Best aerial dog runs and dog trolley systems to buy

As we saw in our article on the best dog tie-outs, keeping your active canine(s) restricted to the boundaries of the backyard or lawn can sometimes be a challenge. In situations when physical or electronic fencing is not a feasible option, a good old dog tie-out setup is often the best choice.

Dog tie-outs rely on a combination of an anchor and a cable or rope to restrict the movement of the pet to a limited area. This anchor can be secured in the ground or placed overhead as a cable between two posts.

Aerial dog runs tend to offer a lot more freedom of movement to the pets and, hence, quite popular. But picking the right aerial dog run is important.

In this article, we will look at some of the best aerial dog runs and dog trolley systems for backyards and outdoor excursions such as camping.

We will also discuss some of the major factors to consider before picking the best aerial dog run for your needs and share our top picks. So buckle up and read on!!

Picture	Product	Specifications
	Freedom Aerial Dog Run	100 feet cable, 15 feet runner. For 40-70 lbs. dogs. Other options are also available. Also available with comfort harness.	Check Price
	Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Tethering System	36 feet rope w/ hardware. For dogs up to 150 lbs.	Check Price
	Snagle Paw Dog Tie Out Runner Trolley System	75-100 feet cable. 10 feet runner. For dogs up to 125 lbs.	Check Price
	BV Pet Aerial Trolley System	60 feet cable. 10 feet runner. For dogs up to 125 lbs.	Check Price
	Four Paws Heavy-Duty Dog Trolley Exerciser	100 feet cable. 10 feet runner. For dogs up to 50 lbs. Other options are also available.	Check Price Chewy Price
	Boss Pet Prestige Skyline Aerial Dog Run	100 feet cable. 10 feet runner. For dogs up to 60 lbs. A shorter trolley is also available.	Check Price Chewy Price
	Rover Roamer Aerial Dog Run	100 feet cable. 6 feet bungee leash runner. For dogs up to 125-150 lbs. A travel-friendly Sky Track Aerial Dog Run is also available.	Check Price
	Tumbo Trolley Xtreme Dog Containment System	75-200 feet cable. 16 feet runner including 3 feet detachable leash. For dogs up to 125 lbs.	Check Price
	Pinnon Hatch Farms Overhead Dog Run	50-250 feet cable. No runner cable. For dogs up to 150 lbs. Includes cable clamps and Fiberglass pulley. Installation hooks are not included.	Check Price

What are aerial dog runs and how can they be useful?

As discussed above, dog tie-outs rely on a combination of an anchor and a cable or rope to restrict the movement of the pet to a limited area. This anchor can be secured in the ground as in stake dog tie-outs) or placed overhead as a rope as in aerial dog runs or dog trolley systems.

Dog tie-outs are different from more restricting solutions such as dog leash tie-downs but are not as unobtrusive as physical or electronic fences.

Aerial dog runs (also referred to as dog trolley systems, trolley-based dog tie-outs, overhead dog tie-outs, or pulley dog tie-outs) provide a lot more freedom to the pets when compared to the ground-anchor dog tie-outs.

Such systems essentially consist of two cables – a zipline cable that runs overhead between two posts or trees, and the runner cable with a pulley or slider that be attached to the dog’s leash or harness. Because of this design, these dog tie-outs are also referred to as aerial dog runs.

The aerial dog runs and trolley dog tie-outs require a little more effort to install and set up properly – They should be installed at least 5.7 – 6 feet above the ground. Furthermore, they need two properly-spaced securing posts or trees – at least 10-20 feet apart.

However, aerial dog runs offer a bigger playground to the pet. Most of these systems can also support large dogs weighing up to 125-150 lbs.

Moreover, if properly installed and configures, these systems have less chances of the cable tangling in the dog’s body. This reduces the chances of strangulation or accidental neck injuries.

Finally, trolley dog tie-outs are more secure for use in soggy and mildly wet/cold weathers – circumstances wherein a stake tie-out may not be escape-proof.

Because of all these benefits over the traditional dog tie-outs and tie-downs, aerial dog runs are quite popular with pet owners for restraining their pets in the backyard or at campsites.

In the next sections, we will list our picks for the best aerial dog runs for the backyard and outdoors and also share the factors to keep in mind before picking the best one for your dog.

Which are the best aerial dog runs and dog trolley systems?

