Safety tips for running with your dog
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Our dog Jackson LOVES to run!
Although I’m no animal expert, I thought I’d share my experiences of running with my dog Jackson for the benefit of those who are considering taking their dog jogging. Running with a dog can be very rewarding for both you and your dog but it’s important to keep the following in mind:
1. Run with a leash. I know, I know, some dog owners are certain that their dog prefer to be off leash and I’m sure your dog is well behaved but this is all about safety. Of course you want to protect your dog from running out into traffic but also consider that you may encounter other dogs or animals that aren’t friendly toward your well-meaning pet. A leash gives you control over your dog and assures him or her that you are the running leader. If your dog doesn’t do well on the leash he or she may not be ready for running yet.
2. Know your dog’s limits. In many ways dogs are just like humans (you already knew that) and just like people they need to begin an exercise regimine gradually. Start off running 2-3 miles to see how your dog does. If your dog does well consider upping the distance through regular runs. As you get in shape your dog will too and you’ll be able to take him or her on longer and longer runs.
3. Consider the temperature. Our rule for running with Jackson is that for most runs the outside temperature needs to be in the 70s or below. Dogs have hot fur coats and their mechanism for internal cooling isn’t as well suited to long distance running as yours might be. If you need to run in a tank top (or no top) and short shorts it’s probably too hot for your dog.
4. Map out doggie water sources. In our old neighborhood we had a longer run we’d take Jackson on every now and then that had a stream crossing about halfway through the run. Because there was water for him to drink on the course we felt more comfortable taking him a little farther than usual and it seemed to work well. On particularly warm days he’d take a minute or two to lay down in the shallow stream for a quick mid-run cool down – aren’t dogs smart?
5. Slow it down if your dog is short (or old). Consider your pacing and how it impacts your dog on a run. Smaller dogs have shorter legs and therefore need to work harder than large German Shepherds like Jackson. These days Jackson is getting older and now we usually take him out just on our leisurely jogs rather than intense training sessions. If your dog is struggling at the end of the leash behind you you’re running too fast.
So there you have it, 5 tips for running with your dog safely. We’ll follow this up later with a post about the benefits to running with your dog – stay tuned!