How to start running with your dog

Preparing to Start Running With Your Dog

Choosing the Right Gear

Your dog may not need a flash pair of running shoes, but getting the right gear is still an important part of your prep. Just as heading out for a jog in a pair of football boots wouldn’t be comfortable for you, running in the wrong kit can be seriously uncomfortable for your dog. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Check the fit and quality of your dog’s harness

For running purposes, you should be clipping your dog’s lead onto a harness – not their collar. The Blue Cross advises that this is more comfortable in the event of pulling or sudden stops. 

Make sure that your dog’s harness fits snugly, providing adequate support without restricting their movement. A well-fitted harness ensures that your dog doesn’t pick up blisters or scrapes from friction on their skin while running, and that they don’t slip out on the journey! 

If you don’t already have a suitable harness to hand, check out our range of adjustable dog harnesses to find something that suits your pup.

Avoid retractable leads

While leads that extend and retract might seem like a convenient option for a run, they come with a number of safety risks that mean they are best avoided in favour of a rope or nylon set-length lead. 

Retractable leads create a higher risk of entanglement, which can harm you and/or your dog in the event that the lead gets wrapped around legs during your run. Rope burns and cuts are a genuine risk when using extending leads even for a walk, and when it comes to running, this type of lead also results in reduced control. 

“You just need to google 'retractable lead injuries' to find a whole host of horror stories about how these leads have caused injury to dog owners and people around them.” Says professional dog trainer Sarah Groves. “The thin rope-like cord has been reported to cause burns, deep cuts, entanglement, and even amputation of limbs! Not only that, when the lead is at full extend, it is extremely difficult to manage your dog at a distance.”

To play it safe, make sure that when you set out running with your dog, you take a rope or webbing dog lead that doesn’t extend or retract.

Consider whether your dog needs running shoes too

By and large, if it’s too hot or cold for your dog’s bare paws to hit the pavement, it is likely it’s too hot or cold for them to be going out for a run with you. That said, for hardy and energetic breeds there may be opportunities for seasonal running if you invest in protective booties. Yes, really!

Breeds like Vizslas and Dalmatians can thrive in hot climates, while Samoyed and Siberian Husky owners may not think twice about heading out into the snow. But hot tarmac, ice and de-icing chemicals can still pose a risk to exposed paws.

Speak to your vet if you aren’t sure whether your dog should be wearing booties when heading out into more extreme weather. You can also find more information on when it is or isn’t too cold to head outside with your dog, in this post.

Training Basics

All the best gear in the world can’t help you have an effortless run if your dog’s training still leaves a little to be desired. And just as you wouldn’t start running by diving straight into a 10k, neither should your dog.

“Make sure your dog can heel past distractions at a walk before trying it at a run.” Says Holly Keeling, dog trainer at Pro Dog School. Basic commands like “heel” and “stop” are important to have down before you start running, to avoid any risk of issues when you come across other dogs, and to reduce the risk of your dog injuring themself in their excitement. These commands are essential for maintaining control in areas with distractions like traffic or other dogs. Start training in a quiet area before progressing to busier environments.

The PDSA notes that it’s also wise to walk your dog around your planned running route first, then take them for a jog, before you attempt your first full-speed run. 

“Once you can comfortably walk your route, you’re ready to build your speed! It’s best to do this slowly by walking for five minutes, then jogging for two, walking for five minutes and so on. Once your dog gets used to jogging, you can start to reduce the time you are walking – keep doing this until you can both comfortably jog the full route.”

Your first run

So, you’ve got the right gear. You’ve got your training sorted. You’ve been for a gradual jog-with-dog around your future running route. What’s next?

When the time comes for your first full run, keep the following things in mind:

• Warm up, and cool down. Even though you’ll have walked and jogged your route a few times by now, it’s still important to give your dog a warm up and a cool down just as you should give yourself if running solo. Start gradually, building up speed as you go, to give both of you time to warm up your muscles before the real work starts. When you’re nearing the end of your run, gradually slow your speed to a jog and then a walk. 
• Monitor your dog’s behaviour. Look for signs of fatigue, discomfort, or overheating. If your dog is limping, licking their paws, whining, or seems generally reluctant to continue or noticeably uncomfortable, stop. Dogs need time to build up their stamina just like people do, and even with good preparation there could still be sprains and strains along the way. Keep a close eye on your furry friend to make sure you aren’t running along happily while they struggle alongside. 

