I love to run on my own. I love to run with friends and I LOVE to run with my dog! Best of all, my dog appears to love running with me too.
Not all dogs like or are even suited to running so it’s important to find the right breed of dog to run with. Dogs that are good runners can enhance your training and help you maintain your pace. They also make the best motivators as they’re always keen, ready to go and they don’t have to faff about choosing which outfit to wear!
My dog is a cockapoo called Honey. I’m no dog expert, she was our first family dog and I chose her because she was very cute and was supposed to be a ‘hypoallergenic breed’. She does moult more than I anticipated she would but we don’t seem to be allergic to her which is a bonus.
I knew I shouldn’t run with her when she was young, to protect her joints, so I left it a full 12 months before I tried. I got her a decent harness and I’ve used different leads but a plain old short one suits us best. I just hook it over my arm and I can keep her close to me if we’re on the road. If we’re off road, I let her off and it fits in my pocket. I know there are various leads that attach to waistbands and some that are more elastic than others but we’re fine as we are.
I’m marathon training at the moment so I’ve been upping my miles which means Honey has too. We’re doing it gradually. I prefer to run my long slow runs on the road and I’m nervous about this being too hard on her paws and joints. For this reason I’ve decided that ten miles on the road is as far as I’m going to let her go. I know she can go further than this and when we run off road she probably does double my distance with all the to-ing and fro-ing and chasing rabbits.
If I’m doing more than ten road miles then I leave her at home and take her for a walk afterwards which is a good warm down for my muscles too. I intentionally give her rest days after a long run when she only has a quick walk. I have no idea whether this is essential but I’m working on the premise that my body needs it so hers probably does too!
I’ve had to increase Honey’s food. She’s a pest around food at the best of times but I think this has been worse recently due to ‘runger’. She’s stealing pancakes off the table and trying to actually get into the dishwasher to lick the plates – yuk! I’ve weighed her and she’s lost weight so I’ve increased her food at meal times and I give her a tasty treat after she’s been running.
The four main reasons I run with my dog are:
- For companionship. Sounds corny but I love my dog and enjoy spending time with her. We have some great little adventures and it’s great to be able to crash out on the sofa with her afterwards too.
- For safety. I live in a very rural location and whilst I don’t think Honey would ‘do a lassie’ and go and get help if I fell into a large hole, I do get some peace of mind that she might protect me from an attacker. She’s the most friendly dog in the world but I’m sure that she’d sense danger and use those canine teeth in this situation.
- For time-saving. I don’t have time to go for a run and then do a dog walk every day. I can manage it once a week on my long run days but for the rest of the time being able to combine her and my exercise into one is a necessary bonus. Dogs can be time consuming and there’s not a lot of time spare here!
- For dog health. Last time we went to the vet she commented on what good shape Honey was in. She’s lean and fit and I feel happy knowing that she has great exercise tolerance. I know how much better I feel when I’m fit.
“It’s a great experience running with a dog. Just Piper and I, running together but thinking about totally different things! She was like an unconditional partner, we were in it together, on a mission to get up those hills and finish the run but with none of the usual supportive chat – just both knowing it!” – Becky-
I try my best to be a responsible dog owner. She goes on the lead near sheep. I also put her on the lead or stop and hold her collar when a cyclist or other runner is coming towards us as she can be unpredictable and I hate cycling or running near dogs myself. If I’m on a narrow road and can hear a car coming then I’ll stop and move myself and the dog close up against the hedge. I ALWAYS pick up poo, even if it means I have to carry it for miles until I find a bin!
If you’re in any doubt how much my dog loves to run then have a quick look at this video clip. This is Honey having what I can only imagine is a runner’s high just after getting back from a speedy 10k run. She did this for a full ten minutes then crashed out in her basket for the rest of the day!
Do tell me about your canine running buddy in the comments.
Photo credits:
Featured image: Explore.Adventure.Travel photography
Wet dog image: Janet Woodhouse photography
Others are my own
My favourite blog of yours yet! Can’t beat running with a dog or two in my case. I always concentrate more on my surroundings when I’m with them, and it feels like a run with a purpose. Plus they sleep well afterwards which is always a bonus.
Awww, thanks. Dogs are so fab aren’t they and you’re right, seeing a totally worn out snoozing dog is very calming and satisfying. Thanks for reading 🙂
This makes me miss our dog Fly. I wasn’t running when we had her but she would have love to have been out on the lanes with me. Loved the video. I know just how she feels!!!
I can’t imagine not having her! Bet Fly had a lovely life in the country x
I love running with my dog Freddie, a 2-year-old lurcher, and echo all you say Juliet about the great company, adventures, and ease of exercise. Freddie came on his first big race last Sunday, nearly 17 miles, off road. He was still pulling and keen at the end.
Wow, Freddie sounds like a superstar. Honey pulls a bit on the way out but she always seems to know when we’re over half way and runs much better beside me on the way home! Thanks for reading and for sharing too. 🙂
Batman is a fab running companion. He’s a terrier mix and can definitely run faster and further than me. I remember wondering if he’d trip me up when we first got him but he doesn’t yank on the lead at all and seems happy keeping a steady pace next to me. I use a stretchy lead around my waist. My 12 year daughter has just started running with us in recent weeks too. Batman enjoys himself even more out with two of his pack!
Batman is the coolest name for a dog! I can just imagine him sprinting along thorough all the lovely scenery you have there. Great that your daughter running too. Lots of love to you all xx
Hi there! I was wondering what size your cockapoo is? I am looking for one right now and want to make sure my future friend can run with me. 🙂
So incredibly helpful, thank you! Do you know how much she weighs? I prefer mountain running, and plan on spending many days with my pup on the trails! I am so excited 🙂
It’ll be amazing. She’s about 11kg
Have been running with our miniature cockapoo since she was a puppy, she is 13 now. Mostly on the dirt path on the erie canal near our home in NY State. Next to eating, running is her favorite thing to do. She usually explores off leash and then catches up and on the way back is a bit spent and jogs along side. Amazed at how athletic the breed is and how trainable. She can do 8 or more miles but we usually do 5 and under. If looking for a running companion the miniature cockapoo is unbeatable. She wants to stay out forever! Super life loving breed.
Bless her. Happy running together!