The Clappers - Why running is good

Over the past weekend, Earl and I have been doing a fair lot of running. Running like the clappers! We had our Sunday twice-weekly agility class, plus went for 2 runs, one Saturday and one Sunday. This post is going to be mostly on exercise, and why it is good for you and your dog to partake on a regular basis.

Agility

Running

Before you start running with your dog, you should both warm yourselves up. You could do a walk 5 times around in a medium sized circle, and you could take your dog on a loose lead with you too, doing some heelwork. Now you can start your 'clappers mimicking'! Start with a jog, but make sure your dog is TOLERATING the exercise. If your dog seems exercise intolerant, there may be something up, or your dog may simply be tired! Earl looks quite tired on the running photo above, however that is because we were just finishing! When your dog seems to have had enough, or YOU think it is safer to stop, then do so immediately to avoid muscle/joint strain and therefore discomfort and pain.

Running gets the heart rate up in all species, therefore does well in burning off any excess fat if you wish for your dog to loose some weight. It also tires the dog so he/she will be more fulfilled and settled when you return home. You can participate in a running sport such as agility, flyball (but flyball doesn't include you running), Heelwork to Music (if your routines include any running), and probably the top of the list for running fans… Cani-Cross, which involves just running, for both dog and owner. The owner wears a belt and a harness is put on the dog (well fitted), and they are attached by a long lead. 

If you enjoy running with your dog so much, you can even make running your way to have success, by entering Cani-X competitions. Or maybe an even kinder way… take your dog on a sponsored run or marathon to raise money for charity - maybe and preferably a dog charity!!

Before you do any intense exercise (like our main topic today, running), you must consider highly your dogs health and condition, plus your own. It could put a lot of strain on your dog's body if he/she was pushed into possibly straining exercise when his/her physical shape is not fit to do so. You should take a visit to your doctor and your dog your vet before you start taking running and intense exercise seriously, and ask them to confirm your both in the right condition to safely and healthily enjoy your exercise.

Definitely keep your dog and yourself active regularly - it is highly beneficial and even releases a feel-good hormone in your body so you and your dog will also be happier after a good run together! It is also a great way to bond. Running side by side on a regular basis? Your very close and sending happy vibes to each other while your in action.

Search online and find a good agility, Cani-X, etc club you and your dog could join - or just get your running gear on, make sure your dog is in shape and you are too, then go out running suitably! 

On the whole, running is great. If you don't overdo it, or do it irresponsibly, it will be a pleasure for you to do with your dog. Trust Earl and I on this one - we love it, and do a lot of it, a lot of the time!

Have a great time.

Earl and I.