How to Set Up the Wolf Stride System™ for Hands-Free Walking
The Wolf Stride System™ is designed to keep your dog securely connected while your hands stay free for hiking, training, and everyday exploring. Follow these steps to thread your leash correctly through the pack.
Watch the Setup Video
Quick Start (Overview)
- Turn the pack so the straps face you and choose which side your dog will walk on.
- Start with the clip end of your 6 ft leash and thread it through the strap channel on the side you want your dog on, following the path going upwards towards the neck channel.
- Feed the leash through the neck channel and down through the strap channel on the opposite side. Pull some extra slack through.
- Feed the leash through the rear, back channel.
- Pull more slack through (if needed) and drop the leash clip through the ring.
- Attach a second leash to that clip and clip the second leash to your dog’s harness or collar.
- Do a quick fit check: the pack should feel snug and balanced, and the leash should move smoothly without twisting in the channels.
Full Setup Instructions
1. Position the Pack
Turn the pack so the straps are facing you—this is the side that sits against your body when you’re wearing it.
Decide which side you want your dog to walk on: left or right. This will determine where you start threading your leash.
2. Start on Your Dog’s Side
Locate the strap on the same side you want your dog positioned.
- Take the clip end of your 6 ft primary leash (don’t clip it to anything yet).
- Thread the clip end up through the bottom strap channel on your dog’s side.
- Continue threading it up through the top, neck strap channel on that same side.
This keeps the leash anchored close to the side your dog will be walking on.
3. Thread Through the Neck Strap Area
Next, guide the clip end of the leash through the upper neck-strap channel (the one that sits highest on the pack).
This upper channel helps stabilize the leash and prevents it from shifting or riding up while you move.
4. Move to the Opposite Side
Now bring the leash down on the opposite of the pack:
- Thread the clip end down through the strap channel on the opposite side.
- Pull a bit of slack through so the leash lies flat and untwisted, and moves smoothly when your dog changes pace or direction.
5. Feed Through the Rear, Back Channel
Guide the clip end of the leash through the final back channel on the rear of the pack.
This back channel distributes your dog’s pull evenly across your waist and shoulders, instead of concentrating it on a single point.
6. Clip + Connect
- Pull additional slack through if you need a bit more room.
- Drop the leash clip down through the end ring on the other side of your leash.
- Attach your second leash to that clip.
- Finally, clip the second leash to your dog’s harness or collar.
Your 6 ft leash is now fully threaded through the Wolf Stride System™, and the second leash connects directly to your dog.
Final Fit Check
Before you head out:
- Make sure the pack feels snug and balanced on your body.
- Confirm the leash is not twisted inside any of the channels.
- Check that all clips and rings are fully closed and secure.
Safety Warning
SAFETY WARNING – Never use the Wolf Stride System™ in or near elevators, revolving doors, escalators, subway or train doors, or any situation where you and your dog could become separated. Serious injury or death can occur if your dog enters while you remain outside. Always detach the leash before entering these areas.
Emergency Release
In an emergency, quickly free your dog by pressing the swivel clip’s spring gate and unclipping it from the leash ring.
TIP: Practice unclipping the leash before your first adventure so you can release it quickly under pressure.
