How To Run With a Dog

Have your dog checked over by the vet to make sure he doesn’t have any physical issues that would stop him from regular running.

Dress for your run, grab an empty plastic bag, fill up your water bottle and load up a pocket with dog biscuits.

If you’re running in the woods or through fields, check your dog and yourself for ticks.

Hold your dog on a short leash so he concentrates on you and your pace. Too long a leash and he’ll fixate on squirrels, passing cars, clouds and whatever else it is that distracts dogs.

For the first few times, run on dirt, sand, or grass until his paws toughen up and his joints adapt to the pounding of running.

Avoid forcing the pace with your dog. If you do, they’ll hate running. It will take a few runs for your dog to develop the fitness and stamina to keep up with you.

Consider the weather and its effects on your dog. Hot asphalt and salted frozen concrete can hurt paws.