by Jennifer Sharpe
Running is an activity that many humans and their dogs love to do — so why not do it together?
In a Feb. 5, 2024, article for the American Kennel Club, author Alexandra Anastasio wrote that running helps dogs maintain weight, improve muscle tone and build endurance. “It can also be beneficial for mental health while offering an outlet for your dog’s energy,” she said.
In addition, running together is a great bonding activity, increases both you and your dog’s motivation to exercise, and can be safer for a person than running alone.
Is your dog a good candidate?
Before running with your dog, check with your veterinarian and schedule a physical exam, just as people are encouraged to get medical clearance before beginning a new exercise program.
The age of your dog really matters — a puppy’s body is not fully developed, and running could be too stressful on their bones, muscles and joints, said Anastasio. For senior dogs, it’s important to assess their fitness levels and customize workouts to meet individual needs with regard to distances, surfaces, environments and temperatures.
Some of the best dog breeds Anastasio recommends for running are Weimaraner, Dalmatian, Vizla, German Shorthaired Pointer, Rhodesian Ridgeback, English Springer Spaniel, Doberman Pinscher, American Foxhound, Saluki and Belgian Malinois.
Hitting the road or trail
Start with the basics, like loose-leash walking and walking consistently on one side.
“Your dog should master loose-leash walking before you start training them to run beside you,” wrote Stephanie Gibeault in a Jan. 5, 2026, article for the American Kennel Club titled “How to Train Your Dog to Run with You.” “A dog that pulls on the leash is frustrating when walking, but downright dangerous at faster speeds.”
Use rewards to reinforce positive behaviors and be consistent.
“Start training at a walking pace and keep reward placement in mind. Always give your dog their treats in the position you want to reinforce, so if you want them on your left, only offer treats at your left leg,” said Gibeault. “Once they’ve mastered one side, you can train the other with a different cue.”
Teach your dog to change speeds using different verbal cues. “To teach the running cue, intersperse short bursts of jogging or running with your normal walking pace. Simply give the cue immediately before you increase your speed and then reward your dog when they hurry to catch up,” said Gibeault.
Build endurance slowly over several weeks, just like humans do. “Start by adding small stretches of running into your walks,” said Gibeault. “Then, on each subsequent walk, gradually increase the portion of your time spent running and decrease the portion spent walking. After several weeks, your dog will have adapted to running long distances.”
Tips for a safe, fun run
As with any workout, warm up together by walking first and be sure to walk at the end to cool down.
Carry water for you and your dog and take water breaks while you exercise. Be sure that both of you rehydrate after exercising.
Give your dog bathroom breaks, too.
Be weather-aware. Heat and humidity or extreme cold may be harder on your dog than on you.
Watch for signs that your dog has had enough, like excessive panting or lagging behind you.
After spending time in wooded areas, check your dog (and yourself) for ticks.
In 2018, the American Kennel Club (AKC) launched the AKC FIT DOG program to promote exercise and encourage healthy habits for owners and their dogs.
For dogs and people in good shape, the goal is to walk at least 30 minutes, five times per week, for at least three months. Alternative criteria, such as for senior dogs, is to walk at least 15 minutes per session, at least 10 times per week, for at least three months. Dog owners who walk the required distance with their dogs can receive a free AKC FIT DOG car magnet by completing an online magnet order form.
The AKC FIT DOG magnet “proudly declares to the world that you are committed to your dog’s health and fitness through regular exercise,” says the AKC.
AKC FIT DOG clubs are local groups which meet and accomplish certain fitness goals together with their dogs: at least four group-fitness walks per year or conduct regularly scheduled canine fitness/conditioning classes. Groups that are approved as AKC FIT DOG clubs will receive a free banner with the AKC logo and the club’s name. To start an AKC FIT DOG club, complete the online application.
