The four-legged workout buddy

All About Pets

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 |

The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

6

Time to get moving

A canine running buddy can keep you on track

BY KIMBERLY KIRCHNER The Berkshire Eagle

Spring is coming. Soon, the snow will melt away, and with it, one more excuse not to strap on those expensive new running shoes and fi nally make good on your New Year’s resolution.

But motivation is hard to come by, especially in these days of staying in and working from the couch. You need someone to get you excited about going for a jog; someone with infectious enthusiasm that never runs out, no matter how many times you make the same loop around the neighborhood. You need a dog.

Shiobbean Lemme, who coowns Berkshire Running Center in Pittsfi eld with her husband, Kent Lemme, believes a canine partner can ease the way for someone new to running.

“I think in the beginning of the journey to becoming a runner, having a dog to motivate you was an absolute plus,” she wrote, in an email to the Eagle. “They need the exercise just as much. Having the pets join you in activities is just like having your children join you. Everyone has a great time, being outdoors, staying in shape, and the fresh air helps calm everyone and stay sane and safe.”

More advanced runners will most likely want to leave the dogs at home, however, at least during challening workouts. Most dogs won’t be able to keep up on strenuous runs, and even the most well-trained companion will need to stop along the way for bathroom breaks and any particularly interesting smells.

Still, even serious athletes can enjoy a good outing with the dog, though it might mean dialing back the intensity a bit. Kent Lemme, the current record holder for the Josh Billings RunAground’s Ironman competition, took things a little slower when out with the couple’s late beagle, Chipper.

“Kent would make some runs ‘Chipper runs,’ where he got to set the pace,” Shiobbean wrote. “He joined Kent running until Chipper's running days were behind him, but he stayed as a great hiking companion until almost the end of his 16 years.”

The right dog

All dogs need some level of physical activity to stay healthy. Regular exercise keeps muscles strong, joints fl exible and weight under control. Dogs who get a chance to work off some energy with their human are happier, more relaxed and less likely to engage in destructive behaviors, like chewing on the antique dining room furniture.

Whether a particular dog is fi t to join in on the daily jog, however, varies widely depending on age, breed and general health.

Puppies are better suited to short bursts of activity with rest in between, to protect their developing bones and muscles. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends waiting until dogs are at least 18 months old before running any distance, with larger breeds needing even more time to mature. On the other end of the spectrum, high-impact exercise like running can exacerbate joint pain in older dogs. A veterinarian will be able to advise you on when it’s safe to start bringing a young dog along on runs, and when it’s time to slow things down.

Dogs have been selectively bred for centuries to perform very specifi c physical tasks, so some breeds will naturally be better-suited for running than others. Generally speaking, breeds in the AKC’s “sporting” and “working” groups will have less trouble keeping up with a human for extended periods; think of the Weimaraner, tracking boar through the forest for hours, or Siberian huskies, hauling sleds over miles of snow. Dalmatians, vizslas, Doberman pinschers and Labrador retrievers are also well-suited for distance running.

Some breeds may not fi t so well into your fi tness routine. Greyhounds and boxers, for all their speedy reputation, are built to sprint, and tend to tire quickly. Giant breeds, like Newfoundlands and Great Danes, are prone to joint problems, which can be worsened by too much running on a hard surface. Small dogs like dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are limited by their tiny legs; and brachycephalic (“squishfaced” or short-nosed) breeds such as bulldogs and pugs can’t take much additional strain on their respiratory systems.

No matter the breed, all dogs will need to be conditioned to go on longer runs, just like people. Starting slow and building up speed and distance will help prevent overexertion or injury. Again, your vet will be able to assess your dog’s fi tness and help you develop a safe exercise plan.

Obedience is vital when out running with a dog, for everyone’s safety. Pulling, jumping or bolting after wildlife can have serious consequences out on the road, so leash discipline is a must. Before going out on the road, a dog should be trained to run alongside its handler, not out in front or lagging behind. From this position, the human in charge has more control over the dog’s movements; there’s also less chance of anyone tripping over a tangled leash. If you’re unsure, some time with a

professional dog trainer can help both you and your pet build confi dence in your ability to face the outside world safely.

