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Running with your dog – getting active together outdoors
Running with your dog is a fantastic way to exercise together, strengthen your bond and burn off excess energy. Whether you go for an occasional easy jog or train more seriously, if you do it safely and thoughtfully, running is a healthy and fun activity for many dogs. On this page you’ll discover what to look out for, which gear is useful and how to start running with your dog in a responsible way.
Is running with your dog suitable?
Not every dog is immediately ready to join you on a run. Your dog’s age, build, health and fitness level all play an important role. Young dogs should only start proper running once their joints are fully developed – for most breeds this is around 12–18 months. Short-nosed breeds, overweight dogs, dogs with joint issues and senior dogs often need a more tailored approach or may not be suited to longer running distances at all. If you’re unsure, always check with your vet before starting a running programme.
Starting to run with your dog safely
Build up your runs with your dog gradually. Begin with walk–jog intervals: for example, 1 minute of gentle jogging followed by 2–3 minutes of walking, repeated several times. If you notice that your dog is still relaxed afterwards, breathing normally and not stiff the next day, you can slowly lengthen the running segments. Pay close attention to body language while you run: panting is normal, but heavy, intense panting, lagging behind, lots of sniffing or suddenly lying down are all signs that it’s getting too much. It’s better to keep a session slightly too short than push too far in one go.
Essential gear for running with your dog
The right gear makes running with your dog not only more comfortable, but also much safer. A well-fitting Y-harness or sports harness spreads the pressure over the chest instead of the neck. An elastic running lead helps absorb jolts for both you and your dog. Many runners also choose a waist belt so they can keep their hands free and let the pull be absorbed by their hips instead of their arms and shoulders.
Water is absolutely essential too, especially on longer or warmer runs. Always bring a practical solution so your dog can drink on the go. Discover our range in the water bottles and travel bowls category, so your dog can always drink safely during and after your run.
Running in different seasons and conditions
Alongside your dog’s fitness level, the environment plays a big part as well. In summer, temperatures and tarmac can become extremely hot, which can cause overheating or even burn your dog’s paw pads. On hot days, try to run early in the morning or later in the evening, choose shady routes and test the asphalt with the palm of your hand – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
In autumn and winter, it’s often wet, cold and above all darker for longer. That’s when visibility becomes crucial. Think reflective leads, collars and lights so that both you and your dog are clearly visible to drivers and cyclists. Check out our visibility range in the safety vests, lights and reflective gear for dogs collection to keep running safely in the dark.
Taking it slow? Choose hiking or walking with your dog
If you’d like to get your dog used to longer distances before you start running “properly”, then longer walks or hiking are the perfect starting point. You’ll be gradually strengthening muscles, tendons and fitness without the higher impact of running. For young, recovering or less athletic dogs, this is a very sensible intermediate step. Get inspired by our hiking and walking with your dog category and build things up step by step towards running.
Hydration and feeding around your runs
Your dog can’t simply “slow down” on their own or tell you they’re thirsty – you have to think ahead for them. Avoid giving a large meal right before a run, as this can be uncomfortable and, for large breeds, even dangerous (risk of bloat). Instead, choose a smaller portion well before or after your run. On longer outings, plan short water breaks using a handy bottle or collapsible bowl – take a look at our collection of travel water bottles. This helps prevent dehydration and overheating.
Surface, pace and distance – how to choose what suits your dog
The surface you run on is at least as important as the distance. Soft, springy surfaces such as forest trails or grass are far kinder to joints than long stretches of asphalt or pavement. Match the pace to your dog: you have shoes and can easily change speed, but your dog runs barefoot and tends to stay in one gear. A steady “conversation pace” where your dog trots comfortably beside you is a good guide. Keep the distance short at first and build up slowly – a few shorter runs each week are more valuable than one extremely long outing.
Behaviour and training while running
Running with your dog becomes much more enjoyable if you put time into a few basic commands. Think of “heel” or “close” to stay at your side, “easy” to slow down and “stop” or “wait” at crossings and junctions. In the beginning, reward your dog more frequently with small treats or your enthusiastic voice so they learn that calm, steady running next to you pays off. You can reduce pulling on the lead by using good lead technique, a well-fitting harness and short training sessions where you clearly reward the behaviour you want.
Combining running with other activities
Not every dog enjoys running alone; many dogs love variety. Mix your runs with play sessions, scent games or other dog sports. This keeps your dog mentally fresh and prevents them from seeing running as something they “have to” do. At Fidello you’ll find many more ways to be active together. Take a look at other activities and travel with your dog for even more inspiration to strengthen your bond both at home and on the road.
When should you stop or contact a vet?
During and after a run, always watch for signs of overexertion. A dog that suddenly drops back, pants excessively, starts limping, vomits, refuses to continue or keeps breathing heavily long after the run should be allowed to rest immediately. Cool your dog gently if needed (never with ice-cold water) and contact your vet if you’re unsure. Safety and health should always come before speed or distance. Running with your dog should above all be fun – for both of you.
Running with your dog with Fidello
With the right preparation, gear and gradual build-up, running with your dog is a brilliant way to work on your fitness together. At Fidello you’ll find everything you need: from practical travel water bottles to reflective safety vests and lights and great gear for hiking and walking. Want even more ideas for active or relaxing moments together? Explore our activities with your dog and turn every outing – whether it’s walking, hiking or running – into a shared adventure.