How Do I Go Running With My Dog?

If you’re a big runner (and a dog parent), you might want to take your pup with you when you jog so you can spend some extra time with him.

But before you do, you’ll need to know how to run with your dog safely so he can have a fun time, too.

The Dodo spoke to Dr. Crista Coppola, PhD, a certified dog behaviorist at Senior Tail Waggers, and Julie Burgess, a certified dog trainer for Senior Tail Waggers, to get tips for running with your dog.

Running with your dog can be a really fun way to give him some exercise, but keep in mind that not all dogs will be great runners. Some dogs who are older or have health problems might not be able to run.

Certain medical conditions can make it harder for dogs to run, including:

Talk to your vet if your dog has one of these conditions (or another health condition) that could make it hard for him to exercise.

Puppies aren’t great running partners because their joints and bones are still soft and growing, making them prone to injury. Giving your puppy too much exercise before his growth plates are completely closed could damage them, which can lead to lasting joint problems. His soft bones can also break more easily than an adult dog’s fully formed bones.

Your vet can let you know when your puppy’s done growing. Most dogs reach their full size by around 18 months, but large and giant breeds can keep growing until they’re around 2 years old.

You may not want to take your senior dog running, either. Dogs tend to slow down as they get older, plus many senior pups develop issues like arthritis that can prevent them from strenuous exercise.

Some types of dogs aren’t great runners. Dogs with short noses (aka brachycephalic dogs), such as pugs and bulldogs, have trouble breathing and can get hot really quickly. If you have one of these dogs, it’s not a good idea to take him running with you.

When you’re running with your dog, you might not be able to go as far as you would alone. You should start off going short distances and see how your pup does.

“Assess your dog's ability to run as far as you can and make adjustments,” Burgess told The Dodo.

Never force your dog to keep going if he’s slowing down or doesn’t want to go any further. He could get hurt or develop negative associations with running (which means he might not want to go with you next time).

If you’re a long-distance runner and want to take your pup on a 5K with you, it can be possible as long as your dog’s healthy, active and likes to run. You can try a training program like this 5K dog training plan. Over 6 weeks, you’ll train your dog to gradually run all 3.1 miles with you.

You’ll need some gear to run with your pup:

If you’ve never taken your pup running before, you may need to show him how to do it so he doesn’t stop every few feet to sniff things or try to chase after squirrels. Follow these steps to teach your dog to run:

Remember, your pup probably won’t be able to run a 5K with you overnight, so be patient.

“Practice makes perfect, and in no time, you'll have a running companion,” Burgess said.

Once your dog is a running pro, here are some tips for how to safely take him on a run with you.

When running with your dog, you should only go running in mild weather, since dogs can easily get overheated in temperatures around 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re running in the summer, bring lots of water, keep your runs short and look out for signs that your pup’s getting too hot.

Find a harness that fits your dog properly and is comfortable for him.

“When buying a harness, you want to look for a harness that fits your dog without causing rubbing or chafing,” Dr. Coppola told The Dodo. “You also want it to fit well enough so that he is not able to get out of it. Ideally, a running harness should allow your dog to have plenty of freedom of movement while still fitting securely.”

A hands-free leash can also be useful so you don’t have to hold onto your dog and you can use your arms while running.

“The kind I recommend has a bungee-type leash that allows for some shock absorbing without abrupt pressure placed on your dog,” Dr. Coppola said.

Keep in mind that your dog’s legs are much shorter than yours, so you might need to slow down a bit when you’re with him. You also shouldn’t force your dog to go faster than he wants to go. And when you’re first starting out running with your dog, you’ll need to start slowly to get him used to running before you can get to a comfortable speed with him.

Remember to take regular breaks while running with your dog, especially if you’re running in warmer weather. And make sure to give your pup water to let him rest and cool off.

Try this portable dog water bottle from Chewy for $12.99

And know the signs that your dog is too tired to keep running, like excessive panting, stopping a lot or lagging behind.

Don’t make your pup run every day. Just like you may get worn out from running all the time, your dog will, too. Plus, running on hard surfaces can make his joints hurt, so he’ll need time to recover. Schedule rest days in between your exercise days to give your dog a break.

Your dog can be a great running partner, and running with your pup is a fun way for both of you to get exercise. If you follow these safety tips and steps to teach your dog to run, you’ll have an exercise buddy in no time.

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