5 Best TIPS to Run with your DOG
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- Опубліковано 27 січ 2025
- A guide to running with your dog. From the right dog to the right kit.
Suitable for anyone, running any distance - Parkrun to canicross.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE: / @marklewisfitness
INSTAGRAM MARK (me): / marklewispics
INSTAGRAM NIXON (the dog): / nixonruns
Unless someone else asked, that was me! Thank you so much for making this video!! I can't wait to get a dog and have a running partner!
Glad you asked
Running with your dog is very funny.
I hope you have found your running partner, and are having fun
Thanks for asking Ivonne! This was a great video. I have had 5 cattle dogs and 3 of them LOVED running though I never got involved in any official canicross events, we're getting ready to adopt some new guys soon and I'm very excited to check this out as it looks SO fun and would be excellent physical and mental activity for heelers.
Glad you did because I had the same question!!! I just started running with my dog and my shoulder cramps trying to hold a leash.
Learned mine left and right as well (swiss shepherd)
Added benefit that it's hilarious to see people their reaction when you use those commands and the dog corresponds correctly.
He also learned 'home' (not exactly that word, he mainly spoke dutch).
Which meant he had to run back to where we came from. Either home or the car.
Has been super useful for me to find the way back. Helped me on numerous occasions.
He kinda learned it accidentally. No idea how I would have thought him that one.
It’s honestly so refreshing how laid back and funny this guy is, I actually really enjoyed this video :)
And he intersperses some humor in all of his videos which makes them even better!
Hilarious, and educational. Spot on, thanks!
Great video
This is the video we were all waiting for. I mean, you’re a pretty inspirational guy and all, but let’s face it, Nixon is the real star of the show.
5:20 - "Jeff is just a dudd" 😂
What a star Nixon is! Looks like he loves it more than you! Really uplifting to watch. Thanks for sharing the love!
Great video. Have just started running with my dog after never taking her because she’s always stopping sniffing and weeing on walks but with zero training on a run she just goes for it I couldn’t believe it. Such a rewarding experience having her along with me.
At times I run with 3 Golden Retrievers at once, though generally only two. About 220lbs worth versus my 170lbs. Make no mistake, you're going where they want to go. Loved your video.
I have a Lapponian Hearder to run with. I haven't taught her to pull but she would pull if there is someone in front to catch up. Hence not competing with her as she is more competitive than I am (and more fit).
I don't do park runs, I don't have a dog but still found this highly entertaining, you are giving yourself and Nikon the best life.
This was hilarious. Love how much thought and effort you put into making sure your dog is having a good experience. But, oh Jefferson.
Jeff is just plain old lazy 😂
😂 My cattle dog mix perked up when she heard you asking your pups, “Do you wanna run?”
She actually trained with me for a marathon. After a particularly grueling 13mi training run I wanted to sit for the rest of the day and drink lemonade. But after a 20min rest she was ready to go for another 13. She’s 12yrs old now and has finally slowed down to what I call “normal dog speed.” ☺️💗
I run with my cattle dog. I run and she trots
@@trevorharris1007 isn’t that the truth 😆
What an absolutely brilliant video, never seen another like it. I ran with my two Jack Russells for years and your points about training are excellent. I did the same with mine and trained them like I would myself i.e. increased mileage, volume, pace etc and treated their recovery equally. Somehow, running with your dog just feels right.
Excellent video, love it. Now I want to find a race to do with my dogs. Nice that you pointed how dogs have trouble shedding the heat. It's a major issue when running with my black coat dogs here in Southern California. Even during the winter (or what we call winter) they will overheat within a mile when the sun is out. Running early or late helps, but I also found cooling vests helpful. Those are vest that get soaked with water and then cool the dog when the water evaporates. The downside is that I have to carry lots of water to keep them wet constantly and the vests get very smelly after a run.
Yep, in the summer I always try to run near a river for regular dunks 😁
I love your channel and especially this video. I recently ran my first 100k. During the training sessions I often took my border collie (up to 30km). She can pull as in canicross. But for the longer distances she is not on the leash.
