By Marnie Kunz

Whether you’ve been running with your dog for a while or want to get started, these dog running tips will help you keep your pooch safe and healthy for many happy miles to come. Dogs make great running partners because they never complain, can go to the bathroom anywhere, and are always happy to spend time together. In exchange for all the happy companionship and rewards they give us, it is our duty to make sure our dogs stay safe and healthy, and this includes while running.

Preparing Your Dog to Run

If you want to run with your pup, first make sure your dog is in good health and is at an appropriate age. Puppies and older dogs are not good candidates to run, as the impact can do too much damage to their joints. For larger breeds, puppyhood lasts longer, so if you have a large or giant breed, you may have to wait until they are 3 years old to run. Check with your vet to verify the age your dog can begin running.

Breed and Background

Also, take your dog’s breed and background into consideration. Does your dog enjoy running and being active? Does your dog have long enough legs and good anatomy for running?

Dogs with short muzzles and short legs may still be able to run but only for shorter distances, whereas dogs with long legs and long muzzles, in general, tend to be able to run longer distances. Working breeds and sporting dogs like sighthounds and shepherds tend to make excellent running buddies.

And last, does your dog get along with other people and dogs? There will inevitably be times you encounter people, dogs, and moving objects like scooters and bikes on the run, so make sure your dog is accustomed to these distractions and does not have any reactivity.

Training Your Dog to Run

You will also want to prepare by training your dog to run with you. This will help keep your pup on one side as you run and make sure they know what is expected of them on the run.

Here are more dog running tips to keep your pooch healthy:

Dog Running Tips

1. Start slow.

If you are just getting into running with your dog, build up gradually. You want to make sure your dog understands basic commands and listens, and follows your lead on runs. For health reasons, you also want to build up your dog’s running time gradually so as not to overstress your dog’s body. I recommend starting with two short bursts of jogging - 3 to 5 minutes per spurt — and building up to one mile of continuous running. Once your dog can run for 1 mile, build up to 2 miles, and so on.

2. Make sure your pup is healthy.

Your dog should be fully grown (at least 1.5 years for most dog breeds and 2 or 3 years for larger breeds) and have your vet’s approval to begin running. As with people, pre-existing conditions can be an obstacle to running, so make sure your dog is cleared to run.

3. Prepare for the weather.

Generally, cold to cool weather is ideal for running with your dog. Since dogs cannot sweat and have fur, they get overheated a lot faster than we do. Temperatures between 15°F and 60°F are best for most dogs to run in.

Some breeds may be more or less heat or cold-tolerant. I wouldn’t take my big, furry Akita for a run in 80-degree weather, for instance, but she may be fine to run when it is 12 degrees with no problem (much better than me at that temp!).

And a Rhodesian Ridgeback, on the other hand, a short-furred dog hailing from Africa, may be better equipped to handle summer running than a furry, Nordic breed like a Siberian husky. That said, do not run with any dog in the hottest part of the day with direct sunlight beaming down. This will make ground surfaces and air too hot.

A good general rule of thumb is if the heat and humidity add up to 150 or more, it is too hot for your dog to run. So if it is 75°F3 with 80 percent humidity, for instance, do not drag your dog out to run.

4. Run on natural ground.

Avoid asphalt and concrete as much as possible when running with your dog. Choose more natural, soft surfaces like sand, trails, and grassy areas. Especially avoid hot surfaces like asphalt in the summer. Also, watch for broken glass or other hazardous objects as you run to keep your dog away from paw damage.

5. Build up endurance gradually.

Some dog breeds are more suited for long-distance running and some for sprinting, so do some research on your dog’s breed or mixes to get an idea of what they were bred for and how long they can run. An energetic, trained young German Shepherd may be able to run a few miles on your first day, for instance, while a toy poodle may be able to run a few blocks. As with humans, dogs can get sore muscles from training so it’s important to build your pup’s endurance gradually. Don’t jump into a 10K run together on your first day running with your dog, but build up over a period of weeks.

6. Watch for signs of fatigue.

Take precautions to make sure your dog doesn’t get overheated or too tired on your run. If your dog starts lagging or dragging behind you, is panting excessively, has excessive drool, or stops running, immediately stop and let your dog rest.

Carry water with you on the run if the weather is warm or plan for a stop at a place your dog can drink, like a local shop with a dog water bowl outside or a dog park with water.

7. Stay alert as you run.

Running with a dog requires vigilance, and it’s important to make sure your dog stays out of harm’s way by avoiding close calls with traffic, avoiding aggressive dogs, and preventing your pup from scooping up any unknown tasty substances on the run. Make sure your dog stays next to you and you are in control so you don’t trip or trip anyone in your path.

8. Ensure your dog has an ID and vet info on hand.

In case anything happens, it is important to always have an ID tag on your dog with your name and contact information. Also, keep your dog’s microchip information current. And finally, have your pup’s vet information saved in your phone so you can call right away in case of an emergency.

9. Praise your pup.

Keep your dog’s attention and offer praise for great running as you go. Running will be fun for both of you if you keep it safe and positive. A few head pats and praise words go a long way for your faithful running pal.

10. Give your dog plenty of water post-run.

As with people, dogs can get dehydrated from running, especially in warm weather, so make sure fresh water is on hand after every run.

Do you run with your pup? I hope these dog running tips help you have a fun and safe time training together. Share your tips and tag me on the Runstreet Instagram to get cheered on in your runs. Happy running to you and your dog!🐕😊

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, dog lover, Akita mom, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY. She is the founder of Runstreet.

10 Dog Running Tips