Running with your dog is great! They make really good running partners and really help push you out the door on those days you just feel like being lazy. Running with your dog takes time though, and you should not just run out the door with them. Since I am experienced with running with my dog, I figured I would give a few tips on how to run with your dog!
1. Ease your dog into it. You cannot just start running miles at a time. When I started running with Speckles, I would run 0.25 miles, walk 0.25 miles, and continue on for only a mile. Eventually we worked our way up to 1 mile straight with a half mile walk after. From there, we ran 1 mile, walked half a mile, and ran another mile. We continued doing this until we made it to 4 miles without walking. We would then gradually increase the mileage. It took about 5 months to work up to where she is now, running 5 days a week with me with speed work and a long run.
2. Get a waist leash. My leash buckles around my waist so I don't have to worry about holding the leash in my hand while I run. It can really tire out your arm if you have to hold it. Also, is decreases the chances of being tripped or knocked over.
2. Get a waist leash. My leash buckles around my waist so I don't have to worry about holding the leash in my hand while I run. It can really tire out your arm if you have to hold it. Also, is decreases the chances of being tripped or knocked over.
3. Bring a poop bag! This may seem silly, but I have forgotten to bring a poop bag and Speckles ends up pooping in the street. When you pick up the poop, leave it tucked behind a tree and on your way back, pick it up. Also, if you aren't going back that way, pick it up later in the day by car, or find a dumpster to throw the bag away. It's not fun carrying a poop for several miles.
4. In the heat, bring a pop up water bowl or water bottle for your dog. Speckles hates drinking on our runs, but I try to make her drink something so she doesn't overheat. If she won't drink from a bottle, I always try to run by a fast moving, clean stream to allow her to hop in, cool off, and drink some water. They sell good pop up bowls for cheap at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
4. In the heat, bring a pop up water bowl or water bottle for your dog. Speckles hates drinking on our runs, but I try to make her drink something so she doesn't overheat. If she won't drink from a bottle, I always try to run by a fast moving, clean stream to allow her to hop in, cool off, and drink some water. They sell good pop up bowls for cheap at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
5. Pay attention to your dog. Listen to his/her breathing. Make sure she's not limping or struggling. You don't want them to overdo it and hurt themselves! If they are panting too much, stop and give them a break. Do a little walking. Let then lay down.
6. By them a proper fitting harness. If it's too loose or too tight, it can cause discomfort in your dog and make them act weirdly. If it's too loose, you risk them getting free and running off. If it's too tight, it could hurt them or alter their breathing. Comfort is important for you and your dogs!
7. If you see a dog ahead of you or coming at you, move to the other side of the street. My dog is not the best around other dogs and gets really excited and pulls, so I like to avoid those situations altogether. If your dog is good, that doesn't mean the other dog is, and you should just avoid the other dog because you don't know how they'll act.
8. Run on streets that have sidewalks or quiet streets. It is really dangerous to run on main roads because of the amount of traffic and people walking. I like to run on streets with sidewalks because Speckles likes to run on the outside of me towards the road, sometimes too close to cars.
9. Wear bright clothes and put a reflector vest or blinking light on your dog. I have a harness with a reflector on it for Speckles, and when it's really dark out, use a blinking a light. Now, the mornings are really light so I don't have to worry about that, but better to be safe than sorry!
10. Finally, have fun! Enjoy your time with your dog! These are moments to cherish and remember. Unfortunately, our pets don't live forever, so make the best out of the times you have. I LOVE my time spent running with Speckles and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Have a wonderful Friday and give your dogs a big hug!