Ok, OK, I complain a lot about my human and her desire to attempt to run.  I think it is more because she just doesn’t get it.  She runs and it is in a straight line with some kind of agenda– make time, only have so much time, lose weight, get in shape.  For me, I run to expreince life, to take in its smells, to just feel joy.  We are on different pages.  Just as she trains me, I hope that I can help her see the joy in just running.

(Click on the photo to enlarge so you can see my happy face!)

I love to follow my big sister Eva around.  Below we are running at Dolly Sods, part of the Monongahela National Forest.

See the Joy!

We stop to get water along the way.

Before my Human lets me off lead, she likes to review basic commands.

(She needs to loosen up that leash a little bit to make sure there is a J.  Training Humans takes time, sigh.)

All this running around leaves me pretty tired.  I am already not a morning pup.  See how sleepy I look.  So tired.  Don’t worry I was able to get right up after my morning cup of joe (ok, it was water and a bathroom break).

I know I know I am a small pup.  I will tell you that I was running long after my big sister Eva tired out.  My size does mean my Human has to take certain precautions.  And the good news is that if I get tired, I am pretty easy to pick up and carry.

Things to consider before hiking or running with your dog:
1. Size and coat of dog. A really small dog, like myself, or a really big dog might not make the best running companion. A long haired coat might not be good in the middle of the summer.
2. Physical abilities such as injuries, and energy level.
3. Physical endurance. You don’t want to take an out of shape dog on a 5 mile run, start slow and build endurance and ability. This will also help you figure out if your dog has limitations.
4. The personality of your dog such as energy level, ability to be off lead or run next to you on lead with out cutting in front of you, and reaction to new situations.

After taking into consideration the above points, create the length and difficulty of the hike or run based on your dogs abilities and personality.

When hiking and running keep your eye out for glass and other items that might injury our paws. One of the most common injuries happens to your dogs pads. Try our Doggie Sage Hot Dog Balm on our pads before you go out and when you return to soften and heal those paws.

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Want to read and learn more about running with your dog? Check out the following links:
Train with Your Dog
Running and Jogging with Your Dog
Running with Your Best Friend