I run with my dog with my leash in hand. I had been using a normal 6-footer with no bungee. Reeling it in when she’s close to me and letting out slack had been getting annoying (and a dangerous tripping hazard!). This does the exact trick! When my dog is near me, there is no slack to trip over. When she falls behind or runs ahead, she has a safe amount of room to work with. Eventually I might get the harness for myself to wear, but for now, I like the safety of having her in my hand. Only lost one star because I wish it came in more fun colors.