Running with your dog is a great way to spend time together while also staying in shape. Canine fitness is an essential component of overall health. Having a running partner can also be a great source of motivation. Before you start training your dog to be the ideal running companion, read the following tips.
The appropriate breed and age
Before you begin training, make sure your dog is physically capable of long-distance running. Brachycephalic dogs (those with short muzzles), such as Bulldogs or Pugs, should, for example, only sprint for short distances. Running is also not recommended for puppies because their bones are still growing. Wait until the dog is about 1.5 years old for most breeds.
Even within breeds, each dog has a distinct personality, and some will prefer to run more than others. Consider your dog's temperament, do some research on their breed, and take them to the veterinarian for a physical to ensure that this is a safe activity for them to participate in.
Walk before you can run!
Before you start training your dog to run alongside you, he or she should master loose-leash walking. When walking, a canine companion who pulls on the leash is inconvenient, but dangerous at higher speeds. Keep in mind that the environment is full of rewards, such as squirrels and interesting odours. If you want your dog to stay close to you, with the leash in a J shape, you must be equally rewarding. Use treats, toys, and so on.
When you start running together, keeping your dog on one side of you will be critical. They can trip you or tangle your legs in the leash if they run in front of you or weave from side to side. It makes no difference which side you choose, left or right, but choose one and stick with it. Begin training at a slow walk and keep reward placement in mind. Always give your dog treats in the position you want to reinforce; for example, if you want them on your left, only give treats to your left leg. Once they've mastered one side, switch to a different cue to train the other. Consider using a hands-free dog leash while running.
Now that your dog is politely walking alongside you, it's time to pick up the pace. When you're out for a walk, having a cue, such as "let's go," that tells your dog it's time to move on and start walking is useful. A different cue, such as "get running" or "move it," can be used to signal to your dog that it's time to pick up the pace. The more information you can provide your dog about what you expect, the better they will respond.
Intersperse short bursts of jogging or running with your normal walking pace to teach the running cue. Simply give the cue before increasing your speed, and then reward your dog when they hurry to catch up. Similarly, you can teach your dog a cue such as "whoa" to slow him down.
It's time to get your dog in shape now that they know to stay by your side and match your pace. Your dog, like humans, must gradually build strength and endurance. Begin by incorporating short bursts of running into your walks. Then, on each subsequent walk, gradually increase the amount of time you spend running and decrease the amount of time you spend walking. Your dog will have adapted to running long distances after a few weeks.
Tips for a Safe and Fun Run
Finally, your dog has been trained and conditioned to be your running companion. Keep the following tips in mind, however, to ensure that they are safe and enjoy running with you:
- Warm up your dog before you run and cool them down afterward by walking for a few minutes.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Dogs cannot tolerate heat and humidity as well as humans.
- Bring water with you on walks and offer it to your dog on a regular basis.
- Allow your dog frequent breaks so that they can rest, use the restroom, and enjoy their surroundings.
- Allow your dog to run off-leash only where it is safe and legal, and only if they have a reliable recall in the presence of distractions.
- Keep an eye out for signs that your dog has had enough, such as excessive panting or lagging behind you. Dogs may run even when they want to stop to please their owner.
Extreme Weather Preparation
Dedicated runners will run in the rain, snow, or heat, but there are times when the weather is simply too cold or hot for your dog. Even if you can't run together, you can keep your dog physically fit by exercising him indoors. Depending on your dog's size, a game of fetch down a long hall or up and down a flight of carpeted stairs can get his heart pumping and his muscles working.
You can also make an obstacle course out of household items such as a hula hoop or a cardboard box. Many training facilities also have indoor agility classes where your dog can run and jump.
Indoor treadmill training
Many dogs can be taught to use a treadmill. Some treadmills are specifically designed for dogs, but if you already own one, that will suffice. Just make sure the ramp is long enough for the size of your dog. The larger the dog, the larger the treadmill required. Even though this is one of the simplest ways to exercise your dog indoors, you can't just put them on and go. Investigate treadmill training or consult with your dog trainer to teach your dog to enjoy and use the machine safely. Finally, never tie your dog to the treadmill or leave them unattended on it.