Freedom Aerial Dog Run – Best aerial dog run/dog trolley system

Material:  Galvanized steel cable with a weather-proof vinyl sheath. Corrosion-resistant metal alloy hardware.
Specifications:

• 100 feet cable.
• 15 feet pulley lead-line.
• Suitable for dogs over 40 lbs. and up to 70 lbs.
• Also available in different lengths and sizes for 15-120 lbs. dogs.

Price: $$$ to $$$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• Premium trolley-based dog tie-out system featuring a rust-resistant, galvanized steel cable with protective polyvinyl coating. Made in the US.
• Features best-in-class, 15-feet pulley lead-line with a double-welded steel snap-lock for attaching to the pet leash. Provides adjustable length between posts.
• Easy to set up within high-quality installation hardware is also included. All-metal alloy hardware with no plastic parts or connectors.
• Other trolley dog tie-out options for smaller and bigger dogs are also available from the same manufacturer. Also available with a comfort harness. The manufacturer also offers replacement parts and accessories directly through its website.
• Priced at over 70 USD for all the options, but you get what you pay for. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment and a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Detail Review:

When it comes to dog tie-outs and tie-downs, the US-based Freedom Pet Supply has been one of the most established brands in the market with their Freedom dog tie-outs and Beast Master leashes, chains, and tie-downs.

Among aerial dog runs and trolley dog tie-outs, the US-made Freedom Aerial dog runs have long been one of the most reliable products available in the market, and there is a good reason for that.

The Freedom Aerial dog run features a galvanized steel cable covered with a silver-grey polyvinyl sheath for rust and weather protection. The cable is made of solid welded steel. It is pretty lightweight yet durable and does not tangle or kink when in use.

The hardware for the dog tie-out system is all steel metal alloy with no plastic parts or pieces. Replacements and accessories for the dog tie-out are also readily available from the manufacturer’s website.

The Freedom Aerial Dog Run is available in multiple lengths and sizes suitable for all dog breeds from 25 lbs. up to 120-150 lbs. This is a major advantage as most aerial dog tie-outs are not ideal for small yet active.

• Small dog kit for dogs up to 40 lbs.
• Medium dog kit for dogs up to 80 lbs.
• Large dog kit for dogs with combined weight up to 120-150 lbs.

One of the best features of this aerial dog run is the best-in-class, 15-feet pulley lead-line with a double-welded steel snap-lock for attaching to the pet leash. A 15-feet lead line provides a lot of space for the pet to run, play, and rest. Moreover, a sturdy, durable build means that the runner would not snap easily when in use.

The overhead cable is adjustable from 50-100 feet, depending upon the distance between the posts. Installation is easy (the system comes with easy-to-follow instructions) and can be done in under 20-30 minutes.

The Freedom Dog Run is backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment and a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. And you can get different trolley dog tie-out options based on your dog’s size and weight. And that is not all! The manufacturer also offers aerial dog runs with comfort harness to provide further comfort and safety.

Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Tethering System – Best portable aerial dog run for camping and travel

Material:  Kernmantle (paracord) rope with two metal snap-locks on the ends. Rust-proof, steel swiveling carabiner to attach the leash. No runner cord or leash. Tree-hugging nylon straps. Ripstop nylon stow bag.
Specifications:

• 36 feet rope with nylon strap.
• No runner cord or leash.
• 6″ x 7″ x 2″ stow bag with a storm flap.
• Total weight: 12 ounces.
• Suitable for dogs up to 150 lbs.

Price: $$$.
Features:

• An innovative, patented dog hitching system designed similar to a trolley dog tie-out anchoring system. Made in Vietnam under the US-based manufacturer’s quality control restrictions.
• Features a weather-proof Kernmantle rope that can be secured using two trees or a single post. Supports a maximum distance of 36 feet between the trees.
• Equipped with a rock-climbing inspired tensioning system with auto-locking that provides quick and easy setup and safe containment.
• Has a heavy-duty swiveling carabiner that prevents twisting and tangling of the leash. The leash or harness is NOT included and must be purchased separately.
• Comes with a convenient and durable ripstop Nylon stow bag that contains the rope tail ends while the storm flap keeps the weather elements out.
• Hand-wash only in mild detergent and air dry.
• Available in reflective bright red color and backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Detail Review:

If you are looking for a portable aerial dog run that you can use for camping, travel, or occasional outdoor events, then the Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Tethering system is an excellent choice. This ultralight overhead dog tie-out offers secure, convenient, and comfortable tethering with a single or two post set up.

