The Buddy System Adjustable Hands Free Dog Leash, Hand-Free Leash for Running, Jogging, Walking, Hiking and Training Service Dogs, Versatile All Dog Sizes - Made in USA - Large, Black

I have a service dog & the Buddy System allows me to be hands free but still have my dog right next to me. I love that the length is adjustable because I have a smaller dog & have it adjusted to the shortest length & it gives my dog just enough length to move freely without getting too far from my side. I could use it going a little shorter still, but it works well enough for us. The attachment loop that is worn around the waist belt moves freely which means the dog can potentially walk circles around you while being attached, which can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you don't have a dog that is well trained to heel. I've also nearly lost the loop part a couple times because it easily slides off the belt when you're putting it on, but so far so good. Just a heads-up if you have a chewer, this leash wouldn't hold up well if it were to be chewed on, but for our purposes, we love it!

7/30/21 Update: The Buddy System contacted me and let me know that some of their leash systems were made with lower quality quick-release mechanisms. They offered to replace my Buddy System and Lunge Buster free of charge. When I received the new leash system, I noticed right away that my original leash definitely had the inferior mechanisms. The new leash's quick-release mechanisms are branded "Rock Lobster" and are more durable with a slightly different design.I've used the new system on a few runs, walks and a hike and I'm happy to report that the quick-release mechanisms have not failed.Therefore I am upgrading my review to 4 stars. I very much appreciate the quick response by The Buddy System -- this is how a company should provide customer service. A++ to the company for caring about your customer's satisfaction and product quality!I really wanted the Buddy System to work for me and my dog. I had read the reviews questioning the quality of the materials and a few instances of the leash separating from one of the quick release mechanisms but I figured those were huge dogs that overpowered the leash. I love that hands-free approach when running and walking with my dog.My dog weighs 36 pounds and isn't a heavy puller. However he does sometimes get excited and lunge when a bunny jumps out from the bushes next to him like one did this morning. I bought the "lunge buster" add on because of this.Unfortunately this morning the quick release mechanism right below the lunge buster separated when he lunged at a rabbit for the first time on this leash set up. Fortunately we were in a safe place and his recall is pretty good as he came back to me.I don't think I can trust this leash given the multiple quick release points on this leash and seeing how easily it "broke" apart in his first bigger lunge. I don't think I would recommend this leash for anyone who doesn't have the most perfect dog on leash (one that never gets excited at small animals, people or other dogs). My dog is trained but still has his moments like many dogs do, and we are still working on his prey drive tendencies.I probably should have known better given quick release mechabisms are not fail-proof but it seems like a leash like this should use very strong materials, which it appears these are not given it failed the first time my dog lunged.

I’ve bought 2 of these leashes. The first one I got 7.5 years ago and it’s still holding up very well after almost daily use. I bought a second one 5 weeks ago to use for nicer occasions since the first one was starting to lightly fray and was a bit stained.On maybe our 5th or 6th use of the new leash, my 15lb dog pulled very lightly in a parking lot and the stitching on the piece that attaches to the waist portion came undone and my dog was loose. Thankfully, he responds well to vocal commands and stopped to wait for me, but the experience could have been disastrous. I’m not sure if this was a one off issue, or if the newer leashes aren’t as well made. Just please be careful when using these leashes without holding on to the leash with your hands.

Well made and makes it easy to keep my puppy safe when we have company. I used to worry she would dart out of an open door with company going in and out. This is a life saver…possibly literally!

