Jog the Dog: How to Start Running and Working out with your Dog

Pros

• Running with your dog can give you a sense of security. Unless it's a chihuahua. Don't get me wrong, I love the chihis, but guard dog? not so much. Although running is not really a chichi's thing anyway...
  
• A dog is almost always ready and willing to run.
  
• Your pup will never critique your running form or make fun of your get-up.
  
• A dog does not talk on and on when you are just trying to run.
  
• A dog does not care if you run the same boring route every single day. And he does not care if you spontaneously change your daily route. Rover is generally equally happy either way.
  
• This vigorous exercise will make your dog a happy dog.(You gotta love how if you get your dog used to running,he or she will actually shame you on those lazy days to get your butt out the door.)
  

Cons

• Dogs like trees. And water hydrants. And fence lines and bushes.
  
• Oh, I smell something over there. I should check it out.
  
• I am going to eat that squirrel over there.
  
• Hey, there's another dog!
  

Just because your pup likes to run around, he or she is not necessarily reading for long-distance runs or jogs with you. Here is what my canine veterinary pro says you should consider:

Breed
Know your breed! Not all dog breeds are cut out for running. Dogs bred for working and hunting tend to make better distance runners (more than 2 miles). Some good running breeds include Greyhounds, Golden Retriever, and American Pit Bulls (I know--this is a terrier, but it is larger and a very energetic breed).

Very small dogs are obviously built for long runs, but neither are very large breeds like Great Danes.

In general, a running dog is medium-built, weighs 50 to 70 pounds, and is a short-hair breed.

Size is not the only consideration, but also genetic or physical features of your dog's breed. For instance, Border Collies are prone to hip dysplasia and Bulldogs' breathing system is not great for a lot of aerobic activity. Mixed breeds are actually less susceptible to genetic problems.

Age
Puppies are still growing. You can get them started with you to get used to the routine. However, you shouldn't have them running long distances until they are at a couple of years old.

If you run with a young dog, be sure to allow intervals of rest while running to build stamina and give muscles and joints time to strengthen and rebuild. Check with your veterinarian for specific needs.

Older dogs can run too. They really should have a good check-up before you look at long distances.

Personality
Despite their breed's inclination, you will have some pooches who just do not enjoy a long-distance jog. If Rover or Princess is still balking after a couple of months (of consistent effort on your part), consider running alone.

Before starting any running program with your dog, you should consult the other person who knows your dog's physical state well, his or her vet.

Your running experience will be so much better if your dog is not yanking your arm out of your socket every time she sees a squirrel or smells something fascinating.

Before running, your dog should be good about walking on a lead (and not tugging or walking away). Also, you may want to invest the time to train your dog to heel so he or she is running with you and not "running you".

What to Take
All you need is a collar and a leash. If running longer distances, more than 25 minutes, bring water and a retractable water dish or plan your route so your dog can get water along the way.

How to Run
Start out slow, don't just get out there tear through 4 miles in 30 minutes with a newbie!

Start by taking your dog for long walks at least a half a mile every other day.

After a week or so, sprinkle periods of running during the walks. Keep decreasing the walking over a week or two until your routine is all running.

Now, add speed or distance, distance by 10 percent each week. If your dog starts lagging, slow down.

And for every day you run, give Princess a day off.

Where to Run
Try running on a soft surface: grass and dirt trails. Concrete, hot asphalt, frozen roads, ice and salt can all be harmful to the paws.

If you must run on roads, avoid traffic. Rover's head and nose are at the same height as a car exhaust pipe.

After the run
Check the paws before and after every run for any cuts or abrasions.

Offer sips of water--at first--for cooling down rather than free access to water.

Keep in Mind the Heat!
Dogs do not dissipate heat the way we do. Sweat cools our skin--dog do not sweat. They dissipate heat through their paws and mouths.

Plan your running route to allow drinking stops

Let the dog run through puddles and sprinklers.

Dogs with longer hair and shorter muzzles may have more problems with running on warm days.

And Most Importantly
Make running fun. Talk to your dog and offer praise, and don't run him to exhaustion.