Dogs that make Good Running Companions

How often do you run with your dog? If you are serious about keeping fit one important consideration is taking regular sessions for a walk or jogging. If you are jogging alone, it can be boring and more tiresome. If you are looking for jogging company, you probably should not ignore the option of having a good dog breed that you can run with.

Dog breeds that you can run with make wonderful jogging companions and will provide you with the best jogging companionship. In this hub I will focus on dogs that you can run with since not all dog breeds are good as running or jogging companions.

If you are running with your dog, you should consider the following useful tips that should guide you for success in running with your dog.

• Introduce your dog at an early age to running

It’s said that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. This applies to training and other activities like running with your dog. It’s important that you introduce your dog to running at an early age.

• Always keep to one track when running with your dog

If you want your dog to be a good running companion, you should keep to one running track to avoid confusing your dog. When your dog has mastered the route you can introduce them to a new route.

• Don’t let your dog off leash

If you want to be successful when running with your dog, you should keep the dog on the leash. This will help you stay in control and avoid your dog moving away from the track. Some dogs may also be scared of oncoming vehicles therefore keeping your dog on the leash guarantees you safety.

• Avoid Running Long Distances

If you want to encourage your dog you should avoid running long distances initially when you start running with your dog. You should stick to small distances and increase the mileage gradually. This will ensure that your dog adapts to running without having to strain.

• Avoid Heatstroke by taking breaks when running

Naturally dogs are able to dissipate heat from their body by panting. This is the reason why you see your dog sticking their tongue out when running. Your dog can suffer heat stroke when dehydrated and so you should take breaks when running with your dog to easeoff the heat.

• Consider rehydrating your dog when running or after running

If you are running long distances with your dog you should consider carrying some water for your dog. After running you should consider giving your dog fluids or water to rehydrate.

There are a number of factors that you should consider when selecting a certain dog breed to be your running dog. Here are some few considerations for selecting a jogging dog.

• Dog Breed

There are dogs that have a history of making good running companions; you should choose such a breed

• Health Status

If your dog is having health problems associated with heart and have serious exercise intolerance, you should not force such a dog to be a running companion. A walk could help them improve their cardiac health but running is more demanding

• Age of the dog

Old dogs more than 7 years old may not be the ideal running companions. Choosing to train your dog to run early in their life can be the best option.

After my research I came up with this list of dogs that are regarded as the best jogging companions.

They include:

1. Greyhound
2. Whippet
3. American Pit Bull Terrier
4. Australian Cattle Dog
5. Australian Shepherd
6. Border Collies
7. Boxer
8. Brittany Spaniel
9. Dalmations
10. Fox Terriers
11. Doberman Pinschers
12. Rhodesian Ridgeback
13. Siberian Huskies
14. Vizslas
15. Labrador retrievers
16. Standard poodles
17. German shorthaired pointers
18. Jack Russell terriers
19. Beagles
20. Weimaraners

I think the best running companions are the hound types of dogs but a mixed dog breed could even make better running companion.

Do you run with your dog and what is the breed of your dog ?