Are you a dog owner and a passionate runner or would you like to start jogging soon? So it’s only natural that you want to take your four-legged friend along for a run or two. Because going for a run together offers many advantages: In addition to the exercise and training it provides for you and your dog, it can also strengthen the mutual bond between you and your darling.
But especially at the beginning of your running career together, you may have many unanswered questions. Is my dog suitable for jogging? How much can I expect him to do? What is the best way to start? We try to answer these questions for you and have some tips below that can help you and your four-legged friend.
First, of course, you should find out if your dog is basically suitable for running training together. To find out you can look at the following criteria: Age, health condition and breed. If your dog is too young or too old, you should not consider jogging together. Your dog should be at least full grown. Of course, you should also not take your dog for a run if he has health problems. If you would generally consider your dog to be not physically fit, you should talk to your veterinarian beforehand. In addition, there are some breeds of dogs that are generally not suitable for jogging. These include dogs that are very large breeds or short-nosed breeds.
Next you should consider the condition of your dog, because this decides how much you can expect from each other especially in the beginning. Depending on how fit you both are and your dog’s training level (including basic commands), we recommend starting slowly anyway and gradually increasing the training. It’s best to give both of you enough time to get used to the load. Plan more frequent breaks, especially in the beginning, and take enough water for you and your four-legged friend.
Start with small sessions of 15 to 20 minutes and only two to three times a week. If you notice that this doesn’t challenge you conditionally (anymore), increase the time duration and frequency bit by bit. But even if you soon manage much more time and distance, remember that recovery times are also important for good and sustainable training. A one-day break between training sessions is ideal. To avoid false expectations from the start, also make sure that your dog walks neatly in foot beside you. Neither he should pull you nor you him behind.
And of course, the right equipment should not be missing. While you obviously need good running shoes, your dog should wear a well-fitting dog harness that does not restrict the freedom of movement. The shoulder blades should be free to move and the harness should not have any elements that run horizontally along the chest. We also recommend a leash with springback and a belt for you. You can buy both as a combination in common specialized shops or online. With this equipment you have your hands free and can optimally focus on the training.
With these tips, nothing should stand in the way of you and your dog starting to train together.