Running with Dogs 101

By Brad Pattison

Running with your dog seems like a perfect fitness image. But many dog owners don’t know if their running routine is good for their pet.

In theory, it seems like a great alternative to heading to the off-leash park and gets both of you a great workout. Yet there are many things to consider before signing up Rover as a running partner. Is your dog suited to running with humans? Seems like a basic question, but it’s not as simple as it may seem. The answer is literally as plain as the nose on your dog’s face.

Some breeds should not be considered as running mates because of the potential of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. This is the medical term related to various upper-airway problems found in short-nosed, flat-faced dog breeds such as the puggle, pug, bulldog, boxer and basset hound. Exercise may cause rapid breathing that can’t be managed by these dogs.

Generally speaking, dogs with a thicker bone structure and a shorter nose are better for short distance running. Those animals with sleeker, slimmer bodies and a longer nose are more suited to run long distance with a human.

Here is a guideline of some breeds you can run with:

Under six kilometres: Beagle, Jack Russell terrier, Airedale, golden retriever, schnoodle, Labradoodle.

Six to 10 kilometres: American Labrador, border collie, shepherds, Doberman, Rhodesian Ridgeback and heelers.

Ten to 12 kilometres: Great breeds to run longer distances include the visla, visenji, shiba inu, husky and whippet.

AGE MATTERS
Any decision on running with your dog must factor in the age of your animal and should start with a visit to your veterinarian.

Bone growth must reach maturity. This typically takes a minimum of two years for large breed dogs such as Great Danes, Great Pyranees.

Medium to large breeds such as Rhodesian Ridgeback and Labrador take approximately 18 to 24 months to fill out with short bone growth. Small breeds are full grown by age 12 to 18 months.

Running long distances with any breed at a premature bone growth state can cause many  health issues in the joints. You need to know where your dog is at, physically, before hitting the road for serious running; otherwise, you risk injuring your dog.

CREATING A PAWSITIVE EXPERIENCE
Let’s get started preparing your new running partner with some basic exercises to get him learning about your movement. This is designed to keep you both safe.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR PREP    
First, take a hands-free, umbilical-style leash (the 6Legs leash) and hook the two of you together. Begin this exercise in the house. Avoid stepping around the dog. Walk through your dog so the animal clears a path for you. Once you have success indoors, take this exercise outside.

If your dog starts to lead or pull on the leash, practice changing direction with the dog attached to you. Quick, sharp turns are critical. Do not allow the dog to gain momentum and pull you.

For fun, weave in and around obstacles to make your dog think about how it needs to watch and follow you.

Work with the dog indoors and out for a two-week period, two hours a day. Break up the two hours if you like.

FOOT CARE
We have the luxury to wear fancy running shoes. Your dog has four feet on the ground. These four feet can be damaged if the pads are not conditioned. A house dog will have supple, soft pads that will be in need of conditioning.

Week 1: A typical conditioning schedule starts with a 30-minute walk on pavement. Stay off the grass and do this every day for one week, increasing the time by 10 minutes.

Week 2: Introduce short running time periods. Start with one minute and gradually build to 10 minutes at a time.
Monitor pads for blisters or redness. Rest your dog if blisters show up.

If pads or feet are sore, walk your dog along grassways.

PERSONALITY
Personality can be a big factor in keeping you safe during your run. A rambunctious dog might be more interested in chasing a squirrel, birds or other dogs. Dogs need to have their own needs fulfilled, so be aware: does your dog need to carry a stick or ball for a short period of time? Perhaps your dog needs to do more single-track path style running. Your dog’s personality will shine bright when you least expect it, so always be ready for the unexpected.

Does your dog enjoy pulling on the leash and want to protect you on the run by barking aggressively at oncoming people? Get into the habit of saying hello to approaching people. This way, your dog may not feel the need to bark before you speak. Does your dog like to fetch? Take a few minutes before your run to toss a ball for your dog. Allowing your dog’s needs to be met will enhance the bond between the two of you.

Dog trainer Brad Pattison is the host of At The End of My Leash, an award-winning television show on Slice and HGTV. Based in Kelowna, B.C., he is the creator of 6 Legs to Fitness, a workout program for people and their dogs.

November/December 2010 Issue