Other than the endorphins and pure enjoyment, there are a lot of reasons to jog with your dog . Here are a few:
- Often a dog’s destructive behavior is a result of too much energy. Destructive behavior usually decreases when they get more exercise.
- It will help to keep your pet at their appropriate weight. Most of us tend to spoil our dogs with random treats or treats as training rewards. These tend to be tasty but higher in calories.
- Movement tones muscles and maintains muscle mass. Your dog will look and feel better.
- With regular exercise comes regularity (if you know what I mean).
- It’s a great bonding experience for you both
Getting started
As with beginning any exercise regimen, start out slow and work up, both in distance and intensity.
Ideally your dog will jog at your side in perfect harmony, synced to your pace. But that might not happen at first. So, how can we get there? Positive reinforcement, that’s how.
Pick a side that you’d like your dog to stay on while jogging with you. Traditional heeling is on your left side. Maybe it’s because I’m right handed and my arm is stronger and quicker on that side – but I prefer when my dog is on my right. Dog trainers may disagree, but I don’t think there’s a correct answer. Maybe your dog will feel more comfortable on one side or the other and choose for you.
While walking your dog, (before you start jogging with them) once-in-a-while give them a training treat when they’re on that side and only when they’re on that side. You’re reinforcing their behavior by reward placement. Pavlov would be proud.
The lead, or leash, is very important. It’s the connection between the two of you. A dog trainer once told me that your leash should be exactly 6 feet long. That way there’s a clear understanding between you and your dog. They can go up to 6 ft from you, no farther. It’s a constant, and dogs thrive on consistency in training. However, these days I enjoy the retractable 16 ft leashes with my current, smaller running companion. It gives her a sense of freedom and she knows that she has (and since she was a pup – has always had) exactly up to 16 ft. It’s trickier for sure though. You have to be hyper-aware of your surroundings and approaching dangers. You’ll need a little extra time to shorten the leash and have your dog close and safe.
Safety first!
Walking a little before and after a jog is a good warm up and cool down for both of you
Harsh weather conditions, either too cold or too hot are not good for animals. When it’s hot and sunny, put your hand on the surface of the road. If it feels too hot for your hand – it’s definitely too hot for their paws. Remember, you have thick sole running shoes. They don’t.
Also, Remember that dogs can’t sweat so avoid the hot times of the day. Panting is the most efficient way dogs have to cool themselves. It works by allowing heat from the hottest part of the body, the inner thorax, to escape through moisture produced by the mucous membranes of the tongue, mouth, and throat. The dog exhales the moist air, and the process of evaporation cools the dog. As a result of this, heat stroke and overheating are a serious concern. Here are some tips for cooling down a dog that may be overheated.
Keep an eye on your dog. Lagging behind, heavy panting or slowing down could be a sign they’ve had enough.
Make sure they have some “doggie time”. Just sniffing and doing their bathroom thing.
If you can carry water and a bowl, please do. They make lightweight, collapsible bowls just for this purpose.
Puppies aren’t ready for a lot of jogging. Sure, they have tons of energy that needs to be burned off, but their bones are too soft for running much distance. You’ll have to just play with them to exhaust them (so everyone can get some sleep at night). Or run very short distances as you walk them.
All breeds aren’t the same when it comes to jogging. Breeds with short snouts like Shih Tzus, Pugs, Bull Dogs, and Boxers are better with short sprints than long slow jogs. Check with the dog’s vet for his opinion regarding your dog and type of exercise.
Amount of activity varies
Your dog’s age, their breed, their size and overall health will determine how much exercise they need or can tolerate. Optimally, your dog will greatly benefit from 30 minutes to two hours of activity a day. That’s a lot!
Especially if you have a demanding job, kids or both! But let’s face it. A dog is a commitment, like a job, or a marriage, or a child. And, just like those things, you get back what you give. Jogging with your dog (rather than a short walk or letting them out in the yard ) is actually a more efficient, time saving way to bring fun, rigorous activity to you and your furry friend.
Working dogs like Labrador Retrievers, hounds, Collies and shepherds will need the most exercise. They were bred over many generations to earn their keep by expending energy all day herding, hunting or guarding. If your dog is healthy and belongs in the working dog category you really need to get them out and active. People adopt them because they are incredibly smart, beautiful animals. But if not given the activity they need, they can become neurotic just like a human.
Again, have a talk with the dog’s vet. They can help you decide exactly how much exercise your dog actually needs.