Saturday I am running in the Fargo Marathon, my first full marathon. I am not quite sure why I decided to sign up for this other than it seemed like a good idea at the time.
Really though, I’ve wanted to run a marathon for about the last five years. I trained for a few 26.2′s starting in 2006, but I always ended up overtraining and injuring myself so I couldn’t participate. This is a very common problem for newer runners.
I’m one of those people who can run through just about any amount of pain, so I would obsessively follow the training schedule, making sure to get in a long run each Saturday.
What I know now is that to an extent, it’s better to undertrain than to overtrain. Get some solid base running in, and don’t worry too much about speed or long runs.
I’m not saying that I undertrained - I run a lot more now than I did in 2006 – but I know when to give my knees a rest. I have been running injury free for at least 18 months. That’s something I know not to take for granted.
A fellow runner told me (at 6 a.m. during a 12-mile outdoor training run in mid-January) that there are only two obstacles that prevent someone from completing a marathon. The first is an injury; the second is never starting.
I think about that a lot, as it applies to pretty much anything in life. If you don’t try, you don’t fail. But you don’t win, either.
Just making it to the starting line on Saturday will be a win for me, something I’ve been chasing since May 2006 when I ran my first 13.1 and became addicted to the thrill of endurance.
I’m planning on running slowly on Saturday, probably sticking with the 5-hour pace group until at least the halfway point. I can’t risk an injury.
Unlike the majority of first-time marathoners, I won’t be able to sit around the office Monday morning icing my knees. I won’t be able to temporarily leave the sport. I want to be out running and walking my dog friends. Plus, it kind of pays my bills 
I owe a huge thank you to all my canine training buddies. There is no way I would be a runner if I didn’t have extremely enthusiastic dogs to run with. One dog even tagged along for one of my weekend long runs of 13+ miles. Good boy, Eli!
Most of my longer runs, though, I ran on my own. I’d run the first 14 miles or so alone and then pick up Mr. Ace of Spades for the last two miles.
Running without dogs is totally different than running with dogs.
For me, it’s more relaxing without them.
Running with a dog or two drains my mental energy, something very much needed to complete 26.2 miles. I’m very committed to improving a dog’s leash manners. That means I’m always focused on my surroundings and on where the dog is and what the dog is doing.
A great amount of my physical energy is used to keep the dog at my side and to maintain a quick pace.
I don’t have to worry about any of that on Saturday.
On Saturday I get to relax, breathe, run slowly, enjoy the surroundings and have fun!
I’m making some entertaining signs for my friends to wave around to encourage the runners, and I would love some suggestions. No Google searches allowed! I’ve seen all those signs, and they were only funny the first time.
The best sign idea I’ve come up with so far is:
Hurry! They close the course in five hours!
Leave your creative/inappropriate spectator sign suggestions in the comments. Drinking comments or sexual references encouraged!
Now, the whole point of this post was to offer some tips on running with dogs. I cover about 40 miles per week offering dog running, and an additional 20 through dog walking. People ask me all kinds of questions about running with dogs, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common questions in this post.
For more information on running with dogs, see my ebook on how to start a dog walking business.
Tips for running with a dog
How far can I run with my dog?
Probably 20 miles. So just chill out. Your dog will be fine. Your dog can certainly run much faster and longer than you can.
If you’re worried, then start with 1 mile. Then increase the distance to 2, 3, 6 miles and so on. Some dogs really can run distances of 15 or 20 miles in a day easily.
How can I tell if my dog is too tired during a run?
If she is dragging behind you or panting heavily. If that’s the case, slow down to a walk. Bring water along on hot days.
Can I run with my small dog?
Absolutely!
Small dogs often have more energy and can run longer than the bigger dogs. Most Jack Russell terriers, for example, can easily run 10 miles per day. Start with 1 mile for a few runs, and increase the distance if your dog seems OK. Most smaller breeds should be able to run about 3 miles.
Which dogs shouldn’t go running?
Overweight dogs shouldn’t run because their extra body weight will put too much stress on their joints. Stick to walking until the dog loses some weight. Older dogs with arthritis should also stick to walking, as should any dog with an injury.
Dogs with “short faces” like English bulldogs and Boston terriers can overheat very easily. Running is still great exercise for them, but be very careful on hot days.
Giant-breed dogs like English mastiffs and Newfoundlands are generally lower energy and do not do very well with running. A lot of veterinarians recommend that giant breed dogs stick to walking because it’s easier on their joints. This is good advice.
