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Beginning an exercise regimen with your dog has a multitude of benefits: weight control, cardiovascular health, and mental happiness. So whether you prefer the trails or the city, there’s no excuse; starting a routine is as easy as 1-2-3:
1. Start with a Clean Bill of Health. The first step to starting a running regimen is to get an okay from your doctor and the go-ahead from your canine’s vet as well. There are special considerations for each dog regarding a running routine, such as age, breed, genetics, and weight. It’s always a good idea to have all these factors checked out prior to starting a fitness routine.
2. Get Your Gear In Check. Don’t forget about Fido’s gear as well. Remember, he’s not equipped with those super-cushy, gel-filled sneakers. If your dog’s pads are soft, you may want to consider using dog boots to prevent paw injuries. But just like any shoes, they will require a break-in period, so start slow. Other things to check out before going include a sturdy leash, current and well-secured identification tags, and a harness. Harnesses are better options for running than collars because they prevent strain on the delicate trachea and disperse the dog’s pull over a larger surface.
3. Start Slow. To begin, ease into your exercise program with long walks of about a half-mile or 20 minutes every other day. After about a week or so, add periods of running into your walks, gradually increasing the amount of running over the next week or two until the entire program consists of running. Once you are both conditioned to run, add about 10 percent to the distance every week.
Though collars are much more common attire for dogs than harnesses, many trainers, veterinarians, and dog experts are beginning to see the benefits of using a harness in some instances. It can be confusing deciding which is more appropriate for your dog and activities, so here are some tools to help you decide which makes more sense for you.
Uses for a Harness
Use a harness for leashed activities, especially if your dog pulls, is not well-trained to ignore distractions, for extra control, or if your dog has respiratory or trachea problems (common in small dogs and short-nosed dogs).
Harnesses are better for small dogs and dogs that pull
Advantages of a Harness
Safe Leash Attachment. Because a harness secures around the dog’s body and distributes the pulling force on stronger parts of the dog’s anatomy, the likelihood of injury on the neck, spine, and windpipe are greatly reduced. Even if your dog is not a puller, he or she could be injured wearing a collar if they make a quick move to chase a squirrel, dog, or person.
Security
Running with your dog can give you an added sense of security. They are very aware of their surroundings, can warn you of other people/dogs on the trail, and bark if threatened.
Dependability
A dog is the most dependable and motivated running partner you will ever find. Their tail will wag at the mere mention of a R-U-N.
Health
Not only does running help you get fit, it will help control your dog’s weight, muscle tone, cardiovascular health, and endurance.
Happiness
Running is also good for a dog’s mental health. Allowing a dog to get outside to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of nature will make your dog happy.
Energy Release
Some dogs have an overwhelming amount of energy. Running a dog on a regular basis helps release energy that would more than likely otherwise be vented on your furniture, carpet, or innocent chew toys.
So, you’ve determined your dog does needs boots. You head to the store (or order them online), open the box, call your dog over, and reluctantly they hand over a paw as you outfit them in their new boots. And then…the boot dance. You know, the paw shaking, high-stepping, boot dance.
If this happens to you, don’t be alarmed. Remember this is probably the first time your dog has ever had something on their paws, and just like humans have a break-in period for their shoes, dogs will too! Here are a few tips to keep your dog from doing the moonwalk in their Ruff Wear boots. Read the rest of this entry »
As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, there are fewer daylight hours to exercise our dogs. So, it’s important to keep your dog visible during walks, runs, jogs, hikes—even bathroom breaks.
The first thing you can do is cloak yourself and your dog in high-visibility gear. Ruff Wear and several other manufacturers make a variety of gear for low-light conditions. For example, The Beacon™ safety light, which clips to your dog’s collar, harness, or apparel, has extra bright LED lights so your dog can be seen at any time of day or night. The Track Jacket™ is another high-visibility alternative. It contains reflective trim in a high-visibility color, ideal for low light. Read the rest of this entry »
Our dogs make great companions on autumn hikes, but it can also be a dangerous time to hike in areas where hunting occurs.
Keeping your dog visible will not only warn hunters of their presence, it will help you spot your dog at all times in case they get distracted by squirrel or other wildlife.
Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe during hunting season hikes: Read the rest of this entry »
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