Nowadays, with the emphasis on keeping fit, many people are turning to pet jogging strollers as a way of 
taking their fury friends out into the fresh air. So why exactly do so many people use a pet stroller instead of just using a leash?
Reasons to use a pet jogging stroller
Small dogs and short snout dogs:
Small dogs with short legs usually should not be walked or jogged for as long as larger dogs. Breeds with short noses such as the Pug, Bulldog, Boxer, Chihuahua, Pekingese and shihtzu may have breathing problems when exercised too vigorously.
Puppies and old dogs:
If you have a puppy, there is no way it will keep up with you when jogging. Just like an infant child, a puppy will get tired very quickly due to the fact that its muscles, bones and organs have not yet fully developed. On the other end of the scale are the older dogs that may be slowing down due to old age or suffering from age related diseases such as Arthritis.
Illness:
Pets that are recovering from an illness or surgery will often have difficulty walking and will be thankful of the time in the open air and a change of surroundings, possibly leading to a speedier recovery.
Aggressive or nervous pets:
Some pets can be aggressive or nervous towards strangers or other animals. So if you plan on jogging where there are likely to be other animals or people about, what better way to transport your pet than in a safe enclosed environment such as a dog jogging stroller.
Some tips before taking your pet for its first ride
Jogging with a pet stroller may seem very easy and straightforward, you load the pet into the stroller and off you go. However, there are a few things you should consider before heading out on your first journey.
Listed below are our top 12 tips to make Jogging with your pet stroller a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend.
1. Make sure there is enough padding for your pet. Your pet won’t thank you for bouncing them about on a hard, unpadded surface. Even if your stroller came with a floor pad, it may be worthwhile fitting a little extra.
2. Take the essentials with you. Most pet strollers have plenty of storage space that can be used to carry water, treats, Poop bags, toys, rain cover etc. Another item that should be on your essentials list is a cell phone. Imagine being a couple of miles from home without any means to call for help and the stroller developing a mechanical problem. Forward planning is the key to a hassle free journey.
3. Weather conditions. If the weather is cold, wrap your pet up. You may get hot and sweaty when jogging but your pet won’t be moving about and could get cold.
4. Plan your route. Try to plan a route in advance that includes a halfway stop at a park or other open area where the pet can have a walk round and do its business. Try and avoid routes with lots of noise such as busy roads as this could scare your pet. Also, never go on bumpy or uneven surfaces, this will not only shake your pet up and make the stroller difficult to control, it could also cause damage to the machine.
5. Lock the front wheel. If your jogging stroller has a locking front wheel, it is advisable to keep it in the locked position when running. With the front wheel locked, the stroller will be more stable and easier to control in a straight line.
6. Never lean forward on the handle. When running there is a tendency to lean forward and put weight onto the handle, doing so can lift the front wheel(s) off the floor making the stroller unstable. Try to run or jog in a natural posture, your back will thank you for it after a few miles.
7. Safety first. Most strollers have an internal leash, or a point that a leash can be attached to, so make sure you use it to stop accidental escapes.
8. Acclimatize your pet. Before setting off on a long journey, get your pet used to the stroller by walking short distances for a few days, and then gradually increase the distance and your pace. Not only will this give the pet confidence, it will also get you used to pushing the stroller while jogging or running.
9. Never be tempted to run hands-free. While running, there is always the temptation to push the stroller in front of you and let the handle go, catch the stroller up and then do the same again. This is a really bad habit to get into, as the stroller could run away from you, causing harm not only to your pet but to other people too.
10. Change your running style to compensate for the stroller. The natural running form sees both arms swinging back and forth. Obviously, with one hand on the stroller this won’t be possible. To compensate for this, try to alternate which hand is on the stroller.
Another factor that you need to consider is the weight you are pushing. It may not be a problem on flat ground, but when you hit an upward gradient it can be quite tiring, especially if you have a large, heavy pet.
On steep, downward gradients the stroller will try to pull you forward, so slow down. If your stroller is fitted with a hand operated brake, use it to slow down when going downhill.
11. Don’t expect to run at your usual solo pace. If you have been recording your running or jogging times, start a new record for stroller jogging. Even though the times will be slower when you are out with a pet stroller, the benefits of pushing the extra weight will far outweigh the slower times. Just remember, it’s not a race, and you now have the responsibility of keeping your pet safe.
12. Give it time. Getting used to Jogging with a Pet Stroller takes time. Don’t become discouraged if at first it seems like hard work, your body will adjust to the different type of workout. Look at it this way; you are getting all the benefits of Jogging with added cardio and resistance training. What better exercise could you want?
What to look for when buying a dog jogging stroller
There are many makes and models of pet strollers that all proclaim to be jogging compatible. However, if you want your stroller to last the rigors of jogging and in particular off-road jogging, there are a few things you need to look for when studying the specifications.
Before buying a pet stroller check out our “How to find the best pet stroller” on our home page, it will help you to understand all of the different points to consider before making your final decision. Also, if you have a puppy, you should take a look at our fully grown weight of a puppy post to find out how much the puppy is likely to weigh when it is fully grown.
Manufacturers:
There are literally hundreds of different manufacturers that supply thousands of different models. So which ones are the best jogging strollers?
Here are out top Dog Jogging Stroller picks
| Pet Gear No-Zip NV Pet Stroller | Pet GearNo-Zip Jogger Pet Stroller | Guardian Gear Sprinter EXT II | DoggyRide Novel Dog Jogger-Stroller | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  | |
| Weight Limit | Up to 70 pounds | Up to 70 pounds | Up to 25 pounds | Up to 110 pounds |
| Weight of Stroller | 27 pounds | 27 pounds | 28 pounds | 35 pounds |
| Easy Locking or Zipper | Easy Lock Clip | Easy Lock Clip | Zipper | Zipper |
| Weather Cover Included | Yes | Sold separately | No | No |
| Tire Type | Air Filled | Air Filled | Air Filled | Air Filled |
| Tire Size Front/Back Wheel | 12 inch/12 inch | 12 inch/12 inch | 12.5 inch/121.5 inch | 12 inch/20 inch |
| Interior Dimensions/Pet Cabin Size Approximate | 28 inch L x 12.5 inch W x 22.5 inch H | 28 inch L x 12.5 inch W x 22.5 inch H | 21 inch L x 13 inch W x 12 inch H | 31.5 inch L x 21 inch W x 25.5 inch H |
| Pet Gear No-Zip NV Pet Stroller | Pet GearNo-Zip Jogger Pet Stroller | Guardian Gear Sprinter EXT II | DoggyRide Novel Dog Jogger-Stroller |
There are cheaper strollers on the market but if you are going to be going off-road or doing a lot of miles, buying a low priced stroller really is false economy.
Tires:
For off-road jogging, air filled tires are best, they give much more suspension than solid tires. For smooth surface jogging, solid tires would be adequate.
Wheels:
The larger the wheels size the better. Bigger wheeled strollers tend to not to get bogged 
down in sand, mud or pebbles.
The front wheel(s) should also have the ability to be locked into a fixed position for jogging and unlocked into a swivel position for maneuverability in congested areas or normal walking.
Handle Height:
If the handle height is too low or too high it may make it difficult to push along or you may be kicking the wheels when jogging. Read the Amazon Reviews to find out if any buyers have had any problems with the handle height.
Suspension:
Many of the better built pet jogging strollers come with shock absorbers that dampen the bounce and increase the suspension abilities, which is great news for your pet when going over rough ground.