If you\u2019re a keen runner, the idea of a running buddy can be a really exciting prospect and let\u2019s face it four legged running buddies are always cute and enthusiastic. So, when can I run with my puppy, and how far can my puppy run with me? Is running with puppy a good idea? We\u2019re here to tell all and have you up and running in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before you sprint off\u2026 Have you downloaded the Zigzag puppy App? <\/a>You won\u2019t regret it\u2026it\u2019s the ultimate training guide for your puppy\u2019s first years, containing all the answers you\u2019ve been looking for. We cover everything from potty training<\/a> from day 1, to helping you both through the adolescent phase <\/a>and beyond. We even have a team of puppy coaches<\/a> who are available for a chat 24\/7. Their advice is golden, trust us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the saying goes, don\u2019t run before you can walk right?. You\u2019ll need to start by teaching your dog loose leash walking. <\/a>It might be tricky at the start, but positive reinforcement <\/a>and plenty of rewards and treats<\/a> will get you there in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by training your dog to walk on one side of you without weaving from side to side. Especially when running, you don\u2019t want them cutting in front and tripping you up. Pick a side, and stick to it offering all rewards and treats<\/a> to this side so it becomes THE place to be for your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s fitness up, you can think of combining walking and running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Running with puppy on leash is the best way to start. Once your dog has mastered loose leash walking,<\/a> you can move on to running with puppy on leash. If you want to, you can run with your dog while they\u2019re on a leash; there are plenty of good hands free running leash options too. Alternatively if your dog has good recall<\/a> skills and it\u2019s safe for them to be off-leash when you\u2019re out, you can enjoy a lovely run with your dog going at it freely beside you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So when can you start running with a puppy? It’s actually really important not to run with your puppy when they are too young. The best age <\/em>to start running <\/em>with a puppy is when they are fully grown. This means they\u2019ll need to be at least 1 year old, maybe even 18 months to 2 years for some breeds. Your puppy\u2019s bones, joints and muscles are still maturing, which is why we need to be patient and wait for them to develop well first \u2013 especially if you are hoping to run for long distances. If you\u2019re still not too sure, ask your Vet \u2013 they\u2019ll have good advice for when you can start running with a puppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s not lie. But if you\u2019re eager to share your hobby with a new four legged buddy, there are better suited breeds than others. Here are a few of our favourites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Labrador Retriever<\/a> \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Border Collie \u2013 To this day it\u2019s still a mystery how Border Collies manage to have seemingly unlimited amounts of energy. Bursting with high spirits, Border Collies<\/a> make great running partners. Exercise is their true love, so they\u2019ll be able to keep up with long runs as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n German Shorthaired Pointer \u2013 Pointers<\/a> are adventure-loves, so long trail runs are right up their street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Husky \u2013 If marathons are your thing, a Husky<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Jack Russell Terrier \u2013 Not all running buddies have to be large endurance breeds. The Jack Russell i<\/a>s fantastic if you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are breeds that aren\u2019t too well suited for running. Those are the brachycephalic breeds, (or those with flat faces) so Pugs<\/a>, French Bulldogs<\/a> and Boxers<\/a> for example. They struggle to breathe because of their face shape so anything more than a walk is a struggle for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your dog won\u2019t need any fancy equipment for running. A good leash is recommended or even a handsfree waist leash if your pup is well leash trained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always take a first aid kit<\/a> and water on a run with you, just in case the worst happens. Plus those all important poo bags to keep the trails and sidewalks clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FAQs<\/p>\n\n\n\n How long should I run with my puppy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You shouldn\u2019t run with puppies. Wait until they are 12 to 18 months old before you can start running. The rule for puppy exercise<\/a> is no more than 5 minutes walking per month of life, and a maximum of two times per day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Puppies shouldn\u2019t be going running at all, as we\u2019ve mentioned already you need to wait until your pup is fully grown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nope, at 6 months old, puppies\u2019 joints are still developing, so it\u2019s not smart to dive into high-energy exercise. You want to make sure they are growing strong and healthy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n How far can my puppy run with me? No, a puppy couldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to train your dog to run with you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Running with a leash vs running without a leash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When is the best age to start running with your dog <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does your dog make a good running partner (breeds to run with and those not so suited to running)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Dog Breeds For Running <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Worst Dog Breeds for Running <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Running gear your dog will need<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our top tips to begin running with your puppy <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Do puppies need to run everyday?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it OK to run with a 6 month old puppy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can a puppy run 5k?<\/p>\n\n\n\n