How to Run with Your Dog
Running with my Akita, Kiyoshi.
By Marnie Kunz
Whether you have a new rescue pup or want to train your old dog new tricks and start running together, these tips will help you learn how to run with your dog.
Dogs can make great running companions.
I adopted Kiyoshi, my Akita, from a rescue during pandemic life. Although she has her own opinions about where she wants to go, we have enjoyed some running together. I used to train my German Shepherd dogs, and in college, when I was a cross country athlete, I used to run 7 miles a day with Ubi, my Akita-German Shepherd mix, and he was an incredible athlete. He was also great company on long country roads around the college town, and was a good protector and guardian for night runs.
Check out my article on running with rescue dogs for specific tips on running with rescue pups.
When running with your dog, it’s important to take into account your dog’s health, breed and the weather, as some dogs can run farther or faster than others. If you are wondering how to run with your dog, try these steps to get started with training your dog to run:
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How to Run with Your Dog
1. Make sure your dog is healthy to run. Get your vet’s approval for your dog to run with you. Only adult dogs can run as puppies’ bones and joints aren’t developed enough. Some dogs have joint problems or may be affected more adversely by the weather than others, so your vet will give you any insight or advice for your specific dog. Once you get the green light to run with your dog, you can let the fun — and adventures — begin!
2. Train your dog by walking first. Make sure your dog is trained to walk on a loose leash. Pulling on the leash can be tolerable walking but when you start to run, it can lurch you into a fall or trip up your dog, a risk for both of you. For loose leash walking, you can use a command like “Let’s Go,” or “Heel” to walk by your side. Use lots of rewards and praise your dog for staying by your side and not pulling. Practice in short bursts in a quiet area at first. As your dog gets the hang of loose leash walking, offer praise and treats for obeying. You may want to use commands like “Leave it,” when your dog starts going toward a distraction, such as a squirrel.
My dog Kiyoshi has been the best friend for running or chilling.
3. Train your dog to stay on one side. This one can take some patience so it’s better to start with walking. It’s easiest to train your dog to stay on one side first but keep in mind you may want to switch sides at times, depending on what side of the trail or sidewalk the grass is on. You can start by saying “Let’s go,” and then point to one side and say “Left,” for instance. Keep rewarding your dog for staying on that side, only giving treats on that side. Once your dog masters one side for walking, progress to short runs together.
4. Start slowly. As with humans, dogs need to build their running endurance so start slowly. This also gives you both time to practice commands and running together. Give your dog a short walk to warm up before your run, and allow her to go to the bathroom so you don’t get interrupted for breaks during the run. I recommend starting with just 5 minutes of running with your dog. Take a few minutes rest to walk and then run with your dog another 5 minutes. You may want to do a little longer or shorter time running, depending on your dog’s health, size, and training. Some dogs take more readily to running than others.
5. Increase distance gradually. Build your dog’s endurance similar to the way you built yours, by adding more running time and less walking time gradually. Within a few weeks, your dog should be able to run a couple of miles with you.
6. Consider the weather. Dogs cannot sweat like us so they can only release heat through panting, which is not as effective for hot and humid weather. A good general rule of thumb is if the heat and humidity percent add up to 150 or more, it is too hot/humid to run with your dog. You should adapt this guideline to your dog’s breed. Thick furred nordic dogs such as my Akita cannot run most of the summer, for instance, whereas a short-haired dog with long legs such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback, who comes from Africa, will be better able to tolerate heat.
7. Consult an expert. You may want to sign up for a training class if your dog is still having trouble following commands or running by you without pulling. You can also go online and learn from expert dog trainers.
Dog Running Tips for Safety
For safety, stay observant of your dog on the run and watch for signs of limping or exhaustion. Dogs will try so hard to please their masters that they may continue running through pain. If your dog starts panting heavily, lagging behind or limping, stop. Bring a water bottle on your run and a collapsible dog water bowl for water breaks on the go. If your dog gets something in his paw, see if you can get it out and walk or get a ride home. Do not push your dog to run through pain or injury. Pro Tip: If you ever have an emergency on a run and need a ride, Uber has an Uber Pet option that makes riding with your pup easy.
Do you run with your dog? How far do you run together? Comment below and share your workouts with us on the @Runstreet Instagram to get cheered on. Happy running to you and your pup!
Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, Brooklyn resident, Akita mom, and the founder of Runstreet.
Related Posts: 10 Dog Running Tips, Running with Rescue Dogs: Tips and Stories
