pets in the wild  

Dozer Tests the Ruff Wear Roamer™ and Flat Out™ Leashes
©Outdoor Adventure Canada

When it comes to enjoying the outdoors with my dog two factors come into play: Safety and Comfort. While testing Ruff Wear's Roamer™ and Flat Out™ leashes I found they both fit into my criteria.

Both the Roamer™ and the Flat Out™ can be used as hand-held or waist-worn (ie. hands free) leashes, or if needed as a fixed leash for clipping around a tree or post, which is ideal should you ever need to make a quick "pitstop" out on the trails. The slide release buckle allows for easy adjustment for the padded handle; from a comfortable hand held size to waists up to 42". They are each equipped with Ruffwear's exclusive Talon Clip™, which is strong, secure, light weight and easily maneuvered with one hand for ease-ability when clipping to your dog's collar. They also have in common their traffic handle for close control, which really does come in handy.

Here is how they are different:

The Roamer™ is made with sturdy tubular nylon webbing and equipped with a dynamic elastic core that is capable of expanding an additional 3 to 4.5 feet giving your dog just that little bit of extra room to move all the while keeping you in control. The Roamer™ comes in two length sizes, small (length when resting 5.5', length when extended 8.5', width 0.75") and large (length when resting 6.5', length when extended 11', width 1").

The Flat Out™ is made of a strong static webbing which is 6 feet in length and does not allow any extra moving around like the Roamer™ does.

Dozer was eager to test both leashes and we have come to an agreement. We prefer the Roamer™ for faster paced activities such as running and cycling as it allows more (or less) space between us, without the leash being too long and dragging on the ground, and allows him to run confortably a smidgen ahead of me, which is ideal for someone as clumsy as I am... I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've tripped over him while we've been running together. The Roamer™ seems to have alleviated this issue for us.

We also agree that using the Flat Out™ for hiking and walking around the city works best for us because it offers the added security of keeping him right beside me and out of mischief. Being a mother of three, walking the dog hands-free is important because there is always a little hand that needs holding. My nine year old son loves walking Dozer on the Flat Out™. He also uses it waist-worn and finds Dozer is more responsive to him.

When my Dad first saw the Roamer™ he was quite interested in it so we allowed him to try it out with his dog Bessie, a large Shepherd mix, and a few weeks later he had bought his own. He and Bessie went from being awkward and unable to cycle together to being a confident cycling duo, feeling at ease together. Now Bessie happily trots along side his bike and he feels more in control with two hands on his handlebars and the Roamer™ securely attached around his waist. He can still feel Bessie's movments and she knows what is expected of her.

I always say "a happy dog is tired dog", but on top of that a happy pet owner is one who knows their dog will be safe and secure while enjoying outdoor adventures together. Ruff Wear's Roamer™ leash and Flat Out™ leash both offer that, with the added bonus of being comfortable for the person using it. So get out there, enjoy the trails with your dog.

Written by Samantha Rogers
Photo courtesy of Michael Rogers