Best Way To Run With A Dog

Running with your furry friend is a great way to spend quality time together while still staying in shape. Dog fitness is an essential component of overall wellness and getting a running partner can also be a great source of inspiration.

Turning your pet into a jogging partner can be quite beneficial. You'll improve your health, satisfaction, and create a special connection... for both of you, if you learn how to effectively teach your dog to run.

It's important to slowly work your way up to your ideal run. Dogs, like humans, must acclimate to different degrees of exercise. You may also look into your dog's breed to see what kind of jogging they enjoy: who knows, they might perhaps inspire you to run a marathon in the future!

But running with your dog always requires some precautions to take before actually starting. That’s why we have created this guide to tell you some best practices to run with your dog and grow that already strong bond.

7 Best Practices To Follow To Run With Your Dog

Here are the 7 things you must consider and take care of if you have made your mind up to start a running routine with your canine friend.

Is Your Dog Good To Run?

The first and foremost thing you must do is check whether your dog is good and healthy enough for a running session. Some dogs will be unable to sprint at all, while others are bred specifically for running. More detail on what qualifies a dog suitable for running can be found in the running dog guides on the internet. Of course, you should always consult your vet to determine the proper amount of physical activity for your dog. When running with overweight canines, pets with certain previous health issues and pups whose bone development plates haven't entirely closed, you must practice particular caution.

Get The Right Dog Gear For Running

A handheld leash or a harness is a must-have if you are looking forward to starting a running routine with your dog. Dogs who have never run before are unpredictable. You can control, direct, and cease the dog with the leash in your hand at any time. With beginner dogs, hip-strung leashes can draw the runner into perilous situations, especially if they are light. A portable leash gives you the control you need.

A harness will help your dog to run freely. Collars can strangle your dog and limit how quickly you can dissuade your dog away from dangerous objects. If your dog is chasing something it shouldn't be chasing and a tug on the leash isn't working, a bungee harness from Calmshops will give you complete control over the dog.

Aside from a harness and leash your dog must also wear an ID collar and Dog microchip to help locate them in case they run far away from you. Also, in your backpack, you must have a dog jacket in case the weather turns cold, paw ointments, and a collapsible water bowl for your dog.

First Walk & Then Run

Before you begin teaching your dog to run alongside you, make sure they can walk on a loose leash. When strolling, a furry friend who tugs on the leash is inconvenient, but at higher speeds, it can be deadly. Do not forget that the environment is full of distractions for dogs, such as squirrels, trash, sticks, and unusual odours. So, if you want the dog to remain close to you while hanging the leash in a J shape, you must be equally rewarding. Reward your dog for maintaining the rope loose with treats, toys, and praise.

When you begin running with your dog, it is very important to keep him on side of you instead of in front of you. They can trip over or entangle your legs within a leash if they run in the front or weave from side to side. That’s why it is important to choose one side, left or right, and stick to it to train your dog to run on that side.

Check If Weather Conditions Are Okay For Dog Running

Consult your vet about your dog's risk of heatstroke and obtain precise advice on what degrees are safe for him to exercise in.

When the weather gets hot, your dog is more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Furthermore, asphalt temperatures are substantially greater than outdoor temps, causing your dog's paw pads to get burned. Touch the heated ground with your hand for six or seven seconds, if you are feeling a burning sensation in your hand then it's too warm for the pet's paws too.

If you live in an area where there is ice and snow during the winter, be cautious when taking your dog for a run. In cold weather, dogs can become dehydrated, and ice can cause them to lose their balance and injure them. Their paws might also be damaged by ice melting.

We recommend finding dog footwear to prevent their paws from injury in both high and low temperatures. Before using them, make sure they fit perfectly and are suited for running, and acclimatize your dog to them.

Add Commands & Speed Up With Cues

If your dog messes up while on a stroll, they aren't ready to run. Teach your dog some simple commands to use when you're out running. "Leave it" is a useful command since it trains your dog to avoid or move away from attractive items along the path (like trash). It's also crucial to teach your dog to "Sit" and "Stay,", particularly at the road intersection.

You can gradually increase the pace you're going together once your dog is strolling on the route like a smart boy or girl. It's a good idea to utilize a cue here to let the dog recognize you're speeding up.

To start walking you can use the cue, "Come on, let's go," and you might choose another cue, such as "Run buddy!" to indicate that it's time to run. Another cue can be introduced to your dog to help him understand when it's time to slow down. For optimal results, use the same sentences over and over. Always remember to use dog lead for running.

Help Build Endurance In Your Furry Friend

If you are looking for the best ways to run with your dog then you must not overlook this one. It's time to get your dog in form after that they know how to stay by your side and keep up with your speed. Your dog, like humans, needs to gradually acquire muscular endurance. Begin by incorporating short bursts of running into your stroll. Then, on successive walks, steadily increase the amount of time you spend jogging while decreasing the amount of time you spend walking. Your dog will be accustomed to running big distances after a few weeks.

Pay Attention To Your Dog & Take Breaks

During a run, take many brief breaks to help your dog to relax, stretch, sniff, and drink a bit of water. Allowing your dog to go free for a short period might make it very happy when you have the opportunity.

Take longer rest breaks if you observe any of the following aspects of exhaustion: Heavy, quick panting; excessively pulled back lips; profuse drooling is all signs that your dog is refusing to run.

Bottom Line

To sum up, the best way to run with your dog we would say that always make sure your dog is in a fit condition to run and the weather is right for your dog to run with you. Secondly, training and building endurance are important to prevent any mishap in the future. Lastly, your dog can be sore too so keep a close eye on your dog and teach them commands and cues to start, run, and stop whenever you feel like they are not enjoying it.