If you’re similar to numerous canine owners, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy accompanying your four-legged friend on a jog to keep them in shape – and yourself as well. However, contemplating certain hurdles while running with your dog is not uncommon.
What if your pup yanks you off balance? What if they wander onto the road chasing a cat, or end up nipping someone in the process? What if they lack interest in running altogether?
These are but a handful of the myriad queries a prudent dog parent might harbor, yet fear not. Presented below are some valuable pointers and deliberations for health and safety before you tie your running shoes and strap your furry companion.
Don’t be Impulsive
It is crucial to ensure both yourself and your dog are in good physical condition before embarking on joint runs. Even if you’ve kept your furry friend in good shape, it’s imperative to commence slowly, monitoring the pace and distance covered in each running session.
Fatigue can significantly impede the entire endeavor, irrespective of who fatigues first between you and your canine buddy. Consistently engaging in exercise together is advisable to ensure both you and your dog are fit for intermittent runs.
Opt for a Hands-Free Leash for Your Canine
Running alongside a canine companion also necessitates accountability, ensuring they maintain good behavior throughout. Similar to dog-walking, keeping your dog leashed can prevent them from straying or causing harm, which may result in legal ramifications.
Yet, managing a dog leash while running can pose various challenges in maneuvering, comfort, and more. This underscores the need to equip yourself with a top-quality hands-free dog leash before hitting the trails with your beloved pet.
Instead of gripping the leash throughout the jog, you can simply attach it to your belt, allowing you and your furry friend to set off seamlessly.
Take Both Parties into Account When Preparing the Route
The key to running with your dog lies in ensuring both of your desires for a workout and mental rejuvenation are met. This must be reflected in route selection.
To avoid overexerting yourself or your dog, it’s wise to opt for a route that accommodates both parties comfortably. This might involve the following measures:
- Thoroughly train your dog in advance.
- If you intend for your dog to run alongside you on the leash but they’re too weary to do so, it might be better to allow them time to recuperate at home.
- If your dog is prepared to run while you’re not, you could opt for an extended walk instead.
Stay Hydrated: Both You and Your Dog
Staying adequately hydrated during exercise is crucial to prevent dehydration. The same applies to your beloved dog. Maintaining hydration levels ensures both of you remain robust and energetic throughout the run.
When running with your dog, you can quench their thirst by carrying water in your hands for them to drink from. Alternatively, you could invest in a shared water bottle depending on the strength of your bond and your pet’s overall health status.
Communication is Key
Indeed, canines are among the most intelligent creatures on the planet, particularly in terms of their interactions and relationships with humans.
Engaging in conversation with your dog while running aids in fostering trust between you and your furry companion. Trust develops as you and your dog communicate about your objectives and the necessary steps to achieve them.
Prior to hitting the pavement together, take a moment to strategize and inquire what your dog would like to do during the run.
To sum up, you can certainly derive exercise and enjoyment from running with your dog. However, as the “bigger person” in this scenario, most of the responsibility will rest on you. Fortunately, the aforementioned tips can assist you in planning effectively and smoothing out this seemingly daunting activity.
