Can you Run with a Cockapoo? + 6 Top Tips

If you are looking for a fun and enjoyable way to exercise with your dog, running may be one of the first activities that come to mind.

And you wouldn't be wrong. Running is a fantastic activity for you and your canine companion. It offers many benefits such as keeping you both healthy, strengthening your bond and offers a great way to vary your dog's exercise routine.

But can a Cockapoo go running? And if so, how far and how often can you do it?

As you likely already know, the Cockapoo comes in many sizes, which can vary quite a lot which does affect their exercise requirements and ability to be a great running companion in some cases. And we will be getting into all of this and more in this article.

If you have a Cockapoo and are curious if they make good runners read on to learn everything you need to know.

Are Cockapoos Good Running Partners?

Yes and no, it all depends on the type of Cockapoo you have. While Cockapoo's are a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle some do come from continuously breeding the smallest dogs in the little over and over again.

As I mentioned above Cockapoos come in four different types, broadly speaking, and in terms of running buddies, you can just think of these as four sizes of dogs.

Teacup and Toy Cockapoo's

There are Teacup and Toy Cockapoos, who are the smaller dogs and Miniature and Standard or Maxi Cockapoos, who are quite a bit larger.

The two smaller breeds are not seen as being suitable for running with. They are just too small and only 10 inches high when fully grown. These little legs just won't be able to keep up with you running. These smaller Cockapoos are bred as companion dogs and for their smaller size.

Smaller Cockapoo's physical abilities are also reflected in their exercise requirements which are lower than that of larger types of Cockapoo.

Miniature and Standard Cockapoo's

However, when it comes to Miniature and Standard Cockapoos the story changes a bit. Going out for a jog with your dog is now not just a possibility but a great idea.

These are larger dogs measuring between 13-15 inches high when fully grown, and with patience and training, these Cockapoos will make an excellent running partner. They both take the best physical traits out of their parent breeds, who were previously bred to be hunting and water dogs.

For this reason, we will focus the rest of the article on running with the larger Cockapoos.

How Far Can a Cockapoo Run?

Once a Cockapoo has matured they will be able to run for around eight miles as Cockapoos come from a couple of quite athletic parent breeds. If you are running on a regular basis you will want to keep this closer to five miles a day.

Signs your Cockapoo has had too Much Exercise

It's a nice summer's day, the sun is out, and you are out running with your Cockapoo. How easy would it be in this scenario to run too far? Very.

While an extra 10-20 minutes run is not likely to cause harm now and again, regularly going over can lead to your Cockapoo being injured.

Here are the signs to look out for that your dog is doing too much:

• Slowing or lagging behind
• Limping, stiffness, or injury after exercise
• Excessive panting
• Exhaustion (more than normal after the run)
• Lack of focus

How Often Can I Take a Cockapoo Running?

While running is an excellent addition to a Cockapoo's exercise regime it can't be the only part. Too much running can cause your dog harm and wear their joints down or lead to straining their muscles.

It is better to keep running to being a one to two times a week activity while having your dog go out for standard dog walks and even vary it up further with other normal ways you can exercise your dog.

This is more than enough for your dog to be getting the full benefits of this more intense exercise.

At What Age Can a Cockapoo Start Running?

While Cockapoos love running, it is an activity that is not suitable for dogs of all ages. An adult Cockapoo is perfect for running with, but if you have a puppy or senior dog, it is no longer a good idea.

Let's take a deeper dive into each of these groups to see why.

Cockapoo Puppies

We all know puppies are growing all of the time over the first year, your Cockapoo goes from being a tiny pup to a fully grown dog. During this period, your puppy's growth plates have not fused, and over-exercising can cause long-term damage to your dog.

It can be really tempting to go running with your cockapoo when they are still at a young age but resist the temptation and wait until they have matured. There will be plenty of time for running with your Cockapoo after this.

Even after the one-year mark, there is still a bit of development for your dog, especially males who have more muscle to put on.

Senior Cockapoos

Once your Cockapoo is around eight to nine years old, you will want to stop running and switch to less intensive forms of exercise.

The goal of exercise for senior dogs is always about maintaining their health more than trying to do vigorous exercise that could lead to more serious complications.

This is also the reason your Cockapoo's food will switch to something with fewer carbs at this stage too. They just will just not be as active as they used to be.

Even as seniors, Cockapoos can be a bit hyper and appear like a run will be no problem. You need to remember dogs don't always know what is best for themselves and will often try just to please their owners.

What Do you Need to go Running with your Cockapoo?

If you are tempted to take your Cockapoo running, there are a few bits of kit you will need to safely take your dog out for a run.

Here is what you will need to be properly prepared for your run.

Hands-Free Lead

Regular dog leads are not suitable for running with. Not only can it be a pain to hold all of the time, but it can also slip out of your hand.

Luckily, there are hands-free dog leads that go around your waist and attach to your dog like normal. These leads are more elastic, reducing the strain if your dog pulls forward or falls back a little.

