20 Must-Have Gadgets for Exercising With Your Dog

Want to start bringing your dog on runs? Aramburu recommends using a four- to six-foot lightweight nylon or leather leash. "Retractable or long, flexi leashes are not ideal because they can easily get tangled around legs—the person's and the dog's," she says. Once you've got it down, consider a hands-free leash that's worn around your waist.

Try: Stunt Runner ($38; amazon.com) or Runner's Choice Hands-Free Dog Leash ($33; amazon.com)Â

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Aramburu also suggests putting your dog in a martingale collar for running, exercising, or training. This type of collar is designed to sit loosely around a dog's neck, but to tighten when the dog tries to pull on the leash. It gives you more control over your pooch without choking him like a slip collar. "Never use a prong collar or choke chain during exercise," she warns.

Try: Coastal Pet No-Slip Dog Collar ($7; amazon.com) or TopPaw Martingale Collar ($9.99; petsmart.com)

Just as you should sip water throughout your workout, so should your dog. "I've found that a lightweight, travel dog bowl is the easiest thing to run with," says Aramburu. "You can fill it up with your water bottle or, if you prefer not to carry one, a water fountain."

Try: Nomad Travel Bowl ($21; amazon.com) or Kurgo Collaps A Bowl ($9; amazon.com)

If you don't want to carry a water bottle and a separate dish, go for a bottle that you and your dog can share (without sharing germs, of course). You can either buy a special bottle that comes with a removable plastic bowl, or buy an attachment for bottles you already have.

Try: OllyBottle ($10; amazon.com) or Gulpy Jr. Water Dispenser for Pets ($8; amazon.com)

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"Use reflective collars and vests on your dog when running at night for safety," says veterinarian Susan Nelson, clinical assistant professor at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Even better: clip an LED light to your dog's collar so you can spot him in the dark, even if he wanders off.

Try: OllyDog Nightlife II Collar ($20; amazon.com) or Dublin Dog Multi-Purpose Light ($21; amazon.com)

Having a few basic medical supplies stored in your car or medicine cabinet can be helpful if your dog gets hurt while you're out exercising. Stock yours with ointments, bandages, eyewash, and antihistamine, as well as important phone numbers and paperwork for your dog if you need to go to the vet.

Try: ASPCA Emergency Ready Deluxe Pet First Aid Kit ($40; amazon.com)

Dogs can overheat quickly in warm weather, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is overhead. Try to exercise in the morning or the evening, but if you do have to be out in the heat with your dog, consider getting her a cooling vest that reflects the sun and uses evaporation to help regulate temperature.

Try: SwampCooler ($60, amazon.com) or Cool Vest ($37, amazon.com)

If you drive to and from the park or the trail with your dog, you know that getting home after a particularly muddy romp can be disastrous for your car's upholstery. A cover or "hammock" in your back seat can keep it clean from dirt and dog hair, and provide a comfy place for your pooped pup to rest his head.

Try: Wander Hammock ($46, amazon.com) or Fitted Seat Covers (prices vary, drsfostersmith.com)

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"Be sure to to condition your dog’s feet slowly when running, so the pads can toughen up," says Nelson. "I’ve seen many pads severely torn or traumatized when dogs were taken out on gravel or concrete for a long run when they weren’t used to it and pads were soft and tender."

If you want to take your dog on longer jaunts, or if you're concerned about rough terrain or ice, says Nelson, a set of booties for your dog's paws may be a good solution. (Disposable options are also available for protection against sidewalk salt in the winter.)

Try: Summit Trex ($60, amazon.com)

If your dog doesn't like booties—or you don't want to put them on every time you go outside in harsh conditions—try a wax. When massaged into your dogs' paws, these products provide a barrier against ice, sand, salt, and hot pavement.

Try: Musher's Secret ($18, amazon.com) or Four Paws Paw Guard ($8, amazon.com)

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Want to know what your dog's really seeing when you're out for a run or hike together? Mount a camera to her back or chest, using a specially designed harness, and have fun replaying your workouts from your dog's point of view.

Try: GoPro Camera (prices vary, amazon.com) and Fetch Harness ($45, amazon.com)

You count your own daily steps and log your workouts meticulously, but do you know how much exercise your dog's really getting? "For those who want to keep track of your dog's activity, consider getting a canine fitness tracker," says Nelson. Just as they help you reach daily goals and monitor progress, they can help you do the same for your pup.

Try: FitBark ($100 for preorder, amazon.com) or Whistle ($100, amazon.com)

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With the right pack, your dog can actually carry his own water and supplies—and some of your own—during runs or long hikes, says Nelson. Be sure to choose one that fits snugly but not too tightly, and don't exceed the product's recommended weight limit.

Try: 2015 K9 Dog Pack ($65, rei.com) or SingleTrack Pack ($90, amazon.com)

Don't forget bags to clean up your dog's waste while you're out exercising. Buy biodegradable materials to reduce your impact on the environment, and get a dispenser that clips to your dog's leash to ensure you've always got one handy.

Try: BioBags ($27, amazon.com) or Earth Rated Green Dispenser ($4, amazon.com)

If swimming, boating, or stand-up paddleboarding is on your exercise agenda, there's a good chance your dog will be happy to join you. But don't just assume he'll be a good swimmer, says Nelson; every breed, and every dog, is different when it comes to the water. A doggie life jacket—along with careful supervision—is always a good idea.

Try: Neoprene Flotation Dog Vest ($50, amazon.com) or NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket ($54, amazon.com)

Joining friends for pick-up soccer or frisbee match, but don't want your dog running onto the field? Set up a tether kit around a few nearby trees (or hook her leash to a handy containment stake) and let her run in her designated area without interrupting your game. These products are also great for setting up a temporary dog run while you're camping or on vacation.

Try: K9 Sky-Trak ($40, rei.com) or Aspen Pet Spiral Tie-Out Stake ($5, amazon.com)

Dogs that run or spend time outside in very cold weather may appreciate a coat or sweater to keep them warm. "This can be important for short-coated dogs especially," says Nelson. If you're venturing out in the rain, a dog rain jacket can also help keep your pup dry and comfortable.

Try: Chilly Sweater ($30, amazon.com) or Torrent Rain Coat ($88, amazon.com)

Tossing a frisbee or throwing a ball with your dog may not be much exercise for you, but you can change that: Every time your dog runs away from you, do squats, lunges, or pushups until he comes back. These products are guaranteed to go far, so you both get more active time between throws.

Try: Chuck It balls and Tennis Ball Launcher ($8, amazon.com) or Orbee-Tuff Zoom Flyer ($15, amazon.com)

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During Aramburu's Go Fetch Run class in New York City parks, she sets up obstacles for both humans and dogs. "One of our favorites is the tunnel, which we've labeled the 'plank perfecter' because the only way for a human adult to get through is to have a perfect plank," she says. "We also use the jump, weave poles, tire jump, and an agility ladder to exercise both people and dogs."

Creating an entire obstacle course in your own back yard may not be in the cards, but you and your dog might enjoy a fun piece or two of agility equipment.

Try: Competition PVC Jumps ($40, amazon.com) or FitPAWS Wobble Board ($175, amazon.com)

"If your dog needs refueling during a long run or workout, consider taking along high-energy snacks," says Nelson. Just be sure not to feed your dog a large meal during, or immediately before or after, intense exercise; running around on a full stomach can put dogs at risk of a dangerous condition called bloat.

Try: XTremFuel Booster Bars (xtremfuelusa.com for stores) or Zuke's Power Bone ($7, amazon.com)

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