The patented Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch system features a high-quality, weather-proof Kernmantle (synthetic material like paracord) rope with galvanized steel snap-locks on the end. The zipline cord has a rust-proof steel swiveling carabiner to attach the dog’s leash or tie-down and secure with a screw-lock. The rope comes in reflective bright red color, making the zipline visible even in low lights.

Like other Ruffwear products, the Knot-a-Hitch system is made in Vietnam under the US-based company’s strict quality control processes.

The Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Tethering system offers a bunch of flexible arrangements – it can be installed as an overhead runner using two trees/posts or as a tie-down using a single tree/post. You can check the manufacturer’s instructions or videos of how to configure it correctly.

The maximum supported length is 36 feet (about 12 meters). And the whole system weighs a mere 12 ounces, making it perfect for travel.

One of the best features of the Knot-a-Hitch system is its reliable and extremely convenient tensioning system – you simply need to run through the excess cord through the auto-lock and stow the cord in the attached carry bag. This rock-climbing rope type tensioning system makes setup quick and easy (check the review video below).

Another smart feature of this tethering system is the heavy-duty swivel carabiner, which provides a seamless 360-degree rotation, thereby preventing twisting and tangling of the attached dog leash. The Knot-a-Hitch system does not come with a runner cord or leash, and you will have to purchase one separately – a minor drawback but not a deal-breaker.

The Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch system comes with a convenient and durable ripstop nylon stow bag that contains the rope tail ends while the storm flap keeps the weather elements out.

Cleaning the system is easy – Simply wipe the cords and hardware with a soft microfiber cloth. For a more thorough cleanup, soak in mild detergent, rinse, and air-dry the cord and stow bag. It is recommended to avoid machine washing the cord.

The Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch system is backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects – a testament to its superior quality and durability.

Snagle Paw Dog Tie Out Runner Trolley System – Value pick for the best aerial dog run

Material:  Galvanized steel cable and runner with a rust-resistant, waterproof polyvinyl sheath. Galvanized steel shock-absorbing buffer springs, swivel runner clip, hooks, and pulley. Plastic rope stopper on one side and an adjustable turn-buckle on the other.
Specifications:

• 75 or 100 feet cable with a 10 feet runner.
• Adjustable metal turn-buckle to manage rope tension and shock-absorbing steel springs to prevent injuries.
• Suitable for dogs over 25 lbs. and up to 125 lbs.

Price: $$.
Features:

• Value-for-money pulley-based aerial dog run with a featuring a rust-resistant, aircraft-grade steel cable having a polyvinyl coating. Made in China.
• Features a 75 or 100 feet cable with a 10-feet pulley runner. The runner cable is also equipped with shock-absorbing buffer springs to minimize the pull force and prevent injuries to the pet.
• Easy to set up with the included high-quality installation hardware. The turn-buckle allows perfect tension adjustment of the rope by tightening or loosening the screws.
• Available in two colors – red and silver and two different lengths – 75ft. and 100ft. and suitable for all small to large dogs weighing over 25 lbs. up to 125 lbs.
• Excellent value-for-money – priced at around 30 USD for the whole pulley tie-out setup. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer.
• A standard, ground-based dog tie-out cable with shock-absorbing springs is also available from the same manufacturer.

BV Pet Aerial Trolley System

Material:  Galvanized steel cable and runner with a rust-resistant, waterproof polyvinyl sheath. Galvanized steel shock-absorbing spring, swivel clips, installation hardware, and pulley. Nylon rope stopper.
Specifications:

• 3/8-inch thick, 60 feet cable with shock spring. 10 feet pulley runner.
• 100% steel installation hooks, swivel clips, and pulley.
• Suitable for dogs over 20 lbs. and up to 125 lbs.

Price: $.
Features:

• Popular aerial dog tie-out with a 100% galvanized steel zipline and runner cable having a reflective and rust-resistant vinyl sheath. Made in Taiwan under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
• Shock spring in the zipline cable prevents ‘whiplash’ when the dog runs out of cable. Offers smooth pulley movement with a free-moving pulley.
• Quick-release swivel clips in the runner cable with 360-degree rotation provide tangle-free operation.
• Competitively priced and cheaper than most other trolley-based dog tie-outs. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment and a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
• Other stake tie-out cable options for smaller and bigger dogs are also available from the same manufacturer.

