That’s enough for day one! Take a rest day between any long runs or walks. When you’re ready to head out the door, take things slowly and start with a good 30-minute walk. It will take a Pomeranian and a Rhodesian ridgeback a very different amount of time to run a mile, but running for 20 minutes will provide the same benefit to both of them-no matter how far you actually travel. Learning to be a distance runner takes work, and all of that build-up comes with a good training plan!įirst things first, measure your goals in time, not in distance. How can I make a dog running training plan?Īre you trying to figure out how often you should run with your dog or how many miles you can run with your dog? Most dogs (and people for that matter) aren’t ready to jump off the couch and straight into a marathon. Take things slowly, move at your dog’s pace, and use lots of positive reinforcement, and you’ll be running with your dog on a leash in no time! Once you have the basics down pat, you can start practicing the same skills at a fast walk, a jog, and eventually a run! Your goal is to train your dog to run smoothly by your side on a loose leash-not getting underfoot in front of you or behind you. Keeping good dog treats on you and using a consistent cue that means “look at me” will help to redirect their focus whenever there’s a tempting bicycle to chase or scary loud noise that might cause them to bolt. We recommend teaching your dog basic obedience training, loose leash walking, and a command to redirect their attention to you. Dogs who are severely overweight (start with weight loss and gentle exercise before working up to running!)īefore you even start running, you have to work on good leash etiquette! Running can be naturally exciting for dogs with lots of stimuli coming at them fast, so you have to make sure they have rock solid leash training on your walks before you transition into running.Dogs with breathing problems like collapsing trachea (common in small dogs) or laryngeal paralysis (common in older dogs).

Dogs with luxating patellas, arthritis, or other joint issues.Dogs with extremely thick coats like huskies or great Pyrenees who can easily overheat.Extra large breeds like great danes who can damage their joints.Brachycephalic breeds with short muzzles like pugs and French bulldogs who are prone to breathing issues.Young puppies who are still developing their bones-wait until they are at least a year old to start jogging with your puppy.There are some dogs who shouldn’t run longer distances due to potential health issues: If your dog doesn’t have the temperament for running, that’s okay! Whether they get tired quickly or they would rather sniff the roses than run, you can still enjoy great walks with them and let them nap during your runs. Dogs from golden retrievers to border collies to good ol’ mutts can be great runners as long as they have lots of energy and good manners! Even small dogs like a chihuahua or a bichon frise might love to accompany you-although you might have to make your run a jog so they can keep up. While some breeds are naturally talented runners, you don’t need to have a greyhound to have a good runner. Here are answers to the most common questions about running with your dog to help get your running plan off to a smooth start: However, getting things right for your new running routine requires good preparation! Whether you’re an experienced runner or trying to start running as a beginner, having a running partner will help you stay motivated and stick to your training plan! We love our dogs and many dogs love to run, so they seem like a natural partner. If you’re looking for a motivation buddy to help you with your Couch to 5K dreams, your dog might be the perfect partner! Here’s what you need to know to get your dog ready to hit the trails with you.

Sneaky ninja dog