Running with your dog, made easier. – Review of ThunderShirt Dial a Distance, and ThunderSnap leashes

ThunderWorks, the creators of the ThunderShirt, developed two new products that help fitness conscious pet parents hike and run with their dogs with ease — the Dial-a-Distance and ThunderSnap — and I was sent both leashes to provide an open and honest review in exchange for product only.

Our dog sort of lost all her skills once our son came home. Her fun change in behavior included going to the bathroom outside and lots of jealousy. We tried everything to help her back to normal but it was a balancing act. She is such a good dog, and great with our son now so I am glad that is all in the past. She somehow forgot how to walk on a leash too, actually that still hasn’t changed. It is like she can SENSE having my hands full with a toddler and we are trying to get out for our run or walk- and hooking her up with the leash becomes impossible due to her excitement and inability to listen to “sit” anymore. Let alone how she chronically tries to push the stroller out of the way, or run too far, it has been a learning process for us all.

The Thundersnap Leash

I felt FOR sure this was going to be my favorite leash! I do love how I leave the little attachment on her collar blindly swing my arms around holding the leash in one hand and trying to trap my toddler in the other. It does click in so effortlessly that it makes it EASY To hook and go when everyone is excited to be heading out for a run. , and no matter how much my dog pulls, which she is part Basset so if she catches a scent ITS ON, she still doesn’t break out of this leash! It’s overall: EASY. It is normal in every other aspect– but the handle has a cushion!. If your dog enjoys running with you- this is AWESOME due to the comfy cushion and durable quality material. If your dog is less leash inclined and needs a little more guidance? Read on.

The Dial-A-Distance Leash

I figured this wasn’t worth the cost, and I already thought I would like the other least more. NOPE! After a trip to the vet this week, balancing the toddler and a hyper little pup- THIS IS THE LEASH. I dialed what distance we needed right before unloading everyone, and while I could still lock it if I wanted it to be shorter- It would still only go as far as I dialed when letting her roam.

This one is THE best, but I am likely bias because we use a leash that is the retractable kind like this before- but THIS one doesn’t tangle. I don’t have to try and trick my dog into coming near me so I can reel it in and put the brake on- it auto breaks for the safest distance on our run, walk, or the fun trip to the vet.

Here is an excellent chart to show how to pick the length for your activity. It is pretty accurate. When we go for trail walks, we let it out to about 12 feet, and our dog Minnie is in HEAVEN. Minnie has never looked happier actually. I love not having to chronically mess with crappy retraction, tangles, trying to break and reel it back in – I am fascinated and in love with this leash. We use it daily, and I love just dialing it to the distance (usually 4ish feet for sidewalk) and hooking it to the stroller and not having to worry. Auto break with a strong retractor? Yep. This leash changes it all for this house.