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Home Running with your Dog: The Guide

Running with your Dog: The Guide

Dog Running

Questions

  • Do Dogs Make Good Running Partners?
  • The Best Dog Breeds to Run With
  • How to Run with Your Dog
  • Running with Dogs on a Lead
  • The Best Leads for Running with Dogs
  • Our Top Tips for Running with a Dog
We all know that running is fantastic for fitness, it gets your heart pumping and is a great way to shift any extra pounds. It’s no different for our canine companions. The more active they are, the better shape they will stay in for longer. Keeping your pooch fit and healthy may even get a few more years out of them to enjoy together, so why not take your pup on your morning runs with you? That way, you can stay fit together.
It may feel daunting to take your pup on a run with you, but we’ve got everything you need to know before you run those first steps.

Do Dogs Make Good Running Partners?

Dogs make excellent running companions once you start to build up a routine with them. Most love walkies, so you will always have someone who is excited to get up and go. You won’t have to drag a running partner out of bed or convince them that a bit of drizzle isn’t a reason to call off your routine run.
Running is a great exercise for dogs whose human companions might have quite busy lives that don’t allow for two or more hours of walking a day. If you get home from work in the evening and don’t want to go on a long hike, then a thirty-minute run might be something you have time for but will also wear your beloved pet out just as much.

The Best Dog Breeds to Run With

If you’re considering getting a dog and an important part of that is to have a running companion, there are a few factors to consider before choosing their breed. Running companions should be dogs that require a relatively high amount of exercise. Breeds like Greyhounds might be built to run, but they only like to run in short, sharp bursts and would rather snooze on the couch before they would consider taking up jogging.
Dogs who you take running will need to have stamina which will rule out more short legged breeds like the Dachshund. It also makes brachycephalic breeds unlikely running companions. Breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs can’t keep up a high level of activity for long periods because of their breathing issues.
Breeds that often make good running companions include:

  1. Siberian Husky

  2. Labrador

  3. Border Collie

  4. Jack Russell

  5. German Shepherd

  6. Standard Poodle

  7. English Pointer

  8. Beagle

  9. Springer Spaniel

Many Terriers, Pointers and working dog breeds like Spaniels and Collies are great for keeping up with you when you go running.

Can a Dog with Arthritis Run?


Dogs with arthritis should avoid any strenuous exercise and shouldn’t go on runs with their owners. Although they can continue with gentle walks or other exercise that doesn’t put pressure or stress on their joints. Running is too high of an impact activity for dogs with arthritis.
Caring for an arthritic dog can be a challenge, but with lots of brain games to keep them mentally enriched while managing their exercise to more gentle activities they can still have a happy, healthy life.

How to Run with Your Dog

Starting off slowly is important. If your dog can’t happily walk by your side, then getting them to run without dragging you might be a challenge. Teaching them basic dog lead etiquette and to understand when to slow down when there’s pressure on the lead are important tips to master to help you both work together.
If your pooch isn’t used to longer walks or lots of running, then you may need to build up some endurance first to make sure their first run isn’t a shock to the system. You don’t want them to strain anything just when you’re getting started.
When you’re getting out started make sure you:

  1. Take enough water for yourself and your dog.

  2. Warm up and cool down so they don’t pull a muscle.

  3. Check it’s not too hot for your pooch.

  4. Take lots of breaks for your pup to the toilet and catch their breath.

  5. Don’t force them to keep going if they want to stop.

Running with Dogs on a Lead

While running without a dog lead might mean you get tangled up a little less and nobody steps on the lead and trips up, running with your dog on the lead gives you much more control.
Dogs are often prone to getting excited and they can run much faster than us, so the last thing you need is to lose sight of your pup because they’ve gotten carried away and left you in the dust.
It might take some time to figure out how to keep pace with each other so you can both run comfortably. When you hit your stride after a few runs together, it can really help to keep you both motivated. Having your pooch on a lead while running means you must be less concerned with the environment and potential dangers like where roads are and if areas are enclosed.

The Best Leads for Running with Dogs

Picking the right lead is important when you’re running with your pup. If it’s too long, it can get in the way, too short and it’ll be harder to keep stride with each other. Some great options include retractable dog leads, they’re good at managing the length and tension with very little effort needed. Giving a little more freedom and flexibility to your four-legged running partner, while remaining in control of them if you need to be.
Not everyone loves the large plastic handles of a retractable lead so another great option would be a lead with some extra give. Many leads designed to absorb the shock of sudden pulling are great for running too.
The Ezydog Zero Shock Lead Black is great especially when you’re starting out and your pup might not be used to running at your side. The elasticated section absorbs the shock of any pulling, stopping or sudden changes in direction to make it comfortable for both of you.

Be Wary of Their Age


Not all dogs make the best running partners. They may be an active breed but if they’re still growing then it’s best to leave them at home. While puppies grow, any damage to their joints from being overactive. If they are overexerting themselves too much it can result in issues later in life and make them more likely to develop arthritis. Puppies are already running around like crazy in the house so walks should be just that, walking.
It's important to wait until a dog is full grown for them to be your running partner.
Likewise, many older dogs will slow down in age and develop joint issues so shouldn’t take up your hobby of running along with any flat faced dogs or dogs with medical issues that means they shouldn’t stress their joints or get their heart rate too high.

Our Top Tips for Running with a Dog

So now you know if your pup will make a good running partner or not, you can make sure you have everything prepared to take your new buddy out with you. Some of the things to keep in mind when you’re taking your dog out on runs include:

  1. Make sure you have plenty of water.

  2. Any time you leave the house with your dog don’t forget poo bags.

  3. Start with smaller runs to practice and get used to running together.

  4. Ideally, dogs should be on a harness for any sudden stops.

  5. A retractable or flexible lead with some give is best.

  6. Do not go running if your pup is injured.

  7. Check the temperature before you head out so it’s not too hot.

  8. Check their paws after every run for injuries.

For everything you need to get your four-legged friends running ready and all your other puppy and doggy essentials, check out our range online and in-store.