We all know we should exercise more–heck, that’s at the top of most everyone’s New Year’s Resolution list come January. After a long day at the office (or a long Netflix marathon), our bodies need to get some healthy movement. So what better way to stay fit and healthy than to run with your dog?
Just as we need healthy movement, so do our furry friends! Close your eyes and picture it now–you and your dog jogging down a tree-lined trail. Sounds great, right? It is! Running with your dog provides awesome quality time for you and your furbaby to bond. It also provides needed variety for your dog, improving their quality of life. Fresh air and movement with their human is a great way to boost your pup’s wellbeing.
Read on to hear how you can run with your dog safely and in the most enjoyable way!
Before You Hit The Trail…
You might already feel ready to throw your running shoes on, but let’s talk about preparation first. Before you start heading out and running with your dog, it’s important to take their age and size into account.
Your dog’s skeleton usually isn’t finished developing until they’re at least a year old. During their first year, it’s important to take them for walks so they can get used to being outdoors by your side. As they get better and better at staying beside you, you can begin to jog for short stretches to prep for running. Better yet – talk to your vet and get their take on it!
Also, for the safety of both of you, your dog needs to learn how to follow your commands on the leash. Your pupper will need to learn how to stay calm and focused while walking beside you. Why? Because taking runs around other stimuli (cars, humans, squirrels, etc) can be distracting. When running, it could be dangerous if your dog isn’t attuned to your leash commands and able to stay calm.
Training can be taxing–for the both of you! The good news? At Blue Ridge Naturals we’ll come in clutch with rewarding treats for your pupper. Is your doggo needing some motivation to follow your lead with the leash? Check out our best selling snacks, including Chicken Coated Sweet Potato Stix or our Duck & Sweet ‘Tater Tenders.
Running With Your Dog – Time To Get Moving!
Once you’re confident that your furbaby can handle jogging with you, it’s time to start running with your dog. Don’t go too fast, though! It’s important to build your pupper’s endurance over time. Start by running at short stretches, interspersed with walking. As their stamina increases you can increase the length of the run.
It’s important to take some safety concerns into account as you run with your dog. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Weather: If it’s hot and humid for you, remember that it’s even more so for your dog. They’re running with a full fur coat on, so you’ll want to make sure they don’t overheat. If it’s above 60 or so degrees, stick to shady areas and keep a close eye on how your dog is doing. Dogs don’t have as many sweat glands as humans, so they can’t handle the heat as well as we can.
Warming Up: It’s important for both of you to warm up before running with your dog. Just like you, their muscles need time to get primed for physical exertion. At the end of the run, they’ll need time to cool down as well to keep from getting sore and tight. Warming up and cooling down doesn’t have to be fancy–just start and finish with a few minutes of walking.
Staying Hydrated: Take some water with you–your pupper needs to stay hydrated! Offer your dog drinks at various resting points throughout your run.
Paw-Friendly Paths: What do we mean by this? Well, your furbaby’s paws are more sensitive than you may realize. Hot asphalt can be very painful for them, so when picking a route it’s best to opt for one with some cushion. Think running on the grass, on a dirt-packed trail, or a sandy beach.
After Running With Your Dog, Get Some Rest Days
Who doesn’t love a good rest day? Your doggo will need some rest, too, so keep that in mind! Make sure to keep an eye on signals from your dog that may show fatigue or soreness. For instance, if they’re lagging behind on your run or panting a lot, it’s probably time for a break or end to your run. If they’re moving with more stiffness at home, they might be sore and you should take a day to rest.
Rest days are a great day to pamper your sweet furry friend. Need ideas on how to help your pupper have an awesome rest day? At Blue Ridge Naturals, dog treats are always a good idea! How about some Alaskan Salmon Jerky or some Sweet Potato Bones? Your doggo will be wagging their tail over these goodies, that’s for sure.
We’re Here To Help!
Never fear, Blue Ridge Naturals has got your back in the treat department. No matter what activities you love doing with your furry friend, our treats are sure to keep them fueled up for fun. And that includes running with your dog!
And, get this–all of our treats are responsibly sourced and manufactured right here in the USA. We use only the finest natural ingredients, so you won’t find icky fillers here. Our treats are crafted with wholesome and delicious ingredients. Check out our product page to find new and exciting snacks for your furbaby. Who knows? It might be exactly the motivation your pupper needs to get running on those trails with you!
