Exercise and play
At what age can a dog start running with me?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Most vets recommend waiting until growth plates close before running set distances at a fixed pace, roughly 9 to 12 months for small breeds and 12 to 18 months for large and giant breeds. Before that, free running at the dog's own pace in a garden or field is fine, but structured jogging alongside a person is not.
Why structured running is different from free running
A forced, steady pace set by a person, rather than the dog's own natural bursts and stops, puts sustained repetitive load on joints in a way that unstructured play does not, which is why the timing guidance is specifically about running with an owner, not general activity.
Breed size changes the safe starting age
Small breeds mature faster and can often start light jogging by 9 to 10 months, while giant breeds may need to wait until 18 months or beyond, so checking with a vet based on the specific breed is worthwhile before starting a running routine.
Easing into it once cleared
Starting with a mix of walking and short jogging intervals, gradually increasing the running portion over several weeks, lets a young dog build running fitness without asking newly matured joints to handle a full run immediately.
Key takeaways
- Structured running at a fixed pace should wait until growth plates close.
- Safe starting age ranges from about 9 to 10 months for small breeds up to 18 months or more for giants.
- Mixing walking and short jogging intervals eases a young dog into running gradually.