Is a Hands Free Lead Right For You?

In the world of dog ownership, the dog lead is an essential accessory, enabling us to guide and control our furry besties during walks. 

Traditionally, this meant holding a leash in hand, which often necessitated a balancing act of managing both leash and life's necessities simultaneously. 

For us, as Melbournians (and avid coffee drinkers), we found ourselves often-times sloshing our hot latte over ourselves whilst juggling the dog pulling the leash… we’ve all been there. 

So, we decided to create a leash to solve this very problem.

We’ve now entered a new era of convenience and freedom for dog walking.

The concept of our hands-free leads is simple yet revolutionary: a leash that allows you to walk your dog without needing to hold onto it manually.

3-Way Functionality

The ST ARGO hands-free leash can be worn 3 ways:

1. Around the waist  - especially good if you go for runs with your dog
2. Cross-body - great for inner-city walks and casual park strolls
3. By hand

How? 

The leash has been designed with a unique silicone slider. It is tight on the rope so it moves when you pull it - to loosen or tighten, depending on how you want to wear it. Genius.

Consider Comfort: Materials Used

There are three main components to the ST ARGO hands-free leash

1. Clasp - we use our signature SA clasp - which has a weight-bearing capacity of 90kg
2. Silicone - we finish the leash off with silicone components - silicone is easy to clean, very robust and waterproof
3. Rope - we have a specially designed rope for our leads. It is a mixture of polyester and cotton, which is incredibly soft to the touch. This is important because the leash must be comfortable if you, as the dog owner, are wearing it around your body. It also has some elasticity - another important factor for use because if your dog pulls, it has some give, making it an effective shock-absorbing material.

Mobility Factors

As well as the convenience of having your hands-free for walks, hands-free leads promote better posture and reduce strain on the hands, wrists, and shoulders, which can be particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or repetitive strain injuries. By distributing the leash's tension across the body, rather than concentrating it in one hand, hands-free leads provide a more ergonomic and comfortable walking experience for both parties.

Beyond the practical benefits, hands-free leads also foster a deeper sense of bonding between dog and owner. With hands-free walking, owners can engage more fully with their dogs, using verbal cues and body language to communicate and reinforce training commands. This increased interaction strengthens the bond between human and canine, deepening mutual trust and understanding.

The versatility of hands-free leads extends beyond leisurely walks to various activities such as jogging, hiking, or even cycling with your dog. Whether you're hitting the trails or navigating busy city streets, a hands-free lead allows for greater freedom of movement and a more enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.

Training Your Dog to Walk with a Hands-Free Lead

Of course, like any tool, hands-free leads require responsible usage and proper training to ensure safety and effectiveness. It's essential to acclimate your dog to the hands-free lead gradually, starting with short sessions in familiar environments before venturing into more challenging settings.