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.

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. Unlike a collar which can come undone or the dog may wiggle out of, a harness such as the Web Master™ Harness, has five points of adjustment which make it difficult for even a Houdini dog to get out of.

Control. A harness can offer a bit more control depending on where the leash attachment is located.

Lifting Assistance. If you opt for a harness with a handle, such as the Web Master™ Harness, not only will you have control over your dog while they’re on-leash, but you can use the handle to help them up and over obstacles such as boulders, out of water, onto boats, and into trucks and automobiles.

Uses for a Collar

Use for identification and comfort for on and off-leash activities for dogs that don’t pull, are under voice command, and have no respiratory problems, trachea issues, or injuries.

Collars are an option for larger dogs that don't pull

Advantages to a Collar

Comfort. Less is more where comfort is concerned.  A collar allows you to keep your dog identified and in control with minimal amounts of “clothing.”

Ease. Easy on, easy off.  Collars are great if you take your dog’s accessories off daily, or if you want a quick way to attach a leash.

Identification. A collar’s number one purpose is identification.  A good collar should hold your dog’s tags and identification.  If you don’t like the “cling, cling” sound of the tags, opt for a collar with a separate tag holder and leash D-ring, such as the Hoopie™ collar.

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.

1. Does dog size matter?

Determine if size matters to you, and think of how it will affect other aspects of your household.  Do you live in an apartment that can accommodate a large dog?  Do you have means for transporting a large dog?  Do you have a large or small yard?  Do you have an easily escapable yard that a small dog can maneuver out of?

Physical size may make less of a difference than energy level depending on the breed.  For example, a Greyhound’s docile nature is suited just fine in a small yard, while a smaller, more active dog may require a larger yard or home.

2. How much of an issue is shedding?

Almost all dogs shed, but depending on your tolerance for shedding, you may want to stay away from double-coated breeds such as Golden Retrievers.  Pugs and Dalmatians also have a reputation for shedding.  If you are going to keep your dog indoors, ask yourself: are you are willing to pay extra for grooming, spend more time vacuuming, and scare away allergy-ridden visitors?

3. Does my dog need to be good with children?

Even if you don’t have small children yourself, do you take care of children or have small children that frequent your house?  If so, you will want to consider breeds that are best for children.  Labradors and Golden Retrievers are common family dogs, but remember that any untrained, abused, boisterous, or temperamental dog—regardless of breed—is not a good option for households with children.

4. What energy level is appropriate?

Don’t adopt a dog for the energy level you aspire to have, adopt a dog that matches your current lifestyle.  If you run miles everyday, a good canine match will probably look a lot different than someone who prefers to stay indoors.  Also, consider the weather in your region.  If the weather keeps you inside during winter or summer months, you may want a less active dog that can stand long days indoors.

5. How often am I away from home?

If you work away from home over long stretches of hours or days, this is a huge consideration.  Some dogs have severe separation anxiety such as Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers.  These dogs get bored easily and may get into a lot of trouble if left alone for long periods of time.

Whatever dog you decide on, remember that good training, education, and patience are key to a successful dog-human relationship.  Some dogs are more difficult to train than others, and are not recommended for first time dog owners.  Do your research carefully and decide ahead of time which characteristics are most important to you in selecting a canine.

Best App for Dog Play
Off Leash
This FREE app by Eukanuba uses GPS or zipcode to locate nearby off-leash dog parks, then gives you turn by turn directions to get there.  You can even suggest your favorite park to get it added to the service.

Best App for Pet Safety
Pet Owner’s Manual ($.99)
This app features emergency how-to information for bee stings, doggie CPR, allergies—it’s like a virtual canine first-aid kit.  You can even use the “Find a Vet” feature which uses GPS to locate nearby veterinary services.

Best App for the Traveling Dog Owner
DogiDuty ($.99)
For times when Fido can’t join along, this app allows your dog’s caretaker to send information to you including when your dog is fed, walked, or given medicine.

Best App for Prospective Dog Owners
Dog-A-Log ($.99)
This app provides breed information based on Wikipedia entries.  This is a great application for prospective dog owners searching shelters and rescue groups for the a compatible canine companion.

Best App for Fun
iClean Screen Cleaner ($.99)
Similar to the dog-licking screen cleaner email that circulates around offices, this app “cleans” your iPhone screen with hilarious video of dogs licking the screen.  All the love minus the slobber damage.

Best App for Training
Dog Whistle
This FREE app gives out whistle frequencies up to 20,000 Hz and mimics various dog whistles to help train your dog to do tricks.  It also has a “bark detector” that triggers a whistle tone when the dog’s sound level exceeds a certain threshold.

Most Politically Correct App
The First Dog ($.99)
This app allows you to virtually pet, feed and play with the First Dog, Bo, and if that’s not politically correct enough for you, the proceeds benefit the Humane Society.

Best Personalized App
Shake & Bark
This FREE app lets you download a picture and sound file of your dog’s bark, which will let out a yelp when you shake your phone.