A dedicated handsfree dog leash can be useful in three positions: crossbody, around your waist or in your hand. None of the three is always best. The most practical setup depends on your surroundings, your body and how much direct control you want at that moment.
If you are new to this type of leash, start with our handsfree dog leash guide.
Crossbody: easy for everyday handsfree walking
Crossbody means the leash runs diagonally across your torso. It keeps both hands available while spreading the body loop over your upper body.
This setup can be convenient when you want to hold your phone, coffee, treats or another small item without giving up the leash connection. Part of the total leash length is used around your body, so the usable distance to your dog is shorter than when the full leash is held in your hand.
Read our crossbody dog leash guide for the full setup.
Around your waist: a lower body connection
Wearing the leash around your waist keeps the loop lower on your body. Some people prefer that because the connection feels compact and stays away from the shoulders.
As with crossbody wear, part of the total leash length forms the body loop. A sudden change of direction from your dog can also feel different through your body than through one hand.
See the pros and cons in our guide to a dog leash around your waist.
In your hand: useful when you want direct control
Handsfree does not mean you need to keep the leash on your body for the entire walk. Holding it in your hand can be practical at road crossings, on narrow pavements, around other dogs or whenever you want to shorten the connection for a moment.
That flexibility is one of the reasons a multifunction handsfree leash can work well for everyday walks that move between quiet and busy places.
Which position gives your dog the most usable leash length?
Usually the handheld position leaves the most of the total leash length available between you and your dog, because none of that length is used to create a body loop.
Crossbody and waist wear both use part of the leash around your body. The exact remaining length depends on your body size and how the leash is adjusted.
Can you switch positions during one walk?
Yes. In fact, switching can be more practical than trying to use one position everywhere. You might walk crossbody on a quiet path, move to your hand at a busy crossing and use the waist setup on a relaxed open stretch.
Stop somewhere calm before changing clips or adjustment, and check that the hardware is fully closed before continuing.
How to switch from crossbody to handheld
- Pick a safe spot to stop, away from doorways, crossings and other people.
- Shorten the leash first. Gather excess length so you are not holding a large loop of rope.
- Take the body loop off, or open the crossbody section, and keep the unused part from hanging near your knees.
- Hold the leash at the designated hand section and keep the line clean, without wrapping it around your fingers.
- Check that all clips are fully closed before you walk on.
- Keep a little slack so your dog still has room for a normal stride.
What if your dog pulls?
A handsfree leash does not stop pulling. Wearing the leash on your body changes how you carry it, but loose leash walking still requires training and repetition.
If your dog makes strong or sudden movements, choose the position you can manage most comfortably and switch to handheld use when you want a more direct connection.
How is this different from re-clipping a waterproof leash?
Our dedicated handsfree leash is designed specifically to be worn crossbody, around your waist or in your hand. Our waterproof adjustable leash can be re-clipped to fixed attachment points, but making a loop uses part of its total length. That is not the same setup as the dedicated handsfree leash.
Explore our handsfree dog leashes if you want a leash made for these three carrying positions.
Conclusion
Use crossbody when you want an upper-body handsfree setup, waist when you prefer the connection lower and handheld when you want the most direct short-term control. The best position can change several times in one walk.
Frequently asked questions
How many ways can the UNBORINGBYPIP handsfree leash be worn?
Three: crossbody, around your waist or in your hand.
Which position leaves the most leash length?
Usually handheld use, because the leash is not using part of its length around your body.
Is crossbody better than waist?
Not automatically. Comfort depends on your body, clothing, surroundings and how your dog walks.
Can I switch to my hand quickly?
Yes. That can be useful in busy or narrow places where you want a more direct connection.
Does a handsfree leash stop pulling?
No. It changes how you carry the leash but does not teach loose leash walking by itself.
Is an adjustable waterproof leash the same as a handsfree leash?
No. A waterproof adjustable leash can form different setups, but a dedicated handsfree leash is specifically designed for body-worn use.