Running is one of the best ways to stay healthy—and it gets even better when you have a special running buddy: your beloved dog.
But to run safely and effectively with your dog, they need to be properly prepared too—from their physical condition to the gear they wear. If you’re thinking about starting this new habit, let Furry guide you through 5 important tips to get started the right way.
1. Know Your Dog’s Physical Condition
Before planning runs with your dog, it’s important to understand their physical limits. Not all dogs are suited for high-intensity running:
Short-nosed breeds (like Pugs or Bulldogs): They can have breathing issues, so long runs should be avoided.
Active breeds (like Border Collies, Labradors, Huskies): Great stamina, perfect for jogging.
Puppies under 1 year or senior dogs: Their joints are still developing—or aging—so they need light exercise only.
👉 Bring your dog for regular health checkups and ask your vet if they’re ready for consistent running. Understanding comes first—it's the key to safe, happy workouts.
2. Build a Routine Step by Step
Running with your dog should become a healthy habit, but it takes time. If you start with long or fast runs too soon, it can cause muscle strain—or make your dog fear going outside.
💡 Suggested weekly plan for beginners:
Week 1–2: Fast walks, about 10–15 minutes
Week 3–4: Mix slow jogging with walking
Week 5 onward: Gradually increase to 25–45 minutes, based on your dog’s pace
Always observe your dog. If they’re panting heavily, slowing down, or lying down, it’s time to stop and rest.
3. Use the Right Gear – Safety Comes First
The right equipment makes a big difference in comfort and safety for both you and your dog:
Harness: Distributes pulling force, avoids pressure on the neck
Hands-free leash: Let’s you run freely while keeping control
Poop bag holder: Keeps things clean during the run
👉 Furry.vn has all the gears you need!
4. Pick the Right Time and Place
When and where you run plays an important role in protecting your pet's health. Dogs do not sweat like humans, so they are susceptible to heat stroke or foot burns if they run in hot weather or on surfaces that are too hot like asphalt.
The ideal time to run with your pet is early in the morning before 7am or late in the afternoon after 5pm, when the weather is cool, not too hot and the road surface is comfortable for your dog's sensitive feet.
The terrain should be open and quiet places such as parks with lots of trees, shady trails or soft dirt roads, which are both safe and help your pet breathe fresh air.
5. Train Your Dog to Stay Focused and Calm
Running isn’t just about endurance—it’s also about good behavior and control. If your dog pulls the leash, runs in random directions, or chases other animals, it can ruin your run—or worse, lead to an accident.
If your dog still pulls or tugs the leash, check out our detailed guide here:
How to Train Your Dog Not to Pull the Leash When Walking – super helpful when switching to running.
📌 A dog that runs calmly and stays beside you makes every run safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Running with your dog is a fantastic way to stay fit, reduce stress, and strengthen your bond. But for the journey to be truly safe and enjoyable, you’ll need understanding, patience, and good preparation—from building the right routine to using the right gear. Start today—with your very first step together!
🐾 Discover our exclusive harness set for your pup – now 30% OFF today only!
👉 Check it out at Furry.vn