I ran the "Trophee des Montagnes" in 2012 and 2013. It is a week of canicross in the Alps. I finished above average ;-) even though my dog was smaller than most. (there is a video on my channel from the TDM).
'Ready' and 'go go go' are your only commands. You should add 'left' and 'right' as well. And for the downhill: 'back'. That last command is so important. Even you struggled with Nixon on a downhill. If Nixon would (momentarily) run behind you, you can run save!
Keep on Running!!!
I am now off to google that Alpe run and watch your video 😀
Every out door run I do I take my dog, he’s a Papillon Pomeranian mix, and he crushes it. At 8 lbs he never seems to get tired ever, though all the things you mentioned here are true to my situation. It’s good to see we found good ways to make it work. Also my dog goes on bike rides with me and kayak and swimming adventures. Dogs are the best.
What a very timely video. I got a dog running lead just this week. I’ve been running with my dog for a few weeks, but always off lead with a light-up collar and me using a head torch. This was fine as there was no-one else around in the dark evenings and morning. However, as spring approaches more folks are out running and cycling earlier in the day, and neither group appreciates friendly dogs getting in their way. Also spring brings with it ground-nesting birds and it’s nearly deer birthing season where I do a lot of my runs, so the dog now needs to be on lead. It has been a revelation. She’s taken to the lead brilliantly, and my km times have come down by 15 seconds. I now know what it feels like to run fast!!! Great advice in this video. Cheers.
Just coming back to this as I had my first run today with Cooper, 15 week old Lab, an easy 2 miles. So now need a running lead.
Thank you for this! I've been running with my 5 year old dog for a little year now. He is the only reason I ever began doing runs and he is the best running buddy! It is very casual and without the gear you present, but I love it. I run with the leash in a loop, so that if he stops unexpectedly to sniff, I just let go of the loop. It gives me enough time to stop myself, without the leash pulling on him. But it does demand a lot of focus (I got used to it), and I think I will look into the leash/harness you recommend.
He is a cocker spaniel/labrador/OEB mix. Muscular, heavy set and about half my weight. I'd be dragged along, if he was set on following his own pace. But I've been lucky, I think. We spend the first km doing intervals, in the sense that he will stop and sniff and pee and whatever. And the sprint to the next great smell he catches. I will follow his pace. This probably sounds horrible to someone who has taken things to a more professional level, but it works for me. It forces me to get my heart rate shifting, from full on to full stop. After the first km, he is good to go and will follow my pace, right beside me, no more sniffing - just enjoying the run. We only run 5k at the most, usually just 2-4k, so it is in no way advanced. But it works for us. Regardless of the level people train on, it makes for happy dogs!
In terms of getting the right dog... I met a guy, who told me, he had chosen a formula 1 lab (not sure if that is the propper english word for it, it's the hunting variety of the labrador, fit and very active), so that he could run with it. Then he got a knee injury, while it was still a puppy, and they've never run together. That's sad, for both of them, I think.
I have been looking for videos about running with dogs. I love running with mine. He’s 34kg and I’m 90kg
I Canicross yes so he can drag me and it’s fun, but he knows that when he’s wearing a specific harness but I also like to run with him at or near me in the heel. Obedience lessons and keeping on top of it is the hardest part. For my boy running harness means he liking back telling me to turn up the boost, the bungee attached to his collar is at or near the heel. For that I would use a belt similar to yours.
Some race runs I can’t use the Canicross harness as they don’t want the dog to pull you so that’s a collar and normal belt. They don’t want my time changed by the dog assisting me as it’s just a dog allowed run.
My biggest thing is feeding and drinking for the dog as the runs get longer.
Absolute legendary of you to make it that your dog knows other dogs exist and doesn’t have to approach them, my opinion that’s the difference between a good dog owner and great dog owner. Great dog owners understand handler and dog activities don’t need to involve finding new friends. From my training that’s a socialised dog. He doesn’t need friends just needs to know they’re there and carry on and that’s exactly what my military dog handler instructor said is a well socialised dog, can do the job and accept other dogs.