This review compares the Buddy System to the Paw Lifestyles hands free leash. Both have advantages and disadvantages - though for me the Buddy System has been more effective and comfortable for walking and jogging hands-free.ADVANTAGES OF BUDDY SYSTEM: Overall, the Buddy System significantly improved how much I enjoy walking and jogging with our 17 lb beagle mix (lots of energy and pulling). We have the regular system - and I wear the belt lower on my hips - not around my waist - so the weight of the pulling is distributed lower. I particularly like that the leash in the Buddy System moves around the belt (on a loop), rather than the belt moving and shifting around my waist (as in the Paw Lifestyles system).I also like NOT having the bungee cord, as most of the hands free leashes have. I found that the bungee cord did NOT soften the lunging (with the Paw Lifestyles) but actually somehow made it worse. It also made it much harder to pull the dog back or shorten the leash when needed, even though Paw Lifestyles provided two handy grips for doing this. Basically, having a plain leash with no bungee works better for me.Finally, I like that the Buddy System is a small U.S. company located in Salt Lake City, Utah, unlike several Amazon storefront leash companies out there.DISADVANTAGES OF BUDDY SYSTEM: The Buddy System cost me $8 more than Paw Lifestyles, while using less hardy materials and having fewer accessories. The Buddy System uses a plastic buckle to hook the leash loop into the belt (rather than metal, like Paw Lifestyles). Paw Lifestyles also came with a well designed pouch, which fits a lot of stuff without being bulky.I also found the parts of the Buddy System easy to lose. The plain black canvas belt, leash, and two small loops (which is what helps the leash move around the belt) blend in with our family's other plain black canvas straps (for duffel bags, camera, etc.) and are hard to track. (Note: the larger sizes of the Buddy System do come in bright colors, though the small parts would still be easy to lose).In contrast, the Paw Lifestyles is a durable, weather resistant nylon in a bright color, with a heavy leash with metal hooks; there is no way this system gets lost in the closet among other sports straps, like the Buddy parts.Thus, while both the Buddy System and Paw Lifestyles are family owned businesses, which we prefer over the many leash options out there, the Paw Lifestyles managed to be more cost effective while providing more metal parts, a great pouch, and bright, difficult to lose parts.CONCLUSIONFor the comfort and actual effectiveness of running and walking hands free, I prefer the moving loop and non-bungee simplicity of the Buddy System. I do wish it were more cost effective, especially since we've already managed to lose parts and need to replace them.

I originally bought a different brand, but the leash was way too heavy for my dog to lug around.I bought the retractable leash and belt version of this. It's more than double the cost of the other ones out there but not having to deal with the leash tangling up in my or my dog's legs and also having it light enough for him is worth the cost.Belt and leash are light enough to not bog down my dog or bulk up my waist. The loop the leash hooks onto the belt glides around smoothly so I rarely have to twist my belt to the side my dog decided to go on, like I did for other brands.I was concerned the retractable part wouldn't be very sturdy or it would hurt my dog if he pulled too hard. It hasn't broken yet and he has jerked the leash a few times when he sees squirrels.One thing that is slightly annoying is the loop+D ring (for storing the leash) kept falling off when I'd hang the belt and leash up after a walk. I remedied this by attaching the poopbag holder to it so it's now too big to slip off. It's easy to adjust the belt size if you need to for different size coats etc.A negative is the retractable plastic part of the leash sometimes conks my dog in the head when he gets excited and is boinging all over the place. That's not really the leashes fault though.I recommend it if you have a small dog, or a dog that will not pull super hard.

This is really poorly designed - but I should have taken a closer look at pictures so my bad.If you're looking for something to use for training pull inhibition and loose leash walking this isn't it.First, the fabric of this leash is super smooth/slippery so even when sized tightly is rotates/slides around your hips.Second, the leash part is not attached to the waist part, just slipped on - so your dog could literally run in circles around you and the only way to stop it is with your hands - sort of defeating the purpose of 'hands free'. The leash part is also too long to offer enough control (ie keep your dog right at your side and not running ahead), even on its shortest setting, to be useful for training.Another training tool designed by someone who seems to have never owned or trained a dog. Maybe I can modify it to work. Do not recommend.

Smaller leash width and a smaller clip - perfect for my energetic 12lb dog. A lot of companies that offer leashes for smaller dogs use a smaller width webbing for the leash but then use the usual large clip which is just too big and heavy for smaller dogs. I love that they scaled down both the webbing and clip size.No frills, but it has everything you need. I like that it’s simple because it’s lighter to wear, carry, pack, and unless I was doing difficult hikes I can’t imagine wanting anything different.

I have a service dog and going back to work was really difficult trying to hold my dog's leash and do things around the office. With the hands free leash I don't feel like I'm missing a hand and can help out more! It has been amazing.

It works, I still use it. However, the two separate pieces don't stay together easily. Every time you remove it from your waste the attached leash slips off. They should have put a safeguard in or something to ensure that the leash and waste band stay attached a bit better.