Jogging With a Dog: Tips and Tricks for More Fun

Jogging with the dog is really fun. This applies to the four-legged friend and its owner. Running together also strengthens the human-dog bond. Read here what you should watch out for when jogging with your dog.

Jogging with Your Dog in a Nutshell

• Very young dogs and old animals should not go jogging;
• The four-legged friend determines the pace when jogging;
• Interval training runs are not for a dog;
• A jogging leash increases safety on the go.

Not every dog is athletic and loves to rave next to its owner at a high pace for a long time. Temperatures that are too high also mean that your fur nose is quickly exhausted. The most important basic rule that you have to observe when jogging with your dog is that the training must be tailored to the health, the fitness of the animal, and the prevailing climatic conditions.

While humans jog their laps to exercise physically, dogs view their environment very differently. You want to explore this. They stop, sniff, and look around. If you have not prepared your dog well for the first jog, it will hinder your running. It is therefore important that the four-legged companion knows the basic commands, is well behaved, and is on a leash.

Jog Step by Step with the Dog

1. For your first jogging laps, choose a green area, a forest, a park, or an area where there are few cars.
2. The first run should only be short. Around 10 to 15 minutes are enough to get started. The first thing is to teach your four-legged friend the process and train them to run alongside you.
3. Put the dog in a harness to which you can attach the jogging leash after warming up.
4. Start with a warm-up period for yourself and your dog. Play with him and make him warm up.
5. Then put your dog on a leash and start walking. Gently increase the pace.
6. Make sure your dog is walking by your side and not jumping up on you.
7. Keep an eye on the dog and run with foresight: if he wants to stop, don’t let it. He has to learn that the jogging leash means he has to walk next to you without stopping.
8. Do not pull the leash, but treat the dog carefully and kindly.
9. Adjust your pace to that of your furry friend.
10. Most dogs learn quickly. After three or four intensive rounds of practice, you have basically learned the process. Nevertheless, you have to be constantly careful to correct the dog if it stops or jumps up undesirably.

In addition, a dog that is physically challenged needs the opportunity to refresh itself in between. You should always have water with you when you go jogging! The most important thing in preparing for jogging with your dog is to start with short runs to get the animal used to the procedure. Practicing helps avoid jumping and snapping in high spirits.

Check Your Dog’s Paws After Jogging

After jogging the dog, you should check its paws. If the animals walk over asphalt or gravel for a long time, they can get injuries or even blisters. Sensitive paws can be cared for with a zinc ointment.

Dogs get sore muscles too. You will notice it from the fact that the dog can only move with difficulty from the resting position and has an unusually sluggish gait. Give him rest and relaxation. You can also offer him food after a strenuous jogging session. Don’t forget to give him water.

Beware of Extreme Heat or Cold!

If the temperature is too high, no dog should be forced to accompany its owner on a jog. You yourself know the comfort zone of your beloved fur nose best, but basically, you can say that dogs are best cared for in a shady place at temperatures above 25 ° C. If the temperatures drop below freezing point, there is nothing wrong with jogging as long as the animal is not freezing. Breeds without an undercoat have a different perception of cold than dogs with a thick coat of fur. Make sure to wear protective clothing with sensitive animals. In winter on cold snowy surfaces, protect the paws of your four-legged friend with special paw protection ball seeds. This will prevent lumps of ice from forming between the balls of your feet and toes. Tip: If you jog in the dark in winter, make sure you equip your dog with a luminous collar or a reflective vest. This ensures more security.

Which breeds of dogs are best for jogging?

• English Setter;
• Siberian Husky;
• German Shorthaired Pointer;
• Brittany Spaniel;
• Boxer;
• Labrador Retriever;
• Australian Cattle Dog.

When Can you take a dog with you for jogging?

The dog should be at least 24 months old.

Distance: How far can a dog run?

The length of the route depends on the breed, fitness, and health of the dog, as well as the weather conditions. Badly trained dogs have had enough after 1 km. Healthy and well-trained strong dogs run 10 km at a time and more.

When to jog with the dog?

You can jog the dog in the morning or take a walk in the evening. Make sure that the round does not take place immediately after feeding. Ideally, you should schedule the training at the same time that you usually go for a walk with the dog.

Jogging Leash for the Dog: a Must?

You should secure your dog with a jogging leash. To do this, you need a comfortable, as elastic as possible, chest harness and an elastic leash that you attach to a hip belt. Jogging leashes can be bought as a set, which includes a hip belt, a leash, and a pocket for the hip belt. Jogging leashes for the dog increase safety. They will hold the dog by your side and prevent it from running away. At the same time, you have your hands free for your training. If your dog is very well behaved and you are in open terrain, then the free-run is a welcome change for the dog. Important: Never leash your dog to the collar or even to the Hilti, as this can lead to painful injuries to the cervical spine or to the muzzle.

Our Recommendation: Don’t Rush!

If you slowly get your dog used to jogging, they will soon be able to use the jogging leash. With every running unit, he also learns that he has to run alongside you all the time and not stop. So that you and your dog can enjoy jogging for a long time, you should consider the following: Take your dog’s fitness into account. Take breaks when he gets tired. Adjust your pace to that of the animal – not the other way around. Praise him when he trots along next to you for minutes. Offer him water after jogging and reward him with a treat.