RUNNING WITH YOUR DOGS 101

by Helen Russell of Metro Run & Walk Springfield,
So... You're looking for that perfect training companion. Always loyal, always ready, always there. No whining, no complaining, no excuses. How about your dog? (Or how about a dog – the one you don’t have yet?)

In many ways, the issues of running with dogs, or dogs running, are similar to those we humans face. Many of the “rules” are the same. For example, every beginning training program worth its salt begins with “To make sure you’re healthy enough to begin a training program, check with your doctor.” Now, the cynical side of me says this is just a CYA catch-all to preclude litigation. But the fact is, it’s good common sense. If you haven’t engaged in strenuous cardiac exercise for some time (or ever), it’s a makes good sense to ensure you’re physiologically capable of doing so. The same is true for your canine running companion.

When I was growing up back in the ‘60’s, my dog, 6-Pac (named by a young Army lieutenant, who gave her to us when he was assigned to Vietnam), had no more business going on a long run than I did. Her routine consisted of waking up in the morning, eating, napping, eating, napping, eating, sleeping – and then repeating the next day. (Mine wasn’t much different, except for interspersing periods of attending high school.) Ultimately, however, she became my Dad’s running companion after I left for college. But, Dad had to do what he did for himself when he himself returned from Vietnam, not in the best of physical condition – starting her off slowly, paying careful attention to her physical needs, and gently urging her along. Ultimately, she became his constant and closest running companion (until I took up running some years later, and he and I ran together for years after 6-Pac passed on).

If you have the luxury of choice, there are a number of breeds that are considered to be the best running dog breeds. Dogs that have traditionally, historically, been bred to be working dogs are a good choice, such as Dobermans and German Shepherds. Herding dogs such as Collies, Shelties and Heelers are good choices, as are athletic dogs such as Labs and Retrievers – which are generally specifically bred to work well with, and respond to, people.

My dearest friends adopted two Greyhounds that were no longer “fit” to perform at the track – they were some of the best dogs ever to run with. Mark & Helen run with Tanner, their 3 year old Vizsla and report that he is a great dog to run with. For the rest of us, our choice is to run with the dog we have - the family pet, not the dog we might have otherwise chosen. And, you really need to consider the reality of the situation. If you’re 6 feet tall, your Dachshund isn’t going to be the best running companion. Similarly, if you’re just about 5 feet tall and 80 pounds, as one of my closest friends is, that 85 pound Golden Lab will ultimately take you for a drag instead of you taking it for a run!

In all cases - check with your (pet) doctor. I say that tongue-in-cheek, but if you’re seriously considering running with your family pet, and you don’t know exactly the shape it’s in, it may not hurt to get a professional opinion. Most of us are pretty much tuned in to our pets, however, and a few simple precautions are in order and will suffice. As I said earlier, they’re pretty much the same precautions you’d take for yourself – starting slowly, frequently taking stock of how your dog feels, not doing too much too soon, and paying attention after the workout, particularly the next day for any unusual signs of overexertion or overuse. It really is common sense.

One major difference between running with or without a dog is discipline (your dog's). You’re not likely to charge off after the squirrels and rabbits seen along the running path; or growl fiercely and possibly lunge in the face of a perceived threat, such as an approaching runner or cyclist; or stop to smell every little patch of “unusual” odors along the way, entangling everyone around you in a leash. Your dog is, however, and maintaining control over your dog is imperative if you’re going to be sharing the public use trails, sidewalks, and bike paths.

You have to consider the safety of those around you as well as your dog. Most advocates of running with dogs suggest running with a leash, which can either be the traditional “hand to dog” variety, or one of the newer “leashes” which consists of a belt you wear and a leash that clips to the belt, allowing you to run “hands free,” while still maintaining control over your dog. (We carry the “Cardio Canine” in the store.) And, please, rein in your dog when other runners, cyclists, etc., approach. I have very deep physical (and emotional) scars from the dog that was “perfectly harmless – he won’t hurt you at all,” yet which nonetheless managed to sink its teeth into my thigh.

Consider the age of your dog. If you take the standard one dog year equals seven people years, the running life of a dog is probably one to seven or eight years. Younger than a year, and their bones and cartilage are not mature enough to withstand the strain, and, in older dogs, arthritis is very common, and you need to be attuned to their needs in this regard. Again, as mentioned earlier, pay close attention during and after your runs to your dog’s condition. It’s a pretty well established fact that dogs have an insatiable need to please, and your dog may very well run itself to exhaustion or worse without complaint. And, PLEASE, make sure your dog is “watered” frequently on your runs.

Finally, and this is the sexist in me coming out yet again. Dogs are wonderful running companions for those of you who happen to be female. I’ve yet to hear of a female running with a dog being accosted on the local bike trail.

Woof more, bite less! ;-)