The ideal outdoor location for a dog is typically in an enclosed fence. Picture it, most of us have a backyard of some sort with a fence around it. However, there are many people that either do not have a fence or their dog repeatedly finds ways to escape the fence whether digging under it or breaking it.
It seems like this is mostly true of large dogs but it can be true of any size dog. You certainly don’t want to have to chain your dog up but you need a solution! Have you considered a large dog runner? Dog runners give your dog plenty of running room while holding them on a leash-type contraption.
The best large dog runners will be safe and secure, keeping your dog where they should be while also giving them plenty of running space and movement. Using a dog runner, your dog will not feel confined or chained.
We’ve put together a simple guide to share with you the best large dog runners available. We will provide a brief but detailed review for our top picks and let you know just why they rank on the top of our list. We have several great options to share plus some additional information that could be helpful for you.
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The Best Large Dog Runners Reviewed
We’ve sifted, sorted, and researched the best large dog runners to narrow down the immense number of options on the market. We have our top 5 picks, complete with an overview and pros and cons for each product. Our selections of the best dog runners for large dogs was made based off of the dog runner length, dog runner strength, and brand reputation in the market.
- Pros
- Does not require cable pulley set up.
- Offers 100 feet of length which is lots of room to run.
- Holds dogs up to 250 pounds.
- Designed with 3mm stainless steel cords.
- Coated with reflective rubber to protect from rust.
- Cons
- The cable can get tangled.
The Xiaz large dog runner is slightly different from the other dog runners that we reviewed, but it’s one of the best in the market. This large dog runner is designed to attach to a stake in the ground. However, if you prefer the cable and pulley runner, you could easily make it work if you purchase the other pulley line separately.
Be sure to use a sturdy stake, one that will stay in the ground even when a large dog is pulling against it. If you don’t have a sturdy stake, you can connect it to a tree or some other solid point of contact. Using a dog runner that attaches to a stake needs solid stake in the ground. One of the most common flaws of a large stake dog runner system, is not attaching the runner cable to a solid point of contact. If set up properly, this cable is designed to hold dogs up to 250 pounds. This large dog runner holds some of the heaviest weight of a dog in the market due to its durability and construction.
The dog runner cable line also gives you 100 feet of lead for your dog to have plenty of running space. At 100 feet long, this is virtually one of the longest dog runners that you can buy. It’s strong, sturdy, simple, and one of the best large dog runners you can buy. The only downside is that the success relies on your choice of stake and the way you plant the stake in the ground.
- Pros
- Supports dogs 50-100 pounds.
- Can be aerial or ground level.
- 100 feet of runner cable.
- Cable is designed to be long-lasting.
- Company also offers 50 and 75-foot cables
- Cons
- Slightly more limited on weight allowance.
- Greatly improved by replacing pulley wheel and attachments.
The Four Paws large dog runner is another option that can either be mounted aerially or between in-ground stakes. This dog runner works optimally either way, but one of the benefits of mounting aerially is that it tends to get your dog less tangled since the cables aren’t laying on the ground. When you have a dog runner mounted via a stake, it the slack tends to lay on the ground and can sometimes get your dog tangled.
The Four Paws large dog runner comes with the entire system, including a pulley cable and a 100-foot runner cable. All of the mounting and use tools are included in the package which makes it easy to set up. This is operated on a wheel pulley system that is designed not to stick and doesn’t provide any resistance to your dog when they run. The cable is heavy-duty and shouldn’t rust or fray anytime. If the runner cable wears out with age, your pulley cable should be long-lasting and you can replace the runner easily.
This cable is designed to support dogs that are 50 to 100 pounds. It is not quite as heavy-duty as some of the others, but they provide a realistic weight option. Honestly, this is one of the best aerial large dog runners that you can buy.
- Pros
- Cable is made of really heavy-duty materials.
- Comes with all required accessories and it's easy to setup.
- Holds dogs up to 125 pounds.
- Aerial or ground-level installation.
- Cons
- Slightly shorter cable – 60 feet.
- The pulley can sometimes stick or catch.
The Pretest Runner Cable has all of the heavy-duty needs for a large dog with a shorter cable allowance. Not every yard has 100 feet of running space, so we want to give you an alternative length that will work great for smaller backyards. This cable is well-made to be durable and sturdy. It’s designed on the cable pulley system as well.
Once again, this is an aerial cable runner, but keep in mind that you can attach at ground level with the right stakes. The package comes with all required mounting tools and the runner cable and pulley cable. All of the materials are durable and rust–proof and it’s relatively easy to set up.
If you need a shorter dog runner cable but something that can still handle your large dog, this is a great option!
- Pros
- 75 or 100 feet of cable run line.
