New to running or just new to running with your dog? Here’s some helpful advice to get you started.
3 primary “styles” of running with your dog.
Beginning runners: start with the “dog at heel” or “dog in front” style so that you and your dog can learn together.
Experienced runners: choose the style best for adding your dog to your running game. Some of them require more training, and more specialized equipment than others.
Ensure that your dog is eager to run while still able to listen before you tackle the more challenging styles, like canicross.
Scroll all the way to the bottom to see the list of helpful cues for your dog, and to learn why I recommend a hands-free leash for running.
Road Running or Wide Trails: Dog at Heel
Great for Beginning Runners
Running with your dog at heel position is a great starting point for both humans and dogs. Similar to loose leash walking, this style is an easier transition.
If you’re just starting out and still learning loose leash walking, running at heel offers you more control.
This style is great for dogs who tend to lose focus and veer off to sniff, pee, or chase something. You can easily check in with each other and more quickly react to necessary changes.
Training Your Dog for a Consistent Heel
It is important that your dog learns to maintain a steady position beside you, avoiding sudden stops that jerk the leash, or crossing in front of you and presenting a trip hazard.
The last thing you want during your training sessions is to create a situation which can injure one or both of you - so take it slow to begin with!
The heel position is also a great place to deliver treats as part of your positive reinforcement plan to maintain your dog's focus while running.
Don’t forget to take breaks! Let your pup sniff & pee as a reward for sticking with you - but put your breaks on cue so they know when it’s appropriate to go off-course.
You can even structure your “sniff & pee” breaks as timed intervals of running and walking, if you use a running app on your phone with an audible notification your pup will learn to take breaks too!
And if you’re running with a reactive dog - this is the way to do it!
You may consider a bungee leash attached to their harness and connected to your belt, paired with a standard leash in your hand, connected to their collar.
This double system gives you that extra control if they decide to lunge or react to other dogs or people.
Equipment Recommendations
To start off your running adventure, you can certainly just hold the leash in your hand, but I highly recommend using either a cross-body leash or a waist belt leash that allows you to go hands-free.
The bonus with a component system like The Exceptional Dog Shop offers is that you can use the same belt or cross-body strap and just switch out your leashes between your running sessions and your daily walking activities.
For running at heel it’s really a personal choice between a bungee or stretch leash and a standard static leash. If you and your pup are still learning each other’s pacing, or if your dog tends to get distracted by things as you pass, a bungee leash limits the sudden jerking when your dog hits the end of the leash.
Your leash should also be short enough to keep your pup from crossing in front of you. I love using a 3 foot bungee leash with a “sniff & pee” leash extension to give my boy just that little extra length to do his business while we’re taking our run breaks.
I highly recommend a “Y” front dog harness for running, especially if you and your pup are still training for loose leash walking & running. A harness will be much easier on your pups body as they (and you) learn.
The Exceptional Dog Shop:
- Bungee Leashes for Small Dogs
- Bungee Leashes for Med - Large Dogs (Coming Soon)
- Waist Belts
- Cross Body Straps
- Sniff & Pee Extension
Running with Your Dog in Front : No-Pulling
I tried this style exactly once on the trails with my dog - training is a key component!
Ideal for Smaller Dogs, Multi-Dog Running, or Trail Running
This style is great for beginners or experienced runners, but does take some training of your dog or dogs to ensure that they aren’t going to “run away with you”...
Small dogs are less of a challenge if they tend to pull from the front. I recommend this style over the “dog at heel” style for small dogs. It’s easier to lose track of them when they run at heel - jerking them abruptly if they happen to stop for something.
Larger dogs or multiple dogs do great with running in front, as long as they’ve learned how to run, responding to directional and speed cues, without significant pulling or veering off course.
Training your Dog for Control and Safety
This is probably one of the more challenging styles to teach, but it offers the greatest flexibility for running in a variety of locations and conditions.
Most dogs can easily outpace their humans, so it can take a bit of time and training for both of you to learn how to maintain a steady running pace with limited pulling.
Cues are important if your dog is taking the lead, confusion can lead to leash jerks, or tripping over your dog. Check out the list at the bottom of this page for some of the commonly used ones.
For trail running with your dog, hill navigation is especially important so that the human runner doesn’t get pulled down trying to descend without injury. You may choose to teach your dog to run behind you in these portions of a trail to provide additional safety.
