Leash Tips

For walks near other people, other dogs, traffic or busy sidewalks, your dog’s leash should be short enough that when you raise your hand all the way above your head it brings your dog right up against your leg.

This leaves plenty of slack for a comfortable walk when your arm is swinging lose. But this way, no matter what your other hand is doing, no matter what happens around you (skateboarders, joggers, other dogs, children) you can, with a single, quick, one-handed motion, bring your dog safely into your personal space.

Now for my favorite leash hack: a belay clip (or carabiner) hooked to your leash handle is super useful! I use it four different ways almost every time I’m out with Badger, and I use a giant one for walking packs of dogs.

1: clip your dog’s leash to your belt loop for hands-free walking!

2: inside somewhere or need more control? clip to the same ring the other end is attached to on your dog’s collar or harness to make a short leash that creates a handle similar to those you’ve seen on some service dogs (top pic)

3: leaving your dog outside while you go in? Tired of doing that awkward maneuver where you have to unclip your dog’s leash to thread it around a pole and back through the handle? Now you can tether your dog in two seconds by looping around any object and clipping the leash to itself

4: sitting outside somewhere? clip the leash to your shoe laces! Just clip it through the bottom couple of laces near your toes - it leaves your dog just a little more room to meet people or get comfy, gives you some hands-free control, and the tell-tale tug at your foot keeps you connected to your dog and more aware of their activities without having to pay strict attention to them