By Mary Brophy Marcus For USA TODAY. Photo By Felix Ordonez.

There’s no better company on a jog than your dog. Dogs are always game for a frolic in the great outdoors and aren’t likely to complain about their bad back or sore tendons. There are other perks, too. If yours is a big dog, he can serve as body guard. If you’re lost (and he’s smart), he can help you find your way home. If you become hurt (and he’s really smart), he can go for help.

Jog and dog rhyme, too, which is nice.

Humor aside, keep in mind a few safety tips from Runtheplanet.com to keep your pooch fit as a fiddle for workouts on the road with you:

1. Your dog needs to get into shape, too. Don’t drag him out for 5 miles on your first run together. Build up distance slowly as you’d do for yourself.

2. If you also run with your tot in a baby jogger, don’t tie your pup to the stroller or the baby could get toppled if the dog darts off suddenly after a squirrel. Keep the leash gently looped in your hand.

3. Dirt and grass are cooler than asphalt for treading paws in summer

4. Take along extra water or jog near dog-drinkable water during long forays.

5. If you jog at night, put illuminated strips or color on your dog. Don’t forget to wear reflective clothes, too.

Breeds suited to jogging include Airedale Terrier, Alaskan Malamute, Australian Shepherd, Basenji, Bearded Collie, Border Collie, Boxer, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Samoyed, Siberian Husky and others.