How to Make a Hands Free Dog Leash With Paracord

This is a useful leash to have if you are a jogger that likes to run with their dog. If you don't know how to tie the knots to make this leash, they're very easy to learn.

Supplies

You will need; Paracord (or a similar kind style rope) two leash snaps, one O-ring, a measuring tape, a pair of scissors and a lighter.

Remember to preshrink your paracord in hot water. Paracord loses 10% of it's length when it gets wet and when you are walking a dog it IS going to rain at some point.

Step 1 - Measuring Your Waist

Loosely measure your waist. This measurement should be comfortable enough to that you can walk, but not loose enough to slide over your hips.

STEP 2 - Measuring the Paracord

Add your waist measurement to however long you want your leash, in inches. To that number, add a 20 inch allowance for the knotting of the paracord.

STEP 3 - Fastening the O-ring

This is the first step for making the "belt" part of the leash. We are going to use the Surgeon's Loop Knot.

Using the measuring tape, measure off your waist measurement PLUS 5 inches. Slide the O-ring thru the paracord to the measurement and fold the rope. Now form a loop in the end of the line

Make an overhand knot with the O-ring.

Make another overhand knot with the O-ring

Now tighten up the knot that you have made.

STEP 4 - Adding the First Snap.

You will find that there is a long and short end of paracord. The SHORT end is forming the belt part. Attach the snap to the end of the paracord with the Surgeon's Knot as illustrated in step 3. Try the belt on for size, making sure that it is comfortable. If it isn't, undo the knots and start over until it is to your liking.

STEP 5 - Adding Knots to the Dog Leash

While you are out and about with your dog, you might face a situation where you have to control him quickly. This is where a few knots in the leash will come in handy. We will be tying Double Overhand Stopper Knots to accomplish this.

With the leash on you waist, mark the spot on the leash to where you can comfortably extend your grasp.

Wrap the end of the rope round itself.

Wrap it again.

Now pass the rope through both turns.

Tighten the knot. Make as many knots as you feel necessary to make a good leash to grab onto. I made two knots.

STEP 6 - Adding The Second Snap

Now you are knotting the snap for the dog's collar onto the leash. Use the Surgeon's Loop Knot from step 3

STEP 7 - Finishing The Leash

All the is left to do is trim the loose ends of paracord.

Cut the paracord, leaving about 1/2 inch of excess. You will need a little extra since the knot has not fully tightened from dog walking

Take your lighter and melt the end to keep it from fraying in the future.

Karen Friesecke is the author of Bloggie Stylish a new blog dedicated to recipes and free projects for dogs. Please visit Hands Free Leash to see this tutorial, complete with pictures.