Jogging with your dog

Jogging with your dog

Jogging with your dog can be great exercise and quality time with your best friend. I can also be dangerous for both you and your dog. There a number of important steps to take to ensure that you and your dog both get the most out of the experience.

1. Wait until your dog is at least 6 months old before taking it out and only jog with active larger breeds.

2. Always run with your dog on a leash.

3. Take it easy. Your dog’s joints and muscles need to adapt to jogging just like yours. Ease your dog into jogging by distance and frequency.

4. Always carry water.

5. Expect the unexpected. Especially at first your dog may have difficulty staying concentrated.

6. Give your dog encouragement.

I have seen so many dogs who come up lame after only 2 or 3 times out on the trail and I’ve seen numerous owners with broken bones and scrapes. It is important to start slow and get accustomed to jogging with your dog. If you do you may end up with the best workout partner you’ve ever had.