The Ultimate Guide to Running with Your Dog | Dos and Don’ts

Running Channel presenter Anna loves running. She also loves dogs. So, as a fairly new dog owner, she’s been dying to be able to run with her four-legged furry pal, Ralph the Sprocker Spaniel. So she’s got some expert advice from Gail and Ginetta at DogFit on what you need kit-wise and how to make sure running with your dog is safe for both pooch and human alike. The goal? Once they’ve both got the hang of it, they’ll be entering their very first canicross race! So keep your eyes peeled for the rest of the videos in the series.

↓↓ Do you have any questions about running with your dog for Anna or DogFit? Or maybe you have some tips of your own if you’re a canicross expert. Let us know in the comments! ↓↓

What’s in this video?
00:00 Intro
00:50 Kit
02:33 How far can dogs run?
03:26 Special food/diet
04:27 What terrain should my dog run on?
05:25 Does my dog need shoes?
06:17 Does my dog need to warm up?


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[mikeujoel]

I love running with my dog. We get lots of compliments when we do our daily runs. That was how I met my wife🥰

[barretwaltz]

I've been running my dog for 6 years. He's a great partner (maybe a little demanding) but what they didn't mention was running with a CamelBak water pack and a collapsible water bowl to give the pup a drink every couple of miles on any runs over 2 miles. Also, dog bags, dog bags, dog bags, nothing ruder than running through a neighborhood and leaving dog bombs in someone's yard :^) Definitely 5am runs during Summers.

[bofetada]

I walk @nd run with my friends dog. When I first stared I thought the dog was old adn was ready to die. Now the dog is very happy and grateful to be in shape and run 20 kilometer

[tzey]

I run with mine every week eventually went from 5k to 20k. You and the dogs will learn to run together and where each other are. they'll not trip you up with the lead when /sudden stops for toilet mid run (them not me) etc. They love it!

[shirleylowe]

I have just started running with my 4 year old rescue dog, it is helping his confidence so much. Great video Anna and Ralph!

[rebecca]

What a helpful video. As someone desperate for a dog to join me on runs this is great guidance to consider, especially not to just leap in when they're young and have plenty of energy, but to remember they need to have strong bones and training just like us. Also, so nice to see Anna back!

[budrunner]

I've run with my 11 1/2 year old bearded collie for years. We used to have my son's 2 Aussies run with us. Yes this old guy ran with 3 dogs attached to him. My dog had pneumonia last year and the vet was surprised he survived. Attributed it to his running.

[amandalucas]

Love this! I’ve been running with my standard poodle for the last 5 years and it’s been so fun! He’s done up to 20K with me, but he won’t even consider it when it’s above 15C. We definitely run less in the summer, and he loves the snow and cold here so we run all winter 🇨🇦

[trevorharris]

Terrific video. I run with my cattle dog. She is a rescue and found running really helps her. She is a worker dog and is in her element when running. I find the first 15 minutes there are lots of stops to sniff but helps me warm up anyways. If we see a squirrel 🐿 she goes crazy but that’s our fartlek time as we chase a squirrel on a fence.

[sarahbarker]

I’ve been running with my spaniel for over 5 years and we love Canicross. I’ve made so many friends through the sport and discovered loads of new routes with some amazing views. It’s been a fantastic way for me and my dog to bond and I can’t imagine running without her! As well as my belt, her harness and the bungee line, I never run without a running vest with water for us both, a few snacks and a first aid kit. And I always have a fleece in my car to put her into after a run when it’s cold. Got to keep her nice and warm and protect her muscles and joints. In addition to all of the above, I also have my dog see a canine chiro regularly who gives her a muscle massage and checks that everything is moving as it should. I want to be running with her for as long as I can so do everything I can to keep her jn tip top condition. Enjoy the trails!!

[hannahthompson]

I love running with my girl, dogs are the best running partners ever!

[des]

I've been doing canicross for just over a year with my dog Woody. He's a rescue and cannot be let off of the lead so canicross is his way of getting a run - and mine. Bought the zero DC harness from Dogfit and its perfect. Banned at Parkrun though!

[lindsayraggett]

My 2 year old poodle is so fit! He's the best running partner I could hope for. He does have opinions about routes and at certain junctions in the forest communicates which path he fancies.

[Boost]

I loved running with my Standard Poodle, but he never wanted to be out front, but instead was great at running next to me for as far as I could take him. Now I have an English Springer and she likes nothing more than being ahead. She is only 9 months so we are taking it easy to start.

[qmbikerider]

Very helpful! Great questions that I haven't seen anywhere else. Much appreciated.

[JimmysGarden]

🐶 Don't have a dog yet but some useful info. Cheers, 👍👍

[andrewharper]

Can just imagine the dog talking to his mates, "jeez, tempo day tomorrow, much prefer long run Sunday…" 😂 Great video, what happens when you’re strapped to a dog and he spots something like a squirrel? New PB that day I guess! 😂😊

[adam]

I love canicross, Skye (Labrador) takes my 5k time down by around 1min 30, hoping she'll tow me to a sub 15 by the end of the year 😃
The joy canicross brings to both of us is just the best, seeing how happy she is when she runs makes me so happy and we just have the best time. Skye has run 55km with me, she's just amazing, dogs really are the best! Can't wait for my Collie puppies to be old enough to start!
Cool to see canicross on here 👍🏻

[DogFit]

Great to meet you Anna and to help introduce both you and Ralph to the sport. Really looking forward to seeing your adventures in Canicross with Ralph and to see you get your first Canicross bling to share 🐾👟

[Victoria-hbjb]

We lost our dog a month ago to kidney disease, but I have so many fond memories of running with her when she was younger!