Fun Fitness Training with Your Dog

Fitness Training with your dog can be fun!

Daily fitness training with your dog is a great way to improve the bond and to get a decent workout. Not only can it be super fun, it can be dangerous when safety precautions are not put in place. The following ideas will keep your dog’s fitness training sessions safe:

1) As fun as it seems, busting out of the gate like a champion can do more harm than good, especially if you and your pooch is not ready for it. Start at a slow pace, be sure to warm up and ease into a more intensive workout regimen over time.

2) Dog breeds differ, by shape, strength and size. Some can tolerate a high intensity interval training more than others. Sight hounds are ideal for shorter sprints while the Siberian husky work best for endurance training and can tolerate long distances like galloping alongside cross country skier.

Make sure that the dog has the ability and the fitness level to handle training

3) Unlike coyotes most dog breeds are not designed for long distance runs. Before starting your fitness program, do research and make sure that the dog has the ability and the fitness level to handle it. Distance training is not advised for developing young dogs. Long term joint damage can be created this way.

4) Whether you are rollerblading, running, hiking or biking with your dog, proper manners are a must. It is imperative that the dog remains on the same side of you for the entire time. It can be also helpful to mount a Springer to your bike. This device is attached from your bike to the dog’s leash, has a specially designed shock absorbing spring coil to handle the dogs force when he lunges or tugs.

5) On warmer days always carry water, dog snacks and for you a protein bar, particularly when hiking for lengthy periods. To avoid heat stroke and burnt feet from hot pavement, be sure to plan your dog’s fitness training program early in the morning or later in the evening when cooler.

6) Never have the leash tied to your wrist as this can cause injury for both of you, especially with an unexpected jerk while trail running in the rain. This could be very dangerous as it could cause your dog and you to slip and fall. Hands free leash is a great safe solution.

7) Dogs are terrible communicators, especially when outside. Always keep a watchful eye looking for signs of over-training, soreness, exhaustion, and excessive panting. Remind yourself to not push too hard . If you feel tired or sore yourself and you probably, overdone it. Be sure to  take a few days off from working out before engaging in additional exercise with your dog.

8) After each dog fitness training program be sure to examine your dog’s feet. Look for signs of worn down pads including cuts and scrapes. On the dog’s body, look for ticks and burrs. Allow yourself and your dog to rest and recover properly in between exercise routines.