If you are looking for a source of motivation to get you out the door each day on your run, a dog may be just the answer. It is difficult to cancel your run at the end of the day with your dog circling at the door nudging it’s leash.

 

Furthermore, Your dog can gain the same benefits as you can from exercise including:

Not all dogs are suited for running. Breed, temperament, and pre-existing conditions may prevent a dog from being an ideal training partner.

 

Some breeds have conformational handicaps that make them less suited for running. Dogs with short noses such as Pugs, Bull Dogs, Boston Terriers, Shar Peis, and Pekinese may have difficulties breathing and cooling themselves. Very large breeds and long coated breeds may not do well running in the summer months due to the heat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Talk to your veterinarian before starting an exercise program. Joint problems such as hip dysplasia or arthritis may make running not a good exercise option for your dog. Also, you should not run with your dog if heart/lung disease, obesity, or other illnesses have been previously diagnosed without consent from your veterinarian.

 

2. Basic Obedience Training should be completed before starting any running program. Your dog should know and respond quickly to basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. In a public setting your dog needs to be trained not to charge up to people or other dogs. Just because your dog is friendly doesn’t mean all dogs are. You need to have control of your dog at all times.

 

1. Choose a soft running surface when running with your dog.  

 

2. Your dog can get blisters from running on hot pavement. Always feel the surface before you take your dog running. If it is too hot for your feet, it is to hot for your dog. Always examine your dog’s feet after a run to check for cuts or sores.

 

3. Dogs can suffer heat stroke just like us. The worst days are the first few warm days of summer.

 

4. Consult your veterinarian before running your dog in temperatures less then 20 degrees. While long coated breeds do not do well in the summer, short coated breeds may be at risk for frost bite in very cold weather. Consider putting booties on your dog in the winter to protect against frost bite and salt.

 

5. You should wait to exercise your dog a minimum of 2 hours after feeding.

 

6. After you return in from exercise, your dog may want to consume too much water at one time. Only offer a small amount of water at first (1 cup for every 30lbs). Offer additional small amounts every 15 minutes until your dog is no longer thirsty.

 

 

 

 

7. With young energetic dogs it is important to remember that their joints are still forming and are more easily injured. With dogs under 12 months of age (or large breeds under 2 years) keep running to no more then 20-30 minutes on a soft surface.

 

8. If your pet is overweight, start with walking until your pet is back to his ideal weight. The extra weight puts stress on his body.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Start your dog with only 10-15 minutes of very slow running. Let your dog get used to watching out for you.  If you will be on narrow trails, you may want to teach your dog to either stay one step ahead or behind you.

 

2. Have a command that you use to get your dog's attention and bring them close such as “keep close”. Use it at turns, trail intersections, stops, or when there are on-coming bikes, pedestrians.

 

3. When your dog is running, it is not time to “smell the flowers”. Do not let your dog get in the habit of stopping to smell things. The habit is hard to break.

 

4. Slowly increase the amount of time you spend running by 10% a week.