Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Spileash - Final Review

I'm going to let mom write our post today because she wants to let everyone know how our  Spileash worked out for us.  So . . . here's mom:
"Mom, Murphy wanted me to tell you not to embarrass us since it is OUR blog."

We've used our Spileash enough times that we feel like we can give you an idea of how it worked for us.      We already posted about the features, construction, etc. You can see that post HERE. The bottom line is that it is a very well made leash with a convenient pouch for carrying your supplies like phones, poop bags, treats, etc.  It is sort of a minimalist design in that when you are running or walking with the dog you don't feel encumbered.  You don't have a sensation of something thick around your waist and you don't feel the bounce of the pouch.  But if the dog pulls at the leash, you're going to feel it pull the leash into your midsection.  A hands-free leash isn't going to make up for a dog that needs loose leash training.

Being hands free is NICE!  No more yanking at the shoulder.  If the dog wants to pull the human, he has to pull the whole weight of the human, not just dislocate a shoulder. But the flip side is that dog and human are tethered.  The better trained the dog is, the less of an issue this would be.

Leash length was a huge decision for us.  I like the fact that this comes in two sizes.  At first I thought the shorter one would be the best for Murphy (to avoid him getting entangled) and the longer one for Stanley.   But after one outing (just a walk) with the shorter leash, I learned (the hard way) that having a little room to recover from a dog moving into the human's foot strike space is the difference between remaining upright and kissing the pavement.  I kissed the pavement.  OK, lesson learned.  The longer leash worked out best for Stanley and after trying Murphy on the longer leash I was sold on it too.  The additional 12" gave me a larger "recovery" area. Murphy was far enough away from me that if he started coming into my space I could just grab the leash and redirect him to stay on my left side.   So my recommendation would be to get the longer leash for smaller dogs.

I copied the leash length info from the manufacture's web site, so here are the 2 options:


Small – 72" from end to end. Depending on the waist size, the length will vary. Measure your waist size and subtract from 72" to find the length left over (72" leash – 32" waist = 40" leash length) 
Large – 84" from end to end. Use the same equation as above (84" leash – 32" waist = 52" leash length)


After you finish running, you can also take the leash off your waist and use it like a regular walking leash (using waist part as a handle).  This allows the dog more freedom to "roam" (stop for sniffs, etc.) while walking.

We're taking the leashes with us on our upcoming trip to Zion National Park and intend to use them for running and hiking.  We are still working on training issues with the Doods (staying on the left side while running is critical) but look forward to running many miles together.  For anyone who wants to run with their dog, a hands-free leash is the way to go.  The Spileash will secure your dog to you (without bogging you down with heavy apparatus), give you a place to carry a few essentials, and allow you a natural arm swing.  It is possible to run with your dog and still feel "free"!  We give this product a thumbs up!


Murphy & Stanley & Pawrents




21 comments:

Hailey and Zaphod and their Lady said...

Our Lady so wants to give this a try. It sounds wonderful - she says we hurt her back! Thanks for sharing. Lee and Phod who are not that excited about a maybe new leash

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Golden Thanks for the clarification and review. Mom likes this and will check it out. I am so used being off leash but now we are back home (mainland) its a bit difficult so this might be an alternative. It is made with nylon? Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Murphy said...

Yes, 1" nylon leash. If you click on the first link that refers to the earlier post there are photos and details on the construction.

GOOSE said...

It does sound great. But I am afraid I would pull and drag my MOM. Bawhahhahah.
Blessings,
Goose

Ziggy Stardust said...

Thank you for the good information.

Loveys Sasha

A Day In The Life Of A Goose said...

Hahaha "loose leash training"...bahahah! ;-P

Great review pawrents! My Domeek is definitely not a runner, but I think that this would work very well as a hiking tool (you'll have to let us know when you get back from the big trip)...we've tried to use those climbing clips on her belt before, but we both get entangled frequently! ;-) Thanks for the update and have a great Wednesday!!

Meredith said...

Good to know. Clay is looking for one of these for Autumn. She will ONLY walk/run on the left side. No amount of coercion will make her do anything else. Except a sprinkler. A sprinkler will change her ways.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Sounds like a winner for dogs who keep moving....we tend to stop a lot to sniff pee-mail...BOL!

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

Unknown said...

We agree with Scotsmad and worse I cross over in front of peeps which would mean a lot of kissing dirt. Glad it is working for you. Enjoy. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly

haopee said...

It's nice that it comes in different sizes. Most of the leashes here only come in one. I love that you can put it on your waist. Makes multi-tasking possible.

Huggies and Cheese,

Haopee

My Mind's Eye said...

Stanley sweet heart you have just a tad of mud on your face...but YOU ARE STILL HANDSOME!! MOL
Precious picture and such a thoughtful pose!!

WooHoo on new products working as they are advertised to work. I like them because it looked like you are taking your peeps for a walk!!
Hugs Madi your BFFF

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

We think your mom did a fine job with this post. hehehehe
Of course we KNOW that you actually Helped her and edited it and stuffs butt it is NICE of you guys to let her feel so successful.

Those walkin strings are grrrreat. You did a super job of training them to use them correctly. You must be very much PROUD of how easy your mom and dad are to train.

stellaroselong said...

You guys must be very very smart to keep your momma upright on Most of the walk, we often tangle momma up in our leashes...she has to take us separately...we have NO loose training cos we would be halfway across Iowa before she caught us, and I can't even see where I am running!!
stella rose and mags

Murphy said...

Loose leash means teaching the dog to walk with a loose leash (not pulling). It takes a lot of work but is so worth it! We are a "work in progress" as mom says. (Sometimes we do it really well and other times not so much.)

GizmoGeodog said...

Great review...sounds like the Spileash is going to work out very well for all of you...here's the funny part...I've got one of the original Spibelts that I use for cleanup bags, keys etc but until today didn't realize you were talking about an "upgrade" to that product...wonder if i can figure out a way to make it handsfree?

NanaNor's said...

This is such a good review and alot of valuable info for those that run with their pups. I have a long 6' leash I use but since I don't run with Hunter, don't think I would utilize this as much. I do appreciate your honest review though. You are going to love Zion-all the red rock like we just saw in AZ. You know you'll have to take lots of pics for us.
Have a great evening.
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Two French Bulldogs said...

Thank you for the review. Sounds like a good combo of mini purse and leash
Benny & Lily

Inger said...

That sounds like a great product if you like your hands free. Sounds like it would be great for hiking once both human and dog gets used to it. I hope for some great pictures from your trip.

Unknown said...

Oh Dear! Me is sorry yous "kissed" the ground! Mommy wishes she could still run, me thinks our hairy slobbery sister Cinnamon would loves that!
Kisses
Nellie

Mollie said...

I think it's great to go hiking with, and has pouches too:) Have a wonderful day guys xx00xx
Mollie and Alfie

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great product. If only I could even get Cocco attached to anything! Sounds like it will be helpful on your upcoming trip.

Oink oink,
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig