If you happen to be lucky enough to live in a city with plenty of dog-friendly green space and bike/running paths, then you probably know how convenient, (and fun) it is to be able to combine your workout with your pet’s. After all, dogs need exercise too!

Before you hook the leash on Fido and head out the door, here are some tips to make both of your workouts safe and effective.

1. Make sure the park you are planning to jog in with your pet allows dogs. Though it seems criminal, some don’t.

2. Obtain a permit for you dog that proves you have a dog license and that your dog has had a rabies vaccination, communicable disease exam, and other vaccinations within the past year. Your dog must also be wearing a tag.

3. If your dog is less than obedient, consider taking him to obedience training before running with him in the park. Runners and cyclists who don’t have pets will thank you (nothing is worse than being chased by a dog who has pulled free from his leash, trust me.)

4. Hydration, hydration, hydration. A good rule of thumb to follow: If you are hot, your pet is hot; if you are sweating, your pet is panting; if you are thirsty…give your dog a drink of water too. Offer your dog drinks of water before, during, and after her workout.

5. During the colder months, most dogs enjoy the temperatures, even if you have on four layers of dry-wick, a hat, gloves, and two pairs of socks. However, you know your pet best. If she has little fur, is small, and tends to avoid the cold, be sure to put a sweater on her and pay attention to how she is reacting to the exercise. If she gets cold, call it a day and try again when the weather warms up. Dogs can get frostbite, just like humans.

6. Just like humans, dogs need to gradually increase their exercise, especially if they’ve been cooped up all winter or are typically inactive. Begin with short walks and runs, gradually increasing the time spent exercising. Begin with 10 to 15-minute increments, and work up your dog’s stamina gradually from there.

7. Bring your baggies. Most public parks require owners to clean up after their pets. Enough said.

8. Riding on a bike while allowing your dog to run alongside you is dangerous, yet I’ve witnessed this activity countless times. It is quite easy for a dog’s leash to become entangled around the bike, which could result in a nasty fall for you. Best to leave the cycling for your solo endeavors, and take Fido for a walk or jog instead.

9. The smaller the dog, the less suitable for strenuous exercise they are. For these short-legged breads, short walks do the trick. If your pet is, ahem, older, take into consideration that he may not have the stamina he once used to.

10. When the summer months become hot and humid, it may be wise to switch the activity to swimming (yes, there are pools that allow dogs to swim with you). Just as humans suffer from respiratory problems during these problematic months, so too do dogs. Also, the pavement can become very hot under the mid-day sun, putting your pet at risk of burning his feet. Try running in the grass, which will be cooler to the touch. The smaller the dog, the less suitable for strenuous exercise they are. For these short-legged breads, short walks do the trick. If your pet is, ahem, older, take into consideration that he may not have the stamina he once used to.

When the summer months become hot and humid, it may be wise to switch the activity to swimming (yes, there are pools that allow dogs to swim with you). Just as humans suffer from respiratory problems during these problematic months, so too do dogs. Also, the pavement can become very hot in the summer months, putting your pet at risk of burning his feet. Try running in the grass, which will be cooler to the touch.

Runners World has more great advice for dog lovers!