Jogging with your pup is a delightful way to spend some quality time together and it allows keep both of you to have a tip-top shape. Fitness of your health and your dog’s health is a significant part.
Additionally, having a jogging friend can be a significant motivation for continuity. Before teaching your pup to be the ideal jogging companion, ensure you are conscious of the following guidance.
Before you begin your teaching program, ensure your pup is well-suited to long-time jogging. For instance, a short dog can’t be a good running partner as they generally can’t run long-distance quickly.
Also, you have to be mindful that running isn’t generally safe for pups, as their bones are not properly grown yet. For most dogs, wait until the pup is about at least 1.5 years old.
Every dog breed has its character, and some dogs will take to jogging more than others. So, consider your dog’s temperament, analyze their breed, as well as take them to the vet for a complete physical check-up to make sure that this’s a safe exercise for them to participate in.
So, let’s learn more to know if it is okay to go jogging with your dog or not:
Is It Good To Jog With Your Dog?
There is a lot of analysis that suggests how great jogging can be for your and your dog’s health. Jogging prevents obesity issues, helps you to become fit, as well as can boost your stamina. It is even been proven to boost your mood. And all these things you get are completely free of cost.
What is good for human beings is also good for your dog: it will also help your dog to lose extra weight in case their body shape is not perfect, build healthy muscle, as well as keep your dog healthy. Keeping a dog healthy and fit is the best method to avoid costly vet bills.
It is likewise fantastic for the dog’s mood: some dogs are made to run. They all appreciate the sounds, sights, and scents of the outdoors, as well as time spent walking the path with you stays in their memory which makes them happier.
If you have noticed destructive behaviors creeping in, running with your pup might be a key. If you keep an active dog breed indoors for prolonged periods they may become bored and stressed, which might result in bad behavior.
Keeping your active dog’s body and mind active will allow you to have an energetic dog, and it will even build an outstanding bond between you two.
Things To Keep In Mind:
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind while taking your dog off-leash for a walk.
Stay Alert:
You should be alert all the time. Your four-legged friend can’t inform you when they are unwell or tired. Notice any signs they show while you are running with them. Not all dogs are made to run long distances. So, if your dog is not among those who can run long distances, you need to be extra careful.
Drink Lots Of Water:
It is significant for both of you to stay hydrated during jogging. Thus, you should always take water with you for long runs with or without your four-legged running buddy. Dogs will experience more issues with dehydration than fatigue when jogging. So, make sure you keep your pooch hydrated.
Take Good Care:
You should clean your dog’s paws (dog’s paw pads) after a run. Also, look for any scrapes or cuts under your dog’s paws. Unattended wounds can cause infections in your furry friend. So, if you find out any scrapes or cuts seek immediate medical attention.
Choose Jogging Path Carefully:
Select environments and routes that you both will enjoy. Jogging over grass is always better than jogging on dirt trails. It is great for both of you, but be mindful of unseen dangers such as rabbit holes.
Keep Clean:
Although you’re running at a safe pace, both you and your dog get some dirt on your body. So, make sure you clean both you and your dog correctly. The dog owner must make sure that the dog is safe and clean after jogging.
Have fun!
Jogging with your pooch can be the best, the most meaningful, and most enjoyable exercise you do. So, have fun while both you and your dog are running outdoors.
How Age & Breed Affects The Run
Some dogs are inherently built for diverse conditions, as well as their capability to run does not necessarily associate with their size. Even you may be surprised to know that the rather small “Russell terrier” dog breed is a great runner who can run for miles, while the “greyhound” dog breed will prefer to run a sharp, short sprint to a lengthy run any day.
In case you are searching for a new canine and you’d like it to be your jogging partner, ensure you do proper research as well as select a dog that appreciates the same type of exercise as you.
However, be cautious about running with puppies: pups might not be prepared to go jogging until they are fully grown. Grown dogs, likewise, need some care: whilst they’ll still appreciate the training, they may exhaust faster than a puppy.
How Long Can I Run With My Dog?
As per professional vets, canines can run any distance in case they follow a good training program. However, it is quite difficult to mention the exact hours. This is because not all dogs are the same. So, the time and distance vary depending on several factors.
For example, in cold weather, your dog may run extra miles without tiring easily while in hot weather, your dog may not run long distances as they will become exhausted easily. Extreme temperatures don’t allow dogs to increase speed.
So, to determine precisely how long you can run with your dog, take your dog for a jog for several weeks. You can start slow and cover short distances initially. Once your dog gets used to running with you, you can increase the timing.
It entirely depends on your dog’s joints, age, breed type, capacity, health condition, etc. So, go as per your dog’s condition and capability.
Do Dogs Like Jogging With Their Owners?
Most dogs adore running with their humans, and their enjoyment of running is usually infectious. Dogs were bred to run. Jogging will support maintaining your dog’s weight, improving muscle tone, maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, as well as building endurance.
Jogging is also advantageous to your dog’s cognitive health. Jogging with the owner makes canines happy. This lets them explore the outdoors through sounds, smells, and sights. They can spend more quality time with the owner doing something entertaining. It lets them release fuel, making them less energetic in destructive ways.
