Running with your Dog | Exercising with your Dog | Blue Cross (2024)

FAQs

Running with your Dog | Exercising with your Dog | Blue Cross? ›

Alternate between walking and running, and run for short distances initially. If your dog is unfit, run at their pace, give them plenty of breaks and allow them to stop when they want. Give them plenty to drink and gradually increase your distance and speed over time. Watch your dog's body language.

Not only should you start slow with introducing your pup to running, but you should also run at a pace they're comfortable with. Your dog's preferred pace will depend on their size and stamina. If they're barely keeping up with your pace, slow down.

A lot of dogs of all breeds and sizes can easily handle a nice, steady 5-mile run once or twice a week. Others can handle 10+ miles easily. Think dogs meant for hunting or endurance. Breeds like pointers, huskies, vizslas and weimaraners.

According to Adelaide based Vet, Andrew Spanner (2020), dogs of a small breed can begin extended running from the age of 9 months, medium breeds 10-11 months, large breeds 12-14 months and giant breeds 18-24 months. This of course does not mean you can't get outdoors and explore with your new puppy.

“The love a canine has for you will always make him happy to be by your side,” says Nadia Ruiz, whose midweek run with her 8-year-old Lab, Max, and boxer Bruno, 6, covers anywhere between 8 and 12 miles. “Dogs don't care what time of day it is, how long or where you run; they are simply happy to go running with you.”

How far a dog can safely run depends so much on the unique dog. If the dog is in top physical condition and the weather conditions are also perfect, some dogs can easily run further than a marathon, even taking on distances of 50 miles+.

If you want to get more active, something like the NHS Couch to 5K challenge might be the perfect way to improve your fitness week-by-week. You could make it even more fun by having your dog learn along with you.

Exercise is certainly necessary for all healthy canines. But each pet's exercise needs are personal to them. As a rule, no more than an hour of playtime or exercise, including walks, should be given to your pet each day.

German Shepherds and Border Collies can run up to 30 mph. Boxer dogs can run that fast, too, and were used as couriers in wartime thanks to their running abilities (source). And even some smaller, athletic dogs like Jack Russell Terriers and Italian Greyhounds can reach speeds of 25–30 mph!

If they're over-extended, they may be resistant to exercise or develop mobility issues, anxiety, and exhaustion/lethargy. The recommended amount of daily exercise for most dogs is 30 minutes to 2 hours, although certain dogs need more.

When should I stop running with my dog? ›

Look for signs of fatigue – flattened ears, tail down, heavy panting, and hind legs dragging. If the dog is exhausted, he may sit down and refuse to continue – a sure sign you've gone too far or too fast. And if he's really lethargic post-run, he might need a day or two off.

Just like humans, some dogs simply don't do running. While romping 'round the park may be enjoyable for them, running or jogging at a steady pace may not be. Some dogs are too big, too small or just not built for it. Most importantly, check with your veterinarian to see if your dog is healthy enough to run.

Safety Considerations

Safety is a significant consideration for any backyard dog run since the dog will be outside without you, and they can't run and hide from an enemy or the elements. If wildlife, such as birds of prey or coyotes, are an issue in your area, ensure fenced dog runs are secure and covered.

In general, dogs can typically handle about 5 miles per day but how long that takes depends on their pace; some may jog part of the way while others might wander around and smell everything as they go.

On a good day, dogs can smell up to a distance of 12 miles (or 19 kilometers) around them! The exact range can, however, depend on factors like wind, the type of scent, and their environment. But your dog sniffing around isn't just them being goofy – rather, it's the primary way your buddy senses the world around them.

Owners and dogs should ease gradually into a running program, beginning with alternating walking and running for brief periods (no more than 20 minutes), three times a week, gradually increasing the running.

So start slow and build fitness so that your dog can stay healthy for the long haul. Begin with what your dog typically runs in a day, even if that's just a mile. Build up from there by adding in one more mile every 3-5 runs until you're both running the ideal distance for your team.

Regardless of your dog's breed, age, or medical history, it is recommended to avoid running at temperatures exceeding 80°F (27°C). Humidity also comes into play as this can restrict your dog's ability to pant (a dog's main form of regulating its body temperature).

Running is a great activity for humans and dogs alike. Our four-legged friends make the best running partners; dogs want to be with us, they have boundless energy, and it's hard to skip a workout with those puppy dog eyes waiting expectantly at the door.

“Dogs with long, straight legs, like labs and border collies make great running companions.” To train for marathons or half-marathons, the two stick to a training plan, and depending on what they are training for, typically run 30 to 45 miles a week together.