This is a guest blog post written by Venue at Werner Park. You can learn more about Venue at Werner Park here.
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When you have the perfect furry companion, you can’t help but want to include them in all your daily activities. Today, we’re here to help you make your four-legged friends a part of another of your activities…your running routine. The benefits of running with you dogs are numerous, from being good exercise and stress relief for both you and your dog, to protection on your run, to the joy of companionship. We want to help you get off on the right paw.
- Consult A Veterinarian
While running with your dog is a great activity for your pup, there are some precautions one must take to ensure the health of your dog. Always discuss with your veterinarian whether your breed is one that can handle being a running partner, at what age your dog will be ready to run, and how far they are able to go. Running a dog that is too young can negatively impact their joint and muscle growth.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers are just a couple of breeds that make great running, large dogs with lots of energy and stamina will make for great running partners. However, smaller and shorter nosed dogs such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus and the like are too small to be able to keep up with you.
- Start Slowly
First, tackle those leash manners. After your dog is able to walk with you, you can begin to increase your speed. Start training in small areas that have few distractions such as the backyard, then work your way up to the sidewalks and trails where there are sure to be lots of other people and pups out and about.
Starting slowly also speaks to the distance to take your dog. SLOWLY increase the distance of your walks and runs. It is recommended to increase your dog’s distance by a half-mile every few weeks, and always make sure to monitor them after those longer distances to make sure they are recovering healthily. If they are having difficulty walking, are limping or are lethargic for long periods of time, cut back on your distance.
- Heed Their Cues
While you’re out on a run, make sure to pay attention to your dog’s cues. If they are reluctant to run, if they are slowing down or stopping mid-run, it might be a sign that you are pushing them too hard. Follow their cues and be in tune to how they are holding up during your workout.
- Watch the Weather
Don’t push your dog in extreme weather circumstances. Temperatures above 75 degrees are generally too high for your dog to handle. Try to stick to those early morning and evening times to obtain the perfect weather conditions.
- Hydrate Your Hound
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat. They release their body heat by panting and through the pads of their feet, which leads them to overheating more quickly than people. To avoid this, make sure to give your dog two to three times the amount of water that your yourself need, and even more when temperatures are higher.
- Post Run-Recovery
While it’s obvious that humans should stretch out after a workout, dogs can also benefit from a good stretch. Assist your dog with stretching into the downward and upward dog positions and holding those for around five to ten seconds each. A good post-run massage can help your canine as well. Using light circular motions, massage along your dog’s spine muscles and legs, even their toes. And don’t forget to rehydrate again after the run.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your pup’s pads. They can tear their paws or get debris stuck in between their toes, so it’s important to keep an eye on those dog toes after every run. You may want to consider a nutritional supplement to support healthy bone and joint health as well.
Whether your dog is large or small, we don’t have a weight restriction at Venue at Werner Park, so you and your running buddy will love everything we have to offer. *breed restrictions apply.