Diana Myers
Many dog owners take their dog jogging. Here you will find some tips on how to do the sport together safely and healthily.
Jogging with a dog – relaxation for two
Jogging with your dog is a wonderful way to relax after (or before) a busy day and at the same time do something for your own health and to satisfy your dog’s need for exercise. Your dog will usually be thrilled to be able to keep you company while you jog.
Golden rules for jogging with a dog
A few basic rules should be observed so that people and dogs can enjoy jogging together and get home safely:
- For jogging with a dog, you and your dog should have the right physical conditions: For a pug, for example, such training would be cruelty to animals, but a Jack Russel would not even sweat (in a figurative sense, of course).
- Take your dog jogging slowly if you’re just starting out together. It is best to have a doctor check you up beforehand and take the dog to the vet as a precaution so that he can check his suitability for jogging and other endurance sports.
- In order for jogging with a dog to be stress-free, the dog must already have good basic obedience. Since off-leash dogs like to run ahead when jogging with the handler, you should be able to retrieve it from a greater distance.
- When jogging with a dog, the “foot” command should also work reliably. Your dog should stay with you if other people meet you while you jog. Also, before you go jogging with your dog, try teaching him that foot means always to your left. If both of you know where you want the dog to go, you’re prepared and won’t trip over each other.
Watch out for the dog when jogging together
Overall, jogging with a dog involves more dangers for the dog than for the owner. Therefore, please note the following when you go jogging with your dog:
- Postpone jogging with your dog to the cool morning or evening hours. Because your dog tolerates heat much worse than you.
- It is best to go jogging with your dog on grass, country lanes, or forest floor. Your dog can sustain serious injuries on concrete, asphalt, or other hard surfaces, e.g. burning his paws on the heated asphalt.
- Always take enough water with you when jogging with your dog. This is as important for the dog as it is for you.
More outdoor activities for dogs and owners
In addition to jogging with a dog, there are many other activities that keep dogs and owners fit and are fun. Here we have put together a few ideas for you:
- A bike tour with a dog is a sensible form of exercise for adult dogs with healthy joints and a lot of exercises. Your dog will be happy to accompany you. To ensure that the trip together remains safe, read our tips before you let your dog run next to the bike.
- Most dogs enjoy swimming. What could be nicer than throwing yourself into the cool waters on a warm summer day? To ensure that the day at the lake together is great fun for dog and owner, follow our tips for untroubled bathing pleasure.
- Nordic walking is a mixture of cross-country skiing and walking. This fitness training with two sticks poses a challenge for many dog owners because sticks and dogs have to be kept under control at the same time. Therefore, read our tips for Nordic walking with a dog before you start.