Introduction: How to Make a Hands Free Dog Leash in 15 Minutes

By Doggie Stylish
About: I love to make things & work with my hands. I mostly make stuff for dogs and sometimes I dabble with recipes, too. Right now I'm in the process of setting up a DIY blog for pet lovers.

For expert knotters, it will probably take you less than 15 minutes to make this leash.

For those of you that don't have a clue about knotting, don't worry! These knots are really easy to do!

If you liked this instructable, check out my blog for other cool tutes.

Step 1: Tools & 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 2: Measuring Your Waist and Paracord

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

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.

My waist was 40 plus 60 for the leash plus 20 for the knots to make a total of 120 inches of paracord.

Step 3: Surgeon's Loop Knot - Part One

This is the first step for making the "belt" part of the leash. We are going to use the Surgeon's Loop Knot. You can find an animated version of tying this knot here.

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 aloop in the end of the line

Step 4: Surgeon's Loop Knot - Part Two

Make an overhand knot with the O-ring.

Step 5: Surgeon's Loop Knot - Part Three

Make another overhand knot with the O-ring.

Now tighten up the knot that you have made.

Step 6: 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 Loop Knot.

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 7: 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. You can see an animated version of this knot here

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

Step 8: Double Overhand Stopper Knots - Part One

Wrap the end of the rope round itself.

Step 9: Double Overhand Stopper Knots - Part Two

Wrap it again.

Step 10: Double Overhand Stopper Knots - Part Three

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 11: Adding the Second Snap

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

Step 12: Finishing the Leash


All that 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. You're done and can now walk your dog hands free!