Four Paws Heavy-Duty Dog Trolley Exerciser

Material:  Galvanized steel cable and runner with a rust-resistant, waterproof polyvinyl sheath. Galvanized steel shock-absorbing springs, installation hooks, and pulleys. Plastic rope stopper.
Specifications:

• 50, 75, or 100 feet cable with a 10 feet pulley runner.
• Shock-absorbing steel spring for more flexibility in the pulley.
• Suitable for dogs over 50 lbs. and up to 150 lbs.

Price: $$.
Features:

• High-quality trolley dog tie-out system featuring a rust-resistant, aircraft-grade steel cable with polyvinyl coating. Made in China.
• Equipped with a shock-absorbing spring to reduce tension in the cable while tugging.
• Features a 10-feet pulley runner with a double-welded steel snap-lock for attaching to the pet leash.
• Easy to set up with high-quality installation hardware also included.
• Available in three different lengths – 50ft., 75ft. and 100ft. and suitable for all medium to large dogs weighing over 50 lbs. up to 150 lbs.
• Other stake tie-out cable options for smaller and bigger dogs are also available from the same manufacturer.
• Priced at around 30 USD for the whole pulley tie-out setup. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment.

Boss Pet Prestige Skyline Aerial Dog Run

Material:  Galvanized(zinc-coated) steel cable and runner with a waterproof polyvinyl sheath – red for the zipline and blue for the runner. Galvanized steel swivel snaps and installation hardware.
Specifications:

• 100 feet cable with a 10 feet pulley runner.
• Suitable for dogs over 20 lbs. and up to 60 lbs.
• A shorter trolley is also available

Price: $ to $$ depending upon the length.
Features:

• Decent quality aerial dog run with an aircraft-grade galvanized steel zipline cable and runner having a vinyl sheath. Made in China.
• Comes with a patented direct-connect system that connects swivel snaps directly to cable for a strong and secure connection.
• Available in different lengths – 50ft., 60ft. and 100ft. and suitable for all small to medium dogs weighing over 20 lbs. up to 60 lbs.
• Only includes basic installation hardware. Does not have a turnbuckle to adjust the tension. Shock spring also needs to be purchased separately if required.
• Comes in a reflective color combination – red for the zipline and blue for the runner.
• Backed by the standard 30-day warranty against manufacturing defects with no additional warranty on the cable and hardware.

Rover Roamer Aerial Dog Run

Material:  6.35 mm. galvanized steel cable with a waterproof polyvinyl sheath. 1000D ripstop Nylon Bungee Leash. Galvanized steel turnbuckle, carabiner, and installation hardware. Aluminum pulley. Plastic bumpers. Nylon tree anchor straps.
Specifications:

• 35 mm. thick 100 feet cable with a 6 feet bungee leash runner.
• An aluminum pulley that supports 6-10 mm. thick cords.
• Suitable for dogs over 15 lbs. and up to 125-150 lbs.
• A portable Rover Roamer Sky Track Aerial Dog Run is also available

Price: $$$$.
Features:

• Innovative trolley-based aerial dog run with a vinyl-covered, galvanized steel zipline cable and 1000D ripstop Nylon bungee leash. Made in China.
• Easy to set up with the included high-quality installation hardware that supports up to 2 dogs. Included tree straps and cable clasps allow secure anchoring around the tree. The turnbuckle allows perfect tension adjustment of the rope by tightening or loosening the screws.
• Comes with an aluminum pulley that can be attached to the bungee runner through a metal carabiner. The bungee segment can be detached to be used as a standalone dog leash.
• Because of the fabric build, it is recommended to not leave the runner outdoors when not in use.
• Costlier than standard dog tie-outs and aerial dog run. But an all-inclusive system includes the zipline cable, 1 bungee runner, 1 pulley, carabiner, 2 bumpers, 2 anchor straps, and 4 cable clamps. Extra dog kit and replacement hardware available directly from the manufacturer’s website.
• Backed by a 60-day returns and one-year manufacturer warranty against defects. A lighter, more portable Rover Roamer Sky Track Aerial Dog Run with a paracord zipline runner is also available.