Always check with your vet if you are not sure if running is safe for your dog.
When is my puppy old enough to go running?
Most veterinarians recommend that large-breed dogs should not go running until they are 1.5 years old because their joints will still be developing up until that point.
I have taken some puppies running when they are around 9 months old as long as I run at a consistent, slow enough pace so the dog is moving at a fast walk and not a full-on gallop. If you have ever watched a dog “run” with a person, the dog is usually just walking fast while the person is running. This is healthy exercise for the dog and will not put too much stress on his joints.
I do not recommend rollerblading or biking with large-breed puppies or dogs because the faster pace can end up harming their joints. If you’re not sure if running is OK for your puppy, ask her vet or someone who is an expert on the breed.
What if my dog runs too fast for me?
Then make him slow down!
Keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and make him run at your speed. Dogs are sprinters, so they can’t maintain a fast pace for very long. I’m not a “fast” runner by most standards, but I can outpace most of the dogs I run. They lose some steam after about five minutes. We typically run at about a 10-minute mile pace.
How do I keep my dog at my side when we run?
Run with your dog in a formal heel position, meaning she is at your side with her head or shoulder even with your hip. Keep the dog’s collar high on her neck, right under her chin and behind her ears. When the collar slips to the lower, stronger area of her neck, that gives her more control so stop and adjust it.
Ditch the retractable leash. Use a 6-foot leather leash instead.
In your left hand, hold the leash close to your dog’s collar. In your right hand, hold the slack. Your left hand becomes sort of the “shock absorber” while your right hand is there just in case your left hand drops the leash. Keep the entire leash as loose as possible. I will hold the leash with literally two fingers from each hand to make sure I stay relaxed. A tight leash will only encourage the dog to resist and pull harder.
If the dog pulls, quickly pull up on the leash with your left hand to re-direct her attention back to you. You can also try switching directions.
Keep moving!
What is the best dog collar to stop my dog from pulling?
For most dogs, a simple choke collar or slip lead will work just fine. Martingale collars also work for most dogs. Martingale collars are usually made of nylon and they don’t tighten as much as a standard choke collar.
For powerful, easily excitable dogs, try a prong collar that fits properly. You don’t want the prongs to be too big, and the collar shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Haltis and Gentle Leaders are also effective once the dog adjusts to wearing one.
Stop using a harness unless it’s specifically designed to prevent pulling.
Will my dog get hurt if I take him running?
For dogs that aren’t used to being walked on pavement, stop and check their paw pads every 15 minutes or so. Dogs that are walked often will develop calloused feet – and that’s a good thing. If dogs are kept indoors or in the grass all the time, their paws won’t be able to handle a lot of running right away. You’ll have to slowly increase the distance. It would be the equivalent of you going for a run in the street without shoes.
Also watch for any limping or stiffness the day after a run. If the dog is not used to running, she could pull a muscle or feel sore the next day.
How much do I feed my dog if he runs with me?
Measure your dog’s food for each meal and feed him regularly scheduled meals so you know exactly how much your dog eats per day. Do not “free feed” your dog.
If your dog looks a little lean, then feed him more. If he looks a little chubby, then feed him less. If you are increasing your dog’s exercise, then it makes sense that he will require a little more food in order to maintain his healthy weight.
If Ace tags along on a longer run than usual, I might feed him a little extra that day. He is leaner and more active than most dogs, so he eats more than the recommended serving on most commercial dog food bags.
When is it too hot to run with a dog?
Usually it’s too hot to run a dog during the middle of the day in the summer. Black dogs, overweight dogs, short-faced dogs and extra hairy dogs get overheated too easily. White dogs get sunburned too easily.
I don’t recommend muzzles, Gentle Leaders or Haltis for running on hot days. Dogs can still pant while wearing these, but some won’t be able to pant as heavily as they need to.
Bring water along during your summer runs or plan your route so you can loop back home for a quick drink. Keep a close eye on your dog and take it easy if he starts to pant heavily, slow down or drag behind. Take breaks often and sit in the shade. Signs of heatstroke (hyperthermia) in dogs include rapid panting, dizziness, diarrhea, pale gums and a long, red tongue. If your dog gets too hot, help him cool down slowly by offering him some water and a chance to rest in a cool, indoor area. Place cool, damp towels under his belly and paws.
