Depending on the type of dog, you might want to keep running distances short by default. Dogs like bulldogs and pugs naturally have trouble breathing, so only short distances for those breeds. But larger breeds can often safely run longer distances. Sizing and adjustability– is the running harness adjustable to fit your dog’s shape comfortably? A good dog running harness needs to fit securely so the dog can’t slip out

You probably don’t need us to tell you that most dogs are hard on their gear, and big dogs are another story. If you’re a runner with a jumbo-sized pooch, you need the best heavy-duty dog running leash you can buy. Iron Doggy’s Runner’s Choice Hands-Free Dog Leash is made of marine-grade, military-spec nylon webbing that’s extremely resistant to wear and tear (think lots and lots of chewing). According to Iron Doggy, the unique bungee system also has a breaking strength of more than 200 pounds. If you run in high traffic areas or in the evening, you might also want to consider getting a reflective lead, as this will make you and your pup more visible in low lighting conditions. The waist belt is 1.5″ which makes it incredibly comfortable, especially when compared to narrow options. It can be adjusted from 28-48 inches, making it accommodating for people of all sizes and even suitable for use around a bulky winter coat.The most important thing to consider when shopping for the best running leash for your dog is to find the right size. In general, larger breeds need shorter leashes, and vice versa. A shorter lead provides better control—important for dogs who like to pull or wander. It is all about getting the balance right. You will work out the ideal length that works for you and your furry running mate. Your height will make a big difference. Short people will need a shorter lead, because longer leads will lag behind, and if you are taller you will need a longer lead because if the lead is too short your dog will get choked every time there is a rhythm difference between you and the dog.

Running with a hands-free running leash provides several advantages for both the human and the dog:First, I need to put you onto the hands-free dog leash. Yes — you read that right. A hands-free dog leash for runners connects the leash to a belt on your waist. The best hands-free leashes offer a strong and secure leash-to-collar attachment. The saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ probably applies here. Although the kit for running with your dog isn’t exactly cheap, buying good quality gear will ensure you don’t need to replace it frequently. The lead also features a zipped pouch with two compartments so you can easily store your keys, phone, poop bags, and treats. Dogs are one of the most popular pets to have, but they can struggle with staying on a leash when running around. A running belt helps you keep your pup close by so they don’t get lost. Conclusion We tried Atlas Pet Company’s Lifetime Lite Leash on a few especially strong-willed puppers. The opinions were unanimous that this was a fantastic dog running leash for heavy pullers. “My Berner loves to tug me along, and this waist leash keeps my gravity centered,” said Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Liz Plosser. “Two years of zig-zaggy runs and walks with Willa and it’s still going strong.” After months of use, our test models looked almost brand new. The 1-inch nylon webbing is extremely durable, and we found it easy to clean, too. What also stood out about this model was its versatility. Like the Rove, the Lite Leash moves seamlessly from hands-free to handheld to tie-up positions without missing a beat. The hardware is cleverly designed, so you don’t have to think or work too hard to change things up on the go.

Make sure you have given your dog enough leash to run without the leash dragging on the ground. Also, be sure the leash is not too close to you. To make this safe for dogs, it is advisable to use a handheld lead but to attach it to a dog harness rather than a collar. This is permitted within parkrun rules and is more comfortable for your canine companion. Running on concrete pavements or other hard surfaces can put a lot of stress on your dog’s body and can put them at risk of injury to their legs, paws or paw pads. Although there’s no harm in a short run on pavements to get to running off-road with them, the majority of running for dogs should be on the softer trails.It’s much better for the wellbeing of your canine chum for them to run on grass or other natural ground surfaces. It really depends on how obedient or large your dog is. Some dogs, despite being the biggest sweethearts, are also the biggest escape artists. So, getting a harness is never a bad idea if your furry friend is prone to slipping out of collars. A much safer alternative is to use a canicross harness. These are specially designed to give your dog as much movement as possible. They are comfortable to wear and don't restrict shoulder movement, meaning your dog will be less prone to injury. If you want to avoid tripping over your leash, or worrying that your clasps and connectors will break, then you’ll want to go with the best hands-free leash. I’ve rounded up my favorites below. The best dog leashes for runners The sport of canicross is defined as cross country running attached to your dog. It’s a sport that has boomed both across the UK and worldwide in recent years, with dedicated leagues putting on races for dogs of any breed who run with their owner.