Tumbo Trolley Xtreme Dog Containment System

Material:  Galvanized steel cable with a waterproof polyvinyl sheath. Ripstop Nylon Bungee Leash. Galvanized steel carabiner and installation hardware. Aluminum/Stainless-Steel tri-wheel pulley. Nylon tree anchor straps.
Specifications:

• 100-200 feet galvanized steel overhead cable.
• 16 feet runner including 3 feet detachable leash.
• Aluminum tri-wheel pulley in Xtreme trolley and aluminum slider in regular leash.
• Suitable for dogs over 20 lbs. and up to 125 lbs.
• Available in Regular, Xtreme, and Travel trolley designs.

Price: $$$$.
Features:

• Premium aerial trolley dog tie-out with a galvanized steel cable and bungee leash. Designed and assembled in the US from imported (China/Taiwan) parts.
• The Xtreme trolley features a patent-pending aluminum and stainless-steel triple wheel pulley (two wheels above the line and one below) that allows free movement to an active dog. The standard trolley has an aluminum slider that glides laterally around the overhead cable.
• The 3 feet, detachable nylon bungee dog leash provides an elastic, anti-shock runner when your dog reaches the end of the line. The runner provides an effective length of 14-16 feet. However, the bungee leash can lose elasticity after prolonged use and exposure to weather elements.
• Easy to install – the trolley system comes with all components needed for a fast and easy, one-person setup. Instructions and videos are available on the manufacturer’s website for guidance.
• Available in variable cord lengths – The regular and Xtreme home versions are available in 100, 150, and 200-foot lengths. The travel version with the Kevlar rope versus the steel cable is only available in a 75-feet length.
• Premium-priced and costlier than most other trolley tie-out systems. Backed by a one-year warranty on cable, leash, and other parts, excluding the “wear or chew” items.

Pinnon Hatch Farms Overhead Dog Run

Material:  Galvanized steel cable a black UV-resistant and weather-proof polyvinyl sheath. Galvanized steel clamps. Fiberglass pulley. No hooks, turnbuckle, or runner cable/leash.
Specifications:

• 50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 feet cable with UV-resistant PVC sheath.
• Fiberglass pulley.
• No installation hooks, shock springs, turnbuckle, or runner cable.
• Suitable for dogs over 50 lbs. and up to 150 lbs.

Price: $$ to $$$ depending upon the length.
Features:

• Heavy-duty trolley dog tie-out with a 3/16″ thick, galvanized-steel zipline having a black UV-resistant polyvinyl sheath. Made in the US.
• The zipline cable offers a high-tensile strength (2000 lbs.) zipline cord that provides superior weather protection. Built to last and can also be used as a cloth-line.
• Features a fiberglass reinforced, self-lubricating 1.75″ wide nylon pulley that runs smoothly on the cable with protective clamps.
• Comes with 6 cable clamps, but the turnbuckle, shock springs, and hooks are not included and have to be purchased separately. Also does not come with a runner cable or leash.
• Available in five lengths. Backed by a 30-day warranty with 20% restocking fees on returns.

How to pick the best aerial dog run or dog trolley system?

With so many different dog tie-outs and overhead pet restraining systems available in the market, picking the best aerial dog run can be a challenge. After all, you need an aerial dog run that is durable, reliable, and comfortable for the canine and is easy to set up.

In addition to the overall budget, you should look at the following major factors before picking the best trolley dog tie-out system:

• Type and purpose of the aerial dog run system
• Manufacturing material of the dog tie-out system
• Size and weight of the dog and the tie-out
• Ease of installation and maintenance
• Additional factors and considerations

Type and purpose of the aerial dog run system

Before picking the best trolley dog tie-out for your Fido, you would need to decide upon the type of aerial dog run you should opt for.

If you are looking for a temporary aerial dog run that is ideal for camping, outdoor events, travel, or occasional backyard use, then consider picking a portable dog tie-out system that is not too heavy and quick to install. These dog tie-outs come with lightweight and portable cables and installation hardware that are easy to pack and carry around.

Of our recommendations, the following three aerial dog runs are suitable for camping and other outdoor activities:

• Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Tethering System
• Rover Roamer Sky Track Aerial Dog Run
• Tumbo Trolley Travel Dog Containment System

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more permanent set up in your backyard, standard trolley dog tie-out systems such as the Freedom Aerial Dog Run would be a better choice. These aerial dog runs come with heavy-duty installation hardware and cables that can withstand prolonged exposure to the weather elements.

