If you’re an avid runner, the idea of a running buddy can be a really exciting prospect. Especially if they’re cute and enthusiastic. Like a dog. But first, you might be asking yourself a pretty basic question: Can I run with my puppy? And if so, when can I run with my puppy? No worries, we’ll get you up and running in no time.
Before you sprint off… Have you downloaded the Zigzag puppy App? You won’t regret it…it’s the ultimate training guide for your puppy’s first years, containing all the answers you’ve been looking for. We cover everything from toilet training from day 1, to helping you both through the adolescent phase and beyond. We even have a team of puppy coaches who are available for a chat 24/7. Their advice is golden, trust us.
If you’re a beginner looking to get started with your puppy training, this is the place to start!
Best age to start running with your pup
What age can I run with my puppy? Is probably something you’re keen to know. Well it’s important not to run with your puppy when they are too young. The best age to start running with a puppy is when they are fully grown. This means they’ll need to be at least 1 year old, maybe even 18 months to 2 years for some breeds. Your puppy’s bones, joints and muscles are still maturing, which is why we need to be patient and wait for them to develop well first – especially if you are hoping to run for long distances. If you’re still not too sure, ask your vet – they’ll have good advice for when to start running with your puppy.
Breeds suited to running with you… and breeds not so suited to running
Exercising with your pup is one of the best ways to improve your fitness and get checked out by literally anyone you run past. Let’s not lie. But if you’re eager to share your hobby with a new four legged friend, there are better suited breeds than others. Here are a few of our favourites:
Best Dog Breeds For Running
Labrador Retriever – The trusty Lab can make a great running buddy. They naturally have plenty of stamina, are eager to please and will likely always be happy to join you for a steady run.
Border Collie – To this day it’s still a mystery for how Border Collies manage to have seemingly unlimited amounts of energy. Bursting with high spirits, Border Collies make great running partners. Exercise is their true love, so they’ll be able to keep up with long runs as well.
German Shorthaired Pointer – Pointers are adventure-loves, so long trail runs are right up their street.
Husky – If marathons are your thing, a Husky will certainly be the breed for you. Historically known for crossing kilometres of ice in freezing temperatures, they will go on probably for way longer than you can.
Jack Russell Terrier – Not all running buddies have to be large endurance breeds. The Jack Russell is fantastic if you’re looking for a smaller running buddy. They are always enthusiastic and carry with them an abundance of energy for hours of fun in the great outdoors.
Worst Dog Breeds for Running
There are breeds that aren’t too well suited for running. Those are the brachycephalic breeds, (or those with flat faces) so Pugs, French Bulldogs and Boxers for example. They struggle to breathe because of their face shape so anything more than a walk is a struggle for them.
How to train your puppy to run with you
As they say, don’t run before you can walk. You’ll need to start by teaching your dog loose lead walking. It might be a little tricky at the start, but positive reinforcement and plenty of rewards and treats will get you there in no time.
Start by training your dog to walk on one side of you without weaving from side to side. Especially when running, you don’t want them cutting in front and tripping you up. Pick a side, and stick to it offering all rewards and treats to this side so it becomes THE place to be for your dog.
Once your dog is old enough and has mastered walking, you can pick up the pace a bit and add in speed cues to indicate whether your pup should speed up or slow down. To make it more interesting and keep your dog’s fitness up, you can think of combining walking and running.
Running with a lead vs running without lead
Running with a puppy on leash is the best start. Once your dog has mastered loose lead walking, you can move on to running with a puppy on leash. If you want to, you can run with your dog while they’re on a lead; there are plenty of good hands free running leads options too. Alternatively if your dog has good recall skills and it’s safe for them to be off-lead when you’re out, you can enjoy a lovely run with your dog going at it freely beside you.
Our top tips to begin running with your puppy
- Don’t run with your puppy until they are fully grown, which will be at least 12 to 18 months old. Your vet will be able to advise when running is suitable.
- Before you start running, master loose lead walking first
- Train a bomb-proof recall if you are planning on running off lead
- Make sure your dog receives a good quality nutritious diet
- Start slowly with periods of running and walking
- Have a dog first aid kit on longer trail runs in case any accidents were to happen
- Keep the pace and distance slow, and build gradually to according to your dog’s fitness level.
- You can build your puppy’s stamina for running with some agility training
FAQs
How long should I run with my puppy?
You shouldn’t run with puppies. Wait until they are 12 to 18 months old before you can start running. The rule for puppy exercise is no more than 5 minutes walking per month of life, and a maximum of two times per day.
When can you start running with a puppy?
Check with your vet before you start but when they are fully grown you, could start with short runs. This will be when they’re around 12 to 18 months old!
Is it OK to run with a 6 month old puppy?
Nope, at 6 months old, puppies’ joints are still be developing, so it’s not smart to dive into high-energy exercise. You want to make sure they are growing strong and healthy!
Can a puppy run 5k?
How far can my puppy run with me? No, a puppy couldn’t run 5k. However, an adult dog that has been trained and is used to running probably could and endurance breeds like huskies can go much further.
