Joggers, dog walkers, parents of human children, and those who just need to free up both their hands during walks can all benefit from a hands-free leash. These products clip to your waist making the walker less likely to lose their balance should their pup see a squirrel and try to make a run for it. This type is best for well-trained or small to medium-size dogs.
Retractable leashes are great for well-trained dogs who like some slack to sniff out their surroundings or prefer a little privacy while pottying. Trainers discourage the use of these with untrained pups since they can cause training setbacks as it teaches them to pull and go where they please. Many hiking trails prohibit this type of leash since they give the owners less control over their pets.