The 9 Best Aerial Dog Runs

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This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in October of 2018. If your backyard doesn't have a fence, but you still want to let your pooch run free, these aerial dog trolleys could be the answer. They're wire cables with leads attached that you hook to two trees, keeping your dog home without being overly restrained. A word of caution, though: don't leave your dog unsupervised, as they could get tangled up, leading to serious injury and even death. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Tumbo Xtreme Trolley

2. Petest Runner

3. BV Pet

Editor's Notes

March 04, 2021:

It was a fairly uneventful round of updates, although we did wind up removing the You&Me Zipline and Pet Champion due to availability issues.

Our only new addition was the Tumbo Xtreme Trolley, which first got our attention with its notably long 150- and 200-foot lengths. But, what really kept us interested is its patent-pending pulley mechanism, which uses three wheels to drastically reduce the chances of binds or snags.

We also shuffled the order of our list a bit, at times giving preference to options that were better suited to bigger dogs. We thought it made sense to organize things this way – given the likely correlation between cost, durability and weight limit – but it should be noted that this isn’t necessarily a simple case of bigger’s better.

While big breeds might love the freedom these devices afford them, small dogs might feel like they’ve been burdened by a ball and chain, so do your due diligence and try to pick a model that matches well with your pet’s size. This may not be extremely easy, since most companies tend to only provide an upper weight limit (the Four Paws Exerciser is one example of an option that self identifies as being unsuitable for dogs under 50 pounds, while the Freedom Aerial FADR-100HD is aimed at dogs between 40 and 70 pounds), but if you’re able to swap out the heavy, steel lead lines that come with some selections, and substitute a lightweight leash, there’s a good chance you can achieve a setup that your small dog will love.

If you’re looking for more ways to improve your dog’s lifestyle, you could get lost searching through all the specialized lists we maintain for pet owners, so don’t be afraid to look around. We’ve got rankings for everything from dog beds, to tactical dog vests, to dog houses and even costumes for dogs.

November 01, 2018:

Placed the Freedom Aerial FADR-100SD at #1 due to its ability to the ease with which it can be set up. Penalized other models on account of weak points, such as plastic components, as well as the possibility of ensnaring pets.

Special Honors

The Dog Kennel Collection If your pet keeps getting tangled up in its aerial run, or keeps ripping its anchors right out, it might be time to bite the bullet and think about investing in a proper kennel. This company offers a wide range of customizable designs that are suitable for both commercial and residential applications. thedogkennelcollection.com

Hectate Verona Dog Manors If you think your canine is going to appreciate its new aerial run, then there's no telling how it'll react when you break the news that the family's planning on splurging on a new dog house. This company offers extravagant, customizable outdoor models, and even some toy-breed-sized indoor choices that reek of panache. Just note that you may need to take out a small mortgage to foot the bill. hecateverona.com

4. Pinnon Hatch Farms

5. Four Paws Exerciser

6. Freedom Aerial FADR-100HD

7. Boss Pet Prestige

8. Coastal Pet Titan

9. Freedom Aerial FADR-100SD


Will Rhoda
Last updated by Will Rhoda

After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.


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