Simply set it around the trunk of the trees with a rope running between them. This would give ample playground to the pet. You have to keep in mind that some campgrounds and communities have laws against trolley or pulley systems, so you should check the local laws before opting for such a system.

So, depending upon the terrain and preferences, you can pick the best dog tie-out system for your pet.

Manufacturing material of the aerial dog run

The manufacturing material and build quality of the tie-out cable, stakes, and any associated hardware are important factors as they govern the durability, comfort, and water protection provided by the restraining systems. Why else do you think there is so much variation in the price of these aerial dog runs?

The best aerial dog runs have a solid galvanized (zinc-coated) steel zipline cable with a weather-proof polyvinyl sheath to provide rust and weather-protection. The polyvinyl sheath also helps in easy movement of the pulley, trolley, or slider across the cable.

The runner cable is also made of galvanized steel with a vinyl sheath coating. The snap-locks and any associated hardware are made of solid steel and allow a 360-degree, free movement of the cable.

The diameter of the cable governs the tensile strength of the cable – the thicker and denser the cable, the more the load/pull it can handle.

Among all such aerial dog runs that we have listed, the Freedom Aerial Dog Run and BV Pet Aerial Trolley System probably have the strongest cables, hardware, and snap-locks that do not fail easily.

In order to cut down on the overall weight and support quicker installation, portable aerial dog runs use straps or clamps instead of hooks to secure the zipline cord around the trees or posts. The zipline rope may be a polyvinyl-covered steel cord or made of synthetic fabric like Kevlar or Nylon. They might also use ABS plastic tensioners and hardware.

Check out the building material of the tie-out cable, hardware, stakes, and other supporting parts before picking the best aerial dog run for your pooch. If in doubt, pick one of our top choices, as we have listed only the most well-built and durable trolley dog tie-outs in the market.

Size and weight of the dog and the tie-out

The weight rating and length of the overhead and runner cable is also one of the most important factors to consider before picking the best aerial dog run for your pet.

An inappropriately rated dog tie-out can be uncomfortable to the canine and may not be durable or reliable.

Depending upon your dog’s size, pick a trolley dog tie-out that can withstand the pull by the dog (both vertical and lateral force). When in doubt, size up to the next larger size.

You would also have to remember that the thicker the cable, the heavier it will be. A cable that is too heavy may be extremely uncomfortable for the pet.

Among pulley-based dog tie-outs, the Freedom Aerial Dog Runs offer a runner cable in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, so you can pick one having the appropriate size and weight rating.

The length of the tie-out cable is also important. A longer zipline cord gives a bigger playground to the pet to rest, feed, play, and even do its business. Similarly, do not pick a tie-out that is less than 10 feet. We personally prefer a tie-out cable that is at least 15 feet long.

Check the size (weight-rating/thickness and length) of the aerial dog run before picking the best option. If you end up with an in-between size, size-up to the next size.

Ease of installation and maintenance

As discussed above, aerial dog runs and trolley dog tie-outs require more effort to install than the ground-anchor dog tie-outs. So, the ease of installation and removal is also something to look for before picking the best aerial dog run for your requirements.

Most trolley dog tie-outs come with all the required hardware to install the system. You can always get some additional hardware from the hardware store to make the installation and set up more convenient.

Among permanent trolley dog tie-outs, most pet owners we surveyed agreed that our top pick – the Freedom Aerial Dog Runs is one of the easiest ones to set up. Most people were able to set up these aerial tie-outs in under 30 minutes.

Among such systems, the portable trolley dog tie-outs such as the Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Tethering System are generally easier to install than the permanent aerial dog runs as they rely on wrap-around cords or straps instead of drill-hooks. But these systems cannot be left out in the open for more than a few days as the straps and zipline cord can absorb moisture and wear down over time.

Check the given instruction manuals and videos to determine the correct mechanism to install and configure the tie-out before picking a suitable one for your needs. You can also check the Q&A section for some additional information.

Additional factors and miscellaneous considerations

In addition to the major factors discussed above, there are some other miscellaneous considerations that can make a dog trolley system a preferable option over other tie-outs.

Another factor is the accessories, if any, that come with the dog tie-out systems.

