If you enjoy running, you may want to get your dog to be a running partner. Maybe you want them to run with you so that they also get plenty of exercise or maybe you just want someone with you while you run.
Either way, turning your dog into your running partner requires work, and the following tips will help you get your dog ready to run with you.
Take your dog to the vet.
Before you bring your dog for a run, you should first take them to the vet to ensure that they’re healthy enough to go running with you. Let the vet thoroughly examine your dog to ensure that they’re physically able to start running and that their bones and muscles can handle it. This will help your dog avoid injury.
You should also have the vet check your dog’s respiratory system. Dogs with flat faces, such as bulldogs and pugs, are prone to respiratory problems, so running for extended periods of time will do more harm than good. Make sure your dog gets the okay from the vet to start running.
Begin slow.
You weren’t able to run 10 miles when you first started running, and neither will your dog. You have to remember that your dog also needs to ease into running the same way you did. You may need to start with some brisk walks before starting to run. Once you’ve gotten your dog used to walking, you will want to start with slower paced, low mile runs. The more your dog starts to run with you, the longer and faster you can start to go.
Use a leash.
You should never allow your dog to run with you without a leash, so make sure you use one at all times. Bring your dog to your local pet store and have them fitted for a harness. These are more comfortable than collars and will help protect your dog’s neck in case you need to stop suddenly.
If your dog is not used to walking on a leash or wearing a harness, you may want to start by taking a few walks with the leash and the harness to get your dog used to how it feels. Think of the leash and harness as trying to break in a new pair of running shoes.
Consider your dog’s needs.
It’s likely you bring water with you on your runs to keep you hydrated, and it’s important you do the same thing for your dog. Dogs get dehydrated too, so make sure that you are giving them plenty of water.
You should also pay attention to your dog’s behavior during runs. If they start to slow down or pant extremely hard, you will want to stop. Don’t force your dog to continue running if they seem to be in pain or showing signs of dehydration or distress.
It’s also important that you remember your dog’s body isn’t like yours, and while you’re wearing shoes to protect your feet from hot pavement and rough gravel, your dog’s paws are uncovered. If you are constantly running on gravel or warm pavement (such as blacktop), you may want to invest in a pair of running shoes for your dog.
image donated by Kelly Nelson in support of the Indiana FIDO Program
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Angela Webber is an freelance writer who reviews training products to help get the desired behaviour out of their animals.
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