Kukimbia na mbwa wako ni njia nzuri ya kutumia wakati pamoja na pia kukaa katika umbo. Uwezo wa mbwa ni sehemu muhimu ya afya ya jumla. Kuwa na mwenzi wa kukimbia pia kunaweza kuwa chanzo kikubwa cha kichocheo. Kabla ya kuanza kumzoeza mbwa wako kuwa mwenzake bora wa kukimbia, soma vidokezo vifuatavyo. Kabla ya kuanza mazoezi, hakikisha mbwa wako ana uwezo wa kukimbia umbali mrefu. Mbwa wenye kichwa kifupi (kama vile Bulldog au Pugs) wanapaswa, kwa mfano, kukimbia mbio fupi tu. Pia, mbwa-mwitu hawapaswi kukimbia kwa sababu mifupa yao bado inakua. Kwa mbwa wa aina nyingi, ni muhimu kusubiri hadi mtoto awe na umri wa miaka 1.5. Hata ndani ya jamii, kila mbwa ana utu tofauti, na baadhi yao hupendelea kukimbia zaidi kuliko wengine. Fikiria tabia ya mbwa wako, fanya utafiti juu ya jamii yao, na uwapeleke kwa daktari wa mifugo kwa ajili ya mwili ili kuhakikisha kwamba hii ni shughuli salama kwa ajili yao kushiriki katika. Tembea kabla huwezi kukimbia! Kabla ya kuanza kumzoeza mbwa wako kukimbia pamoja nawe, anapaswa kujifunza jinsi ya kutembea bila kamba. Unapotembea, ni vigumu kupata mwenzako wa mbwa anayevuta mkanda, lakini ni hatari unapotembea kwa mwendo wa kasi zaidi. Kumbuka kwamba mazingira yamejaa zawadi, kama vile squirrels na harufu zenye kupendeza. Ikiwa mbwa wako anakufuata kwa karibu, kwa njia ya kuunganisha kamba ya J, ni muhimu kwamba ufanye hivyo. Tumia vitu vya kupendeza, vitu vya kuchezea, na kadhalika. Unapoanza kukimbia pamoja, ni muhimu kuweka mbwa wako upande mmoja. Wanaweza kukukengeusha au kukusumbua miguu yako ikiwa wanakimbia mbele yako au wanapiga kutoka upande mmoja hadi mwingine. Haijalishi ni upande gani unaochagua, kushoto au kulia, lakini chagua moja na kushikamana nayo. Anza mazoezi kwa kutembea polepole na ukumbuke mahali pa thawabu. Mpe mbwa wako vitu vya kulevya katika nafasi ambayo unataka kuimarisha, kwa mfano, ikiwa unataka kuwa upande wa kushoto, mpe tu mguu wako wa kushoto. Mara wanapopata ustadi wa upande mmoja, badili na ishara tofauti ili kuwazoeza wengine. Fikiria kutumia kamba ya mbwa isiyo na mikono unapokuwa ukikimbia. Sasa, wakati mbwa wako anapoanza kutembea kwa adabu, ni wakati wa kuongeza mwendo. "Kama wewe ni nje kwa kutembea, kuwa na ishara, kama vile ""hebu kwenda,"" ambayo anaambia mbwa wako ni wakati wa kusonga mbele na kuanza kutembea ni muhimu." "Kama ishara ya ""kimbia"" au ""hama"" inaweza kutumika kwa mbwa wako kuelezea kwamba ni wakati wa kuongeza mwendo." Kadiri unavyoweza kumpa mbwa wako habari zaidi kuhusu kile unachotarajia, ndivyo atakavyokabiliana na hali hiyo. Punguza muda mfupi wa kukimbia au kukimbia kwa mwendo wako wa kawaida wa kutembea ili kufundisha mwelekeo wa kukimbia. Mpa mbwa wako ishara kabla ya kuongeza mwendo wake, kisha mpe zawadi