The Essential Guide to Getting Your Dog to Run with You
A dog can be a great exercise partner if you’re a runner. Whether you simply like to get a run in or are training for a marathon, you can always bring your dog along to give your companion a healthy workout at the same time. Here’s a brief guide to help you get started on getting your dog to enjoy a run with you. Don’t Rush into It Keep in mind, if your dog isn’t used to running, it’s important to start slow to avoid injury. Like when us humans start off running, it takes practice and guidance. You can begin with short-distance jogs to get the dog used to running, and work your way up to several miles over time. Make Sure Your Dog is Healthy Before having your dog join you on a run, confirm that it’s okay with your veterinarian, as not all dogs are suited to endurance work or prolonged exercise. Even if your vet confirms your dog is healthy and capable of enjoying a run with you, you should feed the dog no less than an hour prior to running to avoid bloat. Also, check for any cuts or scrapes on your dog’s feet and avoid going for runs on particularly rough terrain. You should also only run with your dog on cooler days to prevent heat exhaustion. Get the Right Gear When running with your dog, you may find that a traditional leash becomes more of an inconvenience than an asset. A handheld leash could easily make you feel off-balance and make it more difficult for your dog to maintain a consistent speed. Instead, consider investing in a waist leash that attaches to your core and can help ease any tension. Your dog should also have the proper gear. While a traditional collar may risk neck injury if a sudden stop is needed, some harnesses can affect a dog’s gait and make running both difficult and unsafe. Find a harness that is comfortable for your dog and which evenly distributes pressure across your dog’s core. If you’re not sure, you can always ask your vet what it best for your dog’s body type. Safety gear is another consideration to keep in mind; make sure you have reflective gear for both you and your dog if you’re running in the evenings, or during darker days. There are also light-up collars or flashing light attachments for collars and leashes that will help your dog stand out. Practice Patience It can take some time for your dog to get used to your running routine, making it important to be patient with him or her. Your dog may tend to stop to sniff around or move in front of you, putting your run to a frequent halt, but over time your dog should get used to running on a regular basis. Work with a trainer to teach your dog useful commands such as “leave it,” “hurry up,” “slow down,” “left,” or “right.” Enjoy a Run with Your Dog Today By taking these steps, you and your dog can experience a pleasant workout on a regular basis. You’ll be able to exercise or train while helping make sure your dog gets his or her exercise at the same time. While your dog may not be able to run with you every time you two go out, you can mix walking and running as equally important ways to ensure your canine pals get the exercise they need every day, encouraging a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Our MARCH Dogs of the Month are…
Stella and Luna! Hi all! We’re so happy to have “the Girls” featured this month! It’s hard to believe it’s already been 8+ years that we’ve been with Cruisin, starting with Stella, adding Luna, and incorporating a handful of foster pups along the way! In fact, we are forever grateful for the great walkers at Cruisin who have always worked alongside of us whether it be helping during a move, watching them while we’ve been out of town, or welcoming a new pup or foster into the crew. In fact, we credit your team for helping us when we first adopted Luna as she adjusted to adopted life. When we first got her she was petrified of everyone and everything. Our walker at the time (who sadly is no longer with Cruisin), was so very patient and nurturing, and within just a few weeks Luna was learning to trust new people, learning the joys of a good walk, and learning that this new home life thing was going to be pretty great after all! Stells and Lu are both perfectly mixed breeds (as we recently confirmed through a DNA testing kit!). Stella is primarily a beagle-spaniel mix. And Luna is a staffi-coonhound mix (with a little bit of bat thrown in!). These two queens call Wicker Park their home turf, though they would also tell you they call Montrose Beach, the 606 trial and any number of dog parks their home turf, too. Despite their age differences, they really bring out the best and most playful, loving, silly sides of one another. Stella celebrated her 9th birthday in December, and Luna will be turning 5 in April. When they’re not out cruisin with your team, their favorite hobbies include napping, hiking, going to the beach, barking at things (anything really), vising their grandpawrents (on both sides!), chasing squirrels (and bunnies, and birds, and…), snuggling with their humans and each other, and opening their home to doggie foster brothers and sisters to whom they teach all of their most favorite things!