Remember, some dogs (like mine) do not have an “off switch” during certain activities such as rollerblading or chasing a ball. It’s up to us to make them take breaks every 15 minutes to avoid overheating. When I first got Ace I assumed he would stop chasing a ball when he got tired. Boy was I wrong!
When is it too cold to run with a dog?
As long as you keep moving, most dogs can go for a 20-minute run or longer no matter how cold it gets.
I live in North Dakota where the winter temperature is very often 10 below zero or colder. And that’s not counting the windchill. The dogs are typically just fine for a half-hour run without any kind of dog coat as long as we keep moving. Even the shorthaired breeds without undercoats (like vizslas) are fine in January.
Dogs have fur coats and they can handle the cold better than us. If you are cold, then head inside. If you are fine, your dog is probably fine. Obviously you want to take extra precautions on cold days by running closer to home and putting a coat on your dog if he needs one.
And by all means, if your dog is shivering and lifting up her paws for more than a few minutes, bring her inside!
What’s the best kind of dog coat?
Most dogs don’t need a coat.
If your dog seems cold outside, then shop for a dog coat at a sporting goods store that carries hunting gear for dogs. Don’t buy those cute, fashionable dog coats. Those are cute, but they do nothing for extra warmth. If anything, the coat will get wet and make the dog colder. For serious protection against the cold, get your dog a waterproof vest desgined for sporting breeds.
Unfortunately if you have a small dog, you probably won’t be able to find a hunting vest for him. I wouldn’t worry too much. Dogs have their own natural fur coats. They don’t really need more than that.
What kind of dog boots do you recommend in the winter?
I do not recommend dog boots for keeping a dog’s feet warm.
I do recommend dog boots for protection against de-icing chemicals or sharp/jagged ice. Dog boots can also prevent ice and snow from building up between the toes of a longhaired dog.
Anything bulky will feel too awkward for your dog, so look for a lightweight set.
If I don’t run, how can I get my dog tired?
Take him biking or rollerblading with you or purchase a dog backpack for him to wear during walks.
Dog backpacks are awesome for making the dog carry his own, you know, SHIT, when the nearest trash can is a ways away.
What tips do you have for running with a dog?
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Good luck on the marathon, I still have to think of a sign to hold up, but watch for me around 25miles! (probably by elephant!)
I get bored too fast running without a dog. If I’m running with a dog like Charlie who wont pull or get too excited by other dogs and people I prefer having them with, but dogs like Bella (the 4 luv of dog rescue) who was a constant struggle to keep at my side and who got excited when she saw somebody a block away would make me tired of running really soon.
My advice… Don’t be that person who has a big dog with a flexi leash that is pulled all the way to the end and your “jogging” behind them. It’s a lot more fun to run with your dog when your not struggling to stay on your feet.
Good luck again!!
Thanks Jessi. I hope I make it to mile 25!
Thanks so much for this! I just signed up for a half marathon here this fall and I am slowly increasing from like 1 mile and going up. I am determined to become a runner. I love running with my dog, a young pit mix that will be 2 in August. I like her so much better when she is tired because she is super high anxiety from a long shelter stay. (I mean I always LOVE her, but she can be really nuts sometimes and is very strong.) I get bored running very easily and I was just stressing today about how long will be too long for her to come with me and now I don’t have to worry as much. Good luck Lindsay and thanks for all your info and advice!
I’m sure she will be able to run at least 6 miles at a time with you and probably even further.
Wow, I don’t think I’d survive running a marathon!
I do like running with Jasmine, but short distances only, for both our sakes 
But it is a great thing to do.
As for the sign, how about some human equivalent of doggy treats on them?
Yeah, running for shorter distances is better for most of us!
I am so glad to have found this post and it is perfect timing! I have 2 dogs that I recently adopted and take running. Well, OK maybe more of a run/walk and then meander.
I used to run them up and down a street close to me but I got bored of that. I am sure they were as well and since it is mostly pavement I worried about it heating up when the sun would finally appear. I live in Washington State and we are on a record-breaking 2 days straight of sun. Woo hoo! 
I live next to a tree farm which is trail-like so we have been running in there for the last couple of weeks. But for the last 3 days, probably because of new smells due to the ground heating up, it has been a more of a stop and sniff and then run into the trees attempting to drag me behind them. Thankfully I have a super strong Sporn leash and strong legs and arms so they don’t get far but it very frustrating! Sigh… One dog has great leash manners and I am working on the other’s but they both are doing this.
