How I Started Running With My Dog
A few years ago, I decided to start running daily for fitness, and naturally, I wanted my dog, Figo, to be my running partner. At first, it seemed easy—I put on my running shoes, clipped on his regular dog lead, and off we went. But I quickly learned that running with a dog isn’t as simple as it looks.
Figo would pull in all directions, stop to sniff every tree, and sometimes even cross in front of me, nearly tripping us both. It was frustrating, but I didn’t want to give up. I knew that running together would be an amazing way to bond, stay active, and improve his discipline. So, I started researching better ways to train a dog for running—and that’s when everything changed.
Training Steps to Run Together
If you want to run daily with your dog, the key is to train them gradually. Here’s what worked for me:
1. Start Slow and Walk First
Before you even start running, you need to ensure your dog is comfortable walking next to you on a loose leash. I began by taking Figo on long walks where I kept him on my left side. Every time he tried to pull or get distracted, I stopped walking and gently corrected him. This helped him understand that we move together as a team.
2. Introduce Short Jogging Sessions
Once Figo was comfortable walking nicely, I started incorporating short jogging intervals into our walks. I would walk for five minutes, jog for one minute, then return to walking. The goal was to teach him that running is just an extension of walking—without the erratic pulling!
3. Use a Hands-Free Running Lead
After a few weeks of running with a standard leash, I discovered the hands-free dog running lead from Calmshops. This was a game-changer! Instead of holding a leash in my hand, I could clip Figo’s lead to a belt around my waist. This allowed me to run with better posture, keep my arms free for balance, and give him a more consistent signal through the lead.
4. Teach a Running Position
Consistency is key when running with a dog. I trained Figo to always stay on my left side. I used verbal cues like "left" and "stay close" while rewarding him when he maintained the correct position. If he ever veered off, I would slow down, reset, and continue. Over time, he learned to stay in his lane without constant correction.
5. Increase Distance and Speed Gradually
Just like humans, dogs need time to build endurance. We started with short, slow runs and gradually increased our distance over several weeks. I paid close attention to Figo’s breathing and energy levels to ensure he wasn’t overexerting himself.
6. Practice Off-Leash Running in Safe Areas
After months of training, Figo became so well-disciplined that I could run with him off-leash in secure areas like enclosed parks. However, for safety reasons, I still recommend using a hands-free running lead, especially when running near roads or other distractions.
The Benefits of Running With My Dog
Running daily with Figo has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only has it improved my fitness, but it has also strengthened our bond. Here are some of the key benefits:
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Better Behavior – A well-exercised dog is a well-behaved dog. Figo is calmer and more obedient after our runs.
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Stronger Bond – Running together has built trust and communication between us.
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Improved Health – Both Figo and I have benefited from increased endurance and overall fitness.
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Stress Relief – There’s nothing like a morning run to clear the mind and start the day positively.
Essential Tips for Running With Your Dog
If you’re thinking about starting daily runs with your dog, keep these tips in mind:
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Choose the Right Gear – A hands-free running lead from Calmshops makes a huge difference in comfort and control.
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Watch the Weather – Dogs can overheat quickly in hot weather, so run early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
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Stay Hydrated – Bring water for both you and your dog, especially on longer runs.
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Check Their Paws – Running on rough surfaces can cause wear and tear on their paw pads, so check them regularly.
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Know Your Dog’s Limits – Not all breeds are suited for long-distance running. Pay attention to your dog’s energy levels and adjust accordingly.
Final Run!
Running daily with my dog has become more than just exercise—it’s a way to connect, train, and enjoy time together. While it took patience and training, the results have been incredibly rewarding. If you’re thinking about running with your dog, start slow, be consistent, and invest in the right gear like the hands-free running lead from Calmshops. It will make all the difference!
Do you run with your dog? Share your experiences in the comments below!
