Getting out and breaking a sweat with your dog is always a great idea. Not only does it strengthen your bond, but it is also an amazing way to keep the two of you happy and healthy. Our furry friends need exercise just as much as we do.
Hitting the trails and running with your pooch can be easier when you know what to pack. With fitness gear made for pet and human workouts, the activity can be made more enjoyable and fun.
Find out about the benefits of running with your dog and all your must-have gear for the outing!
Why Run With Your Dog?
Running with your dog can benefit both your physical and mental health. This whole-body exercise makes most of your muscles work, therefore improving both your cardiovascular and respiratory systems and avoiding obesity and disease.
Running is indeed a sensory-rich approach to exploring the world around you. It can also help to burn off all the extra energy which your dog can turn into destructive behavior. When your dog is physically and mentally stimulated enough not to cause issues, it will build a great bond between the pair of you.
Both of you also motivate each other to stay healthy when you run together. Remember that obesity in dogs is associated with a number of medical complaints including osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and insulin resistance.
Running also makes your dog very happy as they love to check out the sights and smells and will really look forward to spending time with you.
They also act as your bodyguard as you try to stay in shape in the public. Dogs are very loyal and protective of their owners, so running with them provides comfort and peace of mind while opening up paths and times of day for a run that would otherwise be off-limits.
Gear for Running with Your Dog
Here is some equipment you need for an easy run with your dog,
Hands-Free Leashes
It’s important to have both of your arms free when running and that’s where hands-free leashes come in handy. Kurgo K9 Excursion Belt can help you enjoy your outdoor cardio with your furry friend since it has two sliding leash clips that let you run easily without having to hold the leash with your hand.
The belt, which fits people with a waistline of 29-45 inches, also includes a dispenser for poop bags so you can easily grab one when you need it. It also features a zippered pocket for other things like keys and money, as well as a water bottle that holds up to 12 oz.
Simply take a sip and put it back in its spot, it’s easy-peasy without wasting any time or interrupting your workout.
Pair the belt with a leash that has an O-ring for a better experience, just like the very simple but durable Downtown Pet Supply’s Slip Leads. These leashes are 3 feet long and ⅝ inches wide.
No-Pull Harness
A no-pull harness system is always a great selection to avoid accidents when you’re both hitting the trails and for you to be more in control of your dog. We recommend the EzyDog Premium Chest Plate Harness!
It is fully adjustable with a super padded neoprene chest trap for their comfort. This means that in case they pull, they won’t choke or gag as the pressure will be gently distributed on their torso.
What we also love about this one is that it boasts reflective stitching for roadway visibility in low light conditions. It really is made for running, whether it’s during the day or night!
They use durable buckles for fast and easy wearing and putting off, as well as heavy-duty D-ring made of stainless steel where you can securely attach the leash.
Protective Boots
Imagine running without wearing shoes! Your feet will be touching hot pavements, pebbles, sticks, and debris that can injure them, that is why your dog also needs shoes. Dog boots create a barrier between your dog’s paws and the ground.
QUMY Waterproof Dog Shoes feature tough waterproof anti-slip soled that provide stability and friction, as well as protection from sharp thorns and other debris that can irritate your dog’s paw pads.
They are guaranteed to last a long time since the shoes are sewn and not just glued.
Available in various sizes, these shoes are so handy as you don’t have to wipe off your dog’s muddy feet before going back inside the house! It also protects their nails from being dragged on rough surfaces.
Paw Balm
Even if they’re wearing shoes, your dogs can still get their paws hurt especially during snowy conditions that can cause overly dry paws. But a little balm, like Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax, can go a long way.
It is easy to apply and very gentle! It contains vitamin E to moisturize and heal wounds keeping them healthy and hydrated. The balm, which is available in various sizes, is all-natural and works by drying in a few seconds to create a semi-permeable shield!
Water Bowl
Just like us, our canine friends also need to stay hydrated while running. Lock Laces Bark Bottle brings canine hydration to the next level as it filters and dispenses water into a container for easy drinking.
It fits perfectly in a backpack and promises no spills because of its secure locking mechanism. The plastic can also hold 12 fluid ounces of water and is BPA-free. To use it, simply unlock the locking mechanism, turn the bottle forward, and press the water-dispensing button.
Treats
Treats are an essential part of running to keep them motivated to exercise and to reward good behavior. We recommend Canine Carry Outs Dog Treats! These yummy treats come in different flavors, from bacon to pork chop, and steak.
Everything tastes meaty and they’re for all kinds of dogs! They are also made in mini sizes to help you bring along during the run.
Tips for Running with a Dog
Here are some important tips to make your run a happy and problem-free one!
- Make sure your dog is fit enough. They need to have the right conditioning to run with you. Make sure they are not sick and that they have the strength and stamina to keep up with the kilometers of running. This is more important if your dog has been sedentary for quite a while. If you’re not sure about their condition, consult a vet.
- Train your dog to run on a leash first. Running on a leash is different from walking on one. Try short sprints first while walking them and slowly increase the amount of time.
- Warm up. This is necessary for both of you to improve circulation and to avoid injuries.
- Groom your dog. Since they pick up debris and dirt when outside be sure to give them a good brushing after a run to keep their fur clean and smooth. Check their paws for wounds too.
Check out this video for more tips!
Have a Happy Run!
If you want to try running with your dog, make sure you follow all our tips to keep both of you safe and happy before, during, and after the activity. The aforementioned gear can also help you meet you and your furry friend’s needs!
Swap big water bottles for portable containers when on the trail and go for hands-free leashes now! And, as always, reward them with their favorite treats during breaks. Your furry friend will thank you for the enjoyable experience!
