Dog leads for running – which accessories are the best to choose? 

If you lead an active lifestyle, run, and own a dog, why not combine all these elements together? Yes, I am thinking here about running with a dog. I’m sure you’ve seen many people during their workouts in the park, with their four-legged friends. It is the perfect combination of pleasant and useful. You will burn calories and get physically stronger, and your dog will get a run – something that they badly need, especially if you live in a block of flats. 

However, in order to run with your dog you must have the right accessories – that is, a special dog leash. What is the best one to choose? What should you pay attention to? You will learn all this in this article! 

Before choosing the right dog leads for running…

Take a trip to the vet. You probably also (if not, you should) have your health checked. Whether there are any contraindications to running. You need to do the same with your dog. 

If the vet has no objections you can head off to the store to choose a proper leash. You can choose the color of the leash to match your shoes or running shirt. It will definitely be a successful and interesting combination. 

Also, remember to first teach your dog how to walk on a regular leash. That way he won’t pull as much, stay behind or run sideways while dragging you all over the sidewalk. This will not be a pleasant training.

Running leash for dogs – with amortization 

If you are thinking about choosing a good running leash for your dog, the first thing you need to check is whether it’s with amortization. It will give you more control over your pet while running. You never know what will happen during your training. You may have to break abruptly or hold your dog back so it will not go off for a cat or other wild animal. The role of the shock absorption in the leash is to cushion the force of the pull during jerks. 

Therefore, give up leashes that are stiff. This will prevent your pet from pulling violently. If you have a different leash then running may not be comfortable, and what’s more, in some situations you or your dog may get injured. First, purchase a suitable leash with shock absorption, and then start running and see if you like it. 

What kind of leash? Basic information. 

You are standing in the store and want to choose the right leash with amortization. Which one to choose? Pay attention to the smoothness of the pull of the leash. Then on its length, it can be neither too short (the pet will not have freedom of movement), nor too long (it may get tangled under your feet, and the pet will move too far away from you). The optimal length of such a leash for a running dog is 2 m. 

Also, pay attention to the loops for holding. Take it in your hand, and see if it is comfortable. Remember that comfort is the most important thing. 

Dog leash for running – snap ring

When choosing a leash, you still need to pay attention to the snap ring, so that you can trim the leash to the harness. The best choice will be the one made of bronze. It is strong and will serve you for many training sessions with your pet. Avoid snap rings made of silver. Maybe their price is lower, but they are not durable and can even injure your dog. 

They have to be comfortable and not hamstring the movements of the pupil. 

Collar vs harness – running leash for dogs 

Every dog owner cares about the comfort and safety of their dog. Therefore, you should not choose a dog collar when you want to go for a run. Why? 

• Injury to the cervical vertebrae and further parts of the spine – by pulling the leash. The dog is not always well-behaved and may pull when it sees another dog, cat, or squirrel. 
• Escape from the collar – it may happen that the dog abruptly retreats and slips its head out of the collar and runs away. You definitely want to avoid this. 

Therefore, give up the collar. What is better to choose when you are running with a dog? Harness.

It’s best to go with your pet to an accessory store and choose the right harness. Try them on first, and see if the size is right. The right size is best determined by your measurements – the circumference of your dog’s neck, chest, and back. Look at the size chart on the label. This will help you choose the right-fitting gear for running with your dog. A well-chosen harness for running with a dog will ensure comfort.

A well-fitting running harness for a dog – what kind? 

• should not put pressure on the dog’s chest, 
• should be neither too small nor too large, 
• made of soft material.

But why choose harnesses for running with a dog? Why are they better? 

• distribute the energy of the jerks,
• will reduce the risk of uncontrolled release – be careful that the harness is not too big, because then the dog will be able to break free.
• will be safe for the dog’s spine.

For recreational running with a dog, ordinary, durable harnesses will suffice. You do not need to buy very expensive models right away. However, if you want to buy a really good and comfortable harness for your dog, which is recommended by a veterinary physiotherapist, then choose guard harnesses. They are perfectly adapted to the structure of the pet, are soft, and allow the pet to run freely. 

Dog running lead – running in the city 

If you’re going for a run in the city, it’s best to choose a leash that has a length adjuster. This allows you to quickly shorten or lengthen the length of the leash. This is very useful because in the city there are a lot of people, other pets, cars, and sounds. The pet may get frightened, and start running away. With the quick length adjustment, you can control the situation. And when there are not many people around, for example, in the park, you can increase the length of the leash.

Dog leash for running – fields, meadows 

Do you know a place where you can run and there are no people or trees? A field, a meadow? Ideally. For such a place, a leash is very long (even 20 meters.) This will allow not only your dog to run freely but also you – ensuring that you have control over your dog. 

“It’s an empty area, why a leash at all”.

Your dog should always be on a leash, even in such a remote area. You never know what’s going to happen, maybe a car will be passing by, another person will be biking or walking by, or maybe a strange animal will appear. In such situations, you don’t know how your dog will react. He may remain calm. However, there is also the option of running away or attacking the “enemy.” Therefore, always run with your dog on a leash. This will ensure complete safety. 

The belt for running with a dog – making training easier for the owner. 

Running while holding the leash in your hand will definitely not be comfortable. It is best to have your hands free. Why?

• greater freedom of movement, 
• your running technique will not suffer, 
• the dog at a sudden pull will not run away – when you hold the leash in your hand this can happen. 

Therefore, if you are buying a leash and harness for your pet, get a running dog as well, so you can train freely. The leash attaches to the running belt and…that’s it! You can now run comfortably. 

What else do you need to keep in mind when running with your dog 

Of course, a leash is one of the most important things here, plus a harness and a belt for running with your dog. However, in order for you and your pet to run comfortably, remember to bring water for your dog. Especially if it’s hot outside. You are bound to be thirsty, let alone your dog, who is often wearing a thick fur coat. 

If you run in the evening, purchase a LED dog collar. This will make your dog visible in the dark. If he runs away from you, then it will be much easier for you to locate them. 

When it is cold or very wet, you can also buy special shoes for your dog. However, you must bear in mind that the dog will not want to walk in them at all, and unfortunately they will not be used. Animals most often find it very difficult to get used to them. 

Now you know which leash to choose for running with your dog. Match it to your dog and start running comfortably. Make sure that you and your pet enjoy every outing together. Purchase the right harness, running belt, and leash, and go on an adventure.