If you’re going to run with your dog, you’ll need to invest in a pair of good running shoes. In fact, running shoes will likely be your biggest expense when you’re starting to run. You can seriously mess up your feet, ankles, and/or knees if you run in shoes that are too old or don’t suit you. Just as it’s important to watch over your dog and make sure it’s handling the running, it’s important to watch over your own health as well.

When buying running shoes it’s really recommended that you see a podiatrist or a specialist running shop and get them to recommend a type of running shoe for you. No, Athelete’s Foot is not a specialist running shop. In my area, for example, we have Runner’s World – check out running forums and such for a good store in your area (I’ve put together some resources and good communities to check out when getting into running at the end of this post).

Anyway, personal stories aside, here are some general tips about running shoes:

• Running shoes last approximately 400-600km. This does not apply to all running shoes, some may last hundreds of kilometres more and others may last less. When you start getting up in the km in your shoes pay attention to any new joint pain you may have, whether your shoes start or feel “flat”, new muscle soreness or tension, or anything else of the sort. If you pay attention to your body you should be able to feel when it’s time to get a new pair of running shoes. Don’t go just by the look of your shoes – your shoes may still look great, but the cushioning on the inside could be completely worn away. How quickly your shoes wear out will also depend on your weight and how hard you are on your shoes.
• Just because a pair of shoes feels good to walk in does not mean it will be good to run in. Some shoes may feel great to run in, but absolutely horrible to walk in. This is why so many runners have dedicated running shoes and never use them for anything except running.
• Start off slow when breaking in a new pair of running shoes. You don’t want to risk injury by launching into a super long run in shoes you haven’t run in before.
• When you find a great type of shoe to run in, stick to that shoe. You don’t have to try a new model each time you buy a new pair of shoes – keep using what works.

Some useful online resources for the beginner runner (or any runner, for that matter):
CoolRunning
The Runners Guide
Runner’s World Forums

Do you have any tips or experiences to share about running on your own or with your dog? Please leave a comment below!

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:

One of the most common reasons why running with your dog can get frustrating is pulling. The best way to overcome this frustrating dog running problem is to teach your dog not to pull.

There are many different training methods and techniques out there and each dog trainer and dog owner will recommend different things. Here is how I taught Keeda not to pull on the leash during our walks and running sessions:

As soon as we started going for walks on leash when Keed a was a puppy, she was not allowed to put any strain on the leash. If she began to pull, I stopped in my tracks and waited for the leash to slacken. Sometimes I turned around and started walking in the opposite direction.

She “got” it soon enough, but just because a dog understands what it’s meant to be doing doesn’t mean it will do it. Keeda kept pulling, to the point of it becoming an extremely frustrating ordeal for both of us. We could barely walk together, much less run.

This is where different training methods suggest that you deal with the problem differently. and there is a lot of controversy in the dog world around the various methods.

Personally, I’m in favor of applying some physical force in dog training. Of course this depends not only on your own preference, but also on your dog’s breed and nature. Keeda is a hardy dog – she has Australian Cattle Dog and Kelpie in her, both of which can be headstrong, independent, and stubborn and need a strong hand in training.

So the way I dealt with this training issue is by lightly smacking Keeda on the side with the soft end of the leash when she pulled to get her attention and get her back in line by my side. For us, this worked instantly. Keeda slowed down to walk by my side, the leash slack in my hand. As soon as the leash was slack and she was in proper position, I gave her lots of verbal praise. Of course, Rome wasn’t built in a day and it took us a couple more walks to perfect our walking and running sessions. After the first couple of weeks, I haven’t had to apply any more physical force to get her attention when walking on a leash. Our walks became more relaxed and pleasant for both of us and the transition to running was seamless.

One of the most important factors in training your dog not to pull is consistency – don’t punish your dog for something one minute and let it slide the next. Applying some physical force during training may not be your thing, but it’s just as important to stay consistent with whatever other training method you use. And remember – there is a difference between using force to get your dog’s attention and causing undue pain to your dog. You should know the difference between a corrective slap on the wrist and a punch in the face in human terms, nobody has any excuse to abuse their dog or any other animal, no matter what training method they use. If you aren’t sure, stick to clicker training, which can also work for many dogs.

When your dog stops pulling on your daily walks, you can start running. Dogs can get more excited when going for a run, so the first few times you run with your dog may still be quite a frustrating ordeal, but through consistent training you and your dog will catch on soon enough and I will no longer have people coming here via “frustration with running with  dog” search terms.

Always make sure that your dog is well hydrated. If you’re taking an especially long run, bring some water with you.

Harnesses for Small Dogs

Small dogs can have quite fragile necks. If your dog is of a smaller breed and hasn’t been trained to not pull on a leash, put it into a harness rather than attaching the leash to its collar. Or better yet, teach it some leash manners to make life easier for the both of you.

If Your Dog is Lazy, Get Excited

If your dog is lazy and doesn’t want to go outside, show it how excited you are about going for a run. Your dog will sense your enthusiasm and may be more cooperative. Praise your dog as it begins to put effort into the exercise. You may need to start off with some power walking as opposed to running to get your dog going.

If Your Dog is Hyperactive, Calm Down

If your dog is the type to go crazy at the prospect of stepping outdoors, running with it on a leash may seem next to impossible. What’s more, your dog will sense your own agitation and frustration and get even more wound up. Stay calm, don’t get angry or annoyed at your dog, as you go outside to run. If the dog senses that you are calm and in control of the situation, it is likely to settle down a bit on its own. Just like in the case of a lazy dog, you may need to start off with a few power walking sessions and some leash manner training before starting longer running sessions.

Pace Yourself

Unless you’re an active runner yourself, your dog is likely to be able to run for greater distances and longer times than you are. Remember to pace yourself. If you launch into a full-blown sprint you may be worn out by the time you reach the next street. This won’t provide much fitness benefit to your dog.

Let your Dog Run on Grass

Running on concrete or asphalt can be tough on your dog’s paws, especially if it’s not accustomed to running on such hard surfaces. Try starting out by running on grass, or allowing your dog to trot on the grassline next to the sidewalk.

Trotting – not Sprinting

Many people tend to think that running with your dog requires them staying in their “gallop”-type gait. It’s perfectly fine for your dog to trot next to you throughout the run. You can work a couple of quick sprints into your run, but for the most part your dog will be trotting alongside you.