Dos and Dont’s: Running with Your Dog

Anyone who loves both running and dogs will agree that there’s no better activity than going for a run with your furry best friend right at your side. Going for a run with your dog is a great way to ensure that both you and your pooch get enough physical exercise.

However, it’s important to note that there are some things you need to keep in mind when taking your dog for a run. So, with that in mind, here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to running with your pup.

Not All Breeds Are the Same

The first thing you need to understand is that not all breeds are the same. While some dogs can cover greater lengths easily like protection dogs for sale, others may struggle even with a longer slow-paced walk.

That’s why it’s very important to know which breed your dog is, as some breeds are far better runners than others. Even if your pooch is a mixed breed, it’s still important to pay attention to some of the characteristics they share with the breeds that were mixed.

For instance, even if your dog is a pug mix, it still probably wouldn’t be wise to take them for a run.

Do Consult With Your Vet

Before you actually start taking your dog on runs, you should really consult with your vet first. Sadly, people don’t really consider this beforehand, which can easily lead to some quite detrimental outcomes.

Just because your dog seems healthy lounging on the couch next to you, that doesn’t necessarily have to mean they are healthy enough to go on regular runs. That’s why it’s important to visit your vet and have your pooch thoroughly checked before you indulge in such an activity.

Besides, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t Start Off Too Strong

Next, if your vet gave you the okay, you need to know how to introduce this new activity to your dog. Ideally, you shouldn’t take your dog for a run if they’re still too young.

Instead, you should try to gradually introduce this activity into their routine until it becomes just another normal, regular thing they do. Additionally, just like you shouldn’t push your own body beyond its limits, you shouldn’t do the same to your dog.

The idea is to get into this new fun activity together and make it into a positive experience both of you will look forward to.

Do Pay Attention

Next, when running with your dog, make sure you keep an eye on them the whole time. Even if your dog is perfectly healthy and capable of withstanding such an activity, you still need to be cautious.

The majority of dogs generally enjoy pleasing their owners, which can sometimes lead to situations where your pooch might no longer feel comfortable with the activity but they keep going just because they see positive reinforcement coming from you.

Also, when running, you’re wearing all the proper gear and are probably taking breaks as soon as you start feeling tired. But your dog doesn’t have any footwear to keep their paws safe nor will they tell you if they’re feeling thirsty or tired.

So, keep your eyes wide open when taking your dog for a run and keep checking in on them to make sure they’re safe and comfortable at all times.

Don’t push your dog

In the end, you should ensure that you never push your dog beyond their limits. As soon as you start noticing that your dog is becoming tired you should slow down.

Ideally, you should start gradually slowing down even before you reach this point. Just like you shouldn’t be trying to “run through the pain” and push yourself, the same goes for your pooch. This way, you’ll be lowering the chances of anything going potentially wrong and you’ll ensure that both of you stay happy and healthy.

So, even though running with your dog is super fun and healthy for both you and them, you need to take some precautionary measures before you actually start. That way you’ll lower the chances of anything bad happening and boost the chances of spending some great quality time with your furry best friend while also finding the right balance.