Running with your dog is best – until he explodes, the leash gets tangled, or he has to go to the bathroom a mile away while you’re carrying a poop bag while searching for litter boxes. Well, dear readers, we are here to solve these problems and more. Below, eight top-notch finds to make running with your dog less effort. We’ve got excellent hands-free leashes, cooling vests, and even some pampering products to thank your dog for being a runner’s best friend. Also check out our top Tips To run safely with your dog.
All the equipment you need to run with your dog
1. LifeHandle Hands-Free Comfort Steering
Spring for the Base Sling and Comfort Leash combo to provide you and your dog a more comfortable run, hike, or even walk around the ‘hood. It lets you not have to wrap the leash around your wrist or grab your dog’s collar to get through tight corners, as with standard leashes. Designed for dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages, the product is compatible with any collar or harness; The ring handle on the handlebars also acts as a shock absorber with approximately 25 pounds of pull force. Bonus: Four points of high-visibility reflective fabric that helps others detect you and your pup in low-light conditions.
[$60 with Base Sling, $30 for leash attachment alone; mylifehandle.com]
A hybrid between a water gun and a handlebar, this innovative product has been described as the first of its kind to include a spray feature in the handle. It holds up to 12 ounces of water and has a range of 14 feet, so your dog can enjoy a water break either by drinking from the bowl or getting into the mist from a distance.
This ultra-lightweight, collapsible dog bowl will add barely any bulk to your backpack, hydration vest, or running belt – while eliminating the bad habit of letting your dog drink from your water bottle. If you are interested in hiking and camping, this is also a great compact item to store in your bag. Choose from camouflage and orange, teal and yellow, or silver and navy.
You treat yourself after a long distance, so why not treat your dog? The organic five-ingredient moisturizer from the family skincare brand is cruelty-free and paraben-free. The versatile product moisturizes a chapped nose, heals cracked feet, and hydrates dry skin, making it ideal for pets that need a little intensive care. [$8; jumbybeauty.com]
Pamper yourself with this fitness tracker, and your dog will thank you too. The smartwatch is waterproof in case you want to finish your run with a splash in the waves or take a dip in a lake. Built-in GPS helps you and your pup navigate unfamiliar routes. New features include built-in Google Assistant and Alexa; Track your speed and distance, so you can get a better idea of how fast you’re moving; And the option to receive Bluetooth calls from your wrist, so you can keep your hands free.
Dog owners know the peculiar woe of your four-legged friend kicking mud and debris on itself — and back to you. Enter the Instagaiters, a running or hiking accessory that slips over your shoes to prevent rocks, dirt, dust, moisture and various debris from getting into your shoes. When you get home or pitch your tent at night, you can leave it on your shoes partially zipped or put it in the included carry bag.
[$40 for low-height, $50 for mid-height; kahtoola.com]
Your dog is not immune to heat waves. Stay comfortable with this jacket that uses cold water to lower body temperature. Water activates evaporative cooling, so you don’t have to worry about pre-cooling.
When your dog goes, this elegant creativity will be greatly appreciated. The leash attachment clips onto your dog’s leash, giving you a hands-free way to hold your pet’s litter bags so you can dispose of them safely. It is made of BPA-free, biodegradable plastic. Pro tip: For extra security, use a carabiner or key ring.
Joseph
