Picture this: the crisp Atlanta morning air, sneakers hitting the pavement, your dog trotting happily at your side — ears flopping, tail wagging. Instead of rushing through another busy day, you’ve carved out a moment where the two of you move as one.
That’s the magic of walking a 5K with your dog. It’s not just about fitness. It’s about slowing down enough to connect, doing something healthy together, and proving to yourself that balance really is possible — even with the busiest schedule.
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, we know that dog parents often struggle with guilt. You want to give your dog more than rushed potty breaks, but between work, errands, and family, there’s hardly any time. We get it. That’s exactly why we created our Couch-to-5K with Your Dog program. It’s a simple plan that helps you train alongside your dog, one week at a time, so you both show up to the start line ready and excited.
Dog-Friendly Races in Atlanta (Fall 2025)
Atlanta is full of opportunities to lace up, leash up, and do good while you run:
-
⚖️ Legal Runaround 5K – September 6, 2025
Hosted by the Atlanta Bar Association, this event supports scholarships for children of Metropolitan Atlanta Police officers. We’re proud to be a sponsor—Praline’s Backyard Dog Services is helping make this community event even more dog‑friendly and enriching. -
🎃 Spooky Pooch 5K & Fun Run – October 26, 2025
Hosted by LifeLine Animal Project, this Halloween-themed race is a new dog-focused 5k in Atlanta. Come dressed up with your dog and know that every step you take supports rescue dogs across Atlanta.
-
🌳 Eastside BeltLine 5K/10K – November 8, 2025
Run one of the most scenic routes in Atlanta, with plenty of room for dogs to enjoy the BeltLine energy. -
🦮 Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K – November 16, 2025
Held at the Shirley Franklin Park ( formerly the Westside Park), this race raises money for one of Atlanta’s most beloved rescue groups. Bring your dog and race for a cause.
How to Train (Without the Stress)
Here’s our simple 3-step plan:
-
Sign up for a race. Put it on your calendar so you have a goal.
-
Grab our Couch-to-5K with Your Dog Guide HERE. You’ll receive a doable schedule, accountability, and tips tailored to running with your dog safely. Also join us each week from September 7th – November 9th at the Westside Park as we prepare to walk the Atlanta Lab Rescue 5k at the Shirley Franklin Park. Meet up at is each Sunday 7:45 am, take off at 8:00 am the entrance with the white rib cage. Learn More HERE.
-
Cross the finish line together. You’ll avoid the guilt of “not doing enough” and instead enjoy the pride of a balanced, happy life with your dog.
The Finish Line: Success Together
You could keep putting off exercise, watching your dog’s energy build up and your guilt grow. Or you can commit to something that’s good for both of you. Imagine the joy of celebrating a finish line, your dog by your side, and knowing you did it together.
Ready to start? 👉 [Join our Couch-to-5K with Your Dog program] and sign up for an Atlanta race today.