iYoShop Hands free dog leash Review

I am not an impulse buyer. I scoured Google for the best dog leashes; I searched Reddit threads; I looked at which leashes other trail runners used.

Ultimately, though, I didn’t find one standout option for a hands-free leash. The few that were from reputable brands had mixed reviews. 

When I looked on Amazon, I saw this brand and was initially hesitant. My dog runs  25-30 miles with me and is cattle dog mix (I.e. she possesses a ton of athleticism). We run between a 7-9 minute pace (it depends on road vs. trail among other variables). So I know my needs are more nuanced than some. Still, the leash had great reviews for responsiveness and value.

I was a huge fan of the leash for my first run, especially because my dog liked it too. While the waist sizing part was a challenge to figure out, I did eventually get it to a good fit. 

We ran 7.5 miles and it didn’t get stuck between her front legs at all (a common occurrence with our old leash).

I wanted a slightly shorter leash than our previous one. Aside from that though, I had no expectation for a “superior” running leash.

Here’s where the iYoShop hands free leash surprised me. First off, it’s a shorter length than my old one which is fabulous. It’s also much more responsive (bungee-like give). That may diminish over time, I am aware, but it’s great right now.
 
The two handles are convenient as well—great for quickly reeling in my pup if someone comes close or another dog is near us. The handle is slightly raised so it’s easy to grab versus having to feel for it in a hurry.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a few other small aspects I appreciate…. My muscular dog is often mistaken for a male, so I kinda love that she has a pink running leash now. Also, it didn’t get stuck or tangled like her old leash would do about 3+ times per run. I haven’t used the removable pocket yet but I can see it being helpful for carrying additional poop bags and/or treats.