Run Doggy Run

Keeping Your Favourite Running Partner Happy and Healthy

By Laura L. Benn

Running together is great exercise for your dog and can help motivate you to get out and go for a run. “Many humans do not provide their dogs with the right amount of daily exercise and in most cases these people are usually not getting enough exercise themselves,” says dog trainer Kate McLean, a behaviour specialist with the Canadian Canine Training Academy in Ottawa. “Running, walking or biking with your dog every day is by far the best thing you can do for your dog and for yourself.”

Many canine behavioural problems stem from cases of boredom and can often be corrected by providing more physical stimulation with proper leadership.

But before you head out for a run with your furry running friend by your side, it’s wise to consider your dog’s running ability and running potential.

> Understand Your Dog

Breed Basics

Individual and breed differences may impact your dog’s ability to run with you. According to dog trainer Kate McLean, all dogs are capable of running, but not all dogs can run with the same intensity.

“Breeds with short snouts may have trouble breathing and dogs with short legs can only go so far,” says McLean. It is not a good idea to make flat-faced breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, your new long-distance running companions. Similarly, certain large breeds, such as Great Danes and Greyhounds, are not genetically designed for endurance. These large breeds perform better during short bursts of speed. Other breeds, like German Shepherds and Labradors, can be prone to hip dysplasia, which could shorten their running ‘careers.’

“Research your breed,” advises McLean, who also recommends that owners watch their dog's body language during a run regardless of breed to ensure the dog’s well-being. If in doubt about your breed's traits and needs, be sure to consult with a veterinarian before beginning a training program or increasing the frequency or intensity of your dog’s runs.

Nutritional Needs

Dr. David Kozuch, a veterinarian for Iams and Eukanuba Canada, understands that feeding a dog that runs regularly is akin to feeding any seasoned athlete. You want to make sure that your dog has the best fuel possible to elicit the healthiest performance.

Ideal dog food for your running dog should be highly digestible and should offer high quality animal protein, carbohydrates for quick energy, as well as the right ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain your dog’s immune systems and to decrease any running-related inflammation. A blend of fibre aids in healthy digestion, while the right kind of fat content is also vitally important, as dogs use fat as their prime source of energy. Both Iams and Eukanuba have developed specific diets for a variety of dogs from canines that run marathons to pooches who have to lose weight before they can run.

Kozuch's own dog, a rescue called Bass, was born with severe deformities of his joints. “We feed Bass a special diet for dogs with arthritis, Iams Veterinary Formula Joint Plus,” says Kozuch. “If he eats anything else, within a couple of days we can see the difference.” Thanks to the diligent care of his diet, Bass can now run with his owners, albeit on a limited basis.

“The perfect meal for your dog takes into consideration the age, size, breed, lifestyle (new or seasoned athlete), weight, any health issues and even their oral health,” Kozuch recommends.

Size does matter

“Small dogs can often get tripped over or stepped on,” says McLean. “So it is very important they learn to stay to one side while running and not to criss-cross in front of the runner.” Some large dogs will instinctively want to pull their owner along – a behaviour that can be corrected with time and consistency.

Little dogs cannot persevere as long as larger dogs and should not be pushed with the same goals in mind. “A dog will let you know when he's done by slowing down or stopping all together,” says McLearn. Not respecting your dog's limits can result in over-exertion and damage to your dog’s overall health.

> Train Together

When to begin training

Although puppies can learn to walk on leash as early as 10-weeks-old, McLean does not recommend running with your dog until s/he’s six months old. This will allow your puppy's attention span to increase and ensures your dog has all the necessary shots before using public spaces. “Some giant breeds, like Great Danes and St. Bernards, should be at least 12 months old before running on-leash,” recommends McLean. “The dog needs to develop the proper muscle and joint strength before setting out on a fast-paced journey.”

