HOW TO RUN WITH YOUR DOG

Getting out into the great outdoors is one of the best benefits of running. The fresh air, sun on our skin, the sights and sounds of the city or a meandering trail, and of course, the ‘me’ time, it’s what we love about our sport. Your dog loves these things too. How excited does your pooch get when you mention the ‘W’ word? Why not take your best friend with you on some of your runs, so exciting for them and a world of fun for you too. Unsure how? Read on to find out How to Run With Your Dog.

Table of Contents:

• 1. START WITH A HEALTH CHECK
• 2. WHICH BREEDS ARE SUITABLE
• 3. WHAT GEAR IS BEST
• 4. TRAIN YOUR DOG FIRST
• 5. START SLOWLY
• 6. SOME DOS AND DONT’S
• WRAPPING IT UP

1. Start With a Health Check.

Most doggo’s love to run. But not all will be suitable for the kind of running you will be doing.

It’s really important to check with your vet first before hitting the trails to make sure your mate is fit to run.

Here are a few things your vet will take into consideration-

Your Dog’s Condition.

Your vet will do an overall condition assessment of your dog, checking for things that can affect its ability to run such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Running can make these conditions worse.

Age of Your Dog.

Puppies.

Puppies should be at least one to one and a half years old before you start running with them, particularly long-distance running. There are areas of cartilage at the end of the puppy’s bones, called growth plates, that haven’t fully closed up until about one to one and half years of age, longer for bigger dogs.

Therefore, it’s important to give your puppies bones time to properly develop before running to avoid permanent injury.

Older Dogs.

Older dogs may be unsuitable for long-distance running. If your old mate is short of breath or stiff and sore after a run, limit the exercise to very short runs.

Alternatively, it may be best to drop running altogether and just focus on walking.

Breed of the Dog.

The breed of the dog is also an important consideration and your vet is well qualified to give advice on this. More about this in the next section.

The Dogs Weight.

Is the dog overweight? Vets are reporting a concerning increase in overweight dogs over the last few years.

An overweight dog should not be forced to run. Putting the dog on a weight-loss program of exercise and diet as advised by your vet is critical before you consider running with your dog.

Joint Condition.

Running on hard surfaces for longer distances is hard on your dog’s joints, just as it can be for humans.

Joint degeneration and arthritis are two concerns that need to be checked before exposing your pet to any arduous activity such as running, especially for long distances.

You must get the all-clear from your vet before hitting the trail otherwise the risk of injury is increased.

Running is good for your dogs physical and mental health, it can also help relieve anxiety and boredom in susceptible dogs. Getting the all-clear from you vet is just the beginning, regular check-ups are also important to identify any health issues before they become a serious problem.

2. Which Dog Breeds Are Suitable For Running.

Not all dog breeds are suited for long-distance running. Let’s take a look at some of the breeds of dogs and the type of running they are fit for.

Brachycephalic Breeds.

These are our little friends who have pushed-in noses, such as Pugs and Bulldogs. These guys can have a lot of trouble breathing in enough air for intense exercise such as running, they also have a propensity to easily overheat.

Other short-nosed breeds that will struggle with distance running are Chihuahuas, Pekingese and Shih-Tzus.

Walking is best for these breeds. Don’t run them in hot weather.

Sprinters.

Breeds such as Greyhounds and Salukis are the speed-demons of the dog world but they are actually more suited to short-distance running rather than long distances. Pitties and Golden Retrievers would also be in this category.

Don’t go too far with these guys, 10k or less is probably best.

Long Distance Runners.

Here are some breeds that are more suited to long distance running. Your vet will check fitness and weight first before giving the all-clear to run.

German shepherds, Dalmatians, Border Collies, Huskies, Labs, some Golden Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Kelpies, Jack Russells, Malamutes, Vizslas and our very own Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog). Other sporting or herding breeds may also be suitable.

Most of these breeds are capable of running over 10k with you.

Other Breeds.

There are other breed characteristics that need to be considered also.