Stoping for toilet breaks on a run I allow after certain time/distance, sniffing however I only allow on what is an active recovery run for snd that’s a decompression walk for the dog, I still don’t let him approach unknown dogs at all.
This video should have so many more views and you should have tons more subscribers. I can’t remember HOW I found you, but I subscribed. Then I got off track and avoided all running content. I getting back on the running struggle bus and your content popped up. I’ve really enjoyed all your videos and appreciate the work and humour.
Thanks for this! I have a 1.5yr old Springer spaniel named Twig. He is my running partner and he runs at my pace. He is also my gun dog. It’s such a great way to keep him happy and both of us fit.
Thank you so much for your video!!!
We went with a Viszla and a German short-haired pointer. Lovely dogs. Utterly terrifying when pulling you downhill.
If I ran more - or had more space......two dogs I'd LOVE!!!
Great video. I will try to copy some of the hints for my runs with my JRT.
I've only been subscribed for a short time, but your videos with Nixon sold me on the hands-free waist leash. Our 2 dogs love it and I don't have to hear from my wife that I don't walk them enough!
This is amazing and so helpful. Thanks for the tips!!!
Loved this video. My new favorite. Thanks so much for sharing.
Love all your Videos Mark. This one was a gem!!
Wow, I love your honesty and enthusiasm… I bought 2 malinouis and do a lot with them, agility and IGP I have recently gotten into canicross… :-) I am definitely one of “those” runners being towed along… We even broke 2 carabiner clips. Now I run with 1 at a time and my climbing harnes. I love running with my dog and hated running on my own. It has opened up a new world for me.
Brilliant, thanks a lot for this. I wason the verge of being convinced that I needed a Viszla as a running mate. On trails, a Viszla would probably outrun my CRF 300 ... A Parson Russell seems perfect.
Thanks Mark, brilliant video, my favourite so far. I think my springer spaniel is going to love it this summer!!
I understand what you mean about the dogs age, we do dog agility and had to wait until he was almost 12 months old until we could get him training properly.
Thanks again.
Honestly super video thank you. Just starting to run with my 7m old retriever and learned lots! Nixon is such a lucky dog to have a partner like you
He’s lucky to have a dog like Nixon - my Jack Russel is more like Jefferson and I can confirm it’s not ideal 😂
I can use those commands to train myself 😂😂 still longing for a dog to run with!
Very good video lots of good advice, I have been running over 40 years with various dogs. When we do parkruns always start at the back and love overtaking
Such an entertaining video & lots of tips in order to start running with my dog 💪🏼👌🏃🏻♀️🦮 thank you 🙏🏻
Thanks for the video, I've watched a few of your videos, and after seeing you run with your dog, specifically searched for this one. I run with my border collie quite a lot, though normally she is off lead while we are running, so I was looking for some tips for running with a lead, and this helped. As to your comments about running with a faster dog, I find that although she is a very fast, fit dog, she's very "soft" on the lead and does not pull me along. My jack russell, however, would drag me along on my face if he was big enough - depends on the type of dog, I suppose.
100%. If mine was twice the size he d pull me all day 😂
Thank you for the video, I found your channel by looking up this exact question, so at least two people needed this answer!
What] sweet dogs! It's funny how different their personalities are. Hoping to get a running partner within the next year so this video was super helpful!
My dog is parson Russell and Pomeranian mix, loves to run. I think he will be perfect. Thanks so much.
Mark, the way you talk and explain things is fantastic. Subbed
I am really laughing! “Jeff is just a dud “! Excellent video. I am glad to see a smaller dog for runs . Gives me ideas ! Lots of good information.
