IMO it is worth it..... it seems really well made. If anything goes wrong with it I will be back to update my review.
Happy walking or running!
**update 10/9/12** have continued to use approx. 5 6 times a week since purchase in August. I only like it more and have zero complaints. Although, my dog stays either right behind me or just to my side on our walks. He rarely goes in front of me but I could see where that could be a little scary, as another reviewer stated here, as your dog could, conceivably, dart out and away from you. I do not work out by a road but if I did and my dog was the "prey driven" type I would definitely keep my hand on the leash which might defeat the purpose for you. Other than that, I still love and highly recommend. My dog has pulled on this so many times, and so hard, and the leash is holding up incredibly well. My shoulder appreciates not getting jerked out of the socket, too.
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I have a couple of similar products. But this one is my new gold standard. The leash has a loop handle near the clasp that let's you quickly be able to control you dog and keep it close to you (with my others, you have to grab on to the stretchy piece, which works okay with my dog, but wouldn't be my choice with a larger or less well behaved dog). I like the ability to hook a second lead on the other side. The bag is small, but I prefer that. And it is well set up -a special spot for poop bags, and an opening so that you can pull one through without unzipping the bag; a clip for your keys; and room enough for plenty of treats if you keep them small. Materials are high quality, and I love the color. A bit on the spendy side, I think. But for me, worth it.Want OllyDog Mt Tam Hands-Free Dog Leash and Running Belt System Discount?
I love this product for the belt, which works great for storing treats, my phone, baggies and anything else I need for a training session. I recently started using the belt with the leash and the first trip out my rescue dog pulled apart the plastic clip and got free to chase a squirrel. A stronger clasp or different connection would be preferred, but I love the handle and bungee section on the leash and will find a way to alter the original to suit my needs. A well trained dog would probably not have this problem.
