A portable method of restraining an animal that frees both hands of a user. System includes a rigid anchor and a carrier that can be rigid or flexible. The anchor is coupled with a lead or leash, and the carrier is separately coupled with the same lead or leash. The carrier has a socket that is substantially the same shape as the cross section of the anchor, and the anchor can be disposed through the socket, allowing the anchor to be carried by the leash and carrier. When the user needs both hands, the user can remove the anchor from the carrier and insert the anchor into the ground. Since the anchor is coupled with the leash, this will prevent the animal from leaving the area. When ready to continue, the user removes the anchor from the ground and returns it to the carrier.
