Tips on buying a pet jogging stroller | Dog Strollers | Dog Trailers | Dog Carriers

You and your dog can jog and keep fit together!

Tips on buying a pet or dog jogging stroller

We all like to try and keep fit, one way or another and there is no better exercise than jogging with your dog. Jogging is free, gets you out and about and most of all burns off those calories pretty quick.

Some dogs can keep up with your pace, but what if your dog is a small slower breed or is just getting to old and can’t keep up with your speed? New mums can now buy ‘jogging strollers’ for their small infants, which means they can still exercise in early motherhood and get back into shape.

You will be pleased to learn that there are now jogging strollers for pets. They are obviously designed differently from the jogging strollers for infants, but they work in the same way. Now you can keep up with your jogging pace even if your dog can’t. You both get to exercise and take your dog out at the same time.

Jogging strollers are perfect if you want to jog with your dog, who simply cannot keep up with your pace due to their age or size. They can then hop out and exercise when you stop and rest.

Many dog owners are now jogging with their dogs on board a jogging stroller and when it’s time for you to stop and rest, it’s time for your dog to hop out and do their bout of exercise. That way they can still get to do their own exercise but at their pace, and when they are done, they can hop right back in for you to jog them back home!

The great thing about jogging strollers for dogs (and even cats…or rabbits) is that it acts as a normal day to day stroller too. They fold up, can be easily transported and keep your dog safe from the dangers that some leashed dogs face day after day. They are also great for when a dog is injured or recovering from a serious operation. They are perfect for travelling with your dog on public transport, trains, buses and the underground or subway. You can spend quality time with your dog without leaving them all alone at home and they still get to go out and see the world, and it doesn’t slow you down.

Nearly all pet jogging strollers are designed with three wheels instead of four. The single front wheel is designed to swivel so that the stroller can move easily on various terrains as you jog along. They are all well designed with shock absorbers fitted so that your dog has a smooth ‘bump free’ ride.

Check out our Dog and Pet Jogging Strollers page.

So if you are looking for a jogging stroller, what do you look for? Here are some helpful tips on making that all important purchase.

Size of your dog

You will need to consider the size and weight of your dog. Allow for growth and increase of weight if your pooch is still not fully grown. Measure your dog, write the measurements down and make sure that your dog can move around easily within the stroller. See our article on How to Measure Your Dog for a Stroller.

When looking at strollers take note of the size and capacity of the dog pushchair. Most products will have these details listed either on the box or on the on-line product description. They will also indicate the maximum weight that the stroller can take. If you are buying a dog stroller for two small dogs, again combine their weight and sizes to ensure that they will be comfortable inside.
Budget

There will be some economy dog jog strollers and some expensive ones. Have a think about how much you will use it. Will you use it every day? Or will it only be used when you want to lose a little excess weight? Are you only using it for a short period as your dog recovers from a medical injury? All the jogging strollers are suitable for the purpose of jogging with your dog. Obviously the more expensive ones will last longer.

Also bear in mind how much shipping costs are. Don’t be caught out buying a £60 stroller which costs another £30 to ship to you! If you wish to buy on line, look for a supplier who will ship for free or for a small charge.
Roads and Terrains

We all live in different parts of the country, so bear in mind where you live and what surfaces the jogging stroller will have to deal with. If you use the stroller for shopping, all strollers will be able to cope with that. But think about your jogging route. Is it smooth terrain? Is it a tad bumpy? Make sure that your stroller can deal with your chosen route.
Wheel size

Pet Jogging Stroller designers know what they are doing when it comes to designing the dog jog pushchair. When you shop around you will notice that jogging strollers for pets will have certain sized wheels and will look different from standard strollers. They will tend to only have three wheels and these wheel sizes will vary. So if you are planning to jog with your dog there is a wheel size for you!

In general the more jogging and running you plan to do and the rougher the terrain you plan to travel on, the larger the wheel you should use on the front of your three-wheeled pet jogger. If you plan to walk or lightly jog on smooth surfaces then use a smaller wheel is ideal for you.

12 inch wheels are best for walking, primarily on smoother, flatter surfaces. Great for light jogging and trips to the shops.

16 inch wheels afford greater flexibility of use. This wheel size accommodates everything. Moreover, the larger wheel provides a smoother ride overall for the dog or pet, and a smoother run for you.

20 inch wheels is the right choice for the dedicated runner, especially if you go the distance over rough roads.
Transporting the pet jogging stroller

If you plan on taking the stroller away with you on a visit or holiday, you will need to find out how the stroller will fold up and see whether it can be stored away easily in the boot of your car or even on public transportation. Not all pet jogging strollers are designed equally when it comes to folding them up and transporting them around. Some can be tricky to fold and pack up with only one hand free. Some may even require the removal of a wheel which is usually the one at the front.
Safety Standards

Like all outdoor activity and exercise recreations some hazards do exist. And you owe it to the dog or pet on board to keep them as safe as possible. There are some important factors to consider when choosing a dog jogging stroller. Make sure there is a good quality braking system which will be a handle brake. Sometimes you may need to stop abruptly. You will always need to be in control of the stroller, especially if you are jogging at a quick pace.

