Many people invite their dogs to be their running companions. Truly, this is a win-win—the dog gets plenty of exercise and the human has the motivation he or she needs to go for a run. You and your pup may enjoy your runs so much that you want to sign up for a dog-friendly 5k race. More and more 5k runs are open to runners with dogs so you should have no trouble finding several races near you. Before you show up on race day, be sure that your dog is just as prepared to run the 3.1 miles as you are by following these Top 8 Ways To Prepare Your Dog For A 5k Race.
8. See Your Vet
It is always a good idea for people to check with their doctors before starting a new exercise regiment or beginning a physically strenuous activity, and it should be the same for your dog. Schedule a vet visit to have your dog’s overall health evaluated. Use the time with the veterinarian to discuss your 5k goals. Your vet may give you some recommendations about the duration or intensity of the training runs or point out things you should watch out for. He or she may even offer some breed-specific information. For example, some dog breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are prone to breathing problems, especially when exerting themselves. Basset hounds are notoriously slow and dachshunds, although quick and energetic, may struggle to cover great distances with those stubby legs.
7. Stretch
You know that it is important to stretch your muscles before a run to prevent injuries and reduce muscle soreness. Your dog will also benefit from pre-run stretching. Four areas of your dog’s body should be stretched—the hip flexors, the shoulder flexors, the chest, and the back. To stretch the hip flexor, have your dog stand facing away from you. Hold one of the dog’s back legs at a time and gently stretch it out behind him. Hold for 20 seconds and release. Stretch each hind leg three or four times. Next, have the dog face you and do the same thing with the front legs to stretch out the shoulder flexors. Then, lay your dog on his back to stretch the chest area. Hold onto both front legs and extend them outward. Like the other stretches, hold the chest flex for about 20 seconds and repeat three or four times. Stretching your dog’s back may require some motivation—like treats. Have your dog stand up. Hold a treat near his tail and encourage him to stand in place and stretch his head and neck back on one side to get the treat. Stretch to both side two or three times.
6. Work Up To Longer Distances
You wouldn’t begin your 5k training by running the full 3.1 miles. You would start with shorter distances and work up to longer ones, so you shouldn’t expect your dog to go the distance the first time out. Depending on your dog’s breed, size, and level of fitness, you may have to start with short runs—around the block or a quarter of a mile. If your dog is used to running and is in great physical condition, then he may be able to start with a mile run. No matter the starting point, you will be able to work up to longer and longer runs as your dog becomes accustomed to the activity.
5. Drink Lots Of Water
Staying hydrated is just as important for your dog as it is for you. For longer runs or runs during warm, humid weather, be sure to pack a water bottle for your dog. Clip a collapsible dog water bowl to your dog’s leash or to your running shorts so you have a way for your dog to get a full drink of water if he needs it. Remember that dogs don’t sweat like humans—they cool themselves by panting. During strenuous exercise, they can become overheated very quickly if they don’t keep their hydration levels up.
4. Keep Your Dog Leashed
Admittedly, running with a leashed dog is a bit awkward at first. Soon, you and your dog will find your rhythm and the leash will no longer be an obstacle. If you run in your own neighborhood or along a secluded country road, then it may be tempting to let your dog run without the leash. However, most communities have laws requiring all dogs to be kept on leashes when they are out in public. Not only is it the responsible thing to go as a dog owner, and it is for your protection and your dog’s safety as well. Your otherwise well-behaved pup could dart after a squirrel, zip into traffic, dig up a flower bed, or nip at an unsuspecting stranger.
3. The Call Of Nature
Before you start out on your run, let your dog sniff around the yard for a few minutes so he has ample time to do his business before you set out. That doesn’t mean, however, that your dog won’t want or need some potty breaks during your run. Dogs mark their territories by urinating on trees, fences, and sign posts. It is his way of leaving a personal scent trail for all the other dogs in the neighborhood. You may not be able to completely break your dog of his habit of marking his territory, but with training, he should be able to reduce the number of pit stops he makes so they are less disruptive to your run. Unfortunately, your dog may have to go number two during your run. Let him, even if it means adding to your finish time. And always come prepared with some doggie waste bags so you can clean up after your dog.
2. Read Your Dog’s Body Language
Chances are, your dog’s desire to please you and stay at your side will override the fatigue he experiences during a run. Be sure to pay attention to how your dog is acting and behaving so you don’t inadvertently push him too hard. Pull your earbuds out from time to time and listen to your dog’s breathing. Make sure he isn’t laboring to breathe. If it is hot out, occasionally slow to a walk so your dog can have a rest. Be mindful of the terrain you are covering. Hot asphalt could scorch your dog’s paw pads and rocky trails may cause cuts. Pay attention to your dog’s gait and stop to inspect his paws if he seems to be limping. Always offer plenty of water.
1. Cool Down
Once you return home from your run, give your dog plenty of cool, fresh water and perhaps a treat to reward him from his hard work. Some dogs love ice cubes on a hot day. Allow him to relax for a while and get his heart rate back down to normal. Watch him the next day—he may experience the same muscle soreness that you feel after a good workout. Don’t push your dog to go on another run until his muscles have recovered, and if he seems to have trouble bouncing back from a run after a few days, then you may want to take him to the vet to make sure he didn’t injure himself.
Once you and your dog are feeling fit and fine, look for dog-friendly 5k runs in your area and get registered. Participating in 5k races with your dog is not just about winning medals—it’s about spending time with your dog, staying fit, and meeting other dog owners in your community.
Enjoy every mile together!