Dogs with short legs such as Dachshunds are unsuitable for long-distance running but they love roaring around the park when out for their exercise.

Very large dogs such as Great Danes can often have problems such as hip dysplasia so may not be ideal for longer runs.

Be careful with any dogs that have extreme or exaggerated proportions.

3. What Running Gear Is Best For Your Dog.

Kitting out your doggo with the correct gear is not only important from a control point of view but also to avoid potential injury. Let’s take a look at what leashes, collars, harnesses and other equipment you’ll need.

Leashes.

Fixed-Length Leashes

Use a fixed-length leash of 1 to 2 metres. These will give you maximum control when running. At speed you have much less reaction time when something unexpected happens, you need full control.

Additionally, make sure you purchase a lead with reflective accents if you plan on running at night.

Retractable Leashes

Don’t use a retractable leash. These are generally far too long and can’t be retracted quickly enough to avoid danger to yourself, your dog, and other people. Tripping someone up because you couldn’t retract the lead quickly enough is not a happy scenario.

Waist-Clip Leashes

Waist-clip leashes that attach to a belt or similar around your waist are designed to allow you to run hands-free. These can be a great option if your dog is very well behaved and experienced in running with you.

Don’t use one of these if the dog is a puller or is not used to simply running by your side. You want to be able to maintain good form when running long distances, having a dog pulling you this way and that, stopping and starting will make that impossible.

Dog Collars.

Choker Collars.

These are a definite no-no. Choker collars have a tendency to get really tight around the dog’s neck, especially if your pooch strains at the lead a little. Running with this type of collar could restrict the dog’s breathing ability and worse, lead to crushing the dog’s trachea (windpipe). Don’t risk it.

Normal Collars.

We’ve all seen people walking their dogs and the poor animal is pulling so hard on the collar it is coughing and making choking sounds. Consequently, a harness would be a better option.

It’s important to train your dog first, especially when running, to make sure it is not a puller. A well-trained dog can successfully use a comfortable collar and leash without any issues.

Keep an eye on your mate’s neck to make sure there is no chaffing or any other irritation and watch closely for signs of breathing difficulty. The collar needs to be tight enough not to slip off, but not so tight as to cause irritation or breathing problems.

Harnesses.

With a clip at the top to attach the leash and comfortable straps around the dog’s body, these can be a great option if you can find one that fits properly.

A harness is preferable if your dog strains a little on a collar, but there are a couple of things to watch out for.

Some harnesses can actually restrict shoulder movement. Consequently, make sure the harness isn’t too tight and the dog can run freely. Chafing is another issue to be vigilant about, especially with new harnesses which are not yet worn in. Check for rubbing marks on your dog’s skin after every run to be sure.

Other Equipment.

• Water bottle. Specially designed water bottles incorporating a drinking cup for your dog are essential for runs where there may not be access to drinking water. Here’s a great example.
• High-visibility gear. Be seen, be safe is the idea here and there are a lot of products available that can help in low-light conditions. Here are a few ideas-
  • Hi-Vis bandana
  • Harnesses, collars, and leashes with reflective strips
  • Hi-Vis vests
  • Clip-on battery-operated safety lights
  • LED collars
• GPS pet trackers. These work with your phone, you can track your dog’s movements in the event he was to get away from you.

4. Train Your Dog First.

Training your dog on how to run with you is essential to make the whole experience not only enjoyable for both of you but safe and injury-free as well.

Ideally, you want your dog to run alongside you at the same pace with the leash hanging in a ‘J’ shape so there is no pulling on you or the dog. Training your dog to run in a consistent position and not changing from side to side will go a long way to avoiding trip-ups and disruption to your running form.

This is the perfect way to enjoy your outings together but there are also a few commands that you must train your dog to obey to ensure safety out there on the track. It is recommended to teach these commands when training your fur baby to walk with you first, later progressing to running.

