The perfect combination?
Jogging with a dog: What is important and what you should absolutely avoid
Jogging with a dog: If you know what is important, you can treat yourself and your four-legged friend to a joint run.
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Jogging with a dog can combine the owner’s fitness hobby with the dog’s urge to move – if you know what is important. Not all dogs want to jog, and if they do, you should know how. Here are the top tips.
The four-legged friend has an urge to move and master or mistress wants to stay fit: A joint jogging routine could be the solution. If you are toying with the idea of walking your dog, you need to know what the animal needs. Because the health and well-being of the dog are the top priority if you want to do sports together. Not all breeds want to go running, the same applies to dogs that are too young. Inform yourself in advance and plan a slow acclimatization phase, so the owner and dog can both enjoy future sports activities, which can even further strengthen the bond between humans and animals. What is important and what to avoid? All information at a glance.
Jogging with a dog: when it works and when it doesn’t
It seems to be the ideal combination to combine the dog’s urge to move and the fitness of the owner and to go jogging together. And that’s true, but not for all dogs. A You shouldn’t take puppies jogging. The young dog’s body would be put under too much strain because joints, muscles and bones are not yet sufficiently developed. Excessive loads could damage it permanently. From the age of one, you can slowly get your dog used to jogging.
Not only the age of the dog is decisive for going for a run together. Race plays an equally important role. Hunting dogs in particular are running animals because their musculoskeletal system is optimally adapted to the requirements. Dog breeds like Border Collie, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Poodle, Dalmatian, Jack Russell Terrier, Weimaraner and Labrador like to run. That’s not to say other dog breeds can’t jog along, but you should when in doubt do a health check at the vet so you can be sure that your dog will enjoy the shared hobby. Sick and old dogs are not fit enough for jogging and should stay at home. In addition, your dog must too mentally ready be for jogging. In concrete terms, this means: Your dog hears well and there is a trusting bond between human and animal.
Jogging with a dog: This is how you can train your dog
Like humans, dogs also have to get used to walking. Start slowly and then gradually increase the speed and distance. The running distance is also crucial, remember to protect your dog from the hot sun and hard asphalt. Routes in the forest are therefore well suited for running together. Breaks are important on the first rounds of training, because your four-legged friend should have some time to sniff around and do his or her business. The use of treats can also be useful, for example reward your dog after each section of the run or at the end of the run.
Jogging with a dog: From a jogging leash to a water bottle
There are some helpful gadgets that make jogging with a dog easier. Including a flexible jogging leash that offers enough space for humans and animals and a drinking bottle to keep you hydrated.
Jogging leash with waist belt
Depending on the running distance and your dog’s bondage, you can decide whether your dog runs freely next to you or whether it needs a leash. If you jog in a busy area with lots of people and cars, you should use a leash. Conventional lines are only moderately suitable for this. They swing back and forth with every arm movement and can be irritating when running. A flexible one is more suitable Jogging leash with waist belt. The belt fastens around the stomach and has an elastic cord. Your arms are free and your dog is secured because the leash cannot slip out of your hand. When pulled, the jogging leash gives way slightly, which protects your dog’s neck and neck area.
Tip: Storage space on the waist belt is a plus point when buying, because you can store a drinking bottle, dog waste bag or smartphone in it, for example.
Padded dog harness
The right dog harness completes the running construction. If your dog runs faster than planned or stops suddenly, it pulls on the leash. The sudden pull poses a risk of injury, so you should padded dog harness use that gently catches your dog.
Tip: Buy a padded harness with reflectors for runs in the dark.
Drinking bottle for dogs
It is not just humans who have an increased need to drink fluids during sporting activities. Your dog also needs enough water. If you can’t choose a running route with water, a practical drinking bottle for dogs is a good idea. The special essay of Drinking bottle with small bowl is adapted to dogs.
Sources: Sportscheck.de, Fressnapf.de, Geo.de
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