Let’s make jogging with your dog joyful (Photo of a person jogging with their chihuahua.)
If you follow @GoBeyondDogTraining on Instagram, you know that this past Wednesday was Global Running Day and that I shared a tip about how to begin training your dog to become your running partner. I mentioned that many people call me AFTER they’ve been seriously injured while running (and walking) with their dog on a leash. These injuries are no joke: a broken hip, a broken collarbone, and a dislocated shoulder, to name a few.
Never wrap the leash around your wrist. If you fall, you will be dragged instead of simply letting go. (Photo of
two young boys being pulled down the road by their large dogs. The leashes are criss-crossing each other.)
Since I am the Queen of Prevention, the tip I shared on Instagram was about structured walks. If your dog knows how to heel, they are far less likely to run in front of you and become a sudden hurdle (a hurdle rarely cleared by their human running companion.) You can read more about how to teach a structured walk here:
https://beyonddogtraining.ca/news/give-your-dog-a-break
Today, I’m going to share 3 more tips on how to enjoy running with your dog so that you can prevent these types of injuries.
Say NO to leash biting — Whether you’re adopting a new puppy or an older rescue dog, leash biting is off limits. There are millions of other fun things for your new puppy or dog to chew. If you want to have fun on your run, don’t get into a tug of war situation with your dog. Teach them to respect you and the leash from day one.
If you never allow leash-biting, you will train your new running partner more quickly. (Photo of a black dog biting the leash.)
2. Build up to long-distance running gradually — No one buys a new pair of running shoes and then heads straight out the door and runs a marathon if they’re brand new to the sport. Talk to your veterinarian about joint health and discuss what age is appropriate for your puppy to begin attempting longer runs.
Work up to long-distance running gradually. (Photo of two people running in a race with their husky.)
3. Avoid getting your dog amped up before you leave home — Invite a calm dog out of the house with you. A hyper dog jumps up on you, other dogs, and strangers. A calm dog jogs beside you in a follower position. Try a calm approach when putting on your dog’s leash. Practice being calm yourself. Take the time to do this training throughout the week, so you’re not checking your watch and thinking “That’s five more minutes off my run because HE isn’t calm yet.” Train when you HAVE the time and remember that your dog mirrors your own energy.
Don’t be afraid to put the leash away if your dog is jumping all over you. Try again in a few minutes. (Photo: Corgi sitting politely while his owner puts on his leash.)
Set your puppy up for success. Teach your puppy from Day One that their collar and leash are not tug toys. (Photo of a puppy playing tug of war with his collar.)
Bonus Tip: Watch out for overheating — Protect your dog (and yourself) from overheating. On hot days, run in the early morning, or later in the evening. Carry water and avoid running on sizzling sidewalks. Plan a route where your dog can go swimming partway through your run, so they can cool off.
In hot weather, plan your runs around rivers and lakes to let your dog cool off partway through. (Photo:
senior dog plays with a stick in a lake.)
Patience is the key to all of this. If you want a wonderful canine running partner, take your time to leash train them properly first. When you can effectively communicate with each other, running becomes a breeze.
There are a lot of distractions out on your runs. There are other dogs, strollers, garbage trucks, squirrels and much, much more. Be sure that your dog knows how to WALK past these types of distractions and pay attention to you before you expect her to be able to run past them and remain focused.
I hope you enjoy many safe walks and runs with your dog this weekend, Dog Leaders!
Alyssa
Photos by: Sergio Rodriguez - Portugues del Olmo (person running with a dog on leash,) Sheri Hooley (two young boys being pulled down the road by their large dogs. The leashes are crossing each other.,) Pauline Loroy (black dog chewing brown leash,) Sherise . (husky running in a race with his owners,) Audrey Fretz (Corgi sitting politely while his owner puts on his leash,) Chen pin ju (a puppy plays tug of war with his collar,) and Jeremy Perkins (senior dog plays with a stick in a lake.)