Just like humans, dogs will need to spend weeks conditioning their bodies before partaking in rigorous exercise, so starting a training program lowly is best. Heart rates and muscular development are important factors to prepare, but so too is getting the sensitive pads of a dog's feet accustomed to running on concrete.

Another canine consideration is the overweight pooch. McLean advises that dogs should first gradually lose those extra pounds by walking before attempting running.

Kozuch agrees: “Ideal weight makes running easier on all the joints, ligaments, pads of the feet, heart, muscles and bones.”

Most dog professionals agree that any canine can be groomed into an ideal running companion, even adult dogs with no prior training in this area. Owners just need to be conscious of their individual dogs' needs and have a workable training strategy in place.

Training a furry training partner

Similar to learning any new skill, practice makes perfect. However, according to Sal Sloan, owner of Fetching, a dog fitness company in Toronto, the trick to successfully training dogs is to not expect too much from them too soon.

“Start with 15 to 20 seconds of jogging with your dog, then stop, let them play for a bit and repeat until they get that rhythm,” she suggests. By encouraging your pup to perform tiny bursts of running and rewarding them with gentle praise four or five times during a half hour walk, the dog will gradually accept this behaviour as the norm and be able to progress to longer periods of running.

Remember, the goal is to have your dog run nicely beside you on a leash without pulling dangerously. For safety reasons, McLean recommends that a dog should be trained to walk obediently on a leash and obey their owner’s commands before attempting a leashed run.

The Stop/Start Method

One of the biggest obstacles when running with a dog is distractions. In the presence of squirrels, dogs can pull wildly, tug at the leash or even jump up.

“One of the best techniques used at Fetching for correcting this sort of behaviour is called the Stop/Start method,” says Sloan. “It has been used to train dogs for ages and basically uses the continuation of the walk as the reward.”

If your dog exhibits rambunctious behaviour, calmly make your dog stop and sit still until s/he relaxes. After a while the dog will loosen up on the leash and look back at you for instructions – this is the sign to continue. “It can be frustrating at first, but they learn quickly,” reassures Sloan. “They will want to keep moving and soon realize that bad manners mean stopping and thus no fun.”

Owner Influences

Sloan notes that dogs can be like little kids. “They learn what drives us crazy and are constantly pushing their boundaries,” she warns. “It is the owner’s responsibility to keep calm and cool. Don't attempt training if you're in a bad mood, because your dog will not react positively to that and it will be an unproductive effort.”

> Running Conditions

Weather

Owners need to make it’s not too hot or too cold for running their dog, as the extremes can cause respiratory problems. “Hot concrete can burn a dog's pads, while salted streets can cause cracks and bleeding,” cautions McLean.

Hydration

Giving your dog small amounts of water during the run is best, as large amounts will just cause them to throw up and become further dehydrated.

Bloating

Bloating, more commonly known as GDV, is a life threatening problem resulting from a dog's stomach filling with gas and becoming twisted. This condition can be associated with exercise, especially in breeds with deep chests. Kozuch advises that a dog should not eat at least two hours before strenuous exercise and should take small amounts of water. “Feeding a highly digestible food that maintains digestive health and feeding the right amount at the right time will help reduce some of the risk factors,” he reveals. “Your veterinarian can advise you more on what to avoid and look for.”

Even if dietary precautions are taken, keep an eye on your dog's panting and body language to ensure s/he is not in danger while out running.

> Gear Up

 

Backpacks

A well-fitted backpack can help a dog maintain his focus and help you carry bottles of water, poop bags and other small items, such as collapsible water dishes.

Clothing

Short-haired breeds may require an extra layer for cooler conditions. A reflective fabric can help drivers see your dog in the night, while booties will help protect your pet's paws from cracking or drying out. A flashing bike light attached to the dog’s collar will also increase night visibility.

Post Run Pampering

Canine massage alleviates any tension in your dog's muscles and identifies areas of soreness that need monitoring. A cracked or ripped nail is extremely painful, so give your pooch regular “paw-dicures”.