Most people who like to jog know there are specially made strollers to take their child along with them. But did you know there are also strollers that are made to bring your fur baby along for the ride? They are called jogger strollers and they may be just what you are looking for to spend more time with your dog while exercising.
What Are Jogger Strollers?
Jogger strollers are specially designed strollers used to carry your dog while you are running or jogging. They usually have three tires with a front locking tire and suspension that allows for a smoother ride than a regular stroller.
Jogger strollers have a compartment or carriage that is attached to it, allowing your dog to enjoy the ride with you. There is usually mesh over the top of it to allow for greater airflow and also open up so your pup can stick their head out and enjoy the view.
Why Should I Use A Jogger Stroller?
There are various reasons why you might want to invest in a jogger stroller.
- Stamina. It is great to be able to take your dog with you out on a run or jog, but your dog might not be able to keep up with you, i.e. they may tire easily or have short legs.
- Medical Reasons. Some dogs may have certain medical conditions that prevent them from going for a walk or run. They may have spinal issues, surgical restrictions, hip issues, a heart condition, paralysis or any other variety of medical issues that can impede their ability to walk for any length of time. Taking your dog out with you gives you a chance to bond and your dog the chance to enjoy the outdoors, which they may not be able to otherwise.
- Lastly, it’s great exercise! Pushing your dog around while jogging and especially uphill will definitely get your heart pumping!
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Jogger Stroller?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a jogger stroller.
- A locking front wheel will provide a smoother run when using your stroller. If the front wheel spins while you are jogging, and you go over a rock, it may cause the stroller to turn and throw you and the stroller off balance.
- Air-filled tires. Tires that are filled with air can give you better traction when going over rough terrain.
- Suspension system. This will allow for a smooth, non bumpy ride for your dog. This is especially important for dogs with any of the above listed medical conditions.
- The brakes should be within easy reach. In case of an emergency or for better control when going downhill, the brakes should be easy for you to get to and maneuver.
- An adjustable handle is also good to have. If you are tall or short or have multiple people of different heights who will be using the stroller, an adjustable handle will make sure everyone is comfortable when using it.
- A tether to secure your dog are a must. It is important to strap them in securely to avoid your dog jumping out or falling out in case of an accident.
Other things to consider:
- Wheels that are easy to get on and off for better storage.
- You may want a stroller that folds up, again for easier storage.
- An optional accessory you may want to invest in is a rain cover to keep your pet dry on your runs or if you park your stroller outdoors during wet weather.
- Another optional accessory you may want to consider is a bicycle attachment. This will convert your stroller into a cab that you can use to bike your dog around town.
The Top Jogger Strollers
The following is a list of some of the top jogger strollers. I have included a list of their features and pros and cons, according to reviewers. I have also included the interior dimensions for you to use as a guide to make sure your pooch will fit inside the carriage of each one.
*A note about the tires. Some of the jogger strollers have air filled tires and others have EVA tires. These tires are not air filled, but foam or gel filled. EVA tires are maintenance free and don’t go flat. However, EVA tires provide less traction than air tires and are therefore better suited to paved surfaces rather than dirt or loose gravel.*
Petique All Terrain Jogger. Interior dimensions: 28 x 15 x 23 inches. This is for dogs up to 60 lbs.
Highlights of this jogger include:
- Adjustable handle.
- Braking system.
- Air-filled bike tires for shock absorption.
- Folds flat for storage.
- 2 large pockets for storage of any essentials you may want to bring with you.
- Removable fabric for easy washing (machine wash gentle; air dry).
- Comes with its own tire pump.
- Reflectors on the back for increased visibility.
- Wheels can be popped off when storing.
- Front and back entrance for your dog.
- 3 adjustable leashes included in the carriage.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to maneuver.
- Users stated it was smooth over rough terrain.
- Easy to fold.
- A few reviewers noted they could push the stroller with one hand if needed.
Cons:
- The front wheel doesn’t lock.
- There isn’t a cup holder for you to bring water.
- The inside cushion is thin, so most people bought a better one to make their dog more comfortable.
- People commented that the pump it comes with is not great and they were better off using their own.
- A few people had issues with certain tires not holding air. They pumped the tires again, but for those it kept happening to, they went to their local bike shop for new tubes so they didn’t need to buy replacements.
- This stroller was too wobbly for a few people.
- Lack of storage. For some, the two pockets weren’t large enough to hold what they wanted to bring with them.
Booyah Medium Dog Stroller. Interior dimensions: 26 x 18 x 18 inches. This is for dogs up to 40 lbs.
Highlights of this stroller:
- Quick release wheels for easy storage.
- Air-filled tires.
- Suspension system.
- Dual braking system: brakes don’t just stop, you are also able to slow down
- Front mesh window opens to allow your dog’s head to stick out.
- Inside leash to keep your dog safely inside the stroller.
- Swivel front wheel.
- Adjustable handlebar.
- Reflective strips for visibility.
