8 Tips for Running with Your Dog

Running with your dog doesn't have to be about training for marathons or hitting record times. Instead, it can simply be about getting outside so that both you and your pet can enjoy the experience.

This means accepting certain things will be a little different when you go on a dog run rather than a solo jog. "A lot of dogs love to run, but they don't necessarily know how to go on a run", says Nike Running Global Head Coach Chris Bennett.

Here are eight tips to remember before grabbing the leash.

1. Create a running ritual
2. Let your pup set the pace
3. Bring plenty of water
4. Build up endurance over time
5. Get an adjustable leash
6. Choose the right terrain
7. Know when it's time to stop
8. Remember the post-run wash

Remember to check the weather and take into consideration the dog breed (see more at the bottom of this article). If all conditions are good, follow this guide to have a successful run with your doggie.

Dog owners know that exercise is just as important for their pets as it is for themselves. Going on a run together gives you both a great outlet to work up a sweat and share some time together. And for those with an active dog breed that needs a lot of exercise, running together lets you both blow off a little steam while avoiding being cooped up at home.

Running is also a great way to maintain a dog's healthy weight, keep their mind sharp and positively contribute to their overall health and hardiness. Working a jog into your dog's day gives them something to look forward to and it's an easy way to keep you jogging regularly.

If you're looking for a forever furry friend to run with, don't just pick any pup. Breed selection is important when looking for a running partner in your pup. Not all dogs are natural runners; some are simply not interested.

Dogs with short snouts and short legs often don't make the best runners. A bulldog, for instance, can't run in the way a retriever can. If you still want to get out and walk, breeds like pugs or dachshunds are great, but if you're really running, consider one of the following breeds:

● Labs

● Border collies

● German shepherds

● Australian cattle dogs

● Huskies

● Weimaraners

● English setters

Having a dog that's able to go the same distance as you on a run makes it easier to bring them along with you.

Weather matters when it comes to running outside with your pup. There are certain times of year when pet owners may have to say "no" to running together outside with their pooch. This happens most often when the weather reaches extremes in cold or heat.

In the Summer

Dogs don't do well in heat or humidity, thanks to their fur coats. It's best to postpone a run with your dog when it's over 26 degrees or the humidity is more than 70 percent. This may mean moving an afternoon run to the morning before the temperature rises, or holding off altogether during a heat wave.

Running with your dog in hot weather can increase their risk of suffering from heat stroke, dehydration or heat exhaustion. These can all be serious conditions and may require an immediate trip to the vet.

Hard surfaces like the pavement can also damage your dog's paws when it's too hot outside, so consider running on natural grass or trail running in the shade when things heat up. As the pavement traps heat, it's always hotter than the air outside. Test the pavement temperature by seeing if you can comfortably hold your hand to it for ten seconds, according to the American Kennel Club.

In the Winter

It's easier to run with dogs in colder weather. Even though there are some dangers, many dogs love being outside in the cold. They do have a built-in fur coat, after all.

Judging whether or not you can run with your dog in cold weather is easy. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them. Even if you do go out, it's best to limit runs to shorter distances in the winter to play it safe.

How much your dog loves the cold depends on their breed, size and the thickness of their coat. Cold-weather running won't be for every dog and you do have to watch out for dangers such as frostbite, windburn and exposure. It's also good to remember that dogs get colder faster than people do as they're naturally closer to the ground.

You'll also need to watch out for your dog's paws in the cold weather, just like when it's hot. You might want to buy some puppy booties to not only help keep their paws warm, but also to protect them from salt and chemical de-icers on the road. Both of these can damage a dog's soft paws.