Jogging with a Dog: Which Dog Breeds Are Suitable Running Partners

Yes, jogging with dogs is a fantastic pastime for the pet and the owner – if the conditions are right. Not every dog is suitable for running and of course you can’t just start running. As with everything, your four-legged friend also needs some training for jogging so that he can get used to the new running situation.

In principle, you should never go jogging with a puppy. The effort is too much, even for short distances, as neither the condition nor the muscles and bone structure of the growing dog are sufficiently developed. Too much exertion can be detrimental to your dog’s development. Vets therefore recommend taking your dog jogging when it is about one year old, or two years old for large breeds. Old animals are also not suitable partners for running training.

There are breeds that, as a rule, are absolutely unsuitable for fast running over longer distances. These include small dogs such as pugs, French bulldogs and dachshunds, as well as large breeds with a heavy body weight such as Saint Bernards or Newfoundlands. It is better not to go jogging with dogs that have a lot of fur, a long back and a high body weight. Real marathon runners, on the other hand, are dog breeds like

• Border Collie
• Dalmatian
• Husky
• Australian Shepherd or
• Jack Russell Terrier

These dog breeds need a lot of exercise and can’t wait to run with you.

Before you start jogging, you should first consult your vet and ask him if your dog is suitable as a running partner. If the doctor gives you the green light, you can start training. The prerequisite for relaxed runs is that your dog is obedient and absolutely sure to listen to your commands.

Pay attention to the following points while training:

• Before jogging, your dog should have some time to sniff and do his business.
• Take it slowly at first: tackle shorter distances for the first few weeks and stop every five minutes to begin with. Choose a slow to moderate pace. Gradually increase the pace and distance.
• Reward your four-legged friend either after each section or at the end with a treat and praise him lavishly.
• Pay attention to your companion’s needs: pee and sniff breaks are a must!
• When jogging with the dog, use a longer, looser leash, so that your four-legged friend and you have adequate space.
• If your dog walks next to you without a leash, he should be retrievable at any time.

The weather conditions are also important, if you want to go jogging with your dog: your four-legged friend will not tolerate extreme heat or freezing cold, so only take him along when temperatures are moderate. The surface also plays a role: dogs prefer to run on forest trails or fields. Asphalt is very hard and gets uncomfortably warm in the summer months.

Your running training should always be adapted to your four-legged friend: adapt your pace and distance to your dog. Warning signs that your dog is overtaxed are

• strong, fast and persistent panting,
• lagging behind of the dog,
• retracted lips,
• refusal of the dog as well as
• limping after a run.

Watch out for the first symptoms of tiredness and stop immediately, if necessary. A dog that is regularly overtaxed will no longer enjoy going out and about with you.