Maybe it’s time to start a new exercise routine? Maybe you’re wondering if it’s a smart idea to take your dog running with you? Well listen up, because we’ve got good news.
They say it takes 66 days to build a habit. That’s certainly a reasonable target when it comes to improving your health and fitness. To encourage a positive lifestyle change, it’s best to set yourself a personal goal that allows you to build your progress gradually.
But who said anything about doing this by yourself? There’s no need to throw away thousands of pounds on expensive gyms – simply ask the dog.
Using almost every major muscle in the body, running is one of the best forms of cardio training out there. At a non-professional level, there’s no skill involved and it comes naturally to us. It’s also free, for the most part, beyond a reliable pair of trainers.
So, where does your dog come into this?
Running with the dog offers a huge number of benefits for you and your pooch – both physical and mental. If you need a little extra motivation for your cardio training, these incentives will get you there.
Dogs are better than humans
Sorry humans, but it’s true. With your canine companion, there’s no excuse with scheduling conflicts, hangovers or general lack of motivation. It’s one running partner who won’t let you down!
Your little buddy is ready to join you whenever your key goes in the door – this will help you stick to a routine and take your training further.
Regular runs keep your dog in tip top shape.
If you need tips on how to keep your dog healthy, look no further.
Rather than a cursory walk every time the mood takes you, a regular running routine will keep your dog a healthy weight, improve his/her stamina, strengthen legs and maintain cardiovascular health.
You’ll be the only owner at the Vets who doesn’t have to worry about their dog having to go on a diet.
Running can reduce stress in dogs and increasing bonds.
Make no mistake – a physical bonding session between you and your dog can do wonders for mental health.
It’s no great mystery that what a dog wants most of all is your love and time, which a good run will give him both in spades.
This is also a great opportunity for your dog to be out in his/her natural habitat, taking in all the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. This will make your dog happier, while you can also benefit from the mental health stimulation that Mother Nature brings.
For a real happiness boost, try running through forests and parks to soak up that wonderful oxygen.
You’ll see your fitness improve.
Once you’ve got into a regular habit with your pup (whose motivation will never waver), you’ll begin to notice the physical benefits.
Doctors recommend that we partake in 150 minutes of light or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week. Running keeps the arteries healthy, improves your lung capacity and increases your physical endurance – all while burning a significant number of calories.
It will seem almost effortless with your dog beside you, so throw on those fitness monitors and get outdoors!
Do you prefer to go cycling? Check out our post on how to cycle with your dog.
Your dog is your natural bodyguard
While running is one of the best physical activities you can do, it’s not without its dangers. That’s why it’s so beneficial for runners, particularly female runners, to run with a four-legged friend.
They may help you feel safer running in darkness, or ward off wild animals and/or potential predators. No one else needs to know your canine is a gentle giant rather than a fierce fiend. At the end of the day, much like running in pairs lowers the risk of getting attacked, so will having a dog by your side.
In the worst-case scenario, dogs are very perceptive to changes in your health – if you’re seen to be suffering, they could even get help and potentially save your life.
Running with dogs heightens your senses
When you’re out with your pup, you don’t just have yourself to think about. You have the wellbeing of something you love most in the world.
This will keep your senses razor sharp, helping you to look out for everyday dangers like traffic, as well as wild animals or even other dogs and joggers.
It’s also why we recommend that the first few times you go running, you don’t get so out of breath you can’t give out commands.
You’ll keep both you and your dog safe, plus your brain gets a workout too
Your dog will warn you if you’re overdoing it or give you a little push.
As a new runner, you may be tempted to go over the odds on the distance or speed. This could expose you to injury and put you out of action.
Running with a dog is a great gauge for taking it easy – your dog will begin to tire by lagging back, breathing more heavily or changing its gait.
Once you’ve spotted these warning signs, it’s probably time for you both to stop. As a bonus point, the stamina should improve in both of you over time!
And in the same way, once you’ve started training both together for a while, if you start to get lazy and lag behind, your active pooch will spur you on, knowing full well that you are capable of so much more.
Running with a dog will keep your training on schedule
We’ve all been there. We start out with the best intentions, whether it’s a marathon or a couch to 5K, and give ourselves a set number of miles/kilometres to run per week.
When the dog’s involved, it’s not just you you’re letting down if you don’t go. It’s the dog! Your pup will help you stick to your training schedule, keeping you consistent and keep you on a much needed routine.
Much like kids, dogs love routines and boundaries. If you decide to skip training one night, he may get a little sad, reminding you that tomorrow, it’s game time again.
Your dog will sleep better
When you’ve got a rambunctious puppy gnawing at your toes at 4am, it’s easy to think, “just how do you tire out a dog?”. Simple – incorporate your pup into your running routine.
For best results, try to start your runs in the morning. This will tire your dog out right through to the evening walk, which is great if you need to leave pup at home all day.
A sleeping pooch is less likely to feel anxious, and will be full of energy again once you walk through the door.
Running with a dog is a great way to make friends
It may not be a team sport per se, but running is one of the most social things you can do. Whether it’s seeing regulars in the park or joining a running club, signing up with your dog will only increase the opportunities.
Bring your dog along to your local Park Run or look for other dog-friendly running events in your area.
You may just find this is the motivation you need to run regularly.
Where do I start?
Before you commit to a running routine with your dog, take these precautions.
- Get a veterinary health check. Your vet will be able to advise if your dog has any weight issues, bone structure problems or anything else that may hinder your run.
- Invest in a reliable pair of trainers. Don’t risk injury with badly fitting trainers – get your gait analysed by a podiatrist to see if you need orthotics and help you pick the best shoes for your kind of running.
- Check your dog’s age. It’s best to start running with dogs from around 12 months and up, though this can be as little as eight months if yours is a smaller breed. Always check with your vet if you’re not sure.
- Get kitted out. It’s not just about the trainers – your dog may need a few bits and pieces too! A running belt will stop your dog pulling on your arm while you run, and you should also consider a light-up collar and high vis wear for both of you if you’re running at night.
- Research your route. Make sure there are no overly hazardous roads, areas that are likely to have broken glass, or any other potential dangers. You can use a site like Gmap Pedometer to plan distances.
Running with your dog should be one of the most rewarding experiences out there, so lace up and get going!
