Archive for Running Training for Dogs
They know…
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So the other night I went for a run with Sinner (Rediron Cynosure, or Cinnabar if he’s been naughty).
As I have a big run coming up, I decided not to go too far with him. He’s capable of a half marathon, and habitually I do a very hilly 12km with him around Mt Mee. Around home we generally do a 10km loop – it’s pretty flat and quiet and doesn’t involve any running over the same path twice.
Why I Won’t Do an Endurance Test With Guinness
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I’ve been thinking for a while about doing an endurance test with Guinness. They are held in the winter months, and are a way of testing a dog’s fitness and endurance. The dogs have to run 20km, but it is broken up into an 8km, 6km and 6km runs. Between each run there’s a 15 minute break, and a vet check. At the end of the event, another vet check and basic obedience test is performed to make sure the dogs are physically and mentally okay. If the dog passes the test then they are entitled to have the letters “ET” after their name. I thought, given that I’m spending a chunk of my time talking about running with dogs, it would add a little to my credibility, but I don’t think so.
Going the Distance?
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The other week I took Sinner for a run while my daughter was attending Guides. It was a fine cool evening and on a nice hilly course the dog and I were just rolling along. We ended up running for an hour and a half, covering seventeen kilometres.
I must at this point emphasise that Sinner is four and has been running for three years with me. I started him running with a very similar program to the Pooch To 5 k. Thankfully, he’s never been unfit or obese so it has never been difficult to take him out for a slightly longer run than he’s used to. But that’s the key: The longer run has only ever been slightly longer than we’ve done previously. And where I’ve raised one criteria for the run, I’ve relaxed others. Read More→
Warming Up and Cooling Down Before and After Your Run
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This is a guest post from Liza, of 1 Fit Mutt. She runs with her Beagle x Australian Cattle Dog x Kelpie. Make sure you check out her site.
It’s very important to warm up before exercise and cool down after, for both dogs and humans. Warming up and cooling down can be as simple as jogging at a slower than usual pace with your dog before starting your main run. When going for a run with your dog, go at a slower, lighter jog or even just a brisk walk before picking up the pace. You will feel your muscles warming up and getting ready to work and the same will be happening to your dog.
How long your warm-up should be really depends on you and your dog’s individual requirements, but usually 5-10 minutes should be enough to get your dog’s body ready for more strenuous exercise (depending on how long and intense your running session will be).
How To Start Running With Your Dog
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You’ve read this site, you’ve become enthused and motivated, and you now want to start a running program with your dog. Great stuff!
Whatever you do, don’t just head out and pound the pavement with your dog. It’s not a good idea for you, and it’s even worse for your dog. You both need to gently build up to running together.
Here are my top tips for starting running with your dog.