Last updated on June 2nd, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Your running shoes are laced up and you’re ready to hit the trails. Just as you open the door, your favorite four-legged friend stares at you with those “don’t leave me behind” eyes. Don’t worry… you can have the best of both worlds by learning how to go trail running with a dog!
Trail running with a dog can be wonderful. Check with your veterinarian first, learn to watch for fatigue and overheating, and slowly build up your dogs’ mileage.
When Can Dogs Start Trail Running?
Before you dash out the door, it’s important to make sure your dog is old enough to run without negatively impacting their health. Dogs are generally safe to start running when their bony growth plates are beginning to close. This process typically occurs somewhere between 7 months and 20 months depending on the dog’s breed (source).
Check With a Veterinarian
Regardless of your dog’s age, you need your vet to confirm that they are safe to begin running long distances. A vet can give you specific guidelines regarding how to safely progress a running program with your dog given its current health status and breed.
Is Trail Running Good for Your Dog?
We all know that trail running is good for both mind and body when it comes to us humans, but what about dogs? Trail running is a great way for your dog to fight off cardiovascular diseases and burn some of those extra treat calories to maintain a healthy weight.
The perks of trail running with your dog extend far beyond health-related benefits. Nothing quite bonds you and your dog like flying down a single-track trail with both of your endorphins flowing full force.
Is it Cruel to Run with Your Dog?
You wouldn’t tell someone who has never run a day in their life that you were taking them out to run a marathon that afternoon. The same principle applies when it comes to trail running with your dog.
If you gradually build up mileage and make sure your dog is prepared to run in a given temperature, you can safely train your dog to become your go-to trail running partner. Just keep in mind that you have to be prepared to address your dog’s needs at any point during the run. This might mean stopping mid-tempo pace for that inevitable potty break.
Training Your Dog to Trail Run
How do you start getting Fido running out on the trails? First, you need to make sure that your dog is leash trained so that you can control them out on the trails instead of the other way around.
Once you’ve mastered leash skills, it’s time to get out on the trails. You need to start out at a slow pace and short distance for your dog’s first trail run. Your dog will most likely need at least several months of slow and steady running to build up their stamina.
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You also want to choose a trail that is relatively flat and not too technical. This will help your dog get used to the demands of the trail and minimize their risk of injury early on. Once your dog is confident out on the trails, you can sprinkle in steeper slopes and longer adventures together.
Another important factor to consider is your dog’s hydration before, during, and after a trail run. Make sure you are packing enough water for both of you to perform at your best out on the trail.
Potential Hazards When Trail Running with a Dog
I know I romanticize trail running with my dog. And while it is a magical experience, it can quickly become a nightmare if you’re not adequately prepared.
Too Much Distance
Running too much, too soon is a recipe for disaster when it comes to your dog’s well-being. Pushing the distance with your dog without proper training can result in overuse injuries like muscle strains, joint sprains, and even full-on meniscal tears.
Other Wildlife
You and your dog are not the only ones who enjoy being out on the trail. The trail is home to a wide variety of creatures and the harsh reality is they don’t all want to be friends with your dog.
If you encounter a porcupine, bear, snake, mountain lion or other animal out on the trail, your dog may not be aware that these animals are dangerous. Keep a close eye on your dog and control their behavior to avoid putting both of you in a potentially life-threatening situation.
Overheating
Your dog can’t sweat like you do when running, which is why they rely on panting to dissipate the build up of heat in their body. This process isn’t nearly as efficient as sweating and makes it easier for dogs to overheat when they run.
If your dog starts to overheat, this could become a life-threatening situation. Overheating can cause full blown heat exhaustion, heart arrhythmias, or heat stroke if left untreated.
Always Run With A Leash
It’s tempting to let your dog run off leash and be free to explore their surroundings. Sadly, this isn’t a good idea when it comes to keeping your dog safe out on the trails.
You need to have a durable leash that you can easily control while out running. I personally like using a waistband leash designed for running because I know that I can safely bring my dog to a quick halt if needed.
It’s critical to protect your dog from unpredictable terrain and other creatures that could pose a threat to your dog. Trust me, I’ve never been more grateful to have my dog on a leash than when I’ve stumbled upon a rattlesnake mid run.
How To Know if Your Dog is Tired During a Run
Your dog is not going to tell you, “Hey! I’m dying over here!”. This is why you have to become a dog-whisperer when it comes to interpreting your dog’s signs of fatigue.
Here a few things to look out for that indicate they are tired and you may need to stop:
- Your dog slows down
- Your dog sits down or stops moving
- Excessive panting that doesn’t slow down with a reduced pace
- Your dog starts to limp
- Excessive drooling
Post Run Care and Recovery
Now that you and Fido are back from a stellar run out on the trail, it’s time to focus on recovery. Make sure to check your little one’s paws to see if there are hidden thorns or cuts that need to be treated.
Now it’s time for both of you to fill your bellies with some nutritious grub and gulp down water to promote optimal post-run recovery. After you’re showered and fed, you don’t want to miss out on this important last step. Snuggle up with your pup on the couch and get ready for your next one-of-a-kind adventure running out on the trail!
Image Credit: Viktor Vorobev | (source) | Public Domain Mark 1.0— reduced file size and image