Many questions have surfaced in the Stroller Warriors® community recently concerning how to run with a stroller and a dog at the same time. My family does not have a dog (yet), but we just PCS-ed and are on the lookout for the perfect rescue dog. However, I have been able to run many miles with my team Elsewhere friend, Jess, and her dogs during our last assignment at Shaw AFB. I often ran with Jess and her dogs around the neighborhood, but she also ran with her dogs during multiple ultra-marathons. The bond and companionship Jess enjoyed with her dogs, for both short and long distances, was a major reason I decided that we need to add a furry friend to our home. I realized that I would need a plan to run both the dog and stroller…luckily Jess provided many helpful tips to me, and she and I even did a “test run” with both our stroller and her dog. Though her kids have outgrown their strollers, she ran with both stroller and dogs in the past, and she has been my go-to person for advice on this!
Dog Training
Before running with your dog, it is important to teach your furry friend to heel next to you- this helps prevent the dog leash from twisting around the stroller and its wheels, and it can even prevent a collision with your pet. Jess gave two pieces of advice on teaching your dog how to heel: first, begin taking your dog on walks with your dog walking next to you. Is your dog tugging you along—if so, stop walking until your dog stands next to you. After a few seconds, continue walking with your dog and repeat this exercise if your dog continues to pull you along. Second, if your dog pulls to chase, gently pull your dog back to you, reverse your direction, walk about 50 feet, U-turn back to your stopping point, then continue your run.
Gear
Having the proper gear (for you and your dog) will make the run more comfortable. Running with a dog requires the use of 2 hands.
Jess suggests running with a dog leash belt system. The belt system will help a runner free up their hands to use for the stroller as the belt fastens around the runner’s waist. The leash to her dog is attached to a harness which helps prevent any hard tugging on the dog’s neck. This makes running more comfortable for your dog.
https://ruffwear.com/products/trail-runner-system
https://ruffwear.com/products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness
When running in the early mornings or in the evenings (or any periods of poor lighting), both runner and dog should wear reflective gear or a light. Jess’s dog wears a red light, which I love! I can always see Jess from about a quarter mile away because of her dog’s light! Reflective strips can also be placed on the stroller. I usually have the kids carry a lantern in their lap during low-light runs to increase the stroller’s visibility.
https://ruffwear.com/products/the-beacon-safety-dog-light
Most importantly, be sure to keep your dog hydrated, especially in the heat! Pack water for yourself, your kids, and share some water with your dog! Keep a collapsible dog bowl or container for your dog at the bottom of your stroller. Forgot the dog bowl? No problem! Share your water with your dog by slowly streaming water out of a water bottle and into the dog’s mouth.
https://ruffwear.com/products/quencher-packable-dog-bowl
***Disclaimer: Stroller Warriors® is not promoting this specific brand. The items mentioned above are used by Jess for her dog.***
Before running with your dog, it is important to teach your furry friend to heel next to you- this helps prevent the dog leash from twisting around the stroller and its wheels, and it can even prevent a collision with your pet. Jess gave two pieces of advice on teaching your dog how to heel: first, begin taking your dog on walks with your dog walking next to you. Is your dog tugging you along—if so, stop walking until your dog stands next to you. After a few seconds, continue walking with your dog and repeat this exercise if your dog continues to pull you along. Second, if your dog pulls to chase, gently pull your dog back to you, reverse your direction, walk about 50 feet, U-turn back to your stopping point, then continue your run.
Gear
Having the proper gear (for you and your dog) will make the run more comfortable. Running with a dog requires the use of 2 hands.
Jess suggests running with a dog leash belt system. The belt system will help a runner free up their hands to use for the stroller as the belt fastens around the runner’s waist. The leash to her dog is attached to a harness which helps prevent any hard tugging on the dog’s neck. This makes running more comfortable for your dog.
https://ruffwear.com/products/trail-runner-system
https://ruffwear.com/products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness
When running in the early mornings or in the evenings (or any periods of poor lighting), both runner and dog should wear reflective gear or a light. Jess’s dog wears a red light, which I love! I can always see Jess from about a quarter mile away because of her dog’s light! Reflective strips can also be placed on the stroller. I usually have the kids carry a lantern in their lap during low-light runs to increase the stroller’s visibility.
https://ruffwear.com/products/the-beacon-safety-dog-light
Most importantly, be sure to keep your dog hydrated, especially in the heat! Pack water for yourself, your kids, and share some water with your dog! Keep a collapsible dog bowl or container for your dog at the bottom of your stroller. Forgot the dog bowl? No problem! Share your water with your dog by slowly streaming water out of a water bottle and into the dog’s mouth.
https://ruffwear.com/products/quencher-packable-dog-bowl
***Disclaimer: Stroller Warriors® is not promoting this specific brand. The items mentioned above are used by Jess for her dog.***
Safety
Form should be emphasized when running with your dog and stroller. Remember to always keep the stroller’s safety strap around your wrist (with or without running with a dog). The dog leash should never be attached to the handlebar of the stroller or anywhere on the stroller! You never know if/when a dog will pull. If the leash is attached to the stroller, the stroller might tip.
Start slow! Do not expect your dog to go for a long run with you if your dog has never run- you will over work your dog! A C25K format would be the perfect type of program to introduce your dog to running with you and the stroller. Your dog will eventually gain stamina and endurance.
Be sure the dog is running next to you (as mentioned above) to prevent the leash from becoming tangled on the wheel or stroller, and to avert a collision between the stroller and the dog!
*************************************************************************************************
Thank you Jess for contributing your knowledge and experiences to the Stroller Warrior Community. Both you and your dog are a fantastic classic duo!
Happy Running!
-Rose
Form should be emphasized when running with your dog and stroller. Remember to always keep the stroller’s safety strap around your wrist (with or without running with a dog). The dog leash should never be attached to the handlebar of the stroller or anywhere on the stroller! You never know if/when a dog will pull. If the leash is attached to the stroller, the stroller might tip.
Start slow! Do not expect your dog to go for a long run with you if your dog has never run- you will over work your dog! A C25K format would be the perfect type of program to introduce your dog to running with you and the stroller. Your dog will eventually gain stamina and endurance.
Be sure the dog is running next to you (as mentioned above) to prevent the leash from becoming tangled on the wheel or stroller, and to avert a collision between the stroller and the dog!
*************************************************************************************************
Thank you Jess for contributing your knowledge and experiences to the Stroller Warrior Community. Both you and your dog are a fantastic classic duo!
Happy Running!
-Rose
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