8 tips and tricks to learn to run with your dog and how to deal with your dog while running
Do you want to run with your dog? Whether it’s a classic running next to
your doggie or a can-cross, which puts the animal first, this two-person sports
practice is a good way to keep fit while strengthening your relationship and
your friendship with your little companion. How do you train to run with your
dog? Is it possible with all animals? Do you have to train your dog first? How
to equip? How to start? How do we overcome the first difficulties? Our answers
are in his file.
Running with your dog: is it possible with all the coughs?
Yes and no. It should be noted that some breeds of dogs are more
predisposed to running and some enduring sports than others. Brachycephalic
breeds, i.e. breed with a larger than the long skull and a flattened face, have
more breathing difficulties and are not able to run long distances.
Puppies and young dogs are also still in the phase of bone growth. It
is, therefore, preferable to wait for the age of 12 to 18 months to allow them
to practice running so as not to weaken their joints prematurely.
In any case, before starting the race with your pet, consult the
veterinarian for a small check-up visit to confirm the possibility of this
activity, or even to advise you on the way to follow to avoid any risk to your
little companion. In addition, it is essential that the animal has fun in the
race and that its owner respects the rhythm of his little companion.
The practice of running with your dog is relatively diversified, as you
can distinguish the classic race, next to the doggie and the cani-cross, which
places the animal in front so that it pulls its master. In any case, running
with your dog is a great way to practice a sports activity for two, to
reinforce the complicity and trust between the two members of the team.
What training should be done?
Before starting to learn how to run with your dog, it is imperative to
make sure that he has good behavior, that he behaves well with his congeners
and that he knows how to obey certain essential orders such as directions
(right, left, front, etc.), stop, etc.
This preparation can be undertaken by the master alone, in a learning
club, or with a dog educator.
How to equip?
Before starting this new activity with your little companion, it is
imperative to equip yourself well. Adapted equipment will help you avoid
injuries, discomfort, and various risks.
To keep your toy running safely, equip it with a back harness and a
leash that you will connect to your waist after you have equipped yourself with
a shoulder harness suitable for running with your hands-free, or that you will
simply hold by hand if your pet is relatively obedient.
Avoid the collar, which can strangle or hurt your dog's neck.
How to start the race with your dog? Our 5 tips
Here are our tips to start running with your little companion.
Tip 1: softness and progression
Start with short trips of 15 to 20 minutes per week to avoid any risk of
injury to you or your dog. The pace should be moderate. As sessions progress,
you will increase the duration and speed, but avoid burning the steps too
quickly. Your pet needs time to adapt its body to the practice of running, just
like you.
Tip 2: Adapt to your pet
Be sure to adapt to your dog’s abilities, not the other way around. If
you force him to follow you, the outing can quickly become an unpleasant time
for both of you, and he may get hurt.
It should be noted that it is strongly inadvisable to run a young dog,
as its rapidly growing framework would be greatly weakened. Wait at least 12
months if small or medium breed and wait until 18 months if large.
Tip 3: keep it close to you
It is not uncommon for the dog not to follow the follow-up rules from
the start. It can be dispelled by excitement, move away from you, or stop
constantly to sniff new odors and mark its territory. So be sure to keep him on
a leash while running, so that he can get used to staying close to you
throughout the session.
Tip 4: choose the right terrain
Prefer to run on soft terrain such as a path, a path, a seaside. Dogs
have sensitive legs and bitumen can quickly hurt their pads.
Tip 5: Know how to stop when you have to
Finally, as soon as you see the first signs of fatigue in your pet,
stop. Half-heartedly, legs lying around, ears down, tongue hanging, tail down...
these signs should alert you.
How to cope with the main difficulties? Our 3 tips
You are now ready to embark on this activity. Nevertheless, you will
probably face some difficulties during your first outings. Here are our tips to
skip it.
Tip 6: Some solutions if your dog jumps on you
Your doggy jumps on you all the time and is full of energy and
excitement? Here are our tips to calm him down and resume your sports session
more serenely.
- Calm the dog: then walk slowly and speed up little by little and very gradually.
- As soon as your little companion starts getting excited and jumping, slow down or walk again. This will allow him to understand that he has to stop jumping and he has to run next to you.
- Turn your back on him: this trick practiced by all themselves among themselves allows them to calm a game too exalted. Say a "no!" Turn your back to your dog to create a barrier that shows your resentment and dissatisfaction.
Tip 7: our solutions if everything changes without stopping the direction
Some dogs have an unpleasant tendency to snake from right to left and
pass in front of their owner. This makes running unpleasant and can be very
dangerous in case of a fall.
- Hold it firmly: hold your little friend’s leash firmly to encourage him or her to run in front of you or by your side and to make him or she lose the habit of zigzagging.
- If running ahead: be attentive to his slowdowns and stop and push him gently to make him understand that he is embarrassing you. As soon as he leaves, cheer him up with "Bravo"
- If running on the side: pull the leash when it changes sides and holds it firmly to the side it needs to keep.
Tip 8: our solutions if your pet is not motivated
Do not force your little companion to run, as this activity must remain
a shared pleasure. If he refuses, leave him alone, but you can try our tricks
to stimulate him.
- Encouragement: caress, toy, candy... your dog can agree to follow you to get something. Don’t hesitate to lure him by holding the toy or treat.
- Trivialize the event: some dogs like to run, but freely and not as part of supervised practice. Stimulate him by other dogs who are willing to start or start running alone to give him the desire to follow you and equip him as soon as you see that the desire for a real session manifests itself.