10 Benefits of Running With Your Dog & Tips to Get Going

If you’re thinking of starting a running routine, whether for health reasons or just for fun, why not let your pup join in? Here are 10 benefits of running with your dog, along with tips to help make the experience enjoyable and successful for both of you.

Top 10 Benefits of Running With Your Dog

1. Provides Motivation

Some people truly love running and are motivated simply by that joy. Many of us, however, can find it hard to push ourselves out the door for a jog, especially if we’re just starting out on the runner’s journey. Running with your dog can provide that extra motivation that you need to get moving. Once your dog gets in the habit of running with you, good luck resisting that hopeful face if you’re considering skipping out!

Tip:

To prevent your dog from constantly pestering you for a run, try to be consistent about what time you lace up your shoes each day. Consistency and structure are important to dogs, and yours should quickly learn when it’s run time.

woman running with her dog — Image by: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

2. Keeps You Both Fit

Out-of-shape and overweight dogs are prone to health issues just like humans with the same concerns. Running with your dog can help keep you both fit and even drop some weight if that’s suggested by your vet or doctor. If neither you nor your dog has been getting regular exercise, get the okay from both of your health professionals before you get started. Don’t be tempted to start out running a 5k either. Begin slowly to avoid injury to you or your dog, as you start getting in shape together.

Tip:

Diet is a key component for any weight loss program. Your vet will factor your dog’s daily activity level into calculating the correct amount of calories they should be eating. Be sure to follow both your diets and exercise plans for the best results.

3. Helps You Feel Good

You may have heard the term “runner’s high” to describe the rush of positive feelings many people experience while running. This effect is caused by endorphins, hormones that your brain secretes in response to pain, stress, and during exercise.¹ These act as a natural pain reliever and mood booster. Dogs can also experience this phenomenon. Running with your dog may tire you both out, but it can also leave you feeling happy and satisfied.

Tip:

It may take time for your dog to enjoy running, especially if it’s a new experience. Don’t force your dog to jog if they’re initially resistant. Instead, work on building positive associations by offering treats as you teach your dog to run.

cropped woman running on a trail in the woods with her energetic dog on harness and leash — Image by: knelson20, Shutterstock

4. Provides Protection

Running alone, especially in hours with decreased lighting, can be dangerous. Going with a dog can help provide a level of protection or at least some peace of mind for solo joggers. Dogs of certain breeds and sizes can instantly make many muggers think twice before bothering you. At a minimum, the presence of a canine companion makes bothering you more complicated than it might for someone running without a dog, possibly lowering your chances of becoming a target. Dogs are also much better at spotting potential dangers than you are, thanks to their sensitive noses, ears, and understanding of human body language.

Tip:

Don’t let running with a dog lull you into a complete sense of security. Practice common sense and precautions to keep yourself safe, such as sticking to well-lit areas, letting someone know where you’ll be before you leave, and carrying a personal alarm or something similar.

5. Improves Focus

When you’re running with a dog, you must remain extra aware of your surroundings because you have to keep your pup under control no matter what. Kids, other dogs, and distracted drivers can all pose a danger to your pup. You also never know when your dog might spot a squirrel or cat to chase and take off in the opposite direction. This improved focus will help keep both you and your dog safe as you run together.

Tip:

Brush up on your dog’s leash manners at a slower pace before you start running together, especially if they are a large or giant breed. Leash pulling is no fun at a walk and can easily lead to a nasty tumble when happening at a fast pace.

6. Helps You Not Overdo It

Once you get into the habit of running, it can be easy to overdo it and hurt yourself. Running with your dog can help you avoid this because you’ll have another body to worry about besides yourself. Depending on how good of a shape your dog is in, they just may not be able to run as far as you might push yourself to go. This is especially true of a younger or older dog. You don’t want to damage a growing puppy’s joints by overexercising them. An older dog may develop stiff joints that cause pain if they exercise too hard.

Tip:

Pay careful attention to the weather when planning your run. Dogs can become dangerously overheated even in temperatures that you can tolerate while running. Hot pavement can also be dangerous to your pet’s feet. If you keep up your running routine even in winter weather, protect your dog’s paws from rough ice and snow with canine booties.

7. Improves Your Dog’s Behavior

You’ve probably heard the saying, “a tired dog is a good dog.” While this isn’t entirely true, it is a fact that many active breeds will develop bad behavioral habits if they don’t get enough exercise. You’ll still need to work on training and socializing to make sure your pup is a “good dog,” but getting in a good run first can tire them out enough to focus on learning. When you’re deciding what breed is best for you, take into account how much exercise they’ll need and whether you’re prepared to meet those needs.

Tip:

Active and intelligent breeds, such as many working and herding varieties, require physical and mental stimulation every day. Taking them for a run is key, but you’ll want to mix in brain exercises too, so perhaps do a quick training session at the end of your run. Another option is to give your dog puzzle toys or other brain-stretching tasks to accomplish.

beger picard dog running in the field — Image by: TMArt, Shutterstock

8. Helps You Vary Your Workout

If you perform the same exercise every day without variation, your body grows accustomed to it, and your fitness levels may flatten out. To improve strength and endurance, you need variety in your workouts. Running with a dog can help you naturally vary your pace as you keep their endurance levels in mind too. They may start out strong and fast, then drop off until they get their second wind. To keep your dog entertained, you may also choose different locations for your run that can add variety to your workout. For example, mix in a hilly trail run with flat street training throughout your neighborhood.

Tip:

No matter where you run, always pick up after your dog and obey local leash laws.

9. Provides Bonding Time

Running with your dog is a great way to improve the bond between you, especially if you lead a busy life without a lot of free time. Many dogs can develop separation anxiety and destructive habits if they don’t get enough time and attention from their humans. If you’re a runner, training your dog to join you on your jog can provide an easy opportunity for bonding, in addition to the other physical and mental benefits.

Tip:

Some breeds tolerate being left alone better than others. Consider this factor as you’re researching breeds, especially if you already know you won’t be home much.

Brown dog running from woman and two dogs — Image by: JanDix, Pixabay

10. Improves Your Social Life

Running with your dog provides a natural opportunity to socialize with other canine-loving humans. If you’ve just moved to a new city, it can be hard to meet people, especially if you work long hours. Dog owners already have a built-in conversation starter—and if you’re also a runner, that makes two icebreaker topics! Whether you’re looking for a romantic or platonic connection, running with your dog may provide opportunities for both.

Tip:

Just because you get along with another dog’s owner, that doesn’t mean your pup will get along with theirs. Take the time to introduce the dogs slowly and in a neutral setting. Don’t force them to interact if they don’t seem to want to. Some dogs just take longer to warm up to others—just like some humans do!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for reasons to run with your dog, we have plenty! As you can see, running with your dog can be beneficial to both of you in a variety of ways. Just keep in mind that not every dog is cut out to be a running companion. Small and toy breeds may have a hard time keeping up with you and may tire quickly. Likewise, flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs don’t tend to tolerate any exercise well and can develop difficulty breathing. Owners of these breeds may need to find a human friend to join them on their runs and look for other ways to get their pup some daily exercise.