Running with your dog

     Recently my family has been blessed to rescue yet another wonderful little dog to accompany Hanz, our German Shepherd mutt (her name is Gretel). Hanz has been my running companion ever since the middle school days, and him being a big and very healthy dog, running is something he could do for days without end. He's absolutely been a pleasure to keep by my side (both for protection and for a nice pace) however he's getting to his old age now, and he isn't the same active dog that he once was. As I have come to realize this, I am now working on training my four month year old dog to try to fill Hanz's top of the notch shoes. And if you have a dog, I totally recommend you give it a try!
     First thing's first, make sure your dog is no longer a puppy. Dogs have to reach their skeletal maturity before they can go on runs with you. Typically, the bigger the dog, the longer it'll take (possibly up to twenty months!) and as the dogs muscles begin to tire, they won't be able to support their own skeletal system, causing bones to grind against other bones.
     When your dog is ready to run, take it nice and easy, as you would if you were getting into running yourself. Steadily and softly increase both the mileage and the time. Dogs are similar to people in the sense that they can't just jump into distance running. You have to ease into it. I typically imagine taking my dog for a run as very similar to taking a friend who has never ran before with me.
     Keep in mind that your dog will stay by your side no matter what. It is completely up to you whether they get a break and when they do. When they're exhausted, you won't be able to tell, because they can't just start walking while attached to the leash you're running with. Be generous. They need water and breaks too.
     Lastly, I recommend purchasing a shorter leash for your dog if you are using one of those retractable ones that allow dogs to walk twenty feet in front of you. When your dog is kept by your side, you both have a pace, and you can read your dogs body signs more easily. Plus, it's kind of cute to be running along next to your pal. (404)