Colorado Runner recently posted an article on running with your dog. As someone who has logged many miles, especially during the Great Colorado Sign Challenge as Team Pitsky, I had a few tips to add. Disclaimer: I’m just a runner that runs a lot of miles with his pups. I’m not a dog trainer.
By Jeremy Allen
1) Begin the running routine with brief/easy runs on a grassy surface, such as a soccer pitch. Start with a few runs of 400-800 meters so both of you can work on the mechanics of running together.
2) Include a variety of surfaces and terrain so the pup can get used to how it feels and looks. It also allows you to train the pup to stay on trails/sidewalks/single-track. If most runs are on a sidewalk, practice leaving and returning to the sidewalk by running in the street. This is helpful to avoid obstacles that you encounter on the sidewalks and for an easy and safe transition between the sidewalk/street. I had trained our youngest to run on the sidewalks and we initially avoided the streets. When we had to leave the sidewalk she would pull to return to the sidewalk instead of letting me lead the run. I had to re-train her to run on both.
3) Carry water and a collapsible water bowl for the pup, especially any run that is over 4 miles. I’ll typically provide a water break after the first 1.5/2 miles and every .75/1 mile afterward.
4) Be patient and accept that a pup “knows” their limitations. While we may be fixated on Strava segments, a specific pace range, or certain distances, if a pup needs a break it will usually stop where it wants to stop, especially if it is warm. Enjoy the break, let the pup recover and take time to appreciate the smiles the pup brings to folks passing by.
5) I agree with planning the routes in advance. I’ve mapped out routes that include shaded, grassy spots at certain “mile markers”. It provides the pup a comfortable spot to recover and cool off, as well as a familiar spot for them to sniff and catch up on canine happenings in the neighborhood. I’ve also selected spots that allow for a run to shortened or extended depending on weather or the pup’s demeanor.
6) Learn to run with your pup before bringing them to a group or club run. If you decide to run with a group with your pup, show up early so the pup can get used to the surroundings. I’ve learned that my pups tend to start a group run like most 10-year-old kids at their first 5K… they kick it at the start and fade after a few minutes. I tend to start 5 minutes before the group so they can get the energy surge out of their system and settle into a steady pace. It is also safer for the other runners as we’ve not weaving in between everyone at the start.
7) If you’re going to race with your pup, start with smaller races and expect to be slower than without a pup (they don’t care about the podium.) Take wider turns and try to stay away from others. You don’t want to impede others and be the owner that gets dogs banned from future events. (Another race tip: Easy jog ½ to 1 mile before the race with your pup. I’ve found this encourages them to relieve themselves before the actual race.)
8) Equipment: I agree with the hands-free approach. I use a musher belt (custom made by Leashes By Liz, a local company), a 5-foot leash, and a harness. Along with the fastener on the belt, Liz installed D rings on both sides of the buckle. I hook a climbing carabiner through the D Rings and attach the leash to the carabiner. If the bucket were to not be secure, the D Ring/carabiner serves as a back-up. (They aren’t on her website but she has made them upon request.)
9) Have fun with it. I’ve raced as a runner, cyclist, and triathlete for over 40 years. Running with a pup has reminded me that running is supposed to be fun. Stop… smell the flowers. Zigzag across a park to create a crazy Strava map. Chase rabbit with your pup for a fartlek. Whatever you do… remember that it is fun!