- Smooth cable pulley system.
- Supports a dog up to 125 pounds.
- Simple to install.
- Built to be heavy-duty and with durable materials.
- Cons
- The carabiner clip may not last as long as the other equipment. It is replaceable.
- The main line is designed to be aerial and may not work well for ground-level setup.
The Snagle large dog runner is made to handle some of the largest of dogs and it’s quite a unique dog runner. It can restrain a dog that weighs up to 125 pounds when properly installed. In addition, this dog runner is long and comes in either 75 or 100-feet options which should be sufficient for most yards. This is also meant to be an aerial dog runner which means you will suspend one cable either in the air or flush to the ground, connected to a sturdy pole or device.
You then attach the long cable to the straight cable and this is the one that you attach the dog to. This gives them the freedom to move up and down and all around the length of both cables. This large dog runner works like a pulley system and everything you need to get started is included, aside from your securing measure for the secured line.
This line is easy to set up and it’s designed to not snag or catch easily to give your dog plenty of running freedom.
- Pros
- Provides 100 feet of run line.
- Simple to install for use. No heavy tools required.
- Can be ground or aerial install.
- Heavy-duty steel with a vinyl coating.
- Holds dogs up to 125 pound.
- Cons
- The vinyl covering tends to wear thing which could cause the cable to break.
- The pulley can sometimes stick but is usually easily moved.
The Pupteck dog runner for large dogs cable is very similar to the Snagle Paw dog runner. It has the same weight capacity and operates with a similar pulley system when you aerially install this dog runner. You first mount or set the stable line and then attach the trolley line, which provides 100 feet of length for your dog.
The pulley is smaller and slightly different, but has the same effect. This line is designed with a shock absorption spring that should help prolong the life of the runner cable. This is a steel durable cable that is vinyl coated so it won’t rust and should last for many years.
This is another simple system with the ability to be used for large dogs. It’s simple and effective and won’t snag with your dog. If you can’t setup this dog runner aerially you can tie it down to the ground.
What if I Can’t Setup My Dog Runner Aerially?
We wanted to touch on this topic because it’s quite possible that you like the idea of the pulley cable and run line but you simply don’t have anywhere to attach a large dog runner in an aerial manner.
It is not uncommon to use this system and attach it at ground level. If you use sturdy heavy-duty stakes, a tree, or other non-moving object, it will hold your dogs weight and you can make the cable flush to the ground so that no one runs into it or trips over it.
If you’re going to tie down your dog runner, not just any stake will do. All too often, dogs escape because the stakes pull right out of the ground because they aren’t properly secured. We recommend going with something like the Intellileash Tie Out stake. Once it’s placed in the ground, it is not coming out anytime soon. Tie out stakes with a ground dog runner provides a low mounting point and is a heavy-duty that holds your dog in place. This option even comes with a flag to mark the location of the stake in case you forget or can’t find it.
You can use anything similar to this in ground dog runner stake. There are 2 things you specifically want to watch for when deciding to mount your large dog runner in the ground.
- Low mounting point (gets the cable right at ground level) so you won’t trip over the dog runner cable.
- Divot or blade that breaks through all soil types and then holds the stake in place.
Dog Runner for Large Dogs vs. Dog Runner for Small Dogs
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that just any large dog runner will do. The truth is that not all dog runners are created equal and you don’t want your dog to escape. Here’s the deal, each dog runner cable lines have specific weight and pull capacities. Dog runners have different weight allowances for a reason.
If you have a small dog, you probably don’t have to be nearly as picky. You can choose a standard dog runner with a low weight limit and probably never worry about your dog breaking it and getting away.
When you’re working with a large dog, it’s a whole different story. Most large dogs don’t even realize how large they are. If they get to pulling or straining against the cable, it could easily snap or break if you don’t have a sufficient weight cable for your dog. Make sure that your dog’s weight doesn’t exceed that of the specified weight limit of the cable.
The primary difference between small and large dog runners is the weight capacity and it’s very important that you purchase a cable or runner system that is made to fit your dog. Otherwise, your runner will probably disappoint you and your dog may escape.
Conclusion for Best Large Dog Runner
Choosing the best large dog runner can be overwhelming. You have to choose a length, a weight, what type of system you want, and more. It can quickly become a costly setup. The good news is that if you choose all of your pieces wisely, you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing anything too soon. Large dog runners also give your dog the ability to roam the yard free and get rid of some of their pent-up energy.
Depending on how often your dog uses the runner and even pulls on it, you may want to consider keeping a spare runner cable on hand in the event they do wear it out.
Large dog runners can be so useful and allows your dog to roam outside with litter supervision. Give your dog the running freedom they need and deserve!
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Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.