Dogs make excellent running partners for many reasons. Your dog won't drone on endlessly about his career or relationship and he'll always allow you to set the pace. And as long as you have prepared him properly, the sound of his paws hitting the pavement will settle you into a reassuring rhythm.

Step 1: Check with your veterinarian to see if it's safe for your dog to be your running partner. Ask your vet what nutritional needs your dog will require to be a healthy running mate.

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with signs of exertion that your dog might exhibit. Your dog's loyalty to you will outweigh his desire to stop running. It will be up to you to recognize when your dog has had enough, and if necessary, it will be up to you to render first aid to him.

Step 3: Your dog needs some running gear. Choose a good leash that has plenty of slack but that also restricts your dog to running at your side. Make sure that his collar has proper identification and updated vaccination tags at all time. If you plan to run before sunrise or after sunset, get some reflective gear so your dog won't go unnoticed.

Step 4: Carry water and offer it to him often.

Step 5: Train your dog to run at your side. If there isn't room for both of you on the sidewalk, it's probably not safe for your pup. Keep in mind that your dog's gear doesn't include running shoes; the pads of his feet could be damaged running on the sidewalk or road and it might be in his best interest to choose dirt trails for your daily runs.

Step 6: Choose an appropriate time of day to run. Because of their lack of sweat glands, dogs are unable to cool down and should not be taken on runs during the heat of the day. Also, run him before he has had his meal, as it wouldn't feel good for either of you to run with full stomachs.

Step 7: Start out with short slow training runs. Do some interval training that includes periods of walking. This will allow you to monitor his progress while building his endurance.

Step 8: Talk to your dog and praise him often while he runs alongside you, ears flapping and tail wagging.

This article was written by Katie Deen, who is sponsored by Disount-Pet-Mall. A great website for dog carriers and dog gates.