Preparation is key
Just like humans, dogs need to warm up their muscles before they go straight for a run.
“Warming up those muscles is a great idea for both you and your dog, and can protect you both against injuries,” said Wirant.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t expect your dog to be able to run marathon-length distances from the get-go.
Your dog needs time to build its strength and endurance, so start off small before taking on those lengthier runs.
Be the pack leader
‘The dog needs to understand that this isn’t pure playtime, it’s exercise time,’ says Gillette. Begin training sessions with laps of a short route to reinforce behaviour in a familiar environment and avoid getting stranded with a dog who’s misbehaving.
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Being a dog owner comes with a lot of responsibility, including making sure that your pet leads a healthy and active lifestyle.
Some people may choose to take their dogs running with them so that they can both enjoy their fair share of exercise at the same time.
However, taking a dog on a jog can be extremely detrimental to its wellbeing if done irresponsibly.
When a puppy is young, the growth plates on the end of its bones will still be in the early stages of development.
As the puppy grows older, these areas of developing cartilage tissue harden and become stronger, as explained by former veterinary hospital assistant Adrienne Farricelli.
Therefore, if a puppy is made to do particularly arduous exercise, such as going for a lengthy run on a lead along a hard surface such as a pavement, this can result in the dog sustaining long-term injuries.
According to Heather Loenser, senior veterinary officer at the American Animal Hospital Association, a puppy’s bones will become fully developed at around nine months.
How To Run With Your Dog
You wouldn’t drag an untrained spouse out for a 8-K run right off the couch – right? And you shouldn’t throw your beloved hound into the fire, either. Though your dog was probably born to run fast, you need to start slow. Here’s how to get rolling.