Sure, there might be the initial frustration of having to teach your dog how to run beside you calmly and not jerk on the lead. But once you get that down pat, running becomes so much more fun. It’s great fun to have a companion on your run.

It’s More Motivating to Run With Your Dog

Seeing your dog’s eyes light up when you reach for the lead before your run, being able to see the fitness benefits your dog gets from running, and knowing that you’re keeping your dog healthy and happy can be very motivating to keep going.

Kill Two Birds With One Stone

Not only do you get in shape, but you also take care of your dog’s exercise needs at the same time!

It’s More Safe to Run With Your Dog

You often feel much safer when you know there’s a dog running with you. Potential attackers would think twice before messing with a runner who has a dog at their side. Your dog can also often help you to detect potential danger by sensing trouble before you do.

You Look Cooler

Let’s face it – you look much cooler when running with your dog. Runners are a dime a dozen, you see one in the neighborhood and don’t bat an eyelash. But when people see you jogging along in your hardcore running gear with a fit dog by your side, they’ll take note and probably think “Wow, that runner is so hardcore! I should go running with my dog.”

That last one’s a joke. But really, everyone will love you .

Running is a fairly low cost sport. All you really have to buy is a pair of nice running shoes. Don’t run in low quality shoes – it isn’t worth an injury. Get fitted at a specialist running store like Runner’s World.

Take it slow – start by running 10 minutes every other day, or taking walking breaks between your running sessions, and gradually build up speed and distance.

Make sure to drink lots of water each day – it’s important, trust me. I hate drinking water, but if I don’t drink enough during the day I get horrible cramps during my run. Just ensuring that I drink at least 2 liters of water per day helps alleviate cramping during my run.

Find other dog owners to run with. Do you have friends or neighbors who own dogs? Consider running together, it can motivate you to keep going.

Look at your dog. Think of how much better your dog’s life could be if it was in shape and if you didn’t have to worry about your dog getting ill for some sort of weight and fitness-related reason. We all love our dogs, if you didn’t you probably wouldn’t be reading this right now. You can improve both your dog’s and your own way of life just by going for a daily run.

Keeda does a great job of walking on the lead. I tied her rope-leash around my waist to keep both hands free while running. Read more about teaching your dog to walk on a leash.

When we’re running, Keeda is expected to stay in the same position as her walking “heel”.

After a good running session, we take a walk to cool down and then visit the water fountain. Keeda is allowed do drink a little water, but never too much if she is too hot. Allowing a dog to drink too quickly after strenuous exercise can be dangerous.

Here are some more photos from this weekend: