The story behind the Effortless Leash: why we reinvented the most basic dog accessory

When you think of a hands-free dog leash, what comes to mind? Probably something simple: just a strap that clips around your waist. But if you’ve ever actually tried walking your dog that way, you know it’s anything but simple. The leash either doesn't fit your waist, it is too short, or too long, and the length cannot be changed during a walk. That’s exactly the problem I faced while walking my dog Toni.

Whether I was juggling grocery bags, holding an umbrella, trying to answer a phone call or just trying to keep my hands warm in winter, I kept wishing for a smarter leash. One I could wear on my body. One that would keep Toni safe while giving me freedom to move. But nothing on the market really worked. So I sat down and got to work....

The challenge no one talks about

I decided to create a leash that will solve all of these issues, and look stylish at the same time. I made first sketches, got myself a set of leather craft tools and made first prototypes: my initial idea was to have a belt and a leash, as two separate products. The belt would make sure that it fits every waist size and it would have a metal hook or carabiner to allow to shorten the leash.

However, the early prototypes made one thing clear: having two separate products is not an elegant solution to this problem. It had to be one product that does everything. But how do you create a hands-free leash that fits everyone, regardless of their waist size and height, while giving them both sufficient leash length and the option to shorten it during a walk? 

The answer sounds simple: you just add sliding elements so everyone can place them where they need on the leash. But that’s much harder than it sounds. The real engineering challenge here is: how do you create sliding elements that only slide when you want them to, without stitching or screwing them in place, without tying knots around them, or using other cumbersome methods to stop them from sliding? We needed parts that will lock in place and resist even strong dog pulling, unless the user wants to change their position. 

Here's what most current handsfree dog leashes offer:

• A floating ring that slides freely along the leash. But once you start moving, the ring shifts, the loop loosens, and the leash doesn’t stay where it should.
• The common workaround? Tie a knot. It might hold - for a while - but it’s not strong, not elegant, and impossible to adjust mid-walk.
• Others tried fixed rings, plastic sliders, or screw-on gadgets.

All of them came with trade-offs: bulky, fiddly, and ineffective.

The breakthrough

We weren’t satisfied with compromises. We 3D-modeled and tested prototype after prototype of a custom ring-and-slider system. The goal? Something that glides smoothly when you adjust it, but stays firmly in place when the leash is in use, even under heavy pulling. Something that allows you to both adjust to your body, have sufficient leash length left for your dog, and have the option to adjust leash length during a walk, without the need to use your hands.

It took months, but eventually, we cracked it. We invented a mechanism that adapts to literally every body, adjusts length during a walk in one swift motion with a single hand, and stays hands-free throughout. It’s smooth, strong, intuitive - and completely unique.

These smart components, together with our length adjustment system, are now the heart of our patent application.

Effortless by name and by function

The final version looks almost ordinary. And that’s exactly the beauty of it. True innovation doesn't scream for attention. It feels natural. Seamless. Effortless.

What makes the Effortless Leash so special is not just its adjustability or hands-free function. It’s the fact that it works for every person, every dog, and every situation. Whether you’re navigating crowded city streets or hiking open trails, this leash adapts - without knots, buckles, or extra gadgets.

More than a leash

To complete the experience, we designed matching accessories that meet the same standard of elegance and functionality. Our collar and harness are built to pair perfectly with the leash, and our versatile little bag attaches in any leash configuration: cross-body, waist, or hand-held, thanks to its dual attachment system. Finally, a bag that fits your phone, treats, keys, and everything else without compromising on style.

Why we’re patenting it

If building a universal, hands-free leash were easy, someone would’ve done it already. But as we discovered: making it feel effortless for the user takes real effort behind the scenes. Our system is 100% unique on the market - and once you try it, it’s a total game changer.

That’s why we’re pursuing a patent. To protect the design we worked so hard to develop - and to proudly offer something no one else can.

Because your walks deserve better. And with the Effortless Leash, better finally exists.