How to Run With Your Dog

Exercise is extremely important for human beings as well as the health of your dog. In the past few years when people started keeping their dogs to themselves, it has arisen a problem that how to get your dog does run because when your dogs don’t do exercise they gain weight and create many destructive things around them.

They become more dangerous when they do not utilize their energy. Even they become dangerous for other pets too. Running provides immense benefits to you and your dogs. So try to lace up your shoes to run with your dog.

Running with a dog is an interesting activity but keep some important points in your mind while you are planning to run with your dog.

When you are trying to run then first consider the running habit of your dog. Breeds do not need much walking. Border collies or some working breeds love a long walk. On the other side, stockier dogs or smashed face love to walk. You know your dog and its nature. Consider your dog type and choose exercise accordingly.

Your dog’s running desire is their physical ability but before running considers a few points.

Collies are not comfortable with long trails because they are in the growing process and can get injured because they are not fully developed.

Running is a difficult or painful activity for older dogs as their joints become weak and they get hurt. Before planning a run first get a consultation from a doctor to find out if they are enough capable of running.

Dogs that are with flat faces like bulldogs are not good as a partner for running.  They are good in short walking sessions only. Dogs with angular limb problems are also not comfortable with running. If you find your dog limping or lagging then never go for a walk.

Before start running prepare your dog to run beside you. Keep in mind that our environment is occupied with different smells and if you will not keep some important stuff with you to reward your dog, it will not run beside you.

Use treats and awards, toys and words of praise for dogs. Keep your dogs on your side. You should encourage them to run on one side only Because if they run on both sides you may get tangled in their legs and may trip.

You may choose any of your sides but once you choose stick to that side. Offer treat on that side only. Once they become experts on either side,  you may choose another side. Also aware of your dogs for traffic lights when to start and when to stop running. It is important for their safety.

During running keep an eye on their paw pads because they might get injured and they are not showing you. When it becomes your daily routine to run with your dog you will get more concerned about your dog’s health as active dogs need more nutrition as compared to regular dogs. Seek the advice of your veterinarian to see your dog living a long and healthy life.

When you run with your dog give it some cues like let’s go, let’s start, or get ready. These types of words are used to tell your dog that it is time to move.  Verbal cues like speed up, slow down, and sit down right or left must be introduced to your dog.

Initially, start walking in one direction, and then when you turn your direction tell your direction to your pup like go left. And when they follow you give them a treat.  During running give them hints to run fast and slow down. Reward them with small treats when they catch up with your hints.

Don’t introduce all the hints at one time and take some time to get familiar with all the hints.  Your dog must be learned to sit when you stop running or moving. This cue is very much important because when you have to cross the road or you have crossed a high-traffic area. Then your dog should sit down to prevent accidents.

Once you have decided to get run with your dog as a companion then you should buy some important things for dogs to make this running time more enjoyable.

A harness is required with an identification tag. A good leash to communicate with your dog. Some extra water because they also need to stay hydrated. Small treats to motivate them for running.

A doggie bag to keep and dispose of waste. If you are planning to run in the morning before sunrise or after sunset then keep LED leash lights with you to increase the visibility of your dogs to prevent an accident as people can easily see your pet from afar.

You can also track your dog’s running activity and run per mileage time with the help of an activity monitor or tracker. This can represent your activities and the energy that they have spent.

Once your dog has confirmed their running side. They are now capable of understanding your small cues then it’s time to build some strength.

Try to reduce walking time and increase running time. Initially start with 10% to 20% of running in between walking per mileage. For this purpose, you can follow a kurgo running plan for your dog in which they have provided you with complete guidelines.

According to this plan, the dog must rest and their rest days must be scheduled. You can plan to run on one day and the very next day is their rest day.

And after the practice of several weeks, your dog will able to run for longer distances.

Many dedicated runners never feel extreme weather conditions. They love to run even in heavy rain and heat. But dogs can’t run in extremely cold and extremely hot weather. You can maintain your health through indoor physical activities.

Plan running and jumping activities for your dog to enhance their ability. Some treadmills are available in the market that is specifically designed for dogs. The treadmill size depends on the size of your dog. Arrange training classes for your dog to use the treadmill safely.

Never allow them to use the treadmill alone. They may fall or get injured.

When your dog is finally trained as a running companion then keep some of the key steps to make your time more enjoyable.

Do warm-up exercises to prepare your dog for running. And let them relax after you finish your exercise to give them a sign that now it’s time to end our walk. Give them short intervals during running to recharge them or to go to the bathroom.

Watch your dogs constantly to find out their behaviors of dogs because sometimes dogs run just to please their owners but in reality, they want to stay calm.

According to therapist Jen Pascucci (2018) Just like a human being your dog also gets tired and feels sore and exhausted after running. If they try to get up after running and they can’t, they are reluctant to move, they can’t eat due to pain that shows they are completely tired.

Provide complete training to your dogs before planning a long run with them to increase their stamina and ability.  Jen pascussi added

Some dogs are much active to work that they do not feel their injury they do not feel much fatigue but it’s dangerous and as the owner of your dog it is your responsibility to set up limits to avoid any severe injury or tiredness

• Day 1: 20 minutes easy jog/walk
• Day 2: Rest day
• Day 3: 25 minutes easy jog/walk
• Day 4: Rest day
• Day 5: 30-minute easy jog/walk
• Day 6: Rest day
• Day 7: 35 minutes easy jog/walk

• Day 1: 20 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 5 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set
• Day 2: Rest day
• Day 3: 30 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 5 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set
• Day 4: Rest day
• Day 5: 35 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 5 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set
• Day 6: Rest day
• Day 7: 40 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 5 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set

• Day 1: 30 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 6 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set
• Day 2: Rest day
• Day 3: 35 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 6 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set
• Day 4: Rest day
• Day 5: 40 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 6 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set
• Day 6: Rest day
• Day 7: 45 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 6 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set

• Day 1: 30 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 8 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set
• Day 2: Rest day
• Day 3: 35 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 8 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set
• Day 4: Rest day
• Day 5: 40 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 8 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set
• Day 6: Rest day
• Day 7: 50 minutes easy jog/walk, followed by 8 sets of 30-second sprints with 30 seconds of rest between each set