Thus, jogging with the owner makes a dog happy in every aspect!
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Run
So, it is now clear that you can take your dog jogging with you. However, before you consider taking them for a walk or run, you need to follow a few safety cares to make sure you don’t invite the dog’s risk factors. Here are a few tips that will help you jog safely with your dog:
Warm-Up:
Just like human beings, dogs need a little warm-up. So, warm up your pooch before you go for a run, and also do not forget to cool your dog down after jogging.
Consider The Weather:
Dogs cannot handle extreme humidity and heat. Canines overheat quicker than human beings since they’ve got heavy fur coats and do not sweat like humans. So it is significant to be cautious when it is warm outside.
Longhaired dogs might feel cooler during the summer after a trimming—but do not go too short, as the dog’s coat protects it against sunburn. Rather, you can jog in the shade, if possible, and try to avoid hot asphalt, sand, or blacktop, which can roast dogs’ paws.
Take Frequent Breaks
Frequent breaks allow them to enjoy the run even more. So, make sure you are taking frequent breaks to offer water to them. Also, check if they need to pee or poop during their run. Do not forget to bring a water bottle and poop bags while going for a long-distance run.
Teach Your Dog Some Basic Commands
It is necessary to teach some basic commands to your dog before taking them for a run outside. Teaching them to “halt” and “sit” is even helpful, particularly at traffic crossings. If your dog misbehaves on the road, it may cause harm to both your dog and surrounding people.
So, do not take your dog with you for a run unless they are properly trained to listen to your commands.
Do Physical Checkups
Before you start taking your dog jogging with you, you need to make sure that your dog is physically fit to run longer distances with you. For this, take your dog to the vet and do physical checkups to find out whether they are physically fit or not.
Start Slow
One of the most important tips is to start slow. You need to start with short distances and you should not do tough runs initially. Also, look for signs like excessive panting or difficulty breathing to know if they can continue running with you or not.
When Can I Start Running with My Dog?
Well, it entirely depends on the size and age of your pooch. In case you own young dogs, the general practice is to wait until the pup’s growth plates have completed development. You should not take a small dog (by age) for a run.
You can start with running shorter distances initially, but it is recommended to train your younger dog correctly when they are in the puppy phase. Just like human beings, puppies are easy to train than older dogs.
So, before you start running with your dog, you need to make sure your dog is grown up enough to run with you, he is physically fit to run, and most importantly, he is ready to take basic commands when you two go out for a run on the road.
When Should You Stop Running With Your Dog?
There is no an age limit for your dog’s running capability. After all age of your dog is just a number and nothing else. So, let’s learn when you should stop running with your dog.
Breed Matters
Generally, giant breeds with longer legs can run easily keeping up effortlessly with their human beings on jogs. But shorter breeds may get tired easily. So, whenever you see your dog getting tired and panting heavily, you should stop running.
Health Matters
Irrespective of your dog’s age, you should always check with your vet before changing their exercise routine. Any dog could experience a medical problem that’d make running risky.
Your dog may be vulnerable to even further injury with vigorous exercise if they have any of the following conditions: heart, lung, muscular, bone, or joint problems.
Genetically, some breeds are predisposed to these ailments. For instance, German Shepherds frequently get hip dysplasia. Particularly, your veterinarian should be on the alert for these problems.
Age Matters
Too young or too old dogs shouldn’t run for an extended period due to the harm it can cause to their body. If puppies begin running too soon, their developing bones and joints could sustain long-term damage.
On the other hand, giant breeds take longer to mature than their younger counterparts, thus it will take longer for them to reach a size where they can jog.
The Weather Condition Matters
Always take the weather into account before taking your canine for a run outside. Certain dog breeds, such as Siberian Huskies, can withstand jogging during the cold, while other dogs, such as Rhodesian Ridgebacks, endure the heat better.
When you determine to take your dog outside for exercise, consider their breed and natural coat.
The Best Dog Breeds for Running
Among the best breeds for jogging include naturally high-energy, active dogs. These are the dogs that have high energy and are generally active:
- Border Collies
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks
- Australian Shepherds
- Vizslas
- German Short-Haired Pointers
Smaller dog breeds and those dog breeds with shorter legs such as Terriers, Corgis, Papillons, and Dachshunds can join their human beings on runs, however, may prefer to adhere to shorter distances.
Here are a few dog breeds that can’t run quite well with their humans:
- Boston Terriers
- French Bulldogs
- Bull Terriers
- Pugs
FINAL WORDS
A person running with their dog without ever checking on them is among the most upsetting things a dog lover can witness. They could not notice that their dog is uncomfortable or needs a water break because they have headphones on.
You have to be a friend yourself in case you want your dog to be your running partner. There is always a chance that anything horrible could happen, so you must be ready, regardless of how fit your canine is.
So, want your dog running with you, you need to make sure that they are fit to run and they are comfortable while running with you. In case you notice anything wrong with your dog, you need to take immediate action by taking your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
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