anapokimbilia kumkamata. "Kwa mfano, unaweza kumfundisha mbwa wako kwa kusema ""whoa"" ili kumzuia asifanye hivyo." Ni wakati wa kupata mbwa wako katika umbo sasa kwamba wanajua kukaa kando yako na mechi kasi yako. Mbwa wako, kama wanadamu, lazima ajenge nguvu na uvumilivu hatua kwa hatua. Anza kwa kuingiza mbio fupi katika matembezi yako. Baada ya kila kutembea, ongeza hatua kwa hatua muda unaotumia kukimbia na kupunguza muda unaotumia kutembea. Mbwa wako atazoea kukimbia umbali mrefu baada ya majuma machache. Kwa mfano, mbwa wako amezoezwa na kuwa mwenzako wa kukimbia. Hata hivyo, kumbuka vidokezo vifuatavyo ili kuhakikisha kwamba wako salama na wanafurahia kukimbia pamoja nawe: - Jitengenezee joto mbwa wako kabla ya kukimbia na baada ya kukimbia umpunguzie joto kwa kutembea kwa dakika chache. - Angalia hali ya hewa. Mbwa hawawezi kuvumilia joto na unyevu kama wanadamu. - Chukua maji pamoja nawe unapotembea na umpe mbwa wako mara kwa mara. Mruhusu mbwa wako apumzike mara kwa mara ili apate kupumzika, atumie choo, na kufurahia mazingira yake. Mruhusu mbwa wako kukimbia bila kamba tu mahali ambapo ni salama na kisheria, na tu ikiwa wana kumbukumbu ya kuaminika ya uwepo wa vitu vya kuvutia. - Angalia ishara kwamba mbwa wako amepata kutosha, kama vile kupumua kupita kiasi au kushindwa nyuma yako. Mbwa anaweza kukimbia hata anapotaka kusimama ili kumfurahisha mmiliki wake. Miongoni mwa njia za kukabiliana na hali ya hewa mbaya zaidi ni kukimbia kwenye theluji, mvua, au joto, lakini kuna wakati ambapo hali ya hewa ni baridi sana au moto sana kwa mbwa wako. Hata kama huwezi kukimbia pamoja, unaweza kumfanya mbwa wako awe na afya nzuri kwa kumfanya afanye mazoezi ndani ya nyumba. Kulingana na ukubwa wa mbwa wako, mchezo wa kukusanya chini ya ukumbi mrefu au juu na chini ya ngazi ya mazulia unaweza kupata moyo wake pumping na misuli yake kufanya kazi. Unaweza pia kutengeneza uwanja wa vizuizi kwa kutumia vitu vya nyumbani kama vile hula hoop au sanduku la makaratasi. Vifaa vingi vya mazoezi pia vina madarasa ya ndani ya mbwa wako ambapo anaweza kukimbia na kuruka. Mazoezi ya ndani ya treadmill Mbwa wengi wanaweza kufundishwa kutumia treadmill. Kuna mashine za kukimbia ambazo zimetengenezwa kwa ajili ya mbwa, lakini ikiwa tayari una mashine hiyo, hiyo itatosha. Hakikisha kwamba ramp ni ndefu vya kutosha kwa ukubwa wa mbwa wako. Mbwa anapokuwa mkubwa, mhimili mkubwa zaidi wa kutembea unahitajiwa. Ingawa hii ni moja ya njia rahisi zaidi ya kufanya mazoezi ya mbwa wako ndani ya nyumba, huwezi tu kuweka juu yao na kwenda. Kujifunza jinsi ya kutumia treadmill au ushauri na mkufunzi wako wa mbwa ili kumfundisha mbwa wako kufurahia na kutumia mashine kwa usalama. Kwa hiyo, usimfunge mbwa wako kwenye treadmill au kumwacha peke yake.