Are you a dog lover? If so, you’re in good company!
After all, owning a dog is one of the most satisfying aspects of life. They provide companionship, unconditional love, and are fiercely loyal.
If you enjoy exercising but prefer not to go running alone, taking your dog alone is the perfect solution. That way you both get the exercise you need. The trick is to learn how to train a dog to run with you. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for the answers you need.
This article takes a look at dog training tips that will make all the difference. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.
The Age of Your Dog Is Important
Let’s be honest, not every dog is young or healthy enough to run with you during your workout. It’s also important to remember that the earlier you start the training process, the quicker your dog will be able to learn what you expect from her.
Once your dog has grown beyond the puppy stage, they should be able to leash train and then graduate from needing the leash. Puppies have tons of energy and get easily distracted, and yet senior dogs might not have the energy or be physically capable of keeping up with you.
The Breed of Your Dog Matters
You should also keep in mind that every breed is different. That’s why it’s so important to understand the breed of your dog before expecting them to enjoy joining your exercise routine.
For example, a French bulldog or a pug probably wouldn’t be ideal for what you have in mind. Because as much as they might enjoy the activity, they simply aren’t capable of this particular activity.
For a great breed of dog for running, check out WhippetCentral.
Training Takes Time
Next, you should keep in mind that most dogs won’t automatically take to running in a structured way. Thus you need to be patient, encourage your dog, and understand that they won’t pick it up overnight.
The best strategy is to start out walking, then slowly increase your pace over time.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Fit Enough to Run
Even if you have the perfect breed of dog for running, they might not be healthy enough for vigorous exercise. The best advice is to talk to your veterinarian and have them give your dog a thorough examination. This will enable them to determine whether your dog is ready to begin training to run with you.
Start Slow
Remember to start slow. Your dog will love to run but will likely not automatically behave as instructed.
Build Endurance
It will also take time for your dog to have the endurance to keep up with you for more than a few minutes. Thus it’s important to take short runs at first, and slowly increase the distance every few weeks.
A Complete Guide On How to Train a Dog to Run With You
Having an exercise companion is great. Fortunately, these tips for how to train a dog to run with you will enable your four-legged friend to stay at your side during your daily workout routine.
Keep scrolling to discover more great pet-related advice on this blog.