Exercise My Dog

Run Spot Run - Jogging with Your Dog

You run regularly - or are about to start running again - and you have a fairly active dog. The combination is obvious - run with your dog!

And a great combination it is. You get your workout on. Your dog gets to work off energy and see the sights. You and Rover are spending quality time together. But before you just take off with dog in tow, please, consider the weather! I saw a jogger the other day with a long-hair dog in 84+ degree heat. I swear if they were running next to a puddle, I would have been really temped to drive through it. But seriously, dogs love to run and should but we have to remember that they are not the same as us!

You really shouldn’t run your dog in very warm weather.

• Either run her very early in the day or leave her at home.
• Dogs do not get rid of heat the way we do. Sweat cools our skin–for the most part, dog do not sweat. They have a few sweat glands in their feet, but mostly they dissipate heat through their paws and mouths. This means that dogs do not dissipate heat as fast as we can either.
• And don’t think, “well, he’s willing to run, he must be OK with the heat”. No! Many dogs will run themselves, even to the point of collapse, while they are having fun. Many just don’t know when to stop. Dogs can die from heat stroke.
• Lastly, searing hot asphalt is no good for your dogs paws.

See a lot more about running with your dog including breeds, age, and starting a routine.

On a side note, you should consider running with your pooch. Here are my “undocumented” benefits to running with the dog, especially in warmer weather.

• He is my excuse for running through every sprinkler on the way there and back.

DaBronx is quite a game dog and a tugger (I don’t claim to be the world’s best trainer, exercise is our thing), so I get an upper body workout while running. I run faster. No I don’t let the dog lead me. Not on purpose, but I always find myself shaving a few minutes off the run. You just look cooler. Maybe because you have a running partner, maybe because this makes you a good owner, maybe because I run with a Pit Bull Terrier I don’t worry too much…I don’t know what it is, but I look cooler (in my mind at least).

Bronx and I on our twice weekly run. (Three times a week would ruin my rotator cuff.)

Going to the Dog Park

With the weather warming up, you can once again look to taking your pooch to a dog park for a romp. Dog parks can be a great place for dogs to work out some energy in the way they love, through play with friends. (And you all you have to do is sit there and watch.) Here are some things you need to consider before going.

Dog Park Etiquette

• Read the rules of the park as you go in and heed them. This makes the park safe and fun for all.
• If your dog is new to the dog park, take small steps. Visit a few times and watch from outside the gate. You’ll get him or her used to the idea and you’ll get a sense of if your dog can handle it.
• In fact, you and your dog will have very good visits if she or he is trained, at the least, to come when called.
• Exercise your dog before you go to drain a little energy. According to Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan, “This way he’ll be relaxed, but will still engage the other dogs.” Ideally, a walk to the dog park will be a good warm up.
• Not only do you want to keep your dog in sight, but you should make contact with him or her. Occasionally talk to your dog a calm, assertive voice and with eye contact to remind him you are there and in charge.
• Make sure your dog is protected with all the vet-recommended shots before you go. Dogs can pick up worms and diseases such as parvo at a dog park — or anyplace else dogs congregate. Also, make sure he or she has had their regular heartworm and flea medication. And please, clean up after your dog.
• Do keep a regular collar and dog tag on your dog at all times, but absolutely unleash her. Otherwise, she can become a target for other dogs to “investigate” which can create anxiety or defensiveness in the leashed dog and provoke a situation.
• When dealing with other dog, learn canine body language is a good idea. Sometimes, people do not recognize signs of true aggression and assume the dogs will “work it out”, or, on the other hand, may overreact to what is healthy dog play.
• It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, not all dogs should attend dog parks. Obviously aggressive dogs would not be a good idea. Anxious or fearful dogs may be too overwhelmed and overreact. Puppies should be at least four months old and fully vaccinated.
• Do not bring small children into a dog park. A dog that is socialized with other dogs, may still be unfamiliar with children. And young children don’t know dog-appropriate behavior.
• If the park is full, just wait for another time to visit.

10 Reasons to Try Dog Agility

The top reason to try dog agility (to me of course) is the exercise aspect. I’ve seen those dogs all whipped up–they really use a lot of energy.

But just as important. It is fun! It really is. The dog loves it, all the running and dodging and climbing. It’s one big game. And it is fun for the owner to watch. I guarantee you’ll have a laugh.

See the complete list of 10 Reasons to Try Dog Agility.