Some Common Commands

• Heel. Probably the most important command. Successfully teaching your dog to heel will stop any pulling, racing ahead, lagging behind, and darting off to investigate every new smell.
• Sit, Stay. Ideally, you want your mate to sit automatically when you stop at an intersection or come to traffic lights, etc. Sit or stay commands will keep your dog safe in scenarios that may pose a potential risk such as traffic.
• Leave It. If there’s something dead or gross out there on the track, your dog will find it, try to eat it, or roll in it. The command to ‘leave it’ will not only save you a stinky ride home in the car but also protect your dog from anything that could cause sickness.
• Left, Right. Being able to change direction and have your running buddy turn with you is also advantageous, particularly if your dog runs a little ahead of you. Just say the word a moment before you need to turn to give him time to adjust.
• Slow, Speed Up. More helpful cues that will help your dog understand what you want him to do.
• Recall. If you want to let your dog run free out there on appropriate trails and tracks you need to be sure your dog will obey your recall commands. Being able to have your dog come back to you immediately will be important when you come across other people or dogs, or when he goes out of sight.

Remember to take a few small treats with you to reward your doggo when he obeys your cues, this helps with training and also makes it more fun for him.

If you are having difficulty with training your dog these commands you may want to consider enrolling in an obedience class or enlisting the help of a qualified trainer.

5. Start Slowly.

Training your dog to run with you is going to take some time. It’s best to start with walking. Educating your dog to stop pulling on the lead and obeying your commands is much easier to do at low speed.

For older dogs, and particularly, overweight dogs, you are going to need to start slowly and gradually increase speed and distance. Just as with humans, you can’t just jump off the couch and run 5k and expect to not do serious damage, it’s the same with your mate if he isn’t used to much exercise.

A great place to start is a ‘couch to 5k’ run plan. This will gradually increase the running duration of each outing until your dog (and you) can safely run 5k non-stop. Click here for our Couch to 5K run plan, great for people and pooches at the same time.

Let Your Dog Set the Pace

Let your dog set the pace, remember, the run is just as much about them as it is you. If they are lagging behind, slow down. Keep a close eye how your dog is progressing, pay particular attention to his breathing, if it is really laboured, slow down or just walk which brings us to a really important point –

Dogs do NOT sweat, they cool down by panting. You must be really vigilant in warm weather about how your dog is progressing. If it’s a hot day don’t run your loyal friend at all, it’s too risky. Dogs can dehydrate very quickly, they must have access to water regularly. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are also very real risks from over-exerting your dog on hot days, don’t risk it.

Another important consideration is rest. You must allow at least one day in-between runs to give your dog’s muscles time to recover and strengthen. You should be doing this yourself anyway, but hey I get it, some runners can be a little obsessive. Remember….rest up to progress. Short easy walks on rest days will keep your dog’s muscles and joints flexible.

6. Some Dos and Dont’s.

Wrapping It Up.

Having a dog in your life is such a wonderful and privileged experience. They can make a home a happier place, they are always happy to see you, and including them in walks, trips away and other activities make everything so much more rewarding.

As runners, we already know the joys of getting outside for exercise. The fresh air, the sun, the excitement of new trails, running with friends and so much more are all benefits of this great sport. Your dog also loves all these things, why not enjoy them together.

Once your mate has been successfully trained to run with you, getting out there for your runs will take on a whole new level of motivation and fun. Just be sure that your dog actually loves it and wants to do it. Accordingly, have a special leash which you use just for running, if he gets excited when he sees you grab it, you’ll know he loves to run with you.

Running with your dog will keep him fit and happy and it’s a great bonding experience. Some dogs have seemingly endless energy and need an outlet, running will give them a great outlet for all this energy, relieve boredom and can help with destructive behaviour at home.

As long as your dog is fit, healthy and loves to run, working out together is truly a win-win situation.

Happy running.

Steve.

Disclaimer. This article is for information purposes only and is not a recommendation to act on any of its content. It is always recommended you consult with your healthcare practitioner before engaging in any activity that may affect your health. You should also consult with your vet before engaging in any activity that may affect your dog’s health.

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