I wouldn’t mind doing the sniff and wander but it defeats the point of getting quality exercise, right? We were up to 4 miles a day and now we are down to two. I really don’t have the time to take them for an extended sniff and wander twice a day. Any suggestions would be so appreciated!
Thanks again,
Shauna
These posts might help you out a bit. Let me know if you have further questions:
http://www.thatmutt.com/2011/03/30/should-i-teach-my-dog-to-heel/
http://www.thatmutt.com/2008/11/12/13-tips-for-teaching-your-dog-to-heel/
Lindsay,
Both posts are going to be very helpful! Thank you so much! I am going to print them off so all of the humans are on the same page.
I think perhaps I am going to have to train and walk the puller, Fiona, separately from my good walker, Cody. I don’t think it would be fair to him to be ‘punished’ by stopping constantly because Fiona is pulling, you know?
I definitely need to start at square one as she gets VERY excited when she knows we are going to walk. I have tried varying my routine constantly but she still jumps, bumps and scratches when I put on the leash…I have the bruises to prove it! I am going to have to wear long pants all summer long if she doesn’t calm down.
Thanks so much!
My goodness, I keep forgetting to wish you the best luck ever for running your first full marathon! Good luck and have fun!
Thanks, Shauna! I definitely think you should walk the dogs separately when you can. That will allow you to focus on Fiona. Let me know how it goes!
This is your first marathon, go out there and have lots of fun. Think positive!! I have a few friends running the marathon from Chicago. Good Luck to all of you.
The best is when you can run with your dog. I really enjoyed my runs with Dakota (Golden Ret.). Now that he is 10 yrs old I don’t run with him but my walks with him are just as good.
My Motto is:
Running is not in the legs, it’s in the heart!!
Thank you so much, Sharon!!
Good luck with the marathon!!!
Thanks for the tips. I am considering signing Sophie and I up for a 5k race later this year. The tips will come in handy when we start training.
You guys will do great when you do your 5K!
How did your marathon go? How awesome!
It went really well! Better than I expected. I ran slowly for the first 20 miles. It was hard not to speed up. But then I felt really good for the last 6 miles and was able to pass a bunch of people who had slowed down. I never hit any kind of wall or anything like that. Back to running doggies tomorrow morning
I was literly inside for a whole 10minutes during the marathon and guess when you ran by…
oh really? Ha! I watched for a little black and white dog but I didn’t see him!
Seriously, I watched you run by from inside! Charlie was out there too and when I saw you run by I was like nooooo……………….. Next year I guess? :p
I’m surprised you spotted me! Too bad I didn’t see Charlie! I was too focused on getting to the end!
I’m honestly surprised I saw you also, there were a lot of people!
P.s. we have the trainer that Charlie’s vet recomended coming over to see Charlie on Thursday!
Good luck with the trainer. Who is the trainer? I’m sure it will go really well!
Stevie Mathre with All Smart Pets
Oh OK. Let me know how it goes!
I wrote about it in my blog cause I figured I’ve taken up enough space on your post!
[...] How to Run with a Dog. Tips from a pro about running with your dog. (That Mutt) [...]
Just found this blog. Thanks for all of the great tips! I have two Jack Russell mixes (about 30 lbs each) and they love to run. One can go 18 miles and the other 13. For your next marathon (I know you’ll be hooked now. The first one always gets you), the best sign I’ve ever seen was: “Who Fartleked?” Had me laughing for miles.
See everyone! I was serious when I saw most Jack Russells can run at least 10 miles per day
Ashley, you have two lucky dogs, and that sign idea is great!
Great tips Lindsay!
I’m a recreational marathoner too and I recently launched a blog devoted to pet fitness news and information (www.varsityreportblog.com). Earlier today we published a post about canine thermoregulation and its implications when it comes to warm weather exercise. You and your readers might want to check it out: http://www.varsityreportblog.com/2011/07/06/summertime-training-pt-1-canine-thermoregulation/
Thanks again for covering these cool and important topics!
Daniel
Thanks, Dan!
Hi Lindsay,
Great post, thanks for sharing. I run 5ks with my 10 lb yorkiepoo, and I have some issues with him.
1. I time my runs, and he stops to pee about 10 times per run. And that means he maks me stop by screeching to a halt, sniffs around, finds a perfect spot, then pees, although after the first couple of times only a few drops come out, if that. Sometimes he just sniffs around and doesn’t even pee.