A system that includes all the installation hardware (hooks, shock absorber springs, installation bolts, etc.) is always better.

All the trolley dog tie-outs that we listed, except for the Pinnon Hatch Farms Overhead Dog Run, come with all the required hardware, so you can buy any of them without worrying about this. Manufacturers such as Freedom Pet Products and Rover Roamer even offer a variety of customized accessories to use the tie-out system with more than one pet.

The availability of replacement parts is also something to look out for before picking the best aerial dog run for your needs.

Finally, the most important additional consideration is the warranty and after-sales support provided by the manufacturer.

The general rule of thumb is – longer the warranty period, the more reliable and durable the dog tie-out would be. Top manufacturers such as Ruffwear and Freedom Pet Products score big in this category as they offer excellent lifetime warranties on their products.

Some other brands offer short-term 90-day to one-year warranties on their products and can still be considered suitable options. Just make sure you make your purchase directly from the manufacturer or an authorized re-seller.

You can look at all these features to determine if they make a specific dog tie-out system a better choice over others.

Safety Measures while using dog tie-outs and stakes for containment

Irrespective of whether you are using a stake dog tie-out or a trolley dog tie-out system, restraining using such a system is something that requires careful and proper implementation. Unsafe restraining can lead to behavioral issues and injuries in pets, even death.

While discussing each and every aspect of using dog tie-outs is beyond the scope of this article, here are some basic tips and tricks to follow while restraining your dog with aerial dog runs:

• Avoid restraining your dog with tie-outs for a very long time and never leave them totally unattended. Keep an eye on the pet and use visual and audio cues to determine the pet’s comfort level when restrained.
• Always pick a trolley dog tie-out system with appropriate thickness and weight-rating. Even though your tie-out cable may be advertised to withstand over 500 lbs. of pull force and listed suitable pets weighing over 150 lbs., parts such as hooks, swivel locks, pulleys, etc., can fail, causing the dog to escape from the restrainer. The product details, Q&A section, and product reviews are often a good source of information regarding this.
• Ensure that you pick an overhead zipline cable that is long enough for the dog to have space to walk around, eat, and do its business. We recommend to never tether your pet with a runner cable that is less than 10 feet long. A 15-30 feet long runner cable is a better option.
• Always install the zipline with plenty of ground clearance to prevent injury to people. We recommend that you maintain a clearance of at least 5.7 – 6 feet above the ground.
• If you have a choice, prefer using a harness instead of a collar with the tie-out. Some dogs hate the constant neck-tug, and a harness provides more comfort and control to the pet.
• If your pet is going to be tied down for an extended period, make sure it has easy access to food, water, bed, and shade for resting.
• Train your dog beforehand to be restrained with an aerial tie-out system. It should not get over-excited with the sounds of nature and hurt itself while chasing some critters.
• Ensure that only an adult person gets the dogs restrained, as some dogs may nip back because of the stress of getting tethered.
• Avoid using tethering if you are in an area with animals like coyotes, mountain lions, and bears, which can attack a restrained dog. The best course of action is to avoid taking the canine altogether in such areas.
• If you have multiple dogs to tether, keep the “personal equation” between the pets before deciding if they can use the same zipline. The tie-out should not become a source of tug-war between the pets.
• Do not rely on tie-out as the primary solution for overnight containment or unsupervised restraining. Look for alternatives such as physical fencing or using a wireless dog fence if you have to leave the pet outdoors without supervision.

Keeping these major things in mind would ensure safe containment of dogs and make things easy and comfortable for you and your pups.

Final thoughts on the best aerial dog runs and dog trolley system

If you want to restrict your dogs to stay within the boundaries of your backyard or lawns, then you need some kind of restraining solution.

Physical dog fences or modern-day wireless dog fences are not always practical and fail-proof. A high-quality, safe tethering system that offers maximum freedom of movement to the canine is often the best solution in such conditions.

In this article, we looked at some of the best dog trolley systems and aerial dog runs available in the market for restraining pets in the backyard or lawn. All the options that we have listed are reliable and offer excellent safety and security.

We also listed some of the major factors to consider before picking the best aerial dog run for your needs and shared our top picks.

We hope that you found this article useful, and it would help you in picking the best dog trolley system for your requirements. Do let us know your feedback by commenting below. Until next time, have a safe and happy time with your pupper!

Image credits: Amazon.com