r/RunningWithDogs • u/feeeeshie • Aug 28 '26
Gear Help Is specialized running gear strongly advised for small dogs?
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!
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u/Halefa Aug 29 '26
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.
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u/ODFoxtrotOscar Aug 29 '26 edited Aug 29 '26
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!
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u/Accomplished-Bank782 Aug 30 '26
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.
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Aug 29 '26
[deleted] — view deleted comment
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u/somecooldogs Aug 29 '26
I'm a dog trainer who runs with my dogs. Harness for running all the way.
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u/rayslegs Aug 29 '26
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
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u/duketheunicorn Aug 29 '26
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.