Do You Want to Train Your Dog to be a Running Partner?

A great fun way to spend time with your dog and get your running exercise done at the same time is to train he or she to run with you. Motivation to run comes in many ways. Training your dog to run with you is a great motivator to stay on target with your running.

Above Photo Courtesy of Silver Brook Labs

Be sure you have a dog well suited for long distance running. Not all dog breeds are able to stand a long run regardless of how much fun it is. Dogs with a short muzzle are better suited for short distance runs. Running is never safe for puppies because their bones are still growing. For other breeds of dogs, wait until they reach the age of about 1 1/2  years old.

Even a dog well suited to long distance running can sometimes not like the run just due to personality, while others will jump right in and love every minute of the run. Be sure to take your dog for a complete physical before training he or she to run with you. You want to make sure everything is a go for him just the same as it is for you.

Step 1: Teach your dog loose-leash walking first. The biggest reason for this is a dog that pulls on the leash is frustrating while walking, but downright dangerous at faster speeds. The dog could end up with a broken neck. Use treats, toys and lots of praise to reinforce your dog to keep the leash hanging in a J shape.

Step 2: It is essential that you keep your dog on one side of you when you start running together. Choose the side, left or right, does not matter which side you choose. If your dog runs in front of you or weaves from side to side accidents can happen such as the dog getting you tangled up in the leash or tripping you. Train at a walking pace and keep giving the dog rewards for good behavior. Remember to give your dog treats exactly in the position you want to reinforce. For example, if you want the dog on your left side, offer the treats at your left leg.

Step 3: When your dog walks politely on your side, speed things up. Choose a cue command word or phrase such as "let's get going," or "let's go." The cue will tell your dog it is time to move faster. When you need to get faster choose a different cue such as "move faster," or "move," or "lets get running." Never change the cue for each pace. When you use these cues correctly, your dog will respond appropriately. Give treats and much praise every step of the way your dog behaves appropriately.

Step 4: Teach the running cue by alternating short bursts of jogging or running with a normal walking pace. Give the cue immediately before you increase speed, reward the dog when he hurries to catch up with you. Using this same technique teach the dog to slow with a cue such as "slow down," or "whoa," or any number of cues you can use for telling the dog it is time to slow down. And always give treats and much praise every time your dog behaves correctly.

Step 5: Build endurance. Once your dog knows how to stay at your side and obey all your cues to match your pace, it is time to get the dog's body in shape. Humans have to build strength and endurance for running. The dog is exactly the same. Add small stretches of running into your walks. In the next session, gradually increase the portion of your time spent running and decrease the portion spent walking. After several weeks of this alternating schedule your dog will be adapted to running long distances.

Here are some additional tips to make your runs safe and enjoyable.

• Always warm up the dog before a run and cool him down at end of run by walking at a steady pace for several minutes.
• Avoid running when the weather is hot. Dogs cannot handle heat and humidity as well as humans. You might be just fine, but your dog could suffer during runs in hot weather.
• Don't forget your water for the dog. Offer water to your dog regularly.
• Give the dog frequent breaks to recharge, take a bathroom break or just sniff around and enjoy his surroundings.
• Allow your dog to run off leash where it is safe and legal and only if you know for sure the dog will obey your recall cues amid distractions.
• Always know the physical conditions of your dog, such as when he has had enough for the day by panting or lagging behind you. Some dogs might try hard to please their owners, but you need to be aware dogs do exercise to a limit just like you do. Know their limits.

If you are a real dedicated runner, you most likely will run in rain, snow, ice or sleet, whatever the weather is, you will be present as a runner. Sometimes it is simply just too cold for your dog to make the run with you. Try to maintain your dog's physical conditioning with indoor exercise during extreme cold weather. You want the dog to be ready when the weather is better. Ways to keep your dog in tip top shape might include:

• a game of fetch somewhere indoors where he will have to really run and retrieve to get his heart pumping and give his muscles a good work out
• consider setting up an obstacle course with ordinary objects lying around your house or purchase special items such as hula hoops, cardboard boxes
• consider training facilities in your area that offer indoor agility classes
• some dogs can be trained to use a treadmill, which is an excellent method of keeping your dog in good shape for runs

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Glucosamine helps maintain and promote joint and connective tissue health. It has been shown to be essential in the healthy development and ongoing maintenance of connective tissue and synovial fluid. Research studies indicate that Glucosamine supports healthy joint flexibility, mobility and lubrication. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural source of organic sulfur, integral to many body functions and particularly vital to the maintenance of a healthy musculoskeletal system. 

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