2. He also does great on the first half, but then slows down on the 2nd half (I think he doesn’t want to go home).
Have you seen this before with any of the dogs you run with? Any tips? I want to just run without him, but then I would feel so guilty.
Thanks for reading!
Many of the dogs I run are similar to your dog where they want to stop and pee every 10 feet. I simply don’t let them. I let them go to the bathroom one time when we start, then maybe again halfway through and when we get home. That’s it. I don’t have to pee every 10 minutes while running, and they don’t either. Since your dog is only 10 pounds, you should have no problem controlling him, but I imagine you are afraid of hurting him. Just give him a firm “No!” and firmly pull on his leash. You can use your usual command to get him to run whether it’s “heel” or “let’s go!” or whatever. If all else fails, then scream “wooo! and sprint ahead so he chases you
He may be slowing down on the second half because he’s tired, but you know your dog best! You’re probably right that he doesn’t want to go home! Try mixing up your route. Turn around a few times during each route without actually heading home. That way he’ll never be sure when the run is going to end.
Your dog is very, very normal
And I wouldn’t feel bad leaving him home every now and then. Running without a dog is very different than running with a dog. Sometimes you probably want to focus on yourself. He’s lucky he gets to go most of the time, so don’t feel bad if you leave him home every now and then 
Also, if you keep your dog at your side in a formal “heel” position, he won’t be as tempted to stop and pee. So keep him controlled on a short leash at your side with little slack and room to run around.
I am impressed you take your 10-pound dog running! I wish more people would do this!
Thanks Lindsay!
Those are great tips. I just have to learn to say no more peeing! I find it also helps if I run somewhere that has less grass and bushes, so when I’m timing my run I will stick to those routes. And great idea about heading home and then turning around, I didn’t think of that. The reason I think he’s not tired is because it happens when we run 5ks and it happens when we run just 1 or 2 miles. And it always happens on the way back. Once I ran a 5k with him, I had to practically drag him on the way back (sometimes I pick him up and run with him in my arms to try to make up time), and I thought wow maybe he is really tired. After the run I stopped and sat down to catch my breath, and then he saw a another dog and miraculously got all his energy back, and then yanked on the leash the whole walk home. I will definitely try your suggestions!
The best part about running with my dog is when he looks back at me with a huge smile on his face, like he’s saying “thank you!”. It’s so cute I have to laugh out loud ever time, and he does it 1-2 times every run. Makes it all worth it!
Makah
I hope these ideas work! I’m glad you love running with your dog as much as I do. Better than running alone!
I run with my mal mix a fair bit. What works well for us is an umbilical lead. I attach Ruby to my hips and off we go, it keeps her at my side or at my heal without fussing about with the leash and on those times that she spies something like a squirrel she can’t get any momentum to charge after it as she only has a bout 3 feet of play in the lead. She is a big burly girl with all the strength of her mal side, so I not getting my arm pulled off is a good thing.
Sounds like this option works great for you! I’m not a big fan of hands-free leashes because I like to correct the dog if needed. I’ve tied my dog’s leash to my waist before, and it’s just not for me. I’d rather hold the leash or have him off leash, but that’s just me.
A properly fitting harness is safer to use on a dog than a choker or another collar. Pulling on your dogs throat can cause trachea damage and scaring, and over time they may sustain dysphagia. I have been running with my lab mix for over 5 years on tracks, on trails, on fields, etc. and the harness works great. Plus the harness provides much more control without harming your dog. Happy running!
I really don’t like using harnesses, but I’m glad it works for you and your dog. Every dog/owner pair is different.
Good tips, but one problem no one mentioned… it isn’t easy jogging with a bag of dog doo! I’m not always near a trash can and sometimes have to carry it til I find one (and a Lab creates a lot of doo). Sometimes I’ll bag it and put it where I can pick it up on the way back (if I know I’ve passed a trash can). (And no, that doesn’t work making them doo before you leave … she will have to go again if we’re out a couple hours).
I don’t do marathons, I just jog for exercise. But I do enjoy jogging where I can let her off the leash. It’s just more enjoyable for the both of us! We both enjoy jogging on dirt trails best. Much less monotonous and more invigorating.
Yes, I have that same problem. My town definitely needs more trash cans!
A dog backpack comes in handy for making the dog carry its own, um, crap!