Running on your own can be very satisfying. Sometimes, it’s a good time to unwind and leave the day behind you. Other times it’s all about pushing yourself and seeking better results. If you want to mix it up a bit, or would like a bit of company, try running with a dog.
Running with a dog can be a great way to bond with your pet and keep the two of you in shape. There’s a few things to keep in mind before you start, but it’s quite simple to bring your pup along with you. You’ll soon find yourself looking forward to going out running together.
Is your dog ready to run?
If your dog is under 18 months old, it’s still growing and running regular long distances may cause problems later on. Similarly, if your dog is quite old it may not be suited to new physical demands. If you’re not sure, take your dog for a check-up to make sure it’s in a good condition to start running.
Start slow
Can you remember when you started running? It takes time to teach your body what to do, and you probably didn’t start out with a 5K on your very first day, either. The same applies to your dog. If you want to go running with a dog, you need to start with a slower tempo and a shorter distance. Bring your dog’s fitness levels up gradually, even if you own one of the 3 fittest dog breeds!
New tricks
Teaching a dog to run beside you without pulling or stopping to sniff is an exercise in patience but it’s worth it. Remember that your dog won’t know what you’re trying to achieve to begin with. If you keep a long lead, shorten it off to a few feet to keep better control.
New cues
You can teach your dog some new cues that are particular to running so they know what’s coming up. These running-specific commands could vary from, ‘let’s go’ to ‘run time’ or whatever else suits you both.
It’s not just about the park
Start running wherever you feel most comfortable. Don’t limit yourself to laps of the park though. Dogs can keep up over suburban territory and even enjoy cross-country running if they are introduced well and trained regularly.
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Whilst Enertor has over 18 years Orthotics experience, our blog content is provided for informational purposes only and it is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical advice. Enertor advises anyone with an injury to seek their own medical advice – and do not make any health or medical related decisions based solely on information found on this site.
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