It was five in the morning. My British mongrel dog, Pony, knew I was awake and couldn't get back to sleep. I knew she knew because she had her head on my pillow and was exhaling into my right ear. She needed a run. She was on a diet and I was on a diet. I did not want to leave my warm bed, but got up, ate a small breakfast and took Pony out. We got to see the sun rise. I would not have seen that if I hadn't gone out with Pony.
Dogs make exercising more fun. They are so filled with joy at being in the moment that it inspires you to keep moving. But if you want to begin jogging, power-walking, or running with your dog, here are 10 tips to keep in mind.
Can Your Dog Keep Up With You?
Most toy breeds cannot keep up with people, especially the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Pekingese - unless you only mean to sprint for ten seconds. Herding breeds, guarding breeds, hunting breeds and healthy Jack Russells are excellent running companions. (Jack Russells can only run a couple of miles at a stretch, though.)
Can Your Dog Stay and Heel?
If your dog takes off like a rocket after every scrap of paper that blows by and ignores your calls, this dog cannot be used as a jogging partner. You need to brush up on your training, especially for the commands stay and heel.
Leash or No Leash?
You need to swing your hands in rhythm in order to your strides. Holding a leash will jerk the dog about. If your dog responds to voice commands reliably, then you can run in an off-leash park. If not, then the lead needs to attach to your waist or belt.
Carry Water and Poop Bags
There are commercially available "saddlebags" for dogs to carry their own water, collapsible water bowls and poop bags. If your dog objects to being a pack animal, you will need to wear a backpack or bum bag with these items.
Find Soft Spots for Paths
Do not begin jogging with your dog on pavement. Dogs need time to toughen up the pads on their feet, similar to the way guitarists' fingers need time to toughen up against the strings. Run on dirt, grass or athletic tracks at first. Always check your dog's pads for cuts, swellings or injuries after a work out.
Start Off Slow
Don't just put on sneakers, hook a leash to your belt and take off for three miles. But on the lead and backpack or other equipment and walk briskly. See how the dog reacts. This is another good time to teach your dog to heel.
Add A Brief Jog
If the dog obeys commands and does not go mental at a brisk walk, then the next day add a brief jog of one or two blocks to your daily walk. This helps the dog get the idea. Pony is a strong puller but in the past year has stuck to me during a jog, even with squirrels nearby.
Gradually Lengthen The Run
Start slowly and build up your dog's stamina. A quarter mile is a good start, especially if the dog still needs to get the idea of jogging with you instead of running around in circles around you. A week later, keep adding a quarter mile as the weather permits.
Stop Running if the Dog Shows Signs of Exhaustion
Pony has no respect for heat or humidity. When she was a pup, I learned that she would pace or trot until she drops. Then she needs immediate shade and tepid water. Stop and rest your dog if the dog begins panting harder than usual; drools or slobbers; starts diarrhea or vomiting after panting.
Don't just run flat out all of the time - even if your dog is like Pony and bolts out of the house every morning. You need to walk briskly in order to warm up and then jog. A few blocks from home, get back down to a walk. Pony now stretches when she sees me go for her chest harness and leash. I often forget to and pay for it later.
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