PUBLISHED 07/07/2004
If dogs had a say in the matter, every dog owner would be a runner. "Dogs are made for running," says Joseph Wakshlag, a sled-dog racer and veterinarian at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. "Their strength and stamina make them ideal running companions."
Before you outfit your dog, bear in mind the following. Most healthy five- or six-month-old pups can handle a two-mile run, says Wakshlag. (Check with your vet first.) By nine to 12 months, many dogs can go four to six miles. "Dogs gain conditioning for running far quicker than humans do."
Herding and sporting dogs are the best running partners. Short-faced breeds, such as boxers and Boston terriers, are less efficient at cooling themselves, so don't run them when it's hotter than 70°F.
Large breeds, like Great Danes and Mastiffs, shouldn't run before they are a year old. Never let your dog run within four hours of eating. Exercising on a full stomach could cause a deadly condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat.
1. Premier Pet Products' Gentle Leader head collar prevents your dog from taking you for a run. The nylon straps put pressure on the top of the neck and the base of the nose, which tells your dog you're in control. It's not a muzzle--dogs can eat, drink, and pant freely. $25; (800) 933-5595, gentleleader.com
2. Put your dog's name and your phone number right on his collar for quick ID.
The LLBean Personalized Dog Collar is made of durable nylon with a plastic snap buckle and metal leash ring. $16.50; (800) 809-7057, llbean.com
3. You can store 40 lines of digital text on the LLBean Dog E-Tag, giving you room for contact information, your dog's medical history, reward offers, and even your travel itinerary for family vacations. It's water-resistant, lightweight, and easy to program. $40; (800) 809-7057, llbean.com
4. Dogs never grumble about predawn runs, but it's your job to make sure they're visible out there. The Glow Dog Reflective Jacket is made with light-reflecting Illuminite that appears bright white when headlights shine on it. Windproof, water-resistant, and breathable, it attaches with two adjustable Velcro straps. $19 to $45; (800) 497-6171, illuminite.com
5. "Running on concrete can wear down your dog's paw pads and increase his risk of nail-bed injuries," says Wakshlag. Soft surfaces are ideal, but when they aren't an option, protect your pal's paws with the 3D Bark'n Boots from Ruff Wear. "At first, dogs will walk around like they just stepped in glue," says Wakshlag. "But once they're running, they'll adjust quickly." $38; (888) 783-3932, ruffwear.com
6. Planet Dog's Jogging Belt, with its bungee-cord-like "Lunge Buster," saves your neck and shoulder from the strain of holding a traditional leash. The nylon waist belt is surprisingly comfortable. The leash attaches to the belt via a quick-release clasp, so you can disconnect from your dog in a hurry, if necessary. Jogging Belt, $19 to $35, and Lunge Buster, $14; (800) 381-1516, planetdog.com
7. In moderate temps, dogs can go an hour before needing a drink, says Wakshlag. During breaks, give them 1 cup to 1 pint of water, and at the end of the run, let them drink as much as they want. Outward Hound's Joggers hands-free fanny pack (not shown) has two straps to hold your retractable leash, a water bottle, and zip-out Port-A-Bowl. $20; (800) 477-5735, kyjen.com
