How to Train Your Dog to Run With You
You have probably seen dogs running alongside their owners, an effortless performance with the dog keeping up and obediently staying close to their master. You may have wondered if it would be possible for you to try going for a run with your own dog.
Do not be intimidated, running alongside your dog is an excellent way for you both to get some good exercise, as well as a bonding moment. So, how can you go about training your dog to run alongside you? Where do you begin?
Is Your Dog a Runner?
Before you get into the nitty-gritty of training, it's important to make sure both you and your canine companion are up to the task. Not every dog is a natural born runner.
Small and tiny dogs may have a difficult time keeping pace with you, and brachycephalic breeds (flat faced) tend to have severe breathing issues that make them unable to run. Dogs with short legs or who are missing legs are not going to be able to easily keep pace with you.
You also don’t want a running companion who is an elderly senior, pregnant, or sick in any capacity. Running can put a lot of strain on a dog’s system, so always make sure that your dog has been given a clean bill of health from a vet before starting anything intense.
Obese dogs will have to start slow and build their way up. Running could cause them to overheat or struggle to breathe.
Very small puppies will also not be able to run, and should receive all of their routine vaccinations before heading out. Ideally, you can start leash-training at 3 - 4 months old and progress up to walks at 6 months. It's not recommended to do any hardcore running before your dog has finished growing at 1 - 2 years old.
Always give new pups regular breaks to catch their breath, and be prepared to cut the run short if they are still too young to handle the route.
Learn The Basics
Running well with you is a learned skill. Like any skill, there are a number of baby steps when it comes to teaching your dog. Make sure that both of you are confident in the basics before you get going with your running buddy.
Leash Training
When you start your training, you are going to want to make sure you have a high quality leash. Even if you eventually intend to go off-leash, your dog will still need to know how to navigate a leash when there is a situation that calls for it.
Many dogs prefer a harness for running, as they are able to slow down or change pace without putting any strain on their necks and throats. You will need a good, open harness with a lot of freedom of movement. An X-shaped harness or one that fits comfortably over the shoulders is the best fit. The harness should be as lightweight as possible.
A harness with clips on the sides or front may also help a dog to gauge their pace without pulling you off your feet.
For some non-pull and open harness options, check out Sparkpaws’ Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Collection for a variety of colorful and safe options that have big dogs in mind.
The leash is up to your discretion. A shorter leash is good for beginners or when walking in urban areas, while a more experienced runner might prefer a retractable leash.
Your dog should know how to walk at a normal walking pace before you try running. It is very important that your dog knows to walk alongside you instead of pulling forward or crossing your path - if they do this on a run, it can cause serious injury to both of you.
Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Snow Cone
Stay calm and stop walking immediately if your dog begins to pull ahead. You can reward them with food if they walk calmly, but do not reward them every time, or they will expect food for all good behavior.
Exposure
Your dog can be a dead calm angel at home, but it's probably another story when you go outside. Dogs love to smell and explore, so a dog will naturally get more excited when away from home.
If you intend to run with your dog, make sure your dog walks calmly through areas of high distraction. Get them used to seeing people, other dogs, animals, cars, or whatever else they may encounter on a running trail.
Running increases heartbeat, so if your dog is overly reactive on a normal day, then they could become really reactive during a run. Make sure your dog regularly gets to experience new places and that they can behave themselves in public when they do.
If you have an anxious or reactive dog, consider hiring a professional to help both you and your dog get into a routine that works for you.
Commands
When thinking about how to train your dog to run with you, consider some commands that your dog will need to know.
Commands such as sit, heel, stop, go, turn left/right, and so on can make a big difference to your safety. You will definitely encounter difficult situations at some point on your run, so practice these commands so that your dog understands and responds to them immediately.[1]
Start training these commands as soon as possible, and make sure to practice them with your furry running companion on your everyday walks.
If there are multiple people in your house, make sure that you are all on the same page regarding instructions. Using multiple commands for the same action will just confuse your dog and can cause them to hesitate.
Getting Ready to Run
Once you are confident with the basics, you can start preparing for your first run.
Good Equipment
As mentioned already, a good quality harness and leash are a lifesaver. Even if you intend to eventually run off-leash, you will still need to be prepared to leash them in an emergency.
Before you start running, you will likely make sure that you have the right shoes, running gear, and hydration - the same goes for your dog.
Dog shoes can be very useful. In urban settings, they can protect your dog’s paws from hot concrete, chemical runoff, and gravel, and on nature trails, they can protect from hot sand, thorns, and rocks. Since your dog is moving quickly, good running shoes will prevent friction burns and give them a better grip.
If you are interested in some doggy running shoes that won't fall off, consider Sparkpaws’ Dog Shoes & Boots Collection, which has designs for both hot and cold weather conditions.
Aside from running shoes, proper gear will also include a poop-bag (since almost all trails and parks require pickup) and a doggy hydration flask. This can either be a separate bowl or an attachment to help your dog get a good sip of water.
If your dog is fit enough, consider giving them a lightweight running pack so that they can carry some of their own equipment. The pack should never way more than 10 - 25% of their weight. You can also include other essentials like dog-safe medication, favorite toys, or treats.
Careful Preparation
Before setting out, make sure the weather is not going to be too cold or too hot for both you and your dog.
Know the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion in dogs, such as excessive panting, vomiting, drooling, or weakness. Consider bringing a small towel to douse in water to cool them in an emergency. When running with your dog, get used to keeping an eye on them.
Dehydration is a common problem for both dogs and humans - make sure you have enough water for both of you.
Consider walking the route you want to take with your running gear, and start training your dog where you might want to execute the commands you want to show them. You can also learn where your dog’s ‘trigger points’ might be, such as an interesting pool of water or a picnic site.
If you plan to run with multiple dogs, let them get used to going with you and with each other before attempting anything big. Pack mentality can increase excitement.
Building Tolerance
Most dogs are not going to be the perfect running companion right out of the gate. It will take them some time to get used to the endurance needed for running.
Consider starting with shorter routes in more public areas so that you can both get help if you need it. Give your dog frequent breaks when they’re starting out, slowly increasing the distance between breaks as time goes on.
Smaller dogs will need more breaks than bigger ones.
Make sure you check in regularly when running with your dog and keep an eye out for signs of exhaustion or heat stroke. Even if you are comfortable, they might be struggling a bit.
Taking the time to warm up and cool down with some light exercise can help your dog last longer and be more comfortable on the run.
Conclusion
Before you start training your dog to run, you are going to want to make sure that they are capable of running and in good health.
You will need equipment such as harnesses, dog shoes, a good leash, water, and first aid. All equipment should be as lightweight as possible. Your dog should be leash trained, used to being in public spaces, and well trained to walk beside you and follow commands.
Make sure the weather and trail are safe before starting out, and check regularly for heatstroke. Once you and your dog work well together, you can begin building up their exercise tolerance.
They may need frequent breaks in the beginning as they get used to running at your pace. Keep a careful eye on them to make sure they can keep up.
Running is a wonderful way to get exercise and bond with your dog. Do not get discouraged if they take some time getting into it, and be patient with them.
Happy Running!
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