Running With Your Dog: A Beginner’s Guide

01Is your dog ready for running?

Running with your dog is one of the best ways to keep you both fit, but not every dog is a natural jogging partner. Before you start, check three things.

• Age – wait until your dog has finished growing. That’s usually around 12 months for small and medium breeds and up to 18 months for large and giant breeds. Running too early can damage growing joints.
• Breed and build – flat-faced breeds such as French bulldogs, pugs and boxers can struggle to cool down, so they’re better suited to brisk walks. Energetic breeds like spaniels, collies and vizslas usually love a run.
• Health – if your dog is older, overweight or has joint problems, ask your vet before you start. The Kennel Club also lists how much exercise each breed needs.

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02Start running with your dog slowly

Think of it as a couch-to-5K for two. Start with a 5–10 minute warm-up walk, then mix short jogs with walking for around 15–20 minutes in total. Add a few minutes each week as your dog’s fitness (and paw pads) toughen up.

Watch for signs your dog has had enough: heavy panting, lagging behind or lying down. Grass and trails are kinder on joints than pavements, and finish every run with a slow cool-down walk.

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03Why a hands-free dog lead makes running easier

Holding a lead while you run throws off your arm swing and balance, and a sudden lunge at a squirrel can pull you off your feet. A hands-free dog lead clips around your waist or across your body instead, so both hands stay free and your dog runs comfortably at your side.

• Better balance – your arms move naturally and your core takes the pull, not your shoulder.
• Safer in the dark – a reflective lead shows up in car headlights on winter mornings and evenings.
• Clip to a harness – for running, attach the lead to a well-fitted harness rather than the collar, so any pull spreads across the chest instead of the neck.

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04Safety tips for running with your dog

• Don’t run straight after a meal – wait at least an hour or two after feeding, especially with deep-chested breeds.
• Bring water for both of you on anything over 20 minutes.
• Check the weather – on warm days run early or late, and test the pavement with the back of your hand: if it’s too hot to hold for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
• Be seen – wear something bright and use a reflective lead and collar. Our guide to dog walking in the dark has more tips.
• Check paws after every run for cuts, grit or sore pads.
• Keep their ID on – in the UK your dog must wear a collar with your name and address in public. Here’s what to put on a dog tag.

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05Ready for more? Try canicross running with your dog

Canicross is cross-country running with your dog attached to you by a waist belt and a stretchy line. There are friendly clubs and beginner-friendly events across the UK, and it’s a brilliant way to meet other dog-loving runners once you and your dog have built up your fitness.

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