Going for your daily run can be a lot more fun with your four-legged buddy along. It also makes the run a bit more challenging since when jogging with your dog, you need to watch out for your own safety and your dog’s. Plus, you have the same responsibility to clean up after your dog, but if you’re even a mildly serious runner you don’t want to break your pace. A few tips can make the run more enjoyable for you and your furry friend.
Surface
While running is a great workout because it can be done anywhere, running on pavement or sidewalks is tougher on your joints and your dog’s. Choose trails, grass, or sand to minimize risk of injury. Your knees and your pup will thank you.
Distance
Depending your dog’s breed and age, shorter or longer runs may be better. Dogs with short legs, long bodies or pushed in noses don’t do well at long distances while sporting and herding breeds tend to have the stamina to make great long run companions. In addition, older dogs do best with shorter runs.
Hydrate
Your body needs water during your daily run and so does your dog’s. To make it easier, you can teach your dog to drink from a water bottle. Make sure to stop frequently, particularly on warmer days. If your dog is showing any signs of thirst, stop immediately.
Check with Your Vet Before Jogging with Your Dog
If you’re not sure about your dog’s overall health or it’s been a while since a check up, have your fur baby checked by your vet to be sure he or she is healthy enough to run with you. If it’s been a while since you’ve run, it might not be a bad idea to check in with your doctor too.
Make Time for Potty Breaks
Most runners include a warm-up before they hit full pace. Use this time to give your dog a chance to sniff and go to the bathroom. That way you can clean up without worrying about losing your running rhythm.
Training Matters
If your dog doesn’t to respond to basic commands, running with him or her is going to drive you batty. Before hitting the trails for a run, enroll your dog in an obedience program and make sure he or she is able to follow basic commands.
Check Their Feet
Your feet are protected from sticks, rocks and other hazards, but your dog’s feet aren’t. When you get home from your run, take a few minutes to check his or her feet and clean out any debris that may have gotten lodged between the pads.
Use a Leash
Whether it’s the law in your area or not, keeping your dog on a leash while running is a basic safety precaution. If your dog became distracted during a run and took off, you’d have little hope of catching up and being slightly winded means you might not have the necessary breath to call him or her back.
Using a few safety measures leads to a fun time for you and your dog. Happy running!
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