We all know that running (especially with a dog) has many benefits, both for your physical and mental well-being. Moreover, this sport is fun and allows you to feel better in the short and long term. My mother used to run, but she didn’t feel safe to enjoy this activity alone!
After some research, I found many things that could eliminate all the risks related to running. There are many precautions that runners can take to stay safe, fit and happy.
Dog owners may consider running with their companions to stop being afraid to run alone! I recently questioned myself, does running or walking with a dog makes you safer?
Most dogs are great running partners to make you safer. They will do everything they can to protect their owner from assailants or any other danger. Furthermore, jogging with your dog will keep most muggers away from you. So, it’s always better to have your companion with you to stay safe when you go out for a run!
Some dogs don’t make excellent protective jogging buddies. Even if they did, a few of them won’t be able to run with you. At the end of this blog post, you will know if your dog is suitable to jog and make you feel safer!
I will also share with you how to know if your buddy would make a good running bodyguard. After that, I’ve found some more safety jogging tips for you!
This article isn’t just for dog owners. It can also be helpful for runners that consider adopting one. Running with a dog has so many benefits; you shouldn’t miss that opportunity. Besides, there are several other advantages to owning a pet, such as having some company, doing more exercise, and reducing your stress level!
Is Your Dog Suitable To Run?
Unfortunately, not every dog can run safely. Even if staying in good shape is important, I’m sure your buddy’s (or future one) well-being is more necessary. Before running with him, it’s essential to analyze his physical ability to do intense sports!
Many elements will help you figure out if a dog is suitable to run. It’s generally easy to know when your companion can’t be your jogging partner.
However, don’t assume your pooch is a natural runner because not all dogs are. Now let’s take a look at some things that could restrict your furball from running!
Breed.
Have you ever done some research on your dog’s origin? I did it not too long ago, and I discovered a lot of helpful information. Some dog breeds won’t be suitable to run more than 1 or 2 miles even with good training.
These include dogs such as Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Pugs, Bulldogs, Mastiffs, etc. Make sure to have (or find) a buddy that can keep up with your running pace!
Health.
Some health or structural problems can restrict your dog from running. The simplest way to assure your buddy is healthy enough for canine sports is to visit your vet. Even if your dog seems top shape, some joint issues such as hip dysplasia could hurt him while running!
Weight.
Most people think that running is ideal for getting overweight dogs in better shape. Nonetheless, this isn’t true because it’s probably too intense for them.
Depending on how many extra pounds they have, running could put too much strain on their joints. Low-intensity activities such as swimming or walking could be more interesting for obese companions!
Injury.
Injured dogs can’t run without hurting themselves. Even after their injury, owners need to be careful with intense physical activity. If your buddy has an injury, you need to see your vet.
A professional opinion will allow you to make sure it’s alright for him to start exercising again. You should wait until your dog is fully recovered and begin gradually to get him back in shape!
Size.
Some ultra-small or giant dogs won’t be suitable to run. Very small buddies can’t keep up running for very long and won’t be very protective anyway. For large beasts, most will be good bodyguards, but too heavy to run longer than 2 miles (3.2 km)!
Age.
Puppies and senior dogs are too fragile to run with humans. Don’t start running with your buddy too soon; this could hurt or injure him seriously. Normally most dogs are suitable to jog after one year of age.
It’s the same thing with old companions. They need to stop vigorous activity at a certain age. Your veterinarian could help you determine the safest time to start or stop running with your dog!
Overall.
In general, just going out to try running around 1 mile (or km) will give you a good idea of your buddy’s athletic capacities. However, it’s always safer to confirm that your dog can run with a vet check.
Just to give you an idea, nearly all healthy dogs can jog anywhere from 2 to 5 miles (3.2 to 8 km) without any problem. After that, it’s your choice to start enjoying that awesome sport with your fido or not!
Are All Dogs Good Bodyguards?
Unfortunately, some dogs won’t be very protective. Some dogs were bred to guard, so they have that instinct to protect their owner. Nearly all companions that feel (you or him) in danger, will become aggressive toward the predator. However, a small Chihuahua may not be as scary as a robust Doberman Pinscher!
Which Dogs Were Bred As Guards?
While most companions will be good home guardians, some dogs are built to defend themselves. Normally, guard buddies have good physical strength, protective temperament, loyalty, pain resistance, and courage. It’s also possible to train your companion to make him the perfect bodyguard!
Protective Dogs That Can Keep You Safe!
- Bullmastiffs.
- Doberman Pinschers.
- Rottweilers.
- Komondor.
- Etc.
Even if your dog is protective, that doesn’t mean they are good running partners. Bullmastiffs can be awesome guard dogs, but they can’t jog more than 1 or 2 miles (1.6 to 3 km) at a slow pace. Most strong buddies are built for sprints, not long distances. However, I found some protective companions with good stamina!
Safe Running Partners That Will Keep Up With You!
- German Shepherds.
- Belgian Malinois.
- Doberman Pinschers.
- Giant Schnauzers.
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
- Beaucerons.
- Etc.