“Take into consideration how much exercise your dog is getting each week and try to make sure it is maintainable.” Holly Keeling goes on to say. “For example, if you are training for a 10k, don't take your dog on all your long runs or perhaps try taking them on only part of the run. When I was training for a 10-mile race a few years ago I would map my runs to pass my house at around 4 miles, so that I could drop my dog off and carry on building up the miles needed for my training.”

Safety tips for running with your dog

• Always carry water and a collapsible bowl for your dog – not just in hot weather. It’s important that you and your dog are both well-hydrated! 
• Plan off-road routes where you can. Softer surfaces are better for your dog’s joint health than running on tarmac, and grass, dirt and sand are all much gentler on their paws, too. 
• Avoid running in extreme temperatures. A dog that is too hot may display lethargy, drooling, excessive panting and/or appear wobbly on their feet. A dog that is too cold may be shivering, lifting their paws from the ground, or simply refusing to move. If you notice any of these signs, get your dog home to cool down or warm up as soon as you can. 
• Be prepared for emergencies. Carry a small first aid kit with you in case of cuts and scrapes, and include a tick remover in case you pick up any unwanted hitchhikers during your journey.

How far is too far to run with your dog?

How far your dog can run with you depends on a number of factors, including their age, breed, fitness level and how well acclimatised they are to exercise. 

As a general guideline for adult dogs, you should start with a one-mile run and gradually increase to three miles based on your dog’s comfort. For small breeds, two to three miles is likely to be the maximum distance you can safely run together. For active medium to large breeds, and with proper training, five to ten miles may be achievable. 

Your vet can provide advice based on their knowledge of your pet as an individual, but here are some general notes to keep in mind;

Breed differences

Different breeds have different endurance levels, which affect how far they can run. It almost goes without saying, but the average Chihuahua will struggle to keep up with the average Labrador when it comes to outdoor activities! Is your dog a short-distance sprinter, a long-distance runner, or a small breed?

• Short-distance sprinters
  Breeds like Greyhounds or Whippets are built for speed, not long-distance endurance. They can typically handle shorter, high-energy runs but may tire quickly.
• Long-distance runners
  Breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Labradors are bred for stamina and can generally handle longer distances when given proper training.
• Small breeds
  Dogs like Dachshunds, Pugs, or Chihuahuas, which have much shorter legs than other breeds, may not be able to sustain long distances. These fuzzy running buddies will typically max out at two to three miles.

Age

Your dog’s age will generally be a big factor in how far they can run safely. Older dogs may have decreased stamina or joint issues, so shorter, gentler runs are likely to be more appropriate than cross-country expeditions. For puppies, you should likely wait at least a year before signing them up as your running partner.

“The best age to start running with a puppy is when they are fully grown.” Says Petrina Firth, a pet behaviourist and dog trainer. “This means they’ll need to be at least 1 year old, maybe even 18 months to 2 years for some breeds. Your puppy’s bones, joints and muscles are still maturing, which is why we need to be patient and wait for them to develop well first – especially if you are hoping to run for long distances. If you’re still not too sure, ask your vet – they’ll have good advice for when to start running with your puppy.”

Fitness levels

Just like humans, dogs need to build endurance gradually. If your dog is a fit and healthy livewire who is used to going on long walks, they are likely to manage a run more easily than a sedentary dog with a little excess weight to lose. 

While you are building your dog’s stamina, be sure to factor rest days into your running routine. Just because you feel like going for a run three days in a row doesn’t mean your pet will feel the same, or be able to do so safely! 

Enjoy your runs with good doggy etiquette 

Responsible dog owners can reap both mental and physical health benefits by setting out for a run with their pet in tow, but remember to be considerate of other dogs and humans – just as you would when going out for your daily walks. Pack some poo bags to clear up any toilet stops along the way, pay attention to lead requirements in public places even if your dog has great off-lead recall, and be mindful of other runners who may be scared of or allergic to dogs. 

With a little preparation and a bit of practice, running with your dog can be a brilliant way to spend more time together and get fit and healthy along the way.