Running with a dog can be a rewarding experience for both the pet and the owner. Aside from the obvious health benefits, running with your dog can be an incredible bonding experience, and it’s one that I highly recommend. Here are some helpful facts for those who run or plan to run with a pet dog.
1. First of all, I want to emphasize that I am neither a dog expert nor a veterinarian. Everything I write below comes from research and reading, or from my direct experience running with my own dog. Always check with your vet First, if you have any questions about taking your dog for a run with you – some dog breeds are more suitable for running than others, and it is worth asking questions and researching the breed to avoid any potential harm.
2. All domestic dog breeds are ultimately derived from the wild gray wolf. Derived from the gray wolf, most domestic dogs are natural runners. Animal Diversity Web reports that “the movements of wolves … cover long distances. The daily distance traveled can be up to 200 km, the usual pace is 8 km / h.” Although some domestic dog breeds are obviously better suited for running than others (meaning you probably don’t want to train in a marathon with a Bulldog or Dachshund), the ability and desire to run are in their genes.
3. A variety of dog breeds can be excellent running companions. Working, herding, and sporting dogs are most often recommended, including breeds such as Retrievers (Golden and Labrador), Border Collies, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Collies, Shelties, and Heelers. Of course, if you are looking to have a dog, choosing a breed involves much more than just your ability to run. For example, some high-energy breeds may not make the best family pets and are probably not the best suited for small apartment life. The best thing to do is do your research, check with groups like the American Kennel Club or the Dog Breed Information Center, and find the breed that best suits your lifestyle.
Personally, I have a black Lab, and he is the perfect family dog and a great running companion. He has a lot of energy, but as long as he walks or runs well every day, or a good play session with one of his doggy friends, he is a model pet.
4. Dogs, like people, need to run easily. If you were to run for the first time in a year, you probably wouldn’t run for 5 miles; the same applies to a dog. If you are a regular long-distance runner, have your dog run gradually to increase his endurance. My dog has run up to 7 miles in one go with me, although on a cold day he could probably go further. It took him some time to get to this point (he’s only 2 years old), and a gradual build-up helped.
5. Although I have read some conflicting reports, most sources suggest not running long distances with a puppy until it is mature (around 1 year for most breeds, although this is variable). The reasoning for this is that it takes some time for the skeleton to mature and the growth plates of the limbs close, and waiting is a precaution to avoid any long-term skeletal damage. By the way, the potential for growth plate damage is one of the very arguments why human children shouldn’t run marathons.
6. Be careful with the outside temperature as dogs are very susceptible to overheating. Dogs cannot sweat like humans, and heat is dissipated primarily through panting and through the paws. In hot weather, it is very easy for a dog to overheat, and hyperthermia can be fatal. Whenever I run with my dog, I make sure he bathes or drinks regularly, usually every 2-3 miles. We have the advantage of living near a river, so I usually plan a route that includes a swim stop, which is a great way to keep it cool. I also make mental notes of roadside stream locations for drinks – a cool, hydrated dog will make a much better and healthier running companion than a hot, dehydrated one. Teaching your dog to drink from a bottle is another option, and it’s always a good idea to carry water when running with a dog.
According to an excellent article titled “Train With Your Dog” by Renee Despres of Runner’s World, signs that your dog might be overheated include “slowing down, an extremely hanging tongue, possible foaming at the mouth and glassy eyes. And shaking or I even collapse. “If your dog appears to be overheated, do not push him and try to cool him immediately. Submerging the dog in water is a frequently cited suggestion for cooling a dog, and if there is no body of water nearby, pouring water on the dog’s abdomen is another cooling option (this is another good reason to always carry water when runs with a dog).
7. Always restrain your dog when he is near roads. It took me a while to train my dog to run alongside me (he was a great shooter when we started), but even now that he does, he will still try to flee to the site of a cat or squirrel. (it’s your instinct as a retriever). If I were off leash I’m sure I wouldn’t look both ways for cars on the road. I’d rather deal with a sore shoulder while rolling it up than risk an encounter with a car, so wearing the strap is a must when running near roads.
8. Last but not least, dogs need exercise: A dog that exercises is a happy dog. The joy my dog gets from running is obvious, and his excitement when he sees me put on my running shoes is one of my biggest sources of motivation to walk out the door when I don’t feel like running. As in humans, obesity is extremely detrimental to a dog, and walking or jogging with your pet is one of the best ways to keep him fit. I also feel bad for the dogs we occasionally pass while running that are chained to posts with short leashes or locked in little chain link cages. Dogs are meant to be free and run, so do yourself and your dog a favor by becoming a dog runner!