Based
in San Francisco, Chandler Villacruz oversees a five-person team in his role as
a senior marketing manager at Food Rates. Outside of his professional pursuits,
Chandler Villacruz enjoys running with his golden retriever mix, Sam.
For
many dog owners, the prospect of exercising with their furry companion is an
exciting one. Taking your dog running with you will not only help you disperse some
of your pet’s abundant energy, but it can also be a way for you to spend more
time together. By following these few simple dos and don’ts, you can help your
dog go from best friend to running partner:
- Do
prepare your dog: Your canine companion will not be able to go from daily walks
to running several miles overnight. You should start by training it to run
alongside you for a few hundred meters at a time. As you progress, you can
alternate walking and jogging to help condition your dog for longer runs.
- Don’t
ignore your dog’s needs: Your dog will need breaks from running to catch its
breath and drink some water. Aside from scheduling several such pauses, you
should be mindful of the signals that your pet is trying to give to you. Heavy
panting and lethargic movements are only a few of the signs that your dog has
overexerted itself and needs to rest.
- Do
select running routes that will be pet friendly: This means avoiding hard, hot
pavements such as asphalt and opting for areas with more cushioned surfaces,
like hiking trails, sand, and grass. If you are unsure about a new terrain,
then bring along some boots or thick salve to protect your dog’s paws.