Really, really good video. Much better than some of the dedicated channels. Used to caniX with my boxer but now have a German short haired. She's only one and we've started free running over the last week or so. I won't run in harness until she's 18months but now, after your observations I'm wondering if I was a bit over ambitious with the 'model' and should have got a slower dog? She'll have to learn to love to trot I think. I can't wait to be back at my local caniX club it's been a long wait since my boxer 'retired'. Great observation on the (human) harness working really when the dog is in front. My boxer used to prefer to run next to me (we came to caniX late) so I always quite liked the simple belt. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for sharing. I have been meaning to ask for this :) Great tips
Great video!!! Love your dog too!!
Fantastic video. Thank you!
Good reasonable advice. Nixon is a little goer! Love it!
Great video. My rhodesian ridgeback is now 16 months old and fully developed, so had the green light from the vet to start canicross with her, although we already do some running with her off lead in the forest. I guess I'll be running a lot faster soon once we have the equipment!
Thanks 🙏🏼 Mark & Nixon !
Really enjoyed this! thanks :)
Love it! Just about to start training my second Jack Russell to run with me as stopped with my first due to old age. Going to use your commands this time. They are a brilliant dog for running. Agree with all your comments.
Love your vids, all of them.
I run with my brothers border collie and he is rapid. He pulled me to a sub 19 minute 5k and I run a range of routes.
Key vocabulary is:
are you ready?
GO!
Left and right
Stay left, stay right.
Cross (crossing a road)
And most important- “LEAVE ITTTT”
Bro you explain that so well hahaha, funny and information, great job you done with Nixon
I did not realize that you were doing a video for ME ! And I know you only for a month !
More seriously, thanks for this video and generally for the content. I’m enjoying a lot !
Cheers from France !
Most entertaining, funny and educational video on the topic that I've found.
Keep up the Excellent content Mark.
Thank you for this great advice! I just got a new running rope and tried out and it was game changer!
Great video, thanks mate
Off to get Scooby a running harness - thanks for the advice!
Awesome bro, loved it! You were funny as hell & informative! Good work 💪🔥🔥
Funny and informative is the goal 😁
I want to get the harness Nixon has for my small dog but couldn’t find it online after googling “Bespoke Dog Running Harness.” Can you please share a link?
great video. Go Jeff!!
Hi Mark, thanks to you I just started running with my pup but I can't find that orange bungee leash on your website or your preferred vendor (Non-Stop). Can you, please, let me know where you purchased the orange total bungee leash?
We have three dogs. A German shepherd, collie and Cocker. They all run so differently!!
Really helpful video, thanks. What brand/model of harness and lead to you guys use ?
was really great, thank you! Funny comments, great information if people have dogs to run with , and how to's if they dont.
This is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. Thanks
Well done. TY
I wanted to ask that question as well, always wondered. Thanks for reading my mind
Can you add links to the kit you use, please.
I love Nixon! He’s awesome. So full of beans.
Great video, great tips, all make perfect sense but still, wonderful to see them explained the way you did, clear, to the point and with a good sense of humor. I own a 4yo Parson Russel myself and should definitely go running with her, here name is KIWI. As I will have to build up running starting more or less from zero for me as well I guess she will train and improve along with me because I believe her physical condition today will not allow here now to run 5km in one go either, and neither can I. Any tips on that ? You think she will train faster them I, I'm 55yo, so I guess I already know the answer ;-). Cheers and keep up the video's (also liked the Wahoo KICKR one)
Assuming your Parson is healthy, if you can't do 5km in one go yet - she'll be fine to train up with you. I'd expect a Parson (not used to running) to go from couch to 5K WAY faster than a human! Just watch her and let her set the pace (which means LOADS of encouragement to run ahead or at least to the side/front - never behind! ) If you are faster than the dog...somethings up! A Parson is 82% wolf....should be able to run all day 🤣
Love running with both my dogs…an American Brittany 33 Lbs and a Biewer Terrier 6.6 Lbs…both regularly run 10-12 miles. It’s all about acclimation and training over time, just like s new runner.
Haha! Mine get pumped…are you ready… are you ready…go!
