Dogs make the best running buddies

Most dog owners probably don’t need to be convinced to spend more time with their canine companions—in fact, the presence of dogs everywhere from offices to bars on a Friday night indicates that plenty of people are unwilling to leave the dog at home for any activity. While we can’t speak to your dog’s suitability as a work colleague or drinking buddy, we're pretty confident that running together is more like likely to be mutually beneficial.

WHY YOU SHOULD RUN WITH YOUR DOG

They provide extra motivation. Just as having plans to run with a friend makes it easier to get out there on tough days, knowing that your dog is relying on you for much-needed exercise can be the extra nudge you need when you might otherwise bail. Of course, the determined procrastinator can think of a million reasons to skip a run, and a human running partner will likely understand if you flake every now and then. Once you establish a running routine with your dog, though, he’ll expect to go out and your excuses will fall on uncomprehending, floppy ears. And how can you resist that cute face when he’s standing by the door, gazing longingly at the leash?

Running keeps both of you healthier and happier. We know running is good for our physical and mental health, and your dog can reap the same benefits. Physical exercise can calm anxious dogs and help minimize destructive behavior in high-energy, excited dogs. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.

It’s safer. Especially for women who run alone, the presence of potentially barking, biting beast is likely to discourage an attacker.

It’s more fun! If your dog is a good distance runner, having her along on training runs can help break up the tedium of long, slow miles. If you’ve got a sprinter, take advantage of that to switch up your speed workout a little: try letting your dog lead you in a sprint, and rest when he stops to use the bathroom or investigate an intriguing smell. Runners can get a little too caught up in the minutiae of training, at the expense of enjoying the sport, but running with your furry pal might remind you to lighten up a bit. It’s hard to take things too seriously when your running partner is determined to pee on everything.

TRAINING YOUR DOG TO RUN WITH YOU

According to the American Kennel Club, it’s best to make sure your dog has loose-leash walking down before you graduate to running. When your dog is a walking pro, the AKC recommends using specific commands to indicate when you want to start and stop running. Give the run command (something like, “let’s go!”) and speed up, rewarding your dog with a treat when he matches your pace. Jog for a bit, then return to walking while giving a second command (e.g., “whoa!” or “walk!”) and give another treat when the dog matches pace again. Repeat this process a few times, extending the amount of time running gradually.

SAFETY & ETIQUETTE

Know your dog’s limits. Not every dog is cut out for running, and some might thrive on a twenty-mile trail run while others max out at a couple easy miles in the neighborhood. Dogs with short, flat snouts like pugs or bulldogs don’t have the breathing capacity required for extended physical exertion, and many large breeds are more likely to suffer hip and joint issues with too much running. Consider your dog’s age, too: Long-distance running isn’t recommended for puppies, as their bones and joints are still developing, and older dogs fall victim to the same perils of aging bodies as elderly humans.

Don’t skip the warm-up. We always recommend warming up before a run to prevent injuries and run more efficiently, and it’s no different for your dog. A pre-run dynamic warm-up increases blood flow to the muscles, improves mobility and flexibility, and gradually raises your heart rate. It might be tough to lead your dog through a lunge and squat routine (though if you try it, we want to see video!), so try adding a few minutes of walking before your run, or play a game of fetch in the yard. In addition to the performance benefits of a warm-up, this is also an opportunity for your dog to use the bathroom and get some good sniffing in, which could mean fewer stops mid-run. (Dogs perceive the world through smell, so in addition to minimizing future stops, allowing them some time to sniff around helps dogs learn about their surroundings.)

Ease them into it: You (hopefully) wouldn’t try to run a marathon with no training, and your dog shouldn’t either. If you’ve never run with your dog before, start slowly with just a mile or two, and monitor the dog along the way. If she seems to be slowing down, slow down. Keep in mind, too, that while your feet are protected by cushioned running shoes, your dog’s feet are not, and it might take a few runs for her paw pads to get used to increased impact on cement and asphalt.

Consider the weather. Carry water and run on shaded routes. You might be able to run shirtless when it’s hot out, but your poor pup is covered in a permanent sweater. Plan a route that includes plenty of shady areas and access to water (many public water fountains even have a lower basin for dogs!), and, you know, maybe don’t force your Siberian husky to run with you in July.

Obey leash laws. Just because your dog behaves well off leash doesn’t mean everyone else’s dog does.

Wear reflective gear in low light. You probably do this on your own, but don’t forget to keep the pooch visible too. Most pet supply stores sell reflective collars and leashes, or you can clip a couple blinky lights to the collar.

Don’t forget the poop bags! Seriously, don’t be that person. Yes, it’s annoying to run while clutching a stinking bag of dog waste but pick up after your dog anyway. If you know you have a mid-run pooper, run in parks or on the greenway where you’ll be likely to encounter plenty of trashcans.