With dog ownership on the rise over the past few years, many runners might be wondering if they can take their dogs with them on their runs and, if so, how to introduce running to your canine pal.
Running with your dog brings enormous benefits to both you and your dog’s physical and mental health. As well as assisting with weight loss, running can also do wonders for your dog’s wellbeing. The exciting sights, sounds and smells that they discover on a run, as well as the change of scenery, all help to provide mental enrichment and stimulation, reducing anxiety and alleviating boredom.
It can also be a positive outlet for dogs exhibiting destructive behaviour, ensuring they tear about the countryside instead of your favourite pillow. Here, experienced veterinary surgeon and founder of Burns Pet Nutrition John Burns runs through the things to consider before running with your dog.
1. Check your dog is a suitable candidate
The first thing to consider is your dog’s breed. Some breeds like huskies, gundogs, dalmatians, golden retrievers and collies can make fantastic long-distance companions but others aren’t so well-suited. You might assume greyhounds and salukis would be the perfect running partners but, as the sprinters of the dog world, they are actually better suited to shorter distances. Unfortunately for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like pugs, Frenchies and shih tzus, it might be best to avoid running altogether – especially in warmer weather.
Secondly, consider your dog’s age and the condition of their health. As much as you might want to encourage your bouncy new family member to get rid of some excess energy, it isn’t advisable to run with puppies as the growth plate at the end of their bones is still growing, making them more prone to injury. Similarly, running may not be suitable for dogs with joint issues. If you’re looking to get your dog running to help it shift some pounds, but it suffers from these problems, it’s worth double checking with your vet first, or starting with something that’s gentler on their joints.
2. Don't try to break any records
If you’re aiming to hit your quickest time, it might not be the best idea to take your pet with you. Remember that you still need to pick up after them, and dogs like to stop and sniff a lot during walks, which can be problematic if you’re in a hurry, especially if they’re on the lead. You need to be willing to stop if needed. Instead, see running with your dog as a healthy enjoyable hobby you can do together leisurely.
3. Start off slowly
If you are looking to start running with your pooch, don’t just clip on their lead tomorrow morning and take them on a 5km run – can you imagine if someone did that to you if you’d never been running before?
Dogs, like humans, need to train and build up their tolerance. Start by doing an easy mile and work them up to longer distances if everything goes well. Find somewhere you both enjoy going and a distance that suits you both. There are lots of ways you can adapt to make this work. For example, if you do laps of a route from your house, you could just take your dog on your first loop and then drop them home, or pick them up on your last leg to give you some encouragement.
4. Don't run before they can walk
In terms of running with a dog lead, you need to first make sure your faithful friend can walk to heel. If you don’t master this before you take them running, it could result in some grazed knees, or worse.
Even if you can let them off the lead, you need to be confident that you can still control them with recall and trust them to stay close so that you can keep an eye on them.
5. Take the right kit
When it comes to equipment, there are many types of belts, leads and attachments you and your dog can wear. A key deciding factor will of course depend on what you feel most comfortable using, but it’s important when running with a dog lead to ensure that whatever you use doesn’t restrict any part of your dog’s natural movement when running. Collars may be harsh on their neck, but some harnesses actually restrict shoulder movement, so be sure to do your research on the best options for your four-legged buddy.
Cadrim Hands Free Dog Walking Belt Ajustable Dog Leash Waist Belt Pet Dog Leash Coupler Running and Jogging Lead Belt for Dogs with 2 Pack Bags and Reflective Strip (grey)
Cadrim Hands Free Dog Walking Belt Ajustable Dog Leash Waist Belt Pet Dog Leash Coupler Running and Jogging Lead Belt for Dogs with 2 Pack Bags and Reflective Strip (grey)
6. Don't push them too hard
It’s also important to remember that dogs don’t sweat through their skin – instead, they pant as a means to bring their body temperature down. Pushing them too hard can lead to hyperventilation and breathing difficulties, so let your dog stop when they want, and don’t try to push them further. You and your dog are a team now and you will need to stay aware of their body language as they can’t just tell you when they’ve had enough.
By following these steps, running should become a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your pooch, and a great way to stay healthy and bond. Happy running!