The right gear

With or without a dog by your side, visibility is the top concern when it comes to outfi tting yourself for a run, especially if you’ll be anywhere in the vicinity of moving vehicles. That means bright colors and a generous topping of refl ectors on both of you.

Your dog should wear ID tags with your name and a current phone number. If they don’t have a microchip, get one; if you haven’t registered that microchip in your name, do so. In the event you get separated, clear identifying information will greatly improve your chances of being reunited.

For most dogs, a harness will be more comfortable than a collar when running, but you’ll want to put some time into researching the best option. A minimalist model, with thinner panels on the chest and shoulders, will allow for more freedom of movement as well as being lighter weight and more breathable. Look for plenty of adjustability, which will allow you to further perfect the fi t so nothing rubs or pinches as your dog runs.

A running lead should be shorter than one made for general use, since any extra length is only going to increase the chances of someone becoming hopelessly entangled. An elastic or bungee model will soften any sudden tugs. Retractable leashes tend to have too much give, which can create a problem should someone or something come between you and your dog. They also have thinner cords, which can cause serious damage if they become tightly wound around a limb.

At the human end of the leash, there are two choices: handheld or clip-on. Holding the leash in your hand gives more control, should your dog decide to make an unexpected detour. You’re also less likely to be pulled off your feet, especially if your dog is particularly large and strong.

But using one hand to hold the leash does affect the way your arms move, which can in turn affect your balance and your ability to break your fall should that balance fail. The solution is a clip-on leash that attaches to a belt around your waist, keeping your hands free to move as you run while your dog stays securely tethered.

Belts are also handy for carrying additional items, like treats, waste pick-up bags and water bottles. Hydration is important, for dogs as much as people. You’ll need to bring enough water for both of you, as well as a collapsible water bowl.

The right route

When planning your run, keep in mind that you’ll need more space to run safely with the dog at your side than you would on your own. If no sidewalk is available, stick to roads with a wide, fl at shoulder that lets you stay well clear of vehicle traffi c.

Quieter neighborhoods are better, especially for young or easily distracted dogs. Navigating around other pedestrians — and their dogs — gets more diffi cult with a pup in tow, and too much activity can make it hard for your dog to stay focused on your workout.

Remember that your dog doesn’t have the extra protection of shoes on his feet, so you’ll want to stay away from areas with sharp rocks or large gravel. On warm, sunny days, check the temperature of the asphalt with the back of your hand to make sure it won’t be too hot for bare paws. Without specialized running shoes to soften the impact, hard surfaces like asphalt can be particularly hard on the joints. If possible, running on grass or dirt is best for large or aging dogs.

Wherever you go, be aware of leash policies. Most public spaces won’t allow dogs to roam off-leash. Even if loose dogs are allowed, be sure you’re confi dent in your dog’s ability to respond to voice commands — especially with other dogs around — before you unclip.

The right routine

Dogs don’t come into the world at their peak athletic condition, any more than humans. If you’re new to running, you and your dog will most likely be able to build up stamina together. Start with short trips, broken up with plenty of walk breaks, and slowly increase your running time. Give your dog a day off to rest between runs.

Keep in mind that dogs aren’t able to come out and tell you that they’re feeling tired or in pain. Even if they could, many dogs are so invested in keeping their owners happy that they’ll keep going past the point of pain, potentially causing lasting damage.

Watch your dog carefully for signs of discomfort: heavy panting, uneven gait, frequent stops and a desire to lay down. Be prepared to stop for rest and water whenever needed.

Finding the motivation to go from thinking about running to actually doing it is a struggle in itself. But with the right preparation, and a healthy dose of canine enthusiasm, you might just fi nd yourself crossing one resolution off your list — and maybe even have some fun in the process.

All About Pets

| Wednesday, March 17, 2021

The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

7