Mary Allen
Out into nature – but if you do, then of course with your beloved four-legged friend. Anyone who is out and about will see many dog owners jogging with a dog in tow. You immediately feel like going for a run with your four-legged friend.
But what is there to consider when you start running for the first time? What equipment do you need? And how do you train your dog to be the perfect running partner? Before you consider jogging outdoors, you should first clarify the following questions:
- Is my dog the right age?
- Has my dog received good training?
- What temperatures are bearable for the dog?
- Is my dog breed suitable for running?
- Is the right equipment available?
- Can my dog get into danger on the desired running route?
- Is there a leash obligation on the planned route?
- Do humans and animals have the right preparation?
- Which running route is best?
- Does my dog enjoy running?
In the following, we will try to give you answers. First and foremost: if you want to walk your dog, you should ideally train it when it is a puppy or young dog so that as soon as it is fully grown, it not only listens to commands but also has the necessary stamina.
Preparation for the Four-Legged Friend
If you want to walk your dog over longer distances, you should prepare yourself and, above all, the dog well. Like us humans, dogs need a phase in which they slowly approach what is happening and build up their stamina. Walks and short, increasingly long runs are good ways to prepare the dog for regular jogging. A ritual or always the same routine before running also help the dog to mentally prepare for what is to come.
Another important requirement is that the dog is well socialized and trained. He should be easygoing and calm when walking and always remain close by, especially when off the leash. He should be able to withstand external stimuli such as conspecifics or, if walking in a wooded area, wild animals, and not act independently in dangerous situations, such as crossing a road. He should respond to commands from the owner without exception or delay and remain obedient at all times. If you walk your dog, you have a double responsibility towards the environment and your fellow human beings. Sometimes the most important thing is of course that dogs and humans enjoy jogging together.
Right Equipment for People & Animals
Just shoes on and off? Not so fast. If you take running seriously and also train with your four-legged friend, you should have the right equipment with you and think of everything. Here is a checklist for good equipment for humans and animals:
- special leash (with a harness for the dog and belt for the human)
- Bags or other items for collecting dog waste
- Possibly paw protection (dog shoes/booties or paw balm)
- Waist belt to have everything with you
- Running shoes (preferably after consulting a specialist shop)
- Heart rate monitor
- Sunglasses (for strong sunlight or snow reflections)
- gloves (for winter)
- Headlamp (for night running)
- drinking bottle
Headphones are only recommended to a limited extent, as you should always keep an eye on your surroundings to react to your dog if necessary.
Running With the Dog – Pros & Cons
pros
- Stronger bond with the dog
- The dog can exert itself
- Another motivation to run
- More fun in sports
- More security through the dog
- Time out from everyday life
- It trains responsiveness and mindfulness
- It helps maintain a regular workout routine
cons
- Intensive preparation through training and condition building of the dog
- More equipment while running
- More mindfulness required
- More responsibility towards the environment
- Planning required, less spontaneity
What to Consider When Jogging With a Dog
In addition to the right preparation when it comes to training the dog (both mentally and physically) and the right equipment, there are other aspects to consider. So you shouldn’t go running with your four-legged friends in extreme temperatures, i.e. in great heat or intense cold. The dog should also be fully grown, but not too old and in good health (a discussion with the veterinarian may be worthwhile here). Of course, it also depends on the type of dog itself; which plays a major role in whether the dog is suitable as a running partner.
You should also keep a close eye on the dog while running to react to his actions. If he runs too far, he must be called back and if he shows exhaustion, short breaks should be taken. Signs that your dog needs a break are, for example, refusals, extremely pulled back lips, strong and rapid panting, a deep red tongue, or pale mucous membranes in the mouth. However, since a close bond with the animal is a prerequisite for running together anyway, as the owner you know your four-legged friend well enough to notice this.
If you want to keep your dog busy not only physically but also mentally, you should also challenge it cognitively, for example with search and detection games. If you want to know exactly what time is best for the animal or how hard the training is, you can also equip yourself with a tracker that measures the dog’s activity – similar to a heart rate monitor.
Conclusion
Running with your four-legged friend has many advantages, but requires detailed planning and good training. If all the requirements are met, it is an enormous enrichment for humans and animals, which not only makes the running routine much more pleasant but also strengthens the bond.