So you want to run with your four-legged friend. Check out all must-have gear for running with your dog before you head out the door.
The moment we got Mr. Moose, I started getting excited about running with him. I started looking up dog-friendly 5Ks in my area and researching tips on how to run with a dog.
I read that it’s not good to run with puppies until they are fully grown. Of course, they can run around while playing, but I shouldn’t run all the miles with him until he’s older.
While I wait for him to grow, I’ve been doing my research on how to train him to run with me and what tools I need to bring on runs. I’m slowly but surely acquiring everything I need, so the instant Moose is fully grown we can hit the road.
Below are all the things my research has deemed as “must-have” gear for running with your dog.
Waist Leash
Unless you live in an area where off-leash dogs are allowed, you’ll need a good leash. I’m thinking a waist leash is a good option, as it will allow me to run with Moose hands-free. This RuffWear leash is nice quality and has a solid clip to make sure Moose stays attached.
Harness
A harness is supposed to be much better than a collar. It allows for better control of your pup and won’t choke them if they start to pull or run too fast. A trainer told me a harness with a clip on the back, like this one, is best.
Doggy Bag Dispenser
Just like people, exercise may get your doggy’s insides moving and grooving, so having doggy bags handy is a must. A nice little dispenser like this will keep your bags organized and at-the-ready.
Collapsible Bowl + Water
Your dog has a lot more hair than you do, which means they’ll get hotter faster and will need to hydrate frequently. A collapsible bowl like this one is great to have on hand. You can pour them water straight from your water bottle or from a nearby water fountain if there are some along your route. When they’re done, you can just fold it back up and pop it into your SPIbelt or clip it to the leash.
Treats
You need to fuel up during your runs, and your pup does, too! Even if you’re going for a short run, a little reward is nice. Moose really loves these Blue Bits.
A Smile
Smile! You’re running with your dog. This is the best day.
I can’t wait for Moose to be the most Fit & Fashionable pup out there. Once he’s fully-grown and we actually start running together, I’ll do a follow up post with tips and tricks for how to start running with your dog. Stay tuned and join the Fit & Fashionable Friday Link Up in the meantime!
Let’s Chat:
Do you run with your dog? Any must-haves to add?
When I trust her a bit more (slash she doesn’t run over to the side and stuff), I will upgrade to the waist leash and maybe a harness. Right now, though, we are still very much in the beginning stages!
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Caldo Verde Portuguese Kale Soup (Gluten Free, Vegan Options)
We do have leash laws here and one thing that drives me crazy is people who let their dog run on the bike/run trail without one. I think it’s really dangerous for all of us. So yes a good leash is a must!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…March Runfessions + Skirt Sports Giveaway
I’ve been on the hunt for a bungee style leash. Trixie and I keep tripping on each other with her long leash!
Rachel recently posted…March Runfessions: Marine Corps Marathon Excitement!
I am so looking forward to this too! I’ve heard mixed things about when they will be old enough– some 6 months– some wait until a year… both frommy vet office 🙄.Makena is 8 months and I’m ready!!! We’ve been working on loose leash training walking to start!
Hi there! My vet says as long as you listen to your dog and build stamina, 6 months is fine to start! Just start slow and on a cool day. Start with just half a mile, taking breaks for water whenever she seems sluggish. Then build up from there. Also, running on soft ground/grass is best.
That’s awesome. Thank you!
It will be so worth the wait. A waist leash might need to wait till he is really well trained… if he is strong he can drag you down the street! 🙂
I would definitely run with my dog if I owned one – it looks like it would be so much fun!
Kimberly G recently posted…Join me for March Runfessions
Great list of gear! We had a harness for our dog that could also attach to us. However she was a sled dog so it was easier to run with her on her own.
Anna @ Pipers Run recently posted…March Runfessions
I dont have a dog but I think they would make a great running partner!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…5 Embarrassing Things About Being A Runner
We’re getting a new puppy next weekend so the timing of this post is perfect! I know I’ll have to wait awhile, but I cannot wait to run with my dog.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…April 2017 Goals
My running partner has a dog that runs with us!! She’s 1 1/2 years old. Her longest run was 23 miles!! Have fun with Mr. Moose!
Gina recently posted…Am I Good Enough? It’s RUNFESSION time!
Maybe my next dog will be a runner! I’m sure my husband would like that!
Coco recently posted…No Fools At The Ultimate Coffee Date Link Up
Even though our dog isn’t great at running (he’d rather sprint than run at a steady pace), he does enjoy going for long walks with us. Your post reminds me that I need to replace the collapsible water bowl that seems to have gone missing.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…April 2017 Goals
Sadly my little Max is not a good running companion…his short legs (and my LONG ones LOL) are not compatible for running excursions. That said, he does love power walking, and we learned, within a couple weeks of having him, that he needed a harness…the collar/leash combo was like a constant choking/gagging experiment.
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Five Things to Runfess over Coffee
Great information! I would love to get a dog that I could run with! One day!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Coffee sippin’ and Runfessions
I would love to run with my lab but he’s getting older and can’t go too far. It’s sad too because we live in a safer neigborhood now.
So jealous you can run with Moose! I think Miss SP might die after a quarter mile, haha!
Annmarie recently posted…10 Healthy & Gluten Free Recipes Made With Citrus Ingredients
I wish I could run with my dog, but he’s too lazy and too old. If I did all of this gear would be awesome.
RunningLovingLiving (@tonee78) recently posted…2017 Echo Half Marathon Training Week 2
The hands-free leash and harness are definitely a must when you have a big dog!
Thanks for sharing. All of them are useful tips so I’m looking forward to checking this out. My dog is a great running partner but sometimes he’s too mischievous.
Emily recently posted…Womens Clarks Hadyn Maize Flat Reviews
Yeah its Great news for the new dog owners. Yes I want to run with my four- legged friend. i am started getting excited about running with him.Thou it’s not good to
run with puppies until they are fully grow up. but they can play with running. so this tool really helpful for them.Great information!