The four-legged friend has an urge to move and the master or mistress wants to stay fit: A joint jogging routine could be the solution. If you are toying with the idea of walking your dog, you need to know what the animal needs. Because the dog’s health and well-being come first if you want to do sports together. Not all breeds want to go running, the same applies to dogs that are too young. Inform yourself in advance and plan a slow acclimatization phase, so the owner and dog can both enjoy future sports activities, which can even further strengthen the bond between humans and animals. What is important and what to avoid? All information at a glance.
It seems to be the ideal combination to combine the dog’s urge to move and the fitness of the owner and to go jogging together. And that’s true, but not for all dogs. You shouldn’t take a puppy jogging with you. The young dog’s body would be put under too much strain because joints, muscles and bones are not yet sufficiently developed. Excessive loads could damage it permanently. From the age of one, you can slowly get your dog used to jogging.
Not only the age of the dog is decisive for going for a run together. Race plays an equally important role. Hunting dogs in particular are running animals, because their musculoskeletal system is optimally adapted to the requirements. Dog breeds like Border Collie, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Poodle, Dalmatian, Jack Russell Terrier, Weimaraner and Labrador like to run. That doesn’t mean that other dog breeds can’t jog with you, but if in doubt you should have a health check carried out by the veterinarian so that you can be sure that your dog will enjoy the shared hobby. Sick and old dogs are not fit enough for jogging and should stay at home. In addition, your dog must also be mentally ready for jogging. In concrete terms, this means: Your dog hears well and there is a trusting bond between human and animal.
Like humans, dogs also have to get used to walking. Start slowly and then gradually increase the speed and distance. The running distance is also crucial, remember to protect your dog from the hot sun and hard asphalt. Routes in the forest are therefore well suited for running together. Breaks are important on the first rounds of training, because your four-legged friend should have some time to sniff around and do his or her business. The use of treats can also be useful, for example reward your dog after each section of the run or at the end of the run.
There are some helpful gadgets that make jogging with a dog easier. Including a flexible jogging leash that offers enough space for humans and animals and a drinking bottle to keep you hydrated.
Depending on the running distance and your dog’s bondage, you can decide whether your dog runs freely next to you or whether it needs a leash. If you jog in a busy area with lots of people and cars, you should use a leash. Conventional lines are only moderately suitable for this. They swing back and forth with every arm movement and can be irritating when running. A flexible jogging leash with a waist belt is more suitable. The belt fastens around the stomach and has an elastic cord. This way your arms are free and your dog is secured because the leash cannot slip out of your hand. When pulled, the jogging leash gives in slightly, which protects your dog’s neck and neck area.
Tip: storage space on the waist belt is a plus point when buying, because you can store a drinking bottle, dog waste bag or smartphone in it, for example.
The right dog harness completes the running construction. If your dog runs faster than planned or stops suddenly, it pulls on the leash. The sudden pull poses a risk of injury, so you should use a padded dog harness that gently catches your dog.
Tip: Buy a padded dog harness with reflectors for runs in the dark.
It is not just humans who have an increased need to drink fluids during sporting activities. Your dog also needs enough water. If you can’t choose a running route with water, a practical drinking bottle for dogs is a good idea. The special attachment of the drinking bottle with a small bowl is adapted to dogs.
Sources: Sportscheck.de, Fressnapf.de, Geo.de
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