Our four-legged fitness buddies do, however, require a few special considerations and I think you’ll agree there are several parallels to us humans.
Take a look at your dog’s physical characteristics, age and personality. A small, energetic dog with short legs may be great for a walker but unable to keep up with a long-legged human jogger. A big lumbering beast may prefer strolling along drooling to performing wind sprints.
You’ll likely encounter lots of other people and dogs on sidewalks and park trails. Proper vaccinations are especially important, as are proper manners. Never allow your dog to run loose, no matter how friendly and well-trained you think he is.
Nothing will ruin your workout quite like watching your friendly, well-trained dog get crushed under the wheels of a trash truck. Even if your dog is amicable, that leashed German shepherd he runs up to might not be happy to see him. Joggers and cyclists, who are forever being chased by dogs, might respond to a “friendly” greeting with a can of mace.
If you want to give your dog some freedom when you exercise, invest in a good retractable leash. That will give your dog up to 15 feet of play space, but you’ll still have him safely under control. (I’ve seen these work firsthand on kids at airports.)
Remember that dogs need proper conditioning just like human exercisers. Increases in speed and mileage should occur in a series of progressions. If Fluffy spends the majority of her time lying around in the air conditioning eating cheese nips and watching television, you don’t want to suddenly take her for a five-mile run.
Your dog may initially be able to run several blocks or walk several miles, but she won’t necessarily be able to run substantial distances (especially on concrete) without soreness and injury. Even the really energetic breeds may need to be reined in a bit so they don’t injure themselves in their enthusiasm to go fast and far.
Pay special attention to the heat index since your friend will be exercising in a fur coat. This can be particularly dangerous during the summer months because dogs don’t sweat. They can only dissipate heat by panting or through the pads of their feet, and the latter method doesn’t work very well on scorching hot pavement.
Make sure your pet gets plenty of water before and after exercise, but avoid running right after your dog has eaten. Vigorous exercise on a full stomach can be as uncomfortable for canine exercisers as it is for their humans. If you go for a run right after a big meal, Fido is likely to experience cramping and indigestion and vomit all over your nice new running shoes. It’s best to feed your dog after the workout, once he’s had time to cool off and settle down.
Your dog can’t tell you if he hurts, so it’s up to you to watch for signs of trouble. A dog can suffer from soreness and overtraining just like a human exerciser. However, in their enthusiasm, it may not occur to them to stop.
Keep an eye out for any signs of limping. Check the pads of your dog’s feet regularly for cracking, cuts or glass. If your dog seems to be exhausted, injured or lagging behind, stop and evaluate the situation. A rest, a drink and a slower pace may in order. More serious concerns may require a trip to the vet or taking a few days off.
Remember that you need to exercise at your dog’s pace, not the other way around. Your dog’s build and level of fitness might not suit your activity level. If that’s the case, make exercising with your dog a fun additional activity and not your primary cardio workout. Just because you’re training for a 10-kilometer race doesn’t mean that your Dachshund wants to.
Exercising with your dog can be quite rewarding and enjoyable. If you walk the same neighborhood regularly for years, you’ll see the seasons change, watch children grow up, catch sunrises and sunsets, and share countless funny moments and small adventures n it beats the heck out of a treadmill.
Editor’s note: Shape Up Montana is a team wellness program that encourages Montanans to develop healthy physical activity and eating habits and runs through May 1. For more information or to register, go to www.shapeupmontana.org.
Suzie Eades Wood, a National Strength and Conditioning Association-certified personal trainer, is operations director of the Big Sky State Games, which runs the Shape Up Montana program.
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