As a dog owner, there’s nothing you want more than to provide your dog with a fun-filled life. One of the best ways to entertain your dog is to take them outside and get moving. One of the best exercises with dogs is to go trail running together. But where do you start if you’ve never been trail running together? What is the best running with dog gear?
How Do you Safely Run with a Dog?
There are some simple things you should do before you set foot on the trailhead. From getting a vet checkup to having your dog wear custom dog ID tags to always keeping them leashed, here’s how you can safely go trail running with a dog.
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Check in with your vet
One of the best things you can do for your dog before heading out for a trail run is to have them checked out by their vet. They can determine whether your dog is healthy enough for a trail run just yet.
Don’t overwork your dog
Running on an especially hot day? Upping your mileage? Heading out onto a trail with a lot of elevation changes? Take your time or rethink your plan; otherwise, you could be hurting your dog in the process.
Keep your dog on a leash
Don’t allow your dog to wander away from you, either off-trail or even into the distance ahead. A random animal or oncoming mountain biker could lead to an unsafe event you’d rather avoid.
This Tuff Mutt hands-free dog leash is one of the highest-rated running leashes on Amazon. Check prices on Chewy.com too as they are often cheaper
Watch out for what they sniff
You need to equally be careful of what your dog can get into while on the trail. The greatest danger posed to your dog is various plants alongside the trail. These include dangerous things such as poison ivy, poison oak, nettles, burrs, thorns, and more.
Don’t let them drink out of ponds, puddles or streams
While your dog might want to drink from that little stream running alongside the trail, shouldn’t you allow them to? Why? Drinking water from a stream poses numerous dangers, particularly the ingestion of bacteria, parasites and viruses, which can cause illnesses such as giardia and dysentery.
Essential Trail Running with Dog Gear For A Great Run
You’ll want some comfort during your run. Keep your hands free during your run with a waist leash. These leashes work by connecting around your waist, allowing you to keep your dog close to you without requiring constant gripping force. Best of all, some waist-bound leashes feature a slightly elastic leash, so your dog won’t be able to aggressively pull you while on the trail.
While collars work well, harnesses are the best option for a trail run. The reason being is that they don’t exert as much force on your dog’s neck and windpipe. This means they’ll be able to actually enjoy your run, staying comfortable while running by your side.
RUFFWEAR makes dog harness specifically for trail running with padded straps that don’t restrict movement.
You never want to think about it, but something could happen to your dog. Don’t take any chances. Have them wear custom dog ID tags so they can be identified, just in case anything happens to them.
Your dog is bound to want something to eat after running awhile, just the same as you. Make sure you bring along enough treats to give them enough energy along the way. Biscuits, jerky and collagen chews are some great choices.
You need to keep your dog hydrated. But you need to ensure that they have clean water to drink. Carry a separate water bottle for your dog. If you can’t carry out enough clean water for the two of you, you should bring along a portable water purifier.
You need to give your dog water, but how do you effectively give it to them? A collapsible water bowl is the best, simplest way to provide your dog with water. Best of all, it’s easy to attach to your belt, running pack or your dog’s harness.
Your dog may do best with some booties, depending on the trail you plan on running. Especially rocky and rough terrains should require booties, as your dog will be maneuvering quickly and might catch every uncomfortable surface without them. However, you’ll likely get away without them on soft trails. We just recommend checking their paws post-run to ensure there’s nothing potentially harmful stuck between them.
et’s be real – your dog may have to poop while you’re out on your run. While you may want to keep running, you need to stop and pick up after them. It’s essential you always carry this out so you don’t leave anything behind. Why? Dog poop can be harmful to local ecosystems, whether to animals or local waterways.
This dispenser from Tuff Mutt attached securely to their hands-free leash to be be unobtrusive and lightweight to carry on a run.
Want more inspiration for you and your dog(s)? Click here:
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Remember to Follow Trail Etiquette
Before you and your dog hit the trail, you need to ensure that the two of you are prepared for it. That not only means keeping ourselves safe, such as having your dog wear a proper collar or you wearing a medical alert bracelet, it also includes thinking of others out on the trail.
Some basic rules you should follow include:
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times giving the right of way to other hikers and bikers – and horses, depending on the trail you’re on.
- Ensure your dog has your attention throughout the hike. Do not allow yourself to be distracted and keep a watchful eye on your dog’s energy and behavior.
- Carry out any of your dog’s bathroom breaks in poop bags, as dog feces can be harmful to foreign ecosystems.
Do your part and keep the trail safe while out exercising and exploring with your dog. Not only is it the safest choice for you and your dog, but it’s the best decision to maintain the condition of the trail itself.
This article is a goldmine for dog-owning trail runners! I love the reminder to check with the vet first. I once took my overly enthusiastic pup on a run without realizing he had a minor joint issue, and he limped for days. Also, the leash tip is crucial. I had a close call when my dog chased a squirrel off-trail. The Tuff Mutt leash sounds great. Now, how do you think we can train our dogs to avoid those pesky trail plants?