For Runner's World
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Showing posts with label Dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dog. Show all posts
30 July 2011
01 July 2011
Tips for Running with your Dog
From Fitblogger....
#1 Gradually build your pups mileage
Although most dogs seem to have a constant supply of energy, they need to build up running mileage in the same way that we do. Which means that you should never increase total weekly mileage by more than 10% of the previous week. For example, if you and your pup run a total of 15 miles one week, don’t run more than 16.5 miles the next week.
When I first started running with Mosely I would take him out for a 1 or 2 mile run, bring him back home and then head out for another few miles on my own. After months of shorter runs, he is now able to run up to 6 miles at a time.
#2 Add 10 degrees to the current temp
Dogs don’t sweat, they release heat through panting and, to a lesser extent, through their paws. Additionally, most have a thick fur coat to keep them warm during the winter months. This means that dogs feel considerably hotter than we do, even during mild weather.
The trick I use is when I am deciding whether to take Mosely running with me is that I pretend that the weather is actually 10 warmer. Therefore, 70 degree weather is fine for Mosely, 80 degree heat is not.
#3 Let your pup set the pace
Letting Mosely determine our pace often means that we end up running an interval workout because he often tries to catch other runners and then loses interest and then see a rollerblader he wants to follow and then again loses interest, etc.. It’s quite fun for me because I just try to keep up with him.
When Mosely is running ahead of me, I know that he’s still got plenty of energy to burn. When he runs beside me I know that he’s found his groove and is okay with our pace. As soon as he starts running a step behind me, I know that he’s tiring and we have to slow our pace and/or stop running.
#4 Plan frequent water breaks
We are very fortunate to be able to run on path along Lake Michigan where there are tons of water fountains. Mosely and I stop every time we come across a fountain so that he gets a quick water break every mile or so.
Hydrating your pup during a run is particularly important because they don’t know to drink lots of water before a run like we do. Of course don’t forget to have a big bowl of water ready for them when you return home.
#5 Know your breeds
Some dogs are simply built to be better runners than others and typically it has little to do with size. For example, both Wiemeraners and Jack Russel Terriers are great runners while Great Danes and American Bulldogs are not.
Part of the reason that Nick and I wanted to adopt a lab mix is that labs are great runners but they don’t have to run to be happy. Which is important during cold Chicago winters when running outside is near impossible.
Check out this awesome breed guide from Runners World magazine for more information.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
#1 Gradually build your pups mileage
Although most dogs seem to have a constant supply of energy, they need to build up running mileage in the same way that we do. Which means that you should never increase total weekly mileage by more than 10% of the previous week. For example, if you and your pup run a total of 15 miles one week, don’t run more than 16.5 miles the next week.
When I first started running with Mosely I would take him out for a 1 or 2 mile run, bring him back home and then head out for another few miles on my own. After months of shorter runs, he is now able to run up to 6 miles at a time.
#2 Add 10 degrees to the current temp
Dogs don’t sweat, they release heat through panting and, to a lesser extent, through their paws. Additionally, most have a thick fur coat to keep them warm during the winter months. This means that dogs feel considerably hotter than we do, even during mild weather.
The trick I use is when I am deciding whether to take Mosely running with me is that I pretend that the weather is actually 10 warmer. Therefore, 70 degree weather is fine for Mosely, 80 degree heat is not.
#3 Let your pup set the pace
Letting Mosely determine our pace often means that we end up running an interval workout because he often tries to catch other runners and then loses interest and then see a rollerblader he wants to follow and then again loses interest, etc.. It’s quite fun for me because I just try to keep up with him.
When Mosely is running ahead of me, I know that he’s still got plenty of energy to burn. When he runs beside me I know that he’s found his groove and is okay with our pace. As soon as he starts running a step behind me, I know that he’s tiring and we have to slow our pace and/or stop running.
#4 Plan frequent water breaks
We are very fortunate to be able to run on path along Lake Michigan where there are tons of water fountains. Mosely and I stop every time we come across a fountain so that he gets a quick water break every mile or so.
Hydrating your pup during a run is particularly important because they don’t know to drink lots of water before a run like we do. Of course don’t forget to have a big bowl of water ready for them when you return home.
#5 Know your breeds
Some dogs are simply built to be better runners than others and typically it has little to do with size. For example, both Wiemeraners and Jack Russel Terriers are great runners while Great Danes and American Bulldogs are not.
Part of the reason that Nick and I wanted to adopt a lab mix is that labs are great runners but they don’t have to run to be happy. Which is important during cold Chicago winters when running outside is near impossible.
Check out this awesome breed guide from Runners World magazine for more information.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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