- Bicycle attachment included.
Pros:
- This is easy to assemble.
- It is quiet when you are using it.
- Many felt it is easy to maneuver.
- It is easy to convert to a bike trailer.
Cons:
- The front wheel doesn’t lock.
- You have to pump the tires.
- Some people felt it was heavy.
PETIQUE Razzberry Pet Stroller. Interior dimensions: 25 x 12.5 x 20 inches. This is for dogs up to 30 lbs.
Features include:
- EVA tires instead of air-filled ones.
- Double front wheels for easier maneuverability.
- Air vented canopy.
- 2 back pockets for storage.
- Cup holder tray.
- This stroller folds standing.
- The fabric canopy can be removed to wash ( machine wash; line dry).
- This has a front wheel that both swivels and locks.
- There is a basket underneath for storage of any other items you may want to bring.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble.
- This is easy to fold with one hand.
- Many people feel it is very sturdy.
Cons:
- People assumed a rain cover came with this stroller, but it is optional and sold separately.
ibiyaya 3 Wheel Dog Stroller. Interior dimensions: 26 x 15.4 x 20.9 inches. This is for dogs up to 44 lbs.
Features:
- Rust resistant aluminum frame.
- Pump Free EVA wheels.
- All wheel suspension.
- The front wheel both swivels and locks.
- Large storage basket.
- Accessory tray with 2 cup holders.
- Quick fold mesh.
- Front and rear entry.
- 2 safety tethers.
- One touch linked rear brakes.
- Removeable inner pad.
- One handed folding mechanism.
- Large mesh window for greater air flow.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to maneuver.
- Many felt this was easy to fold for storage.
- Users commented on how sturdy this stroller is.
- Reviewers felt it provided a smooth ride.
Cons:
- The zipper can be a hassle for some people.
Pet Gear No-Zip AT3 Pet Stroller. Interior dimensions: 30 x 13 x 22 inches. This stroller is for dogs up to 60 lbs.
Features:
- No zip entry. This instead uses a latch system.
- There is a top and front mesh window.
- Gel filled tires that won’t go flat.
- Able to be folded for storage with one hand.
- The wheels can both swivel and be locked into place.
- Carriage liner can be removed for washing.
- It has an elevated paw rest to help your dog be more comfortable.
- Panoramic view windows.
- There is a storage basket underneath for your belongings.
- It has a tether to secure your dog.
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver.
Cons:
- The cup holder too small to hold a bottle of water.
- The carriage area is small.
- It is hard to lift.
- Some had a difficult time folding it for storage.
- This is not as durable as some would have liked.
Gen7Pets Jogger Pet Stroller. Interior dimensions: 26 x 14 x 22 inches. This is for dogs up to 75 lbs.
Features:
- 2 tethers to secure your dogs.
- There is a retractable canopy.
- It has EVA foam wheels that don’t go flat.
- This is collapsible with one hand.
- There are 2 cup holders.
- It has an accessory tray with a lid.
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver.
Cons:
- Reviewers commented this takes up a lot of space when it is folded.
- Front wheel does not swivel.
Aosom Bike Trailer 2 in 1. Interior dimensions: 27.5 x 18.5 x 25.5 inches. This is for dogs up to 66 lbs.
Features:
- It has front and back entry points for your dog.
- There is a braking system.
- The front wheel swivels and locks.
- It has a mesh screen in the front, back, and sides for ventilation.
- A safety leash is included in the carriage.
- There is a storage area and cup holder.
- It has reflectors for visibility.
- This can be folded down easily to store.
Pros:
- This is easy to assemble.
- It is easy to maneuver.
Cons:
- It does not come with instructions.
ibiyaya Hercules Large Pet Stroller for One Large Dog. Interior dimensions: 23.5 x 31 x 27 inches. This is for dogs up to 110 lbs.
Features:
- It has mesh windows in the front, top, and back.
- There is a quick release EVA swivel wheel in front.
- Quick release air tires are in the back.
- It has an adjustable handle.
- There is a pocket for storage.
- Tethers are provided to secure your dog.
- Reflectors on the wheels for increased visibility.
- A rain cover included.
- It opens in the front and back for easy access.
- Quick release folding design to store it.
- Shock absorption for a smooth ride.
- Quick release brakes.
Pros:
- This is easy to maneuver.
- It is easy to assemble.
- This stroller provides a smooth ride.
- It has a roomy interior for your dog.
- Many felt was very durable.
- It is easy to fold up.
Cons:
- The inside not cushy enough and extra padding is needed for your dog to be comfortable.
- You can’t lock the front wheel.
- It does not come with a pump for the back tires.
- This is too wide to fit through some doorways.
- The bike attachment is sold separately.
Using jogger strollers to bring your dog with you while running or jogging can be a great bonding experience for you and your dog. You get to spend more time with them without sacrificing an activity that you enjoy. You get your exercise in and they get to feel the wind in their fur. What could be better?
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.