These athletic and protective dogs are ideal to be safer while running. Is your companion (or a future one) on the list?
If not, that doesn’t mean they won’t make you safer. The main qualities that make a good guard dog are strength, courage, and loyalty. With these traits, muggers shouldn’t attack you for their safety!
Is It Safer To Run With Your Dog?
Running with a dog is way safer than running alone. The simple fact that you run with a companion will scare away most predators. With a good guard dog, you should have any problem. However, you must be aware that some dogs aren’t impressive or aggressive at all!
Some of The Worst Guard Dogs.
- Labrador or Golden Retrievers.
- Irish Setters.
- Basset Hounds.
- Havanese Dogs.
- Other Very Small Dogs.
- Etc.
You could be surprised that Retrievers aren’t good guard dogs. As a Labrador owner, I’m not surprised at all because they simply love everybody.
They need to feel not safe at all to become aggressive. Nonetheless, they are awesome partners that will make you safer by their presence or for other problems!
Another benefit of running with your dog is to be more alert while doing it. If you don’t have anything to keep you vigilant, you won’t be ready to defend yourself, avoid holes or react fast to any kind of unexpected situation. Your buddy isn’t just good to protect you; he’s also awesome to keep you wide awake and ready for any emergency!
Even if it’s not the ultimate solution to all risks, running with your dog makes you safer. They will not only protect you from humans, but also against other dogs or wild animals.
Furthermore, your dog could also be your lifesaver in case of an emergency or if you have a problem. Therefore, you have only good reasons to run with your active furry rover!
Other Benefits Of Running With Your Dog!
Within a few hours (or days) of practice, your dog can become a protective jogging partner. Feeling safer while running isn’t the only benefit of running your dog.
We all know that this physical activity is awesome for both of you. Nevertheless, there are more specific and unknown benefits of bringing your dog when you go out for runs!
Dogs Are Awesome Motivators!
To be honest, it’s not always easy to go out and run. Sometimes, you rather stay in your bed than wake up for your morning jog. For people that struggle to motivate themselves to run, consider adopting a dog.
Once you start running regularly with your dog, it will be difficult to stop. Furry companions love to run and won’t make you miss your regular jog!
Improve Your Running Performance Safely!
For very active and alethetic dog owners, running with them can make you faster and better. Most four-legged buddies will run way faster than their owners.
Bringing them on your runs will help you to improve your speed, stamina, and adaptability. The best running dogs will make their owners become better and tough athletes!
Be More Conscientious!
Normally, people just run without thinking about it. With a dog, you need to be more conscious to do it safely. Moreover, you need to plan your training to make sure it’s dog-friendly. So, your companion will heighten your senses and make you more organized!
Other More Obvious Benefits Of Running With Your Dog:
- Good Source of Exercise.
- Feel Less Alone.
- Strengthen Muscles.
- Improve Fitness.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight.
- Reduce Stress.
- Burn Calories.
- Mental Break.
- It’s Fun.
- Etc.
5 Safety Running Tips For Dog Owners!
Your dog isn’t the only way to feel safer while running but it’s one of the best options for dog owners. There are many other efficient things you can do to stay safe while exercising. I found some more safety tips to keep you safe, alert and healthy!
Run With Someone Else!
It’s always safer to run with some friends or other people. Even if your dog counts as a running partner, having a human to run with is always fun and safer. You also could start a «Jogging Club» or find one near your home!
Don’t Put Your Earphones On While Running!
Running with music isn’t very safe especially with your dog. If you can’t hear a potential attacker, it will be difficult to defend yourself. Without earphones, you will be safer and more alert to any aggression or possible injuries. For music lovers, you could lower the volume or put only on earphones to keep this activity fun!
Always Try New Trails/Routes!
Alternating the places that you run is another good way to keep you more vigilant. Moreover, it’s very fun to find new trails to enjoy with your dog.
This is also a great way to not be easy targets for local muggers. Always running on the same route can make you lose concentration, so you might be more prone to accidents or aggressions!
Take A Self-Defence Class!
If you want to know how to defend yourself, self-defence courses could be interesting. This isn’t just a way to feel safe while running, it will make you more confident and ready to feel safer everywhere.
Knowing self-defence techniques is the ultimate way to not be scared of being alone. That’s an awesome way to ensure your own safety and not depend on your friend, dog or pepper spray!
Run In Populated Areas!
Running late in the evening or in dangerous areas isn’t a good way to stay safe. The place and time you run will highly affect your safety. The more people there are, the more you should be safe.
Furthermore, the daytime or in the morning is the best time to run safely. Make sure to put all the odds on your side to feel safe while running!
Last Thoughts About Running Safely With Your Dog!
Finally, running with your dog is an excellent way to make you safer. There are many other precautions you can take to run safely alone.
But bringing your companion is a quick, easy, and effective solution. It’s also fun and beneficial for everyone’s health, safety, and well-being!
I hope this article will allow you to keep enjoying your regular workout. It would be a great pleasure to help some of you feel safer and more confident while running.
Have fun exercising with your dog, and feel free to share these pieces of advice with your friends for their safety!