Running with Dogs

I haven’t been a runner all my life, but over the last decade or so, running has been a big part of it. Twelve years ago, I was kinda chunky, kinda lazy, and not the vision of how I’d pictured my adult self. I found myself with some extra time the second summer that I was a teacher, so I took up cycling as a cheap and productive activity to consume my time.

One thing led to another, and I figured if I could ride a cycle for 4+ hours, then I could run a little bit too. That, and I had this young dog, Franklin, who was hell on wheels. This animal had to wear himself out playing fetch just to be compliant on the leash for his daily walk. Enter the running with dogs period of my life.

There was a long span of time when either Chris or myself would come home and play Chuk-it in the driveway for 15 minutes before the afternoon walk just so Franklin wouldn’t pull our arms out of socket on the neighborhood walk.

I wouldn’t really call this blog a tutorial on running with dogs, but I can certainly offer some pointers. Like most of my experiences in life, I have learned to run with my dogs through some hard knocks.

It is obviously much more pleasant to trail run with your dog off-leash, but for many of us who live in more populated areas, that’s just not possible. Plus, dogs can be unpredictable and run off at the slightest whim or scent of something new, leaving you screaming your head off for Sniffer-Mc-Snifferson like a fool in the woods. There are certainly dogs out there who are fully trained, smart, and solid off-leash runners, but in most cases you’ll be using a leash to run your dog.

Hands Free! Safely Running with Dogs

When I began running with Franklin, I would always hold his leash in my hand. This is a firm NO! I would lose my temper at him for being a dog; pulling, running, and sometimes lunging to say, “Hi” to passers-by, and my arm would become so worn out! My girlfriend, Rebecca had an old climbing harness she cut the leg straps from, and voila, a hands-free running leash.

I secured my more budget friendly, scrappy, Megan version-2 old dog collars clipped together. I still have it, 10+ years, many excursions, and a several week loss and recovery in the nature center parking lot. The only thing I have to be super cautious of is that it is firmly clipped. There have been many an experience that an over-zealous dog has pulled the running belt right off my waist!

Franklin was a reactive dog, and my current dogs Wallace and Oliver are both reactive dogs too. We’ve all experienced some close calls! Franklin would go bananas when he’d see any other dogs. Fortunately he would just bark to be able to go sniff them, but his tactics made strangers nervous.

On a particular winter run, Franklin barked and leapt at another dog on the bike trail. The leash locked under my legs before I could yell, “NO!” I cartwheeled to the ground in a spectacular show, over the dog and into the ditch. Franklin stood staring at me on the ground, tail wagging, mouth open as if to say, “Hey, what happened to you?”.

The poor man whose dog Franklin was trying to greet looked at me in shock, eyes wide, and asked, “Are you OK?”.
I hopped to my feet, acting like everything was alright, red faced, embarrassed, and apologized. I ran on my way, pride and hip damaged, and angry at my jerk dog.

I wish I’d learned some of the assertive training techniques that I know now. I’d get nervous, and as Casear Milan says, “You have to be calm-assertive.” Dogs feel and sense your energy. If you’re wound up, they will wind up too. Things have improved, but I wouldn’t say I’m the calmest running buddy.

Running with Two Dogs!

I do run with both dogs at the same time. It’s good for them to enjoy some heart-pounding exercise, and I know that I benefit too. Wally and Oliver haven’t taken me out in a bone-jarring crash, but we’ve experienced some close calls and comical slip-ups. I have to be fully aware and alert at all times-no music on my dog runs. Just my dogs, me,our feet pounding the pavement, and collars jingling in the breeze.

Running with your dog is also a fantastic way to bond with him or her. Some of the other reported benefits include stronger joints for both of you, mental sharpness and clarity, less anxiety and depression, and an increase in your heart strength, as well as your dog’s.

Getting Started: Supplies and Tips for Running With Dogs

If you’re new to running, take it slow. Aim for one minute of slow, easy running, and one minute of walking, or some variation of that. Give your dog the same consideration; if you’re a runner, but your dog is just getting started out, start him slowly. Dogs who go from couch potato to running buddy status have a higher likelihood of tearing cruciate ligaments (ACL). Plus, you know your dog is stoked to do whatever you want. He will gladly run a marathon if that’s what you want to do-whether he is ready for it or not.

A good harness: It’s best to use some sort of harness. A collar can pull on your dog’s neck and impede his breathing.

Running belt or some hands-free way to attach yourself to your dog: This one is up to personal preference. I like to have my hands free, but I know how my dogs will act on a leash. If your dog is a terror on the leash, zigging and zagging; it might be a good idea to have some practice runs in a safe place you can hold the leash and let go if you get in trouble.

My two dogs combined weigh over 100 pounds. That’s a serious lot of pull power. A dog attached to your waist WILL pull you. Please make sure you are able to command your dog if you need him to listen in a hurry. Wally and Oliver are generally under control, and will match my speed. I am not a fast runner by any means, the dogs know not to go too fast, but they typically don’t slog behind me either.

Your dog doesn’t need to run too far. You know your dog best! Some of those athlete dogs CAN and WILL run a marathon. I’ve found 3-5 miles is the magic number. Franklin helped train me for my only marathon. We’d run 4 miles together after work, I’d double back home and drop him off, and continue the rest of my run solo. Wallace and Oliver are pooped after 3 miles. That’s really all they need, and there’s no need to push them further!

Protect your dog from the weather and pavement or trail conditions: Check your dog’s toenails and paw pads. Some paw balm is helpful in colder climates. Don’t run him when it is too hot outside, on steamy pavement (plus the fur coat doesn’t help).

Finally, make sure to hydrate: both for yourself and your dog. Plan your route somewhere that your dog will have access to some water. On the flip side of that, don’t let your dog gulp the water. You know, that sense of a dog to go overboard in everything? I’ve cleaned up many vomit lakes from overly-excited dogs who were tempted with an endless bounty of water.

Running with dogs can be fun, rewarding, and a special bonding experience for you and your best friend! Make sure to take some basic precautions, and you’ll both have some amazing stories!

What kinds of exercise do you enjoy with your four-legged friends?