If you’re looking for a motivational sidekick to help you dream from couch to 5K, your dog might be the perfect companion. Here’s what you need to know to get your dog ready to hit the trails with you.
Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting out, having a running partner can help you stay motivated and stick to your training plan. We love dogs and many dogs love to run, so they seem like natural partners. However, new running he needs a good preparation to cope with the routine properly.
To help you get your running plan off the ground, here are answers to frequently asked questions about running with your dog.
Some breeds are natural runners, but you don’t need a greyhound to be a good runner. From golden retrievers to border collies to good old mongrels, dogs can be great runners if they have the energy and good manners. Even small dogs like Chihuahuas and Bichon Frize may love walking with their owners. However, you may need to jog for your dog to keep up.
Even if your dog isn’t good at running, it’s okay. Whether your child gets tired quickly or prefers to smell the roses rather than run, you can take him on a fun walk with him, or let him take a nap while you run.
I also have a dog. shouldn’t If you run longer distances due to possible health problems:
- Young puppies still developing bones – Wait until your pup is at least 1 year old before you start jogging.
- Short-muzzled brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems.
- Extra large dogs like Great Dane which can damage joints
- Dogs that have very thick coats and tend to get hot, such as Huskies and Great Pyrenees
- with a dog patellar dislocationarthritis, or other joint problems
- Dogs with respiratory problems such as tracheal collapse (common in small dogs) or laryngeal paralysis (common in older dogs)
- Severely Obese Dogs (Start with weight loss and gentle exercise before tackling running!)
Before you start running, you need to learn good lead etiquette. Running is naturally exciting for dogs, and many stimuli come quickly, so make sure you’re training your leash during walks before you transition to running.
We recommend teaching your dog basic obedience training, walking on a loose leash, and commands to get your dog’s attention to you.storage good dog treats Talking to you and using consistent cues that mean “look at me” will help them get their attention when there’s a tempting bike to chase or a terrifyingly loud noise that will unbolt them. helps to redirect the
Once you have a solid grasp of the basics, you can practice the same skills brisk walking, jogging, and eventually running. Your goal is to train your dog to run smoothly alongside you on a loose leash without stepping in front of or behind you. Take things slow, move at your dog’s pace, and use lots of ingredients. positive reinforcementThen you’ll be able to run your dog on a leash in no time.
Wondering how often you should run with your dog, or how many miles you can run with it? Most dogs (and humans for that matter) are ready to jump off the couch and run a marathon in no time. I haven’t been able to. Learning to be a long-distance runner takes effort, but strengthening it requires a proper training regimen.
First, measure your goals in time, not distance. Pomeranians and Rhodesian Ridgebacks take significantly different amounts of time to run a mile, but a 20-minute run will have the same effect on both, no matter how far you actually run.
When you’re ready to walk out the door, start with a 30-minute walk and slow down. That’s enough for day 1! Take rest days between long runs and walks. On day three, start incorporating short runs into your walking. It’s a good idea to start alternating between running for 1 minute and walking for 2 minutes.
As your dog gets used to the activity, run longer and longer until he runs more than he walks, and eventually both can complete the 30 minute run. From there, add more time to your run until you can run 40 minutes, 50 minutes, and longer. With a little patience, you’re ready for 5K.
There are three main factors to keep in mind when choosing where and when to run with your dog.
- Ground: Running shoes can protect your feet from rough ground, but dogs run with their toes on the ground. Dogs can also damage their joints from repeated, severe impacts over an extended period of time. With that in mind, the best running surfaces are grass or dirt trails. Sand is fine, but pavement is the worst material. Feet are rough and too stiff for healthy joints, very Summer is hot.
- weather: You may look outside at noon on a sunny summer day and think the weather is beautiful, but midday heat is the worst weather for running. You want to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Ideally, you should not run in temperatures above 70-75°F, depending on your dog’s heat tolerance. Conversely, in winter he should be careful of sneaking ice and he shouldn’t stay outdoors for too long if the temperature is below 30°F.
- Distractions: A dog cannot run well if it keeps stopping to play with other dogs or get a pet from every walker in the park. If your dog is focused on the laser, this may not affect you, but most dogs will become distracted. Consider running during off-peak hours in a more private location to avoid as many distractions as possible.
Just like you need running shoes to run comfortably, there are some basic necessities you should have on hand to keep your dog safe and happy while running.
- a dog harness This is especially important when running with a pulling dog as it gives you better control and doesn’t pull too hard on the neck.
- a short lead It is between 3 and 6 feet long. Your dog should be close to you when you are moving fast! You can also choose a leash with a low handle to shorten the leash if needed, or a leash that can be clipped to your belt for hands-free running.
- a Water bottle Comes with a spout or bowl for your dog to drink from. Running is thirsty work, so it’s the owner’s responsibility to keep the dog hydrated and satisfied with water on a regular basis.
- high visibility gear Reflectors and LED lights are a must when running in low visibility conditions such as dawn, dusk, or bad weather.
- Please consider getting a paw balm Use before and after running to moisturize and reduce irritation to your dog’s paws. They don’t have nice rubber soles like you have to protect your feet (unless you’re wearing boots, which is also a good option if you’re running on pavement, and very cute).
Whether you can’t wait to start running with your golden retriever puppy or you’re trying to teach your old dog new tricks, these basics will help you train your dream running partner. If training and running are going well, you might consider hosting a local dog run event to make running more social and find a community of dog runners just like you. increase. Stay hydrated and have some fun outside, friends!