Before You Start Running With Your Dogs, Here's What You Need To Know

Want to start running with your canine companion? Not all dogs are up to the task! Here’s what you need to know about running with dogs.

Speak To A Vet

Vets will likely want to discuss certain things with you before you commit to running with your dog. Here are some areas they’ll look at:

• Breed; some breeds are not built for it
• Size; are they fit for the task?
• Age; are they too young or old?
• Health; is your dog healthy?

Plan

You should create a training plan that focuses on helping your dog get used to the new activity. Here are some tips.

• Start with short distances and gradually progress from there
• Start with easy running surfaces
• Focus on your dog’s pace, stamina, and training, not yours
• Practice healthy exercise habits and good behavioral habits
• Always warm up with a game of fetch beforehand
• Give your dog’s body a chance to recover on alternate days
• Don’t start until your dog knows basic commands like “sit” and “stay”

Know Your Area

Before running, you should have a general idea of what the area is like. Ask yourself:

• Is this a popular spot for runners and joggers?
• What’s the pest situation?
• How’s the weather usually like; when’s the best time for a run?

Feature Image Source: Pixabay