Equipment Recommendations
I like to start off with a bungee/ stretch leash during the initial stages of learning how to run with your dog in single file. These leashes are a bit more forgiving while you and your dog learn the cues and a running pace that works for both of you.
I especially love bungee leashes for small dogs that love to run. The Exceptional Dog Shop has one of the few product lines designed especially for dogs under 40lbs, with lighter weight leashes just for them. Hit the link below to browse.
Once you both have that experience and are working well as a team, you can certainly keep with a bungee leash or switch to a static or non-stretch hands-free leash.
Your ideal leash length may vary, depending on your height, the size of your dog, and if they are running on a “Y” front harness or on a flat collar.
If you want just a little bit of “give” or shock absorption to a leash without going full bungee, We offer bungee leash add-ons in 12” and 24” that clip to your regular static leash.
Hands free leash belts can be a simple design if your pup isn’t a big puller, and have the bonus of carrying treats, a poop bag dispenser, not to mention a gear bag for “filled” poop bags so that they don’t break open during an active run. We offer waist belts in 4 adjustable sizes to fit ALL bodies.
The Exceptional Dog Shop:
- Bungee Leashes for Small Dogs
- Bungee Leashes for Med - Large Dogs (Coming Soon)
- Waist Belts
- Sniff & Pee Extension
Canicross: Cross Country x Canine
Ideal for Dogs and Humans who love to Run All Out!
I don’t know that there is really any way to describe how much fun canicross dogs have!
Canicross, also called Urban Mushing or Dryland Mushing, is a wonderful activity for dogs and humans who love to run “all out”.
While training is definitely necessary for safe running, having extra “dog power” to your run can be a blast! There are even canicross running groups and competitions that you can participate in.
Essential Training for Canicross Safety
Both the dog and the runner need to be mindful of the increased speed typical with canicross, and with it, the increased risk of injury.
Cues are essential for training, not just for the dog and the runner, but to keep other dogs and runners safe when joining a group run. Check out the list of recommended cues below.
Your vet should definitely give a full exam and approval before starting your canicross training, and it’s a good idea for the human to get checked out too if they aren’t currently an experienced trail runner. Proper running form, warmup and recovery are essential to keeping you both fit and ready to run.
Are you a snow lover? Check out Skijoring!
Recommended Equipment
Equipment for Canicross is very different from other running styles.
Because the dog is pulling the entire run, a belt system that is designed for pulling should be used. These typically sit lower on the hips to prevent back strain and injury. Some designs also use leg straps to keep the belt from riding up during a run.
The dog needs a pulling harness if the canicross style is what you are frequently running. This is a different type of design than a “Y” front harness.
These have specific fitting requirements to help distribute the pulling pressure, and should be guided by experienced canicross gear fitters. This style of harness is what is used on sled dogs, so has centuries of use.
Canicross Leashes are also very different from static leashes or bungee leashes like I’ve recommended above. These leashes must be able to withstand constant pulling, as well as absorb shock.
I am definitely not an expert on Canicross, and I do not manufacture equipment designed for constant pulling, so I’ll turn you over to the experts at the resources below.
Resources:
http://www.traildogrunners.com/
Helpful Cues for Running with your Dog
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Let’s Go
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Left / Right or Haw / Gee, (I also use “Go Straight”)
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On By (ignore & pass by)
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Forward / Hike On
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With Me / Heel
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Behind / Back
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Easy / Steady (slow down)
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‘Whoa’ / Stop / Stand / or Line-Out for canicross
Why Use a Hands-Free Leash Belt or Cross-Body System for Running?
Make your runs more enjoyable, safer, and more efficient.
- Running with a handheld leash can disrupt your natural arm swing, leading to inefficient movement and possible strain.
- A hands-free system allows you to maintain proper running posture and balance, reducing the risk of shoulder, arm, and back discomfort.
- Attaching the leash to a waist belt system distributes any pulling force across your core rather than your arms and shoulders.
- In the event of sudden movements or quick stops by your dog, the leash can’t accidentally be dropped or pulled out of your hands.
Better Control with Multiple Dogs
- Managing multiple dogs while running can be challenging, but a hands-free system keeps them securely attached to your body, freeing up your hands to allow for leash management as needed.
Happy Running!