If you have a furry friend at home, this post is for you. For many of us with dogs, winter is a dreaded season. It’s the season where your dog requires just as much, if not more, exercise, and most people hate being outside. We open the back door to let our dogs out just long enough so they can scoot out before too much cold air gets in. By the time winter’s half done, the dogs are feeling cabin fever and most people have neglected any New Year’s plans of getting fit. Solution? Put on your running shoes, winter socks, breathable yet warm winter zip-up, fleece hat and mitts, grab your leash, and hit the streets for a jog.
For many people this sounds like a ridiculously bad idea. Even a dangerous one. But once you get into the habit of taking your pup out for a run when you get home, you’ll see the benefits. Now if you have an elderly dog, obviously this isn’t an option. Only take a pet with you that is up for the challenge. I have run with my six year old lab/husky, Nash, since he was one and a half. When we introduced his new sister, Jeanie, to the family, she was four months old at the time. By the time she was 6 months she was joining in on the runs and loving it. Being a bichon/pekingese/terrier I figured she would be good for no more than a half mile. Three miles later I’m realizing that it’s her that Nash and I have to keep up with.
So what gear should they wear? Below, Jeanie is modeling her typical running outfit. For small dogs I would recommend some sort of running vest. Being so small and low to the ground means that they often get jerked around more than the big dogs. The harness she wears means that she doesn’t get so much strain on her little neck. In the winter, boots are a must for her. Your dog will adapt surprisingly quickly to their new gear once they realize they get to go for a run once they’ve got it on.
And for the bigger dogs in Nash’s category? He doesn’t require boots because he has husky in him, but use your discretion. For him I like to use a martingale collar (below). Rather than the old style of collar which just slips around their neck, a martingale collar rewards them when they’re not pulling, and tightens when they strain on the leash. Because a dog of Nash’s size can get running fairly quickly and pull you in any direction, you sometimes need to up the ante when it comes to collars. You need to make sure that you have control at all times for your safety and theirs. The nice thing about this collar in particular is that it is a “no-slip” collar and therefore the dog can’t get it off their head, when fitted properly.
Lastly, start slow. Begin by doing a couple blocks. Figure out what you and your dog’s comfortable limit is. Always make sure that their gear is fitted correctly and routinely check for any equipment that needs to be readjusted. Before you know it, winter will be done and you and your dog can enter the spring fit, happy,and ready for beach season!
Final Tip:
If you’re going to be running at night, think about purchasing a collar that lights up. This will allow drivers to easily see your dog and will keep you from running into each other!
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