Train Your Dog To Run with You

There are a few great reasons why you should train your dog to run with you. The first reason is often that you want to run your first 5k and would like your dog with you on your training runs. As busy people many times you find yourself waking up early to run or going out after dark and having your dog with you makes you feel more secure. We have been talking about overweight dogs a lot recently.

Then there are some dogs that have put on a few extra pounds and they need help keeping their puppy figure. Being overweight causes the same issues for dogs as it does for us. Head on over to your favorite pet store, where online or down the street, and pick up a 4’ running leash if you have a big dog or a 6′ leash if you have a small dog (it gives you the extra length because your dog is so low to the ground. For running, it is best not to use a retractable leash. If it is your only choice, lock it in at four feet and plan on purchasing a new leash as soon as possible.

Training your dog to a 5k gives them the mental and physical exercises that they need every day to be healthy happy well adjusted dogs. Going out for a run with your dog before work will help them break the Separation Anxiety issue because they were stimulated and ready to rest instead of wanting you to stay home and play.

Three times a week for five weeks will get your pooch ready for his first 5k.

Since we are not exactly experts we asked a friend that runs multiple marathons a year and helps newbies train for them how she would get started.

Start off by a visit to your pooch’s favorite tree or fire hydrant you want them to get the essentials out of the way before you start your jog.. Now that’s out of the way, do a 5-minute warm-up that really makes your heart pump more than normal. Interval training works great on dogs as well as their humans. Jog for 60 seconds and then walk for 90 seconds and repeat this cycle 8 times for 20 minutes. Remember you need to do this three times the first week!

The second week you have just slightly longer intervals. Start out jogging for 90 seconds with 2-minute of walking to recover. Do this interval six times for a total of 21 minutes. See, that wasn’t so bad!

The third week jog for 90 seconds followed by a 2-minute walk. Then jog for 3 minutes, walk for 4. Then run again for 90 seconds and walk for two. Finish up with another 3-minute jog and walk until your heart rate comes back to normal.
Week four really gets your heart rate going by starting out with a 3-minute run and walking for 4-minutes. Next jog for 6 minutes followed by a 4-minute walk. Repeat and warm down with a walk.

In week 5 go out and jog for 8 minutes and then walk for 8 minutes and repeat. At this point, in mileage you should be walking and jogging a little over 3 miles, or a 5k. You can continue this interval training until you are running the entire way which takes about 10-12 weeks depending on where you and your pooch started from. Interval training is one of the best ways to train both you and your best buddy on how to run.