Make sure the handle has a good grip and that it is at a comfortable height for your own body height. Some strollers will have an adjustable handle for shorter and taller joggers. This is perfect if two members of the household wish to use the doggy jogging stroller. You could also invest in a wrist strap connector that connects you to the stroller if you ever let go by accident, it wont go hurtling off on it’s own.
Weather

People like to jog in all weathers, perhaps not on the snow and ice, but jogging on a sunny day or in a light rain shower can be very invigorating. If you plan on using a dog jogging pram than you will need to provide protection from the elements for your pet. Most good jogging dog strollers will come with a form of canopy and weatherproof covering.

Some strollers have an even more waterproof PVC cover, which they tend to sell separately. They simply cover the body of the stroller, so even the stroller doesn’t get wet. These covers can be rolled or folded up and stored in the storage compartment underneath.

The pet tends to be enclosed inside the stroller and the inner area is ventilated by mesh screens or windows with a waterproof top. This is perfect for days when the heavens may open with rain. The canopy coverings will also protect your dog from harmful UV rays, even pets can get sunburned too. The jogging dog stroller coverings will keep your pet cool in the summer and nice and dry in the wet weather.
Storage

Choose a stroller that has a good amount of storage for the jogging essentials. A compartment for your water, your dog’s water, hand towel and any doggy treats is essential so that you don’t have to carry anything on you. The storage area tends to be at the bottom of the stroller underneath the pet compartment.
Used Pet Jogging Strollers

You may be tempted to save money and buy a second hand jogging stroller, especially if you just want to try it out as a test run. There maybe some on auction sites or in the local advertiser. Just make sure that you know why they are selling the jogging stroller in the first place. If it wasn’t any use to them, it may not be any use to you.

Ask for all the product specifications and technical details beforehand. If you are able to visit the seller, do so and test it out first. Some sellers on auction sites will not be able to pay for free delivery and may charge you a high carriage fee for postage. You may even end up paying so much for a second hand used jogger, that you might as well bought a brand new one in the first place.

If you want to buy a used model make sure it’s in good working order. Check for holes in the fabric, seams and make sure the wheels have good tread and are in excellent working order. Also check that the braking system is exceptional.
Test Drive and Reviews

If you are buying your pet jogging stroller on the hight street, then you could ask for a test drive. It’s a great way to try it out for yourself before parting with your cash. But if you can’t find one on the high street and have to buy on line, most stockists will have a return policy, as long as you return the jogging stroller in it’s packaging intact and clean.

Also take a look at any reviews, especially on Amazon. There you will get a good honest insight on how other people found the stroller. You will most probably find out about any particular niggles that people have had with the stroller that the manufacturers haven’t covered or even didn’t consider. reviewers will also tell you whether it’s value for money or not!

If you do happen to buy one on line and can leave a review, try and do so. It would be great to help another pet owner in their search for the right pet stroller. The idea of pet strollers and joggers is still new in the UK and any little detail can help someone buy the right stroller for them and their dog.

Preparing your dog for the jogging stroller

Dog Strollers - jogging strollers, dog pushchairs to jog with

Any good dog owner will be well aware that their dog will have to be weaned into the jogging stroller before you actually take them out on the road inside it. It’s a good idea to work with your dog and let them get used to it slowly. They need to know that it’s a safe place for them to be in. When training a dog to use a stroller, place it in a familiar surrounding like your home or in the garden. Make sure the wheels are fixed with the brakes on. The stroller has to be stable and secure. A stroller that moves about will only disorientate the dog and they won’t want to go inside it.

Use their favourite treat or toy to entice them inside the trailer. When they are feeling comfortable and safe being inside the stroller, it’s then a good idea to start taking short trips outside. Try simply walking the stroller down the street. Lengthen each trip bit by bit. Let them get in and out of it whenever they want, so they don’t feel ‘trapped’ inside it. When you want to begin jogging, start with a slow pace and then increase the speed gain, bit by bit. In no time you and your dog will be cruising the jogging paths!

Always make sure that your dog also gets their daily exercise regime too, perhaps jog to the doggy park and then let them run around while you get your breath back and have a good chilled water!

Did you know?

If you are also a keen cyclist you can now purchase a three in one dog stroller that acts as a stroller, jogger and cycle trailer. These multifunctional stroller trailers are becoming very popular with active dog owners. Not only can you do your daily routine with the stroller, but you can now jog with it, then remove the front wheel and then fasten it to your cycle. More and more cyclists are now taking their dogs out on day trips to the countryside, when they would have been otherwise left all alone at home. Check out our Dog Stroller Cycle Trailer page.

Equipped with all these helpful tips, you’re now better prepared to purchase the best jogging pet stroller that meets the needs of your pet and the family. Have fun jogging!