Let’s be honest: There is nothing more satisfying than being able to go running with your Cockapoo. It’s great exercise for you and good quality time with your pup at the same time.
However, running with your Cockapoo comes with its own set of unique challenges, so it’s important to follow certain rules to ensure that both of you remain safe and happy while enjoying this activity together.
These rules are essential for anyone who wishes to frequently run with their dog. Even if you don’t currently have a dog but are thinking about getting one in the future, it’s still worth reading through now so that you know what to look out for when choosing a new companion or when they reach adulthood and can begin going on runs with you again.
Make sure your Cockapoo is fully grown before taking them on a run.
Whenever you take your dog out on a run, you are putting them under a significant amount of stress.
Unlike human runners, your dog’s body is not built to handle this level of exercise and they may easily get overworked, overheated and even sick.
Until your dog is fully grown, this is even more of a risk. Because puppies are so much smaller than adult dogs, and yet still have growing bones, running with them can put great strain on their bodies, potentially leading to deformities and other serious issues.
This is not something you want to take a risk with, so it is better to wait until your puppy is fully mature before taking them on a run, preferably until they turn one year old.
Make sure you have the right gear for the activity.
Not all running gear is created equal, so before you go out and buy a new outfit or pair of shoes, make sure they are suitable for both you and your dog.
You should always wear a good pair of shoes that fit you well, but if you wear running shoes, your dog may get tangled in the laces, so be sure to wear something that is less likely to tangle such as trail running or hiking shoes.
If you and your dog are going to be running on sand or grass, make sure you wear appropriate shoes instead of going barefoot. Your dog may also get hot if they are wearing a coat or harness. In this case, it is best to let them run without any extra garments so that they don’t overheat.
Don’t let them get too close while they are running. This will help to prevent accidents and injury.
Always walk your dog first and always be prepared.
Before you take your dog on a run, you should walk them for at least five minutes to make sure they are able to handle the run, meaning they aren’t overheated or overly tired.
If you take your dog out on a run and they become overexcited, you may be unable to calm them down. If this happens, you should stop running immediately and walk back home.
If your dog is very excitable and excited by running, you may even want to walk them for up to half an hour or so first, especially if they are of a young age or have not been walking regularly in the past. This will help them to calm down and get used to the activity.
Don’t let your Cockapoo off-lead unless you’re in a safe area.
It may be tempting to let your dog off the lead when you are running with your Cockapoo, especially if they are very well trained, but it is not recommended. Even if your dog is well-behaved and listens to your commands, they may still run into another dog running loose and could also scare nearby children with their behaviour or make other people nervous. Running with your Cockapoo on a lead is not only safer for your dog and others, but it is also the law in many areas.
Always stay aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you.
If you’re running with your Cockapoo, there is a good chance that both of you are running much slower than you would normally. This makes you more likely to be in places where other dogs are running, such as a dog park, or places where other people are running, such as a public park.
When dogs are running together or people are running, there is a good chance that your dog will get distracted and run over to one of the others. When this happens, you should stay calm, but also keep an eye on the other dog and be prepared to step in if need be. Always be aware of your surroundings when running with your dog, especially in places where other dogs are likely to be running. If possible, try to avoid areas where dogs are likely to be running around, such as dog parks.
Be sure to take sufficient water with you when running with your dog.
Depending on the time of year and the length of your run, your dog will likely get thirsty while running with you.
If they are not used to running and are not used to drinking water during exercise, they may require more water than you expect.
If your dog is panting, they are likely getting thirsty. If they pant, it is important that you take their need for water seriously and let them take frequent breaks to drink. Make sure that you are taking water with you as well.
Humans should drink at least eight cups of water per day, so you should be sure to bring plenty for you and your dog.
Conclusion
Running with your dog is a great way to bond with your pet while staying fit and healthy. However, it is important to follow certain rules in order to ensure that both of you remain safe and happy while enjoying this activity together. These rules are essential for anyone who wishes to frequently run with their dog.
