Before you start
Before turning your dog into your running partner, consider these factors, regardless of their breed:
- Age: puppies and young dogs whose bones are still growing should not run long or repetitive distances; consult your vet about when it's safe to start in your specific case.
- Joint and general health: a prior vet check-up is a good idea, especially for older dogs or those with a history of joint problems.
- Current physical condition: if your dog hasn't done intense exercise for a while, the progression should be even more gradual.
Week-by-week progression
- Weeks 1-2: short bursts of jogging (2-3 minutes) alternated with walking, up to 15-20 minutes total.
- Weeks 3-4: increase jogging intervals to 5 minutes, reducing walking intervals in between.
- Weeks 5-6: try continuous running intervals of 10-15 minutes, always observing your dog's response.
- From week 7 onwards: if all goes well, you can start to progressively increase the total distance, not exceeding a 10% increase per week.
Signs you're going too fast
- Very heavy panting that takes a long time to normalize after stopping
- Limping or changes in gait, even if slight
- Loss of interest or motivation to go for a run
- Stiffness or visible discomfort the next day
If you notice any of these signs, reduce intensity or return to the previous phase of progression before moving forward.
Recommended gear
A pulling harness designed for sport, such as the Freemotion Harness 5.0, along with a canicross belt, is the most comfortable combination if you plan to run regularly: it distributes the force more efficiently than holding a leash by hand. If you prefer to start with something simpler, a collapsible water bowl ensures your dog can stay hydrated during longer routes.
Browse all equipment in our canicross collection.
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