A big question. Many of the products reviewed below are hands-free which is becoming increasingly popular. A good hands-free lead that feels safe and controllable can really help your run.

Reflective Materials – It's always wise to make sure it's as easy as possible for drivers to see you and your dog when the light is low. Look for a harness that has reflective materials to make it more visible during nighttime runs.

Best Dog Running Leads

We tried Atlas Pet Company’s Lifetime Lite Leash on a few especially strong-willed puppers. The opinions were unanimous that this was a fantastic dog running leash for heavy pullers. “My Berner loves to tug me along, and this waist leash keeps my gravity centered,” said Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Liz Plosser. “Two years of zig-zaggy runs and walks with Willa and it’s still going strong.” After months of use, our test models looked almost brand new. The 1-inch nylon webbing is extremely durable, and we found it easy to clean, too. What also stood out about this model was its versatility. Like the Rove, the Lite Leash moves seamlessly from hands-free to handheld to tie-up positions without missing a beat. The hardware is cleverly designed, so you don’t have to think or work too hard to change things up on the go. There are lots of groups and canicross experts who you can find through companies like DogFit or in Facebook Groups. They allow you to bring your dog along and try on different kit to see what does and doesn’t work for you both, as well as getting measured up for gear that fits comfortably. Canicross: a bonding experience

Despite the rain, I smiled the whole way round, as he happily pulled me along the course, keen to keep up with the other runners in front of him. Racing compared to training Some people like adjustable leads as they can be calibrated exactly to the size of your dog and the length of the lead. Durability is another consideration. You don’t want to plunk down a nice chunk of change for something that will fall apart in a matter of weeks. If you use a good hands-free lead, and your dog is well-behaved you can have a lot of fun getting fit while running with your dog. Make sure you use a good hands-free lead, be careful and make sure your dog can obey voice commands, and you should be ok. Additional features Bungee leashes are great for running because they allow your dog a few extra inches of give in case they pull or you stop suddenly. They have an adjustable waistband that clips around your hips and are otherwise like a normal leash. If you are going to spend a good amount of time outdoors in the summer sun or the winter wind, this snout soother is a great addition to your dog running gear.Safety first. You will want to be seen in low light, so make sure that you make some way of being seen in low light, such as with reflective stitching or reflective tape. The more reflective elements the better. Reflective elements have fluorescent colours which react with the ultraviolet rays that come from the sun causing a glow that can be seen by cars and other pedestrians. The last thing that you want is to be on an enjoyable walk with your dog in the evening, and a car or bus to hit you. Reflective elements are definitely a must for consideration when you are choosing a dog lead to buy for running. Hands-free v non-hands-free