I regularly run and hike with my Beagle. He’s about 13.5kg, and I always sling my end of the (5m long) leash around the left strap of my running pack. Works good, and the flexible material of the strap gives me a little bit of cushion. Still, I constantly have to manage the leash to not get slinged. BTW: Best thing about running with a Beagle? Uphill, he converts to a drag lift. Worst thing? He constantly stops to sniff left and right. But I just love it!
As a Hungarian myself I would like to point out how perfect your pronunciation of "vizsla" is. Funny that I stumbled across this video. If everything goes according to plan I am getting a vizsla pup in October. I have these daydreams of going jogging with them, but I do realize they are hyperactive hunting dogs so that will take a LOT of impulse control training. So I guess, just wish me luck 😂
Great advice
The harness with packs are not running harness they are fir trecking, they will often ride up and chike off the airway when pulling
great vid ! Awesome info and pretty unique too. thanks for making this. p.s: nixon rocks !
Cool video. Our Weimaraner was an excellent running dog. She would just trot beside you at whatever pace you wanted. Obviously being a Weimaraner she was pretty stupid (for a dog) and would occasionally show that on a run, but for the most part she was wonderful to run with.
Thanks for the video. You just convinced me to get my 2 year old Lab Doodle running with me 👍
What is that seat cover at 15:15?
Undoratunatelly my shitzu can barely do a power walk with me :(
I also have a Parson Jack Russell puppy. I loved your video as I want to run with my dog not be pulled. Can you tell me which harness you use?
Great tips 👌 👍
I think I have become addictwd to your videos. This was great. I just started running again after.. 20 years perhaps.. and boy do I have the wring dog.. a Rhodesia. ridgwback. He is way to fast and way to strong. We where supposed to do vert long hikes together and he is great for this.. but if you go to Sweden sometime and see a RR running past you with a þan being dragged behind as a useless ankor all covered in dirt.. please do say hello to me…
RR awesome running dog but so fast 😁
I love your videos, they’re very inspirational. Can you please tell me exactly which harness Nixon is using. Thank you.
I have two 25kg German Shorthaired Pointers that I do Canicross with . They are awesome. They are controllable with training and the right commands. I love bombing round technical single track forest trails with my two.
My sister and brother-in-law have a Hungarian Vizsla. First thing, they are not starter dogs. They require a lot of training and exercise. Secondly, he takes him out with him mountain biking for upwards of 6 hours and he doesn’t even break a sweat. They are absolutely not a dog you take out for steady jog.
Long legged JRT is called PRT - Parson Russel Terrier😏. A very good dog for active people. Btw. Can you link me to the flexible/stretchable leash you have and use during running? This looks great although I train my dog to run by my side or close.
Great vid! Really interesting and useful. Thanks for stressing how you need to look out for your dog’s welfare too. Think you need to wop a GoPro on Nixon’s harness and give him his own channel now. 😁
My daughter is the rodent expert. Brilliant reference.
Still getting my 1 year old cattle dog pointer mix settled after adopting him 2 weeks ago. He is so damn athletic, I'm pretty sure he can clock easy 3 minute miles. Excited to have him along for some runs. His trot is a good zone 2 for me so curious to see how it goes. Cheers to not getting dragged!
Thank you for this!
As entertaining as ever 😀
Absolute legends. Quick question - where is Nixon's harness from? (the vest-like one)
Inner wolf-check out my website for links to all the gear. Marklewis.co.uk
Where do I find this dog running harness? I can't find it anywhere. Did Mark say bespoke dog running harness?
Great Video. How are the new ParkRun rules banning the use of the belt going to affect you? IMHO it’s a mistake, not thought through by the organisers, I’m happy to be told I’m wrong but the belt offers safety for the dog, other runners and the ‘handlers?’🤷🏼♂️
I was wondering what racing belt is that???? I can't seem to find it on the web and I need it for my puller, Jazzy.
What brand is the harness you use? Your videos are excellent. Is there a maximum distance you’d run with Nixon, I’ve run 13miles with our springer, and am cautious to take him any further