How should I train my dog for running?

Running training is something that many do to get their daily exercise done and some would like to bring the dog with them when they run - But how do you start running with your dog?

Important to think about when starting to run with your dog is to take it step by step - start with a short lap and try to sense how your dog is doing, could the dog run a little further or should you continue to run shorter laps for a while?

No special equipment is required for running with your dog - but if you want to run with your hands free then a waist belt together with a leash with elastic shock absorption can facilitate running training. The hands are then free and it is easier to reward the right behavior of the dog. The better contact you have with the dog, the more fun it will be to train together! To compete in cross country running with a dog is called canicross. For this one can use different hip belts / waist belts and special canicross leashes.

If you run when it is dark then it is extremely important that both dog and dog owner / handler wear reflective gear so that you are properly visible!

PLEASE NOTE! If you have a puppy, you should wait until the dog is about 11-14 months before you start training.