Dogs are the perfect cycling or running companions – if you have a breed that is suitable for it.
We asked veterinarian Anne Dorthe Broe what you should be aware of if you want to run or cycle with your dog. She says that most dogs are good at it, but very large breeds and very small companion dogs are not suitable for this kind of exercise, and with small companion dogs you can easily teach them to sit in the basket instead.
If you have a dog that might be suitable for cycling or running, it is important that it is fully grown when you train with it. This also applies if you are going to agility with it. Therefore , your dog should be around 1-1.5 years old before you can start running or cycling.
Teach your dog to run next to the bike
Your dog needs to get used to being around a bike. For some dogs, a bike is a bit scary, so your dog may not be into the idea from the start.
- Start your workout in a quiet place without too much traffic.
- Start by pulling the dog next to the bike and get it used to always walking/running on the right side of the bike.
- Train to turn right or left. It is easiest to use commands here until the dog understands how to follow the bike. And it is always a good idea to take the turns slowly so that you avoid collisions.
- Train your dog to stop when the bike stops. Say “sit” and reward when you stop.
- Teach your dog from the start that when you are cycling, no sniffing is allowed. If the dog suddenly stops while you are cycling, it can be dangerous for both of you and others.
- Use a good harness for your dog that puts pressure on the chest and not the neck.
- Find out whether you want to have the leash (never use a flexline, but a short line) in your right hand or use a special bike carrier where the dog is attached to the bike's luggage rack.
- Even if you only cycle in places where your dog can be off-leash, it's still a good idea to have taught him good cycling manners before letting him loose, so that he learns that it's not about sniffing now and that he should stay on the right side.
- Always let your dog pee before going out for exercise.
Teach your dog to run with you
Just like if you ride a bike, you also need to teach your dog what running training is all about.
- Start by training your dog to walk by your side, so that you walk roughly in sync.
- Once you have this in place, you can start running a little. If possible, do this during regular walks so that the dog is not in a completely new area.
- Let the first runs be interval training filled with breaks where you just walk as normal, so that he gets used to it. Maybe start with 1 minute of running and 2 minutes of walking, and then increase from there.
- Once you have found a good rhythm, you can slowly increase the distances. But always remember to make sure your dog seems happy and healthy on the runs so you don't overwork him.
- Always let your dog pee before going out for exercise.
Train the dog
Like humans, dogs also need to be trained to run. And just like humans, fitness, skeleton and musculature come into play, says Anne Dorthe Broe.
Therefore, you shouldn't start by setting out with 10 kilometers, because your dog is not used to that at all. Start with small distances, and then take a break where you just walk. If you are on a bike, you can cycle to the park, park the bike and go for a walk, and then cycle back again.
Also think about what surface the dog will be running on. Asphalt and pavement are hard to run on and put more strain on the dog and can get hot in the summer, which can cause damage to the dog's paws, says veterinarian Anne Dorthe Broe.
A healthy dog can quickly get better/good condition, but the skeleton and muscles require longer training, depending on what the dog is used to doing and how old it is. The strength of the paw pads also depends a lot on what surface it is used to walking on, and how much. Therefore, paw wax before the walk can help protect the paw pads.
Get off to a good start
Whether it's running or cycling, you shouldn't do it when it's too hot, which is why mornings and evenings are best in the summer months.
Also, always bring water for your dog, as it is physically much harder for him than when you just go for a walk.
It is also important to keep in mind that some breeds can become stressed from running or cycling, and the better shape they get in, the more restless they can become.
Therefore, running or cycling training can never stand alone, and a good dog life also requires mental stimulation. So match the running and cycling trips to your dog's temperament.
Guide to cycling or running with your dog
Dogs are the perfect cycling or running companions – if you have a breed that is suitable for it.
We asked veterinarian Anne Dorthe Broe what you should be aware of if you want to run or cycle with your dog. She says that most dogs are good at it, but very large breeds and very small companion dogs are not suitable for this kind of exercise, and with small companion dogs you can easily teach them to sit in the basket instead.
If you have a dog that might be suitable for cycling or running, it is important that it is fully grown when you train with it. This also applies if you are going to agility with it. Therefore , your dog should be around 1-1.5 years old before you can start running or cycling.
Teach your dog to run next to the bike
Your dog needs to get used to being around a bike. For some dogs, a bike is a bit scary, so your dog may not be into the idea from the start.
Teach your dog to run with you
Just like if you ride a bike, you also need to teach your dog what running training is all about.
Train the dog
Like humans, dogs also need to be trained to run. And just like humans, fitness, skeleton and musculature come into play, says Anne Dorthe Broe.
Therefore, you shouldn't start by setting out with 10 kilometers, because your dog is not used to that at all. Start with small distances, and then take a break where you just walk. If you are on a bike, you can cycle to the park, park the bike and go for a walk, and then cycle back again.
Also think about what surface the dog will be running on. Asphalt and pavement are hard to run on and put more strain on the dog and can get hot in the summer, which can cause damage to the dog's paws, says veterinarian Anne Dorthe Broe.
A healthy dog can quickly get better/good condition, but the skeleton and muscles require longer training, depending on what the dog is used to doing and how old it is. The strength of the paw pads also depends a lot on what surface it is used to walking on, and how much. Therefore, paw wax before the walk can help protect the paw pads.
Get off to a good start
Whether it's running or cycling, you shouldn't do it when it's too hot, which is why mornings and evenings are best in the summer months.
Also, always bring water for your dog, as it is physically much harder for him than when you just go for a walk.
It is also important to keep in mind that some breeds can become stressed from running or cycling, and the better shape they get in, the more restless they can become.
Therefore, running or cycling training can never stand alone, and a good dog life also requires mental stimulation. So match the running and cycling trips to your dog's temperament.