Running with your dog
I've always been an advocate of running with your dog. It's good exercise for you and for your dog! Plus it adds a safety factor of having a protector at your side.
Exercise guidelines aren't just for humans: Small dogs should get 15 to 20 minutes of exercise twice a day, and large dogs need two sessions of 30 to 40 minutes each.
Susan Nelson, clinical associate professor at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Kansas State University in Manhattan, points out that the type of exercise should be tailored to the dog. "Running is good for dogs that are bigger and are in good shape, but how much running to do depends on the dog and how in shape it is," she says. "You can't run a basset hound like you would a Great Dane."
My dog Bentley is easily distracted on runs. If there are no squirrels or other dogs in sight, he is a fantastic runner! But unfortunately we live in an area where there are many squirrels and people and those people have dogs. So thus, my never-ending battle of "Bentley, leave it" goes on. I don't mind it much because it keeps me on my toes. I have to be more aware of my surroundings and look for things he has yet to see. I don't think I run that aware when I'm on my own. So, he is doing a great service to me. Bentley requires his own water bottle and bags for potty breaks. While I just require him, my handy phone, and my pepper spray.
I can't wait for the long days of summer to come so that we can spend countless days running to our favorite lookout spots. This summer will be epic, full of running with my best friend. I feel free when I run, able to clear my mind of my many obligations and only worry about my pace or that squirrel up ahead.
Grace Martinez
2 Dogs & A Cat
www.2dogsandcat.net
425-379-6136
Exercise guidelines aren't just for humans: Small dogs should get 15 to 20 minutes of exercise twice a day, and large dogs need two sessions of 30 to 40 minutes each.
Susan Nelson, clinical associate professor at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Kansas State University in Manhattan, points out that the type of exercise should be tailored to the dog. "Running is good for dogs that are bigger and are in good shape, but how much running to do depends on the dog and how in shape it is," she says. "You can't run a basset hound like you would a Great Dane."
My dog Bentley is easily distracted on runs. If there are no squirrels or other dogs in sight, he is a fantastic runner! But unfortunately we live in an area where there are many squirrels and people and those people have dogs. So thus, my never-ending battle of "Bentley, leave it" goes on. I don't mind it much because it keeps me on my toes. I have to be more aware of my surroundings and look for things he has yet to see. I don't think I run that aware when I'm on my own. So, he is doing a great service to me. Bentley requires his own water bottle and bags for potty breaks. While I just require him, my handy phone, and my pepper spray.
I can't wait for the long days of summer to come so that we can spend countless days running to our favorite lookout spots. This summer will be epic, full of running with my best friend. I feel free when I run, able to clear my mind of my many obligations and only worry about my pace or that squirrel up ahead.
Grace Martinez
2 Dogs & A Cat
www.2dogsandcat.net
425-379-6136
