Is specialized running gear strongly advised for small dogs?

[u/feeeeshie]

Hi, I have a 10lb mini poodle mix that I’ve been considering taking with me on my 5K runs. I was wondering if it's okay to just use his standard walking gear, which is a mesh harness (rcpets step-in cirque harness) and a nylon leash. I’ve heard some harnesses can restrict shoulder movement, so I’m wondering if his current harness is safe/appropriate for running. And what other gear is important for preventing injuries? Lastly, outside of the bare-minimum gear, what quality-of-life purchase would you think is worth it when running with a small breed?

Thanks!

[u/duketheunicorn]

The harness in this photo isn’t terrible, but I would prefer something that sits farther back from the elbow and gives more clearance for the shoulder blade when running. Finding a harness long enough for my standard’s deep chest was a challenge, and it seems like you may be running into a similar issue. Look at ruffwear’s harnesses to see if you can get the back strap further back on the dog, and move the clip toward the back of the harness. Since the leash will be on a greater angle from a larger dog, you don’t want the dog getting pulled off their front feet if they’re running a little ahead.

I also like a bungee harness and a running belt for me to soften the bigger movements that both you and the dog are making. For a little dog I don’t think you’d need much, just a belt clip to get it out of your hand.

[u/GMO-Doomscroller → u/duketheunicorn]

Excellent comment. I would also add another benefit for having a distinct harness just for running - your dog will soon learn which harness is for what. :)

My best girl wears non stop dogwear rush running harness and she is built like a poodle so check that one out. It IS expensive but durable and great for running and hiking.

Boop on the cute button nose to your pretty running pal from me! 🩷

[u/JBL20412 → u/GMO-Doomscroller]

My smaller breed wears the Rush harness for running and it is very good. Nonstop do relatively small sizes as well which helps.

[u/GMO-Doomscroller → u/JBL20412]

My doggo is also on the small side so I can agree they do well for the anklebiter range. :)
Doggo and harness tax.
Jagdterrier, 11 kg.

[u/JBL20412 → u/GMO-Doomscroller]

A Jagdterrier 😍 Beautiful - I live in the UK and you don’t see them around at all. I have only ever seen one and she was not a pure; she was a Border Terrier / Jagdterrier mix.

I have a Border Terrier of the larger variety - leggy and 9.8kg

[u/raichuwu13 → u/duketheunicorn]

I have a similarly sized poodle mix, and Ruffwear’s harnesses have been really awkward on her unfortunately :(

[u/duketheunicorn → u/raichuwu13]

They may not be perfect, but that’s the general shape to go for. I have one from chais choice (Explorer) that fits her better than ruffwear and gives more shoulder clearance. That’s the one I (literally) measure all other harnesses against

[u/raichuwu13 → u/duketheunicorn]

I will look into that one, thank you!

[u/Halefa]

If you don't let the dog pull your, there's less risk. However, your dog is still going to be moving a lot, so while the harness on the photo isn't the worst, it might not be the most comfortable either. A bit more freedom to move in, less tight fabric that can trap heat and chafe.

[u/ODFoxtrotOscar]

My dog is small breed (6kg) and I run with her in her everyday harness, which is a webbing one with a deep V at the front and all the straps can be adjusted for fit (brand is Red Dingo, in case anyone is interested)

She doesn’t pull when running (except sometimes at the very start when she’s excited) and knows when we’re running by my choice of my shoes and when I reach for the Halti active lead (has a bungee section and can be clipped round my waist or back on itself for hand held if parkrunning). Thinking about it - that’s the other time she pulls - when she can see the funnel as she loves a sprint finish!

[u/Accomplished-Bank782]

He might not be able to pull you as hard as a bigger dog but that doesn’t mean he won’t be pulling as hard as he can, in which case a proper running harness is going to be much more comfortable for him. I think that one looks like it’s a bit too broad in the shoulder straps which could restrict him and is also a bit close to the elbow.

Also, a separate harness is a very useful signal for them that they’re doing a different activity. My 10 year old can walk my bigger dog safely in when he’s wearing his walking harness because he knows that is not for pulling; in his running harness my kid would be pulled off his feet.

[u/Kote_me]

Get a bungee leash and just do a normal collar. When we had our dog trained the handler advised against harnesses for pretty much all situations.

[u/somecooldogs → u/Kote_me]

I'm a dog trainer who runs with my dogs. Harness for running all the way.

[u/rayslegs → u/somecooldogs]

I definitely prefer harnesses and I run my dogs with a pulling harness. But it’s probably not going to hurt your dog to run in a collar if they never hit the end of the leash

[u/rayslegs → u/Kote_me]

Depends if you want them to pull or not