This dog lead from Amazon is a great option.

No-Pull Dog Harness

A no-pull dog harness differs from standard dog harnesses by distributing strain equally across your dog's body instead of putting strain on the neck. This greatly reduces the chances of injury. It is not hard to see why this is a must-have for Cockapoo owners interested in running with their dog.

If you are looking for a no-pull harness, this Musonic no-pull harness is an excellent option.

Safety Vest

If you are planning to run with your Cockapoo in the evenings or during winter, a safety vest will be a must-have to stay safe.

You will want to get one for both you and your dog. Here is a good vest for you and a vest for your Cockapoo.

Collapsible Water Bowl + Water Bottle

Stopping to give your Cockapoo a drink is a great idea mid-run. For this, you will want a collapsable water bottle and a water bottle.

If you are a runner, you likely already have a water bottle. If it's got a decent capacity, around 500ml, you can just use that one for both of you.

You can get a collapsible dog water bowl with a carabiner clip on it, so it easily attaches to the hands-free lead. This dog bowl is really cheap on Amazon if you are looking for one.

Dog First Aid Kit

Sometimes things can go wrong. Perhaps your dog has stepped on broken glass, or something else sharp has cut its paw. Having a doggy first aid kit to hand could save the day.

You will want something compact that can attach to your waist, like this Kurgo dog first aid kit.

Training a Cockapoo to Go Running

Now you have all of the equipment you need to take your Cockapoo for a run, it's time to talk about how to train your dog to run with you.

You'll want to begin easy at the start picking up the pace on normal dog walks and then adding periods of jogging into it. After a few weeks, you can up this to jogging the whole way. Over time you can increase this up to faster paces and to the full distance a Cockapoo can run.

Remember to move at your dog's pace and not force them to go quicker or too fast.

What to Consider Before Running with your Cockapoo

So, now you know how much you can run with your Cockapoo, it's time to talk about a few things you should think about before you get those running shoes on.

Health

Your dog's health is another consideration before taking a Cockapoo jogging. If your dog has any pre-existing health conditions or niggling injuries, it would be best to stick to other forms of exercise while these clear up.

If you are in any doubt at all, speak with your vet before starting.

Check the Weather

There are a few important points to consider here. First, anything above 20°C (68°F) is too hot for a dog to be running in. You are running the risk of heat stroke if you are taking your dog out for a run in this, which is pretty serious.

On the other side of the coin, nobody wants to be caught out in the rain or even worse weather when they are out for a run. Neither you nor your dog will appreciate this. Thankfully it is easily avoidable by just checking the weather forecast in advance.

Don't Overdo It

Don't will often overdo things if left to it themselves. This can be eating, exercising or any other activity.

Cockapoos have loving and affectionate natures and are always looking to please their owners. And this also extends to being out on a run you will find your dog will happily keep going even if they are becoming a bit tired.

The key thing here is to keep an eye out for the signs your Cockapoo has done too much exercise that we covered above. Always listen to your dog.

If your dog is new to running, start easy. Remember, it takes anyone time to become a good runner.

Take Water and Breaks when Needed

Taking a collapsible water bottle or bowl with you for your dog to have a drink of water and rest for a minute will go a long way to making sure your Cockapoo doesn't overdo it on the run. This is especially important if it is quite a warm day.

Plan your Route in Advance

Knowing your route in advance before running offers many advantages.

Firstly you can avoid any potentially dangerous or busy roads, steer clear of any paths that have sharper stones or gravel that could hurt your dog's paws, and make sure that the route you are taking will not exceed the distance your Cockapoo should be running.

Take time to work out where you are going, and you will have a nice go-to route for both you and your Cockapoo to enjoy.

You might even want to walk it a few times first with your dog to familiarise you both with it.

Where Can I Take a Cockapoo Running?

There are many areas you can take your Cockapoo for a run. Your local area is likely to dictate what the best option is. However, if you are still unsure of where to go, here are a few suggestions to consider.

Best Dog Running Locations:

• Dog parks
• Running trails
• Forests or woodlands
• Fields or rural areas
• Beach
• Large grass areas

You'll notice that running on the street didn't make the list. This is because pavements are hot during the summer months and can injure your dog's paws. Also, the rough surface can injure your Cockapoo's paws.

Conclusion

Cockapoos are energetic dogs with high stamina that love to go running with their favourite humans. With a little patience and training, this popular crossbreed makes a brilliant running companion.

Keep in mind that adult dogs are the only age range that is suitable for this activity as a Cockapoo puppy still has growing bones that can be hurt, and seniors need less strenuous activities. You also need to make sure your Cockapoo is in good health and has the right gear to run safely.

Providing you have ticked these boxes, running will be a great bond-building activity for you and your Cockapoo.

I hope this guide to running with a Cockapoo has been helpful and you enjoy taking your dog out jogging soon.