A Guide to Running With Your Dog
Are you an avid runner looking for a pal to enjoy long runs with? Are you trying to get into running, but don’t want to do it alone?
Well, guess what?! If you’ve got a doggo, then you’ve already got a running club in your house right now. Sure, the other club member might be asleep on the couch or anxiously wondering when dinner time is, but with a little work, some patience, and the will to have fun, you can enjoy regular runs together! That’s right, your dog can be an excellent running partner!
Disclaimer
We are not professional trainers and by no means have we figured out a perfect, one-size fits all solution for running with a dog. Please keep your own pup’s health and needs in mind when trying to run with them. Be careful not to over-extend them beyond what they’re capable of and consult your vet with any health questions.
Our First Experience
Lady, our first foster dog, was a weeeee bit chunky when she came to stay with us. She needed to lose a bit of weight, so I started taking her on runs a couple of times a week. I’m a life-long runner, but I’d never run with a dog before and it took some practice to get it right.
Now, I run 4-5 times a week with Barak, our Alaskan Klee Kai. Barak, as you may have read/seen/heard elsewhere, is quite anxious and has a lot of energy. Running with him has been a great way to give him some extra exercise, spend quality time with him, and get myself outside more often.
What Gear Do You Need?
When you’re getting started, you can use your normal leash as long as it has some flexibility and you can comfortably wrap one end around your wrist. I recommend using a harness or chest attachment rather than a neck collar when running. Especially at first, you and your dog’s movements won’t be perfectly in-sync and avoiding unnecessary pulling on the neck is safer.
For committed runners, it is worth it to invest in a running leash and belt. This is exactly what it sounds like: a belt that goes around your waist with a bungee leash that clips onto it and then clips to your dog’s harness. The leash has more give because of the bungee and will usually have a handhold near the dog’s end in case you need to stop suddenly or hold them closer to you. This is going to keep your hands free, making it easier for you to run, and give your pup more freedom to choose their own path alongside you while still giving you control if you need to make a quick stop or change directions. I’ve been using this belt and leash with Barak for a few years and it works great.
And, as always, take a few 💩 bags!
The First “Run”
When getting started, it is important not to over-extend your pup. Start with short distances and mix in walking and running as your pup might not have great stamina or be used to running. A good first “run” might be two miles total, alternating between running and walking every quarter of a mile. You can gradually increase the amount your pup is running on each outing as long as you’re sure they aren’t in discomfort or laboring excessively during your runs.
Gradually Building Up Strength
If you have a great first outing and your pup has a blast, you might be tempted to head back out the next day. To give your pup the proper time to recover and build up their strength gradually, avoid that temptation. Instead, aim to run every other day or every two days when you’re starting out.
Running In A Straight Line
Running in a straight line might be harder than you imagine.
Maybe your pup is already a great walker and knows to stay on one side of you without crossing over or throwing himself at the nearest patch of grass. Or… perhaps your pup is like Barak and that isn’t his best skill. Your pup might be very excited when you start running and, given that it’s a new experience, might not know how to act. Jumping, pulling to one side, or weaving all over the path are pretty natural and to be expected.
Don’t worry, though! This is a great time to work on good behavior and build your pup’s skills! Bring some treats along on your runs and work with your pup on good behavior by praising and rewarding him when he makes good choices, like staying at your side or giving you his attention when you stop.
Since no one wants jerky dust in their short’s pockets, TreatTeek is a great treat carrying option for runs because it clips easily to your leash or running belt without weighing you down!
Have Fun
Running is fun and you want your pup to have fun doing it! This is going to make them look forward to going out with you and cut back on the paw dragging. Aside from food rewards, verbal praise is a great way to build your pup’s enjoyment and confidence with running. Let your pup know that they’re doing a good job and that they’re running well while you're out. You’ll find this encourages them and helps them keep their pace up over a longer run.
Ready, Set, Go!
I hope this post inspires you to take your pup running. Both you and your pup have a lot of gain from running together. Don’t be frustrated if it takes sometime to get it right - soon you’ll be in for smiles for miles!
Keep These Tips in Mind:
Get a sturdy leash and consider a belt/leash combo
Work up to running the whole time - your pup isn’t Eliud Kipchoge (yet)!
Treat running as a time to train your pup and encourage good behaviors
Offer plenty of verbal praise to your pup while he runs - your dog will want to run with you if he has fun doing it
Don’t get caught empty-handed - always remember extra poop bags!