Many people enjoy the idea of running with their dog more than they enjoy actually running with their dog. This discrepancy is largely a result of the fact that many dogs wild exuberance and lack of a spirit of team play can ruin a perfectly good run. These dogs are too busy sniffing, pulling, or leaping around for the outing to be any fun for the person at all.
It sounds obvious, but training a dog how to behave on a run can make a big difference. Just because a dog knows how to walk nicely on a leash doesn’t necessarily mean that she knows how to run nicely on a leash, although nice leash walking can often be a good base for polite running, and the training method is often the same. Giving a dog treats for being in position while running can get her in the habit of behaving the right way. Once she knows how to run and stay by the person’s side, keeping treats handy so she can get an occasional surprise will keep her happy about staying there.
A dog who pulls constantly can really wreck a run. A Gentle Leader® head collar, a No-Pull® harness, or a Sensation® harness all give a person the equivalent of power steering with a dog in a safe, kind way. Since many dogs pull when they are interested in smelling new areas, doing an out-and-back route rather than a circular route might mean that the dog only pulls for the first half of the run, and behaves well on the return trip. Some dogs pull especially hard when they have “business” to take care of. Making sure that a dog has defecated prior to a run can help eliminate this tug-of-war feeling. Many dogs stay more interested in running with someone who periodically changes pace or direction. Try running a little faster for 15-60 seconds before returning to normal pace, or suddenly turning and going the other way for a few steps before resuming the original direction.
Not all dogs can safely be our running partners on any given day. A veterinarian should be consulted before any dog commences a running program. Running is not appropriate exercise for all dogs, surprisingly enough, and a veterinarian can help decide if a dog can be a runner, and if so, how far and how fast the dog can go. Although all dogs must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, many veterinarians advise that no dogs under one year of age go running. Dogs must be old enough for their bones and joints to handle the stress of the repetitive motions involved in running, especially on the unforgiving urban surfaces of asphalt and concrete. (Dirt, sand, bark chips and other soft surfaces are best for most dogs.)
It’s of primary importance to make sure that a dog does not overheat while running. Dogs’ tendencies to overheat vary with breed, age, physical condition, and the weather. Dogs are not able to cool themselves as effectively as people, though, so just because a person is feeling cool enough does not guarantee that a dog is safe. Drinking enough water is important, especially on long runs or during warm weather. To prevent injuries, it is best to warm up with a slow start and some stretching, and to do a cool down afterwards.
While many dogs benefit from a running program, and running together can be an additional way to spend time with a dog, remember to consult with a veterinarian before beginning and to start